Pioneering police board chair resigns, calls for visible minority to fill spot
The chair of the London’s police board announced her resignation Thursday, less than two months after she was reappointed to the body responsible for overseeing policing in the city.
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The chair of London’s police board announced her resignation Thursday, less than two months after she was reappointed to the body responsible for overseeing policing in the city.
Susan Toth, who was appointed to the seven-member board in 2017, made the surprise announcement at the end of the board’s meeting where co-chair Ali Chahbar was elected as the new chair.
“I just hit that point where I had to admit to myself . . . that I just did not have quite enough to feel like I could really contribute and make a difference,” said Toth, who didn’t put her name forward for the chair vote.
“And it felt like a disservice to the community and to my community in particular, as a racialized woman, that if I wasn’t able to give 100 per cent it was time for me to step aside and let somebody else step in.”
Toth, the first racialized woman to helm the police board, said she hopes a visible minority is appointed to replace her, citing the Comprehensive Police Services Act that states boards must be “representative” of the area they serve and have “regard for the diversity of the population.”
“I think there’s no doubt that greater diversity on police services boards is not just a necessity in this day and age, it’s an absolute requirement,” she said.
The loss of the longest-serving member comes as the board enters the final stages of hiring a new chief and deputy chief. The board must also approve a new multi-year police budget this year.
A lawyer specializing in labour law, Toth developed a deep understanding of policing issues during her time on the board, where she earned a reputation for putting in long hours, not being afraid to vote alone on motions and challenging police brass at times.
Toth also spoke about the challenges that came with the job, including facing harassment and threats.
“We already know that women in politics are subject to far more harassment and threats . . . than men and it’s that much more amplified when you’re a racialized woman,” she said, adding she didn’t previously want to publicize the incidents because it would “take up space.”
“It’s not the reason I’m leaving, so I hope it doesn’t deter anybody from putting their name forward,” she said.
Toth’s emotional resignation drew praise for her.
“To bring your lived experience to this board over the past six years, the board is not just better for it, the city is better for it,” Chahbar said of Toth, whom he described as a friend for a decade.
Chahbar, a lawyer whose father served on the police board from 2006 to 2009, will chair the board’s next meeting on Feb. 16.
Megan Walker, the former executive director of the London Abused Women’s Centre, was elected as vice-chair of the board for a one-year term.
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