New Winnipeg Police Board chair vows to engage Indigenous community, mull police finances

The new chair of the Winnipeg Police Board says he has a lot to learnbefore he expects to have anyimpact on police policy in the city.

But David Aspersaid he knows what one of his first moves will be better educating himself about Winnipeg's Indigenous community.

"I will be making an appointment, I hope in the morning, toget myself refreshed on Indigenous cultural competency," Asper said in an interview on Wednesday, after city council approved his appointment to the board.

"I believe very strongly in fulfilling the part of themandate that calls for community engagement and the Indigenous community can expect that from me.

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Asperreplaces NorthKildonanCoun. JeffBrowaty, who resigned in February after he lost the confidence of the police board's Indigenous advisory body, the Indigenous Council on Policing and Crime Prevention.

When Mayor Brian Bowman announced the appointment ofAsperand Canadian Footwear owner BrianScharfsteinto the board on April 19, former board member LeslieSpillettand Indigenous council co-chairShaunaFontainesaid they were disappointed the mayor did not increase the Indigenous representation on the board.

At the same time, they offered no criticism ofAsper, a lawyer with background in constitutional issues and human rights, orScharfstein, who is known for community work that includes donating shoes to homelessWinnipeggers.

Aspersaid despite his criminal-justice background, he has a lot to learn about the police board, the Winnipeg Police Service and policing in general.

He said he does expect to become better acquainted with what he described as "competing tensions" the city's desire to give the police all the resources they needversusits need to keep policing costs under control.

David Asper new chair of the Winnipeg Police Board

7 years ago

Duration 3:09

David Asper is the first non-elected official to lead the Winnipeg Police Board. It oversees the Winnipeg Police Service. Asper is a lawyer who's served on a number of boards, and has a lot of experience with the criminal justice system. CBC city hall reporter Bartley Kives spoke to Asper about his new gig.

"Ireflectedvery seriously,when I wasinitially asked to consider theappointment, about whether it's actually a resolvable problemandI don't know that it is,"Aspersaid.

"There will always be a cry forbetter and more policing. There will always be pressure on how much money you can actually spend on that."

Aspersaid he has cleared off his schedule to accommodate his new role. He expects to be sworn in on Thursday.

"When I was offered this position Iimmediately took steps to clear some other business-board appointments that I have. I won't be teaching for the foreseeable future and I'm pretty confident that I've made time to be able tofulfillthis role," he said.