The Nova Scotia RCMP will apologize for using the historical street checks, nearly two years after they said they wouldn’t.

The apology is aimed at African Nova Scotians and all of those who are of African descent, for the harm the checks caused on their community.

“I know this apology is long overdue. And I acknowledge a lot of work needs to be done to start to rebuild the fractured relationship with the community,” says Assistant Commissioner Dennis Daley, Commanding Officer of the Nova Scotia RCMP. “That’s why it’s especially important we hear from those who will be affected by the apology; we need to get the apology right and pursue systemic change.”

There will be 14 consultations, held in African Nova Scotian communities, that will help move it forward and to create an action plan that will be put in place after the apology.

The first took place Monday night in Gibson Woods. They are scheduled will wrap up in November, with the apology in 2024.

“To ensure the upcoming apology – and the actions that follow – are meaningful, I’ve established a steering committee to provide guidance and support,” says A/Comm. Daley. “The members’ expertise and leadership will help us reconcile with the Black community, with the hope of building back trust.”

Street checks are when police randomly stop people on the streets and record personal information and store it electronically.

They are now banned in Nova Scotia.