February 1, 2002

Dear Friends,

We are writing to inform you in advance about an important process currently under way, in the hope that you will participate.

As a result of incidents between the police and citizens at the Nov 16 and 17 demonstrations over the G20, IMF and World Bank meetings in Ottawa, a group of citizens has organized a CITIZENS PANEL ON POLICING AND THE COMMUNITY that will hold public meetings in late February.

The Citizens Panel has been convened to listen to the stories of the many people affected by the events of that day, to help us all understand what happened on the streets of Ottawa, and to make recommendations on ways to improve relationships between police and the community in 2002.

Members of the Citizens Panel include Marion Dewar, former NDP MP, former Mayor of Ottawa and former chair of the Ottawa Police Services Board; Ken Binks, former Conservative MP and retired federal judge; Peter Coffin, Anglican Bishop of Ottawa; and Jacqueline Pelletier, organizational development consultant.

After considering the submissions the Panel will publish a report, in French and English, to be available in April.

The Citizens Panel will soon make a call for submissions from all members of the community, as individuals or as groups. You can help ensure that the full range of voices is heard by publicizing this Citizens Panel with your members and where you can.

The Citizens Panel on Policing and the Community is a volunteer project that encourages you to consider the issues surrounding this important question. For suggestions on organizing a focus group and joint community submissions, or for general information, contact <CitizensPanel@groups.io>. Information will soon become available at the <Citizens Panel web site>. French available on request.

Sincerely,

the Volunteer Support Committee