Calgary City Coun. Gian-Carlo Carra has stepped down from his position on the Calgary Police Commission (CPC). .“I do so reluctantly, but confident that council’s choice to replace me shares my commitment to a historic transformation of policing centred in anti-racism and truth and reconciliation,” said Carra in a Tuesday statement. .The statement said he was grateful to have served on the CPC with some of the most knowledgeable, compassionate, and hardworking volunteers in Calgary. It said he has faith in the work of his fellow commissioners who will push forward despite systemic issues favouring those against reform and transformation. .A police investigation was launched in April after an apparent case of road rage was reported involving Carra and another person. .READ MORE: UPDATED: Calgary councillor Carra under police investigation.He recused himself from the CPC while the investigation took place. .Calgary police said it contacted Edmonton police and requested it lead an independent investigation..Carra said he provided a detailed account of the incident to Calgary police and the CPC, and he shared information about it with the public because of extensive media coverage. He said his recusal helped Calgary police because it “has kept a critic silenced through a variety of important issues ranging from the Thin Blue Line to the next four-year budget.” .The statement said Carra believes the majority of Calgary’s police officers agree with the goal of creating a service reflecting and supporting the diverse community they serve. While proponents of the status quo would have Calgary believe the morale crisis is an assault on policing, it said he thinks it comes from officers dealing with non-criminal calls. .These non-criminal calls are about mental health, addictions, poverty, intergenerational trauma, and other systemic barriers. The statement said Calgary police are unequipped to handle them. .As shown by Calgary City Coun. Courtney Walcott’s recent resignation for the CPC, he said “standing apart from an organization that requires change can be an important advocacy position and an essential addition to a program of reform.”.The statement he has confidence officers are trying to do their best under changing circumstances. .“I recommit to raising my voice when I see wrong,” he said. .“I recommit to standing strong in the face of adversity.”
