April 26, 2023
As police abolitionists in Winnipeg, Bar None stands in solidarity with our friends and comrades from Police Free Schools Winnipeg who in March were publicly targeted by the chief of police, Danny Smyth, in one of his blog posts. We understand Smyth’s statements were an attempt to intimidate, discredit, and silence the growing chorus of voices in this city who are calling for a collective shift away from policing. The seriousness of Smyth’s actions is not lost on us. We know that police harass and intimidate people for a living. We know that the history of police violence against their political adversaries is long and sordid. This is why we will never stay silent or distance ourselves when police attempt to single out our fellow activists. Our love and admiration go out to all of the members of Police Free Schools Winnipeg for their work and their courage. We call on all community leaders and social justice organizations in Winnipeg to stand with them.
Other statements of support:
“Open letter to the Winnipeg Police Board in support of equity-based research” (has received over 250 signatures.)
March 27, 2023 statement by Winnipeg Police Cause Harm
March 30, 2023 statement by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives – Manitoba Office