The Thunder Bay Police Service is part of many community initiatives that focus on the well-being of people and contribute to public safety by addressing root causes of crime.
Collaboration leverages available strengths and resources for maximum impact and helps to inform our service priorities.
The following are just some of the many community committees and groups in which the Thunder Bay Police Service has a role.
Brain Injury Services Northern Ontario (BISNO) | Anti Racism and Equity Advisory Committee |
Elevate NWO | Community Justice Sub-Committee |
Community Coalition United for the Protection of Children and Youth | Thunder Bay District Social Services Administration Board |
Diversity Thunder Bay | Thunder Bay Multicultural Association |
City of Thunder Bay Drug Strategy | Harm Reduction Working Group |
Healthy Kids | Thunder Bay Local Human Services and Justice Committee |
Indigenous Education Council | Community Reintegration Planning Table |
Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Student Safety Working Group – Education Dept. | Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Student Safety Initiative – Women’s Initiatives Dept. |
Opioid Task Force | Outreach Workers Network |
Thunder Bay Situation Table | Substance Education in Schools |
Thunder Bay Community Safety & Wellbeing Council | Northwest Community Mobilization Network |
Thunder Bay Youth Gang Prevention | Unsheltered Homelessness Task Force |
Thunder Bay Urban Aboriginal Advisory Committee | Vulnerable Population Planning Table |
Youth Tragic Events Committee | Youth Wellness Hub |
Fort William District BIA | Waterfront District BIA |
Withdrawal Management – Balmoral Center | Dilico Anishinabek Family Care |
Salvation Army Thunder Bay Habitat Program | Lutheran Community Care and Street Reach |
Nor’West Community Health Centre | Northern Ontario School of Medicine |
I also engage directly with community members to gain insights. The Indigenous Leadership Collaborative in support of the TBPS Chief provides specific advice to reduce systemic barriers, enhance inclusivity, address concerns, and advance Truth and Reconciliation. Sharing their wisdom and knowledge are members representing Fort William First Nation, Anishinabek Nation, Matawa First Nations, Nokiiwin Tribal Council, the Ontario Native Women’s Association, Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre, and Thunder Bay Métis Council.
At the next meeting, the Indigenous Leadership Collaborative will undertake a journey map exercise to visualize the many steps already taken on our journey, and those still to come. I am thankful to Audrey Gilbeau, executive director at Nokiiwin Tribal Council, for leading the activity.
I will always welcome opportunities for our service to continue to grow and improve. The recently announced inspection of our service by the Inspector General of Policing of Ontario may provide new insight. I respect the role of the Inspectorate of Policing. The Thunder Bay Police Service will participate and cooperate with the inspection. The service has implemented previous recommendations, which have brought forward positive changes. As they say, true progress is a continuous journey, not an endpoint.