The complainant, an Aboriginal man, alleged he was subjected to racially biased policing when he was stopped, investigated, and arrested for possession of stolen property (his own bicycle) by a Toronto police officer.
The Tribunal found that the officer's heightened suspicions, closed-minded investigation, hasty arrest based on flawed information, and post-release demands were influenced by negative stereotypes about Aboriginal people lacking credibility and being prone to criminality.
The Tribunal concluded that the complainant's race was a factor in his treatment, establishing a case of racial discrimination in the provision of policing services.
The hearing was bifurcated, with liability and remedies to be determined subsequently.