Dozens show support for Cornwall police Chief Shawna Spowart

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Over 40 people stood in support of Cornwall police Chief Shawna Spowart at a rally in front of police headquarters on Saturday.

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Dozens show support for Cornwall police Chief Shawna Spowart Back to video

The rally was organized by Kelly Bergeron and Nick Seebruch, and was a peaceful event on the sidewalk to raise awareness about the importance of the community having a voice in local policing. Bergeron and Seebruch explained the significance of the rally and read letters of support submitted by local leaders.

During the rally, they shared some of the perspectives of community members and key community organizations in reaction to a survey commissioned by the Cornwall Police Association showing the majority of its members are critical of the chief. The survey results led to the resignation of Cornwall police services board chair Michel Payette and secretary, and in the weeks after this happened Spowart went on leave.

“I’m proud to be here, to see everyone coming out and rallying in support of our amazing chief of police; all the interactions I had with her have only been positive and empathetic, so when this happened, I was in shock, and I felt we had a voice and we should be using it,” said Bergeron.

“An unsanctioned survey leaked to the media by the Cornwall Police Association has raised questions about the credibility and intentions behind such actions. We stand here today to shed light on this matter and to call for transparency and accountability within our local police force,” she said. “We believe in the principles of fairness, integrity and trust when it comes to our law enforcement agencies. It is disheartening to witness actions that seek to discredit and silence our chief of police, who has shown a commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive community.

“We urge our city officials, local authorities, and the higher ranks within the police force to investigate this matter thoroughly and take appropriate action… We believe in her leadership and the positive impact she’s made in our community.”

Bergeron also pointed to the pandemic’s ongoing toll on physical health, mental well-being, and morale across many workplaces, including law enforcement.

Former mayor Glen Grant, who served as chair of the police services board, highlighted some of Spowart’s achievements, including her communications strategy, equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) initiatives, and implementing body cameras, among other accomplishments.

“I’m here to support Shawna 100 per cent,” Grant said.

Payette was also present, speaking publicly in support of Spowart for the first time since his resignation and issuing an open letter in mid-June.

“She has all the qualifications; she has over 27 years of experience with Cornwall, Shawna knows our community, she sits on so many different associations,” Payette said. “I trust her 110 per cent, and I will stand behind her; it’s unfortunate I am not at the board table anymore.”

Seebruch read other messages from lawyer Michelle Allinotte, Cornwall Community Hospital president and CEO Jeanette Despatie, lawyer Neha Chugh, Children’s Aid Society of SDG executive director Rachel Daigneault, United Way Centraide of SDG executive director Juliette Labossière, and Sen. Bernadette Clement.

“Let me be crystal clear. Chief Spowart was not appointed because of her being the ‘first.’ It is her competence that comes first, and it is her ability and devotion and spirit which will always come first, as she serves her fellow citizens with distinction and innovation,” Clement wrote in her letter. “It is my heartfelt wish, as one who cares deeply about our community, that Chief Shawna will soon be resuming her duties.”

Seebruch said the letters were all sent to the police services board, and local media.