Unions want inquiry into police action at summit

Updated Thu. Aug. 30 2007 6:21 PM ET

Canadian Press

MONTREAL -- Labour leaders renewed their calls for an independent inquiry into police procedure during the North American Leaders' Summit in Montebello, Que.

Unsatisfied with Public Security Minister Stockwell Day's repeated rejections to call a public inquiry, the Quebec Federation of Labour joined the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada in demanding the inquiry.

The unions sent letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper on Thursday asking for the inquiry.

Day has told people to complain directly to the police forces or the provincial ethics committee, but union leaders told a news conference Thursday they want a full public inquiry.

Quebec provincial police have admitted that three officers were used as plants in the crowd during the two-day summit, but deny the officers were attempting to provoke protesters to commit violence.

The clash between police and protesters was caught on video and was widely viewed on YouTube.com.

After days of denials, Quebec provincial police admitted later the three officers caught on video wearing similar boots to the officers in the crowd.

"This is a fundamental breach of democracy," CEP president Dave Coles said. "This is not Chile. This is not some other foreign country."