Durham Region won’t comment on investigation, redirects inquiries to police

Durham Region says it will not comment on an investigation into an incident involving “language that is not acceptable” and is directing inquiries to the Durham Regional Police Service, according to a statement issued Feb. 27 on behalf of Regional Chair John Henry. The statement did not identify the incident under investigation or specify what language was used.

The Region’s position affects what information residents can expect from regional government while the matter is being investigated, leaving police as the primary source for updates.

In the statement, Henry said, “Racism is not tolerated in any form,” and condemned the language referenced in the incident. “The incident refers to language that is not acceptable and on behalf of Durham Region, I condemn its use in the strongest terms,” he said.

Henry said he has communicated with Durham Regional Police Chief Peter Moreira about “recent statements from the Police Chief and the Durham Regional Police Services Board.” The statement did not describe those statements.

Henry also said he has been assured the investigation will be “fair, comprehensive and impartial,” but the statement did not say who provided that assurance.

The statement added that the Region “is not part of the legislative process,” without explaining what legislative process it was referring to.