Defund Toronto Police budget by 10%: Two councillors

Canadian Press
Published Jun 08, 2020  •  2 minute read
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Toronto Councillors Kristyn Wong-Tam, left, and Josh Matlow.
Toronto Councillors Kristyn Wong-Tam, left, and Josh Matlow. Photo by File photos /Toronto Sun

Two Toronto councillors want to defund the city’s police force by 10 per cent and use the money for community resources.

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Coun. Josh Matlow said he will bring a motion to the next city council meeting at the end of the month, with support from Coun. Kristyn Wong-Tam.

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Matlow said he wants to see the savings — about $122 million — spent on investing in community programs.

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“It’s time to defund the police budget and re-balance our use of public funds towards ensuring that our communities are supported in ways that avoid having to have the police show up to the door in the first place,” he said.

Calls to defund police have grown in the wake of the police killing of a black man, George Floyd, in Minneapolis, as well as the death in Toronto of 29-year-old Regis Korchinski-Paquet, a black woman who fell from her balcony while police were in her home.

Many in Toronto want to see some of the funding currently spent on policing go to help those in crises and to youth programs that help divert young people away from gangs and gun violence.

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Local residents have made it clear they want to see change in policing, Matlow said. Those sentiments were echoed loudly through major protests in Toronto over the last 10 days.

“There is an understandable and justifiable outcry and demand from our community that things need to change and that we come out of this pandemic with a new normal that is better than it was before,” Matlow said.

Matlow said the motion, if passed, would include several measures. First, council would ask the province to amend the Police Service Act so that the city has the authority to approve or disapprove specific items in a budget.

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  1. Protesters hold signs during a Black Lives Matter demonstration at Centenary Square on June 4, 2020 in Birmingham, United Kingdom. The death of an African-American man, George Floyd, while in the custody of Minneapolis police has sparked protests across the United States, as well as demonstrations of solidarity in many countries around the world.
    Protesters hold signs during a Black Lives Matter demonstration at Centenary Square on June 4, 2020 in Birmingham, United Kingdom. The death of an African-American man, George Floyd, while in the custody of Minneapolis police has sparked protests across the United States, as well as demonstrations of solidarity in many countries around the world. Photo by Christopher Furlong /Getty Images
  2. Nissan employees protest in Barcelona on June 04, 2020 in Barcelona, Spain. Nissan announced the closure of its factory in Barcelona and the loss of about 2,800 jobs, as part of a restructuring that will focus on
    Nissan employees protest in Barcelona on June 04, 2020 in Barcelona, Spain. Nissan announced the closure of its factory in Barcelona and the loss of about 2,800 jobs, as part of a restructuring that will focus on "key markets" like North America, China and the UK.Photo by David Ramos /Getty Images
  3. A protester wearing a face mask reading 'I can't breathe' during a Black Lives Matter march on June 04, 2020 in Vienna, Austria. The death of an African-American man, George Floyd, while in the custody of Minneapolis police has sparked protests across the United States, as well as demonstrations of solidarity in many countries around the world.
    A protester wearing a face mask reading 'I can't breathe' during a Black Lives Matter march on June 04, 2020 in Vienna, Austria. The death of an African-American man, George Floyd, while in the custody of Minneapolis police has sparked protests across the United States, as well as demonstrations of solidarity in many countries around the world. Photo by Thomas Kronsteiner /Getty Images
  4. A protester holds up a sign reading '#saytheirnames' during a Black Lives Matter march on June 04, 2020 in Vienna, Austria. The death of an African-American man, George Floyd, while in the custody of Minneapolis police has sparked protests across the United States, as well as demonstrations of solidarity in many countries around the world.
    A protester holds up a sign reading '#saytheirnames' during a Black Lives Matter march on June 04, 2020 in Vienna, Austria. The death of an African-American man, George Floyd, while in the custody of Minneapolis police has sparked protests across the United States, as well as demonstrations of solidarity in many countries around the world. Photo by Thomas Kronsteiner /Getty Images
  5. A protester raises a fist during a Black Lives Matter march on June 04, 2020 in Vienna, Austria. The death of an African-American man, George Floyd, while in the custody of Minneapolis police has sparked protests across the United States, as well as demonstrations of solidarity in many countries around the world.
    A protester raises a fist during a Black Lives Matter march on June 04, 2020 in Vienna, Austria. The death of an African-American man, George Floyd, while in the custody of Minneapolis police has sparked protests across the United States, as well as demonstrations of solidarity in many countries around the world. Photo by Thomas Kronsteiner /Getty Images
  6. Protestors chant slogans s they confront police officers outside the US Embassy during an anti-racism demonstration in London on June 3, 2020, after George Floyd, an unarmed black man died after a police officer knelt on his neck during an arrest in Minneapolis, USA. - Londoners defied coronavirus restrictions and rallied on Wednesday in solidarity with protests raging across the United States over the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died during an arrest on May 25.
    Protestors chant slogans s they confront police officers outside the US Embassy during an anti-racism demonstration in London on June 3, 2020, after George Floyd, an unarmed black man died after a police officer knelt on his neck during an arrest in Minneapolis, USA. - Londoners defied coronavirus restrictions and rallied on Wednesday in solidarity with protests raging across the United States over the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died during an arrest on May 25.Photo by TOLGA AKMEN /Getty Images
  7. People gather at Erasmus Bridge during a protest on June 3, 2020, in solidarity with protests raging across the United States over the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died during an arrest on May 25. - The United States has erupted into days and nights of protests, violence, and looting, following the death of George Floyd after he was detained and held down by a knee to his neck, dying shortly after.
    People gather at Erasmus Bridge during a protest on June 3, 2020, in solidarity with protests raging across the United States over the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died during an arrest on May 25. - The United States has erupted into days and nights of protests, violence, and looting, following the death of George Floyd after he was detained and held down by a knee to his neck, dying shortly after. Photo by MARCO DE SWART /Getty Images
  8. Protestors remonstrate with Police officers near the Foreign Office, during an anti-racism demonstration in London, on June 3, 2020, after George Floyd, an unarmed black man died after a police officer knelt on his neck during an arrest in Minneapolis, USA. - Thousands of people took to the streets of London on Wednesday to protest the death of George Floyd in US police custody, as Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemned the killing and told President Donald Trump that racist violence had
    Protestors remonstrate with Police officers near the Foreign Office, during an anti-racism demonstration in London, on June 3, 2020, after George Floyd, an unarmed black man died after a police officer knelt on his neck during an arrest in Minneapolis, USA. - Thousands of people took to the streets of London on Wednesday to protest the death of George Floyd in US police custody, as Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemned the killing and told President Donald Trump that racist violence had "no place" in society. Protesters, many of them in face masks, defied coronavirus restrictions and held aloft signs saying "Justice for George Floyd" and "Enough is enough!" as they marched from Hyde Park to the Whitehall government district in central London. Photo by DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS /Getty Images
  9. Protestors raise their fists during a Black Lives Matter demonstration in Stockholm, Sweden, on June 3, 2020, in solidarity with protests raging across the United States over the death of George Floyd. - Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who kneeled on the neck of George Floyd who later died, will now be charged with second-degree murder, and his three colleagues will face charges of aiding and abetting second-degree murder, court documents revealed on June 3.
    Protestors raise their fists during a Black Lives Matter demonstration in Stockholm, Sweden, on June 3, 2020, in solidarity with protests raging across the United States over the death of George Floyd. - Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who kneeled on the neck of George Floyd who later died, will now be charged with second-degree murder, and his three colleagues will face charges of aiding and abetting second-degree murder, court documents revealed on June 3.Photo by Jonathan NACKSTRAND /Getty Images
  10. Tristen Taylor a protest organizer crys during a peaceful demonstration over the death of George Floyd, in Detroit, Michigan, June 3,2020 - The Chief of Detroit Police James Craig later ended the curfew after protesters called for an end to the curfew.
    Tristen Taylor a protest organizer crys during a peaceful demonstration over the death of George Floyd, in Detroit, Michigan, June 3,2020 - The Chief of Detroit Police James Craig later ended the curfew after protesters called for an end to the curfew. Photo by SETH HERALD /Getty Images
  11. Demonstrators lay on the ground facing a police line in front of the White House during protests over the death of George Floyd on June 3, 2020, in Washington, DC. - Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who kneeled on the neck of George Floyd who later died, will now be charged with second-degree murder, and his three colleagues will face charges of aiding and abetting second-degree murder, court documents revealed on June 3.
    Demonstrators lay on the ground facing a police line in front of the White House during protests over the death of George Floyd on June 3, 2020, in Washington, DC. - Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who kneeled on the neck of George Floyd who later died, will now be charged with second-degree murder, and his three colleagues will face charges of aiding and abetting second-degree murder, court documents revealed on June 3. Photo by OBERTO SCHMIDT /Getty Images
  12. Sovereign Evans holds a sign in Newport Beach, California, on June 3, 2020 during a protest over the death of George Floyd. - US protesters welcomed new charges brought Wednesday against Minneapolis officers in the killing of African American man George Floyd -- but thousands still marched in cities across the country for a ninth straight night, chanting against racism and police brutality.
    Sovereign Evans holds a sign in Newport Beach, California, on June 3, 2020 during a protest over the death of George Floyd. - US protesters welcomed new charges brought Wednesday against Minneapolis officers in the killing of African American man George Floyd -- but thousands still marched in cities across the country for a ninth straight night, chanting against racism and police brutality. Photo by Apu GOMES /Getty Images
  13. Police officers stand at the top of the stairs of City Hall as protesters rally to protest over the death of George Floyd under police custody, in Los Angeles, California, on June 3, 2020 - Derek Chauvin, the white Minneapolis police officer who kneeled on the neck of George Floyd, a black man who later died, will now be charged with second-degree murder, and his three colleagues will also face charges, court documents revealed on June 3. The May 25 death of George Floyd -- who had been accused of trying to buy cigarettes with a counterfeit bill -- has ignited protests across the United States over systemic racism and police brutality.
    Police officers stand at the top of the stairs of City Hall as protesters rally to protest over the death of George Floyd under police custody, in Los Angeles, California, on June 3, 2020 - Derek Chauvin, the white Minneapolis police officer who kneeled on the neck of George Floyd, a black man who later died, will now be charged with second-degree murder, and his three colleagues will also face charges, court documents revealed on June 3. The May 25 death of George Floyd -- who had been accused of trying to buy cigarettes with a counterfeit bill -- has ignited protests across the United States over systemic racism and police brutality. Photo by Frederic J. BROWN /Getty Images
  14. Demonstrators hang a sign next to a mural (back R) of George Floyd, who died in Minneapolis on May 25 whilst in police custody, during a
    Demonstrators hang a sign next to a mural (back R) of George Floyd, who died in Minneapolis on May 25 whilst in police custody, during a "Sit Out the Curfew" protest in downtown Oakland, California on June 3, 2020. - US protesters welcomed new charges against Minneapolis officers in the killing of African-American man George Floyd -- but thousands still marched in cities across the country for a ninth straight night, chanting against racism and police brutality. Photo by PHILIP PACHECO /Getty Images
  15. A demonstrator raises a sign during a
    A demonstrator raises a sign during a "Sit Out the Curfew" protest against the death of George Floyd who died on May 25 in Minneapolis whilst in police custody, along a street in Oakland, California on June 3, 2020. - US protesters welcomed new charges against Minneapolis officers in the killing of African-American man George Floyd -- but thousands still marched in cities across the country for a ninth straight night, chanting against racism and police brutality. Photo by PHILIP PACHECO /Getty Images
  16. Demonstrators raise their fists during a
    Demonstrators raise their fists during a "Sit Out the Curfew" protest against the death of George Floyd who died on May 25 in Minneapolis whilst in police custody, along a street in Oakland, California on June 3, 2020. - US protesters welcomed new charges against Minneapolis officers in the killing of African-American man George Floyd -- but thousands still marched in cities across the country for a ninth straight night, chanting against racism and police brutality.Photo by PHILIP PACHECO /Getty Images
  17. A demonstrator raises a fist during a
    A demonstrator raises a fist during a "Sit Out the Curfew" protest against the death of George Floyd who died on May 25 in Minneapolis whilst in police custody, along a street in Oakland, California on June 3, 2020. - US protesters welcomed new charges against Minneapolis officers in the killing of African-American man George Floyd -- but thousands still marched in cities across the country for a ninth straight night, chanting against racism and police brutality.Photo by PHILIP PACHECO /Getty Images
  18. Syrian campaigner Wafa Mustafa sits between pictures of victims of the Syrian regime as she holds a picture of her father, during a protest outside the trial against two Syrian alleged former intelligence officers accused for crimes against humanity, in the first trial of its kind to emerge from the Syrian conflict, on June 4, 2020 in Koblenz, western Germany. - Wafa was part of the resistance against the Syrian government and had to flee Syria once her dad was arrested. She came to Germany in 2016.
    Syrian campaigner Wafa Mustafa sits between pictures of victims of the Syrian regime as she holds a picture of her father, during a protest outside the trial against two Syrian alleged former intelligence officers accused for crimes against humanity, in the first trial of its kind to emerge from the Syrian conflict, on June 4, 2020 in Koblenz, western Germany. - Wafa was part of the resistance against the Syrian government and had to flee Syria once her dad was arrested. She came to Germany in 2016. Photo by Thomas Lohnes /Getty Images
  19. Syrian campaigner Wafa Mustafa (2nd L) holds a picture of her father as she sits beside co-plaintiff, Feras Fayyad (L), and Syrian human rights lawyer Anwar al-Bunni, in front of pictures of victims of the Syrian regime, during a protest outside the trial against two Syrian alleged former intelligence officers accused for crimes against humanity, in the first trial of its kind to emerge from the Syrian conflict, on June 4, 2020 in Koblenz, western Germany. - Wafa was part of the resistance against the Syrian government and had to flee Syria once her dad was arrested. She came to Germany in 2016.
    Syrian campaigner Wafa Mustafa (2nd L) holds a picture of her father as she sits beside co-plaintiff, Feras Fayyad (L), and Syrian human rights lawyer Anwar al-Bunni, in front of pictures of victims of the Syrian regime, during a protest outside the trial against two Syrian alleged former intelligence officers accused for crimes against humanity, in the first trial of its kind to emerge from the Syrian conflict, on June 4, 2020 in Koblenz, western Germany. - Wafa was part of the resistance against the Syrian government and had to flee Syria once her dad was arrested. She came to Germany in 2016. Photo by Thomas Lohnes /Getty Images
  20. Demonstrators protest with banners against racism in front of the US embassy in Warsaw on June 4, 2020 in solidarity with protests raging across the United States over the death of George Floyd.
    Demonstrators protest with banners against racism in front of the US embassy in Warsaw on June 4, 2020 in solidarity with protests raging across the United States over the death of George Floyd. Photo by ANEK SKARZYNSKI /Getty Images
  21. Demonstrators lie on the ground to protest against racism in front of the US embassy in Warsaw on June 4, 2020 in solidarity with protests raging across the United States over the death of George Floyd.
    Demonstrators lie on the ground to protest against racism in front of the US embassy in Warsaw on June 4, 2020 in solidarity with protests raging across the United States over the death of George Floyd. Photo by ANEK SKARZYNSKI /Getty Images
  22. Demonstrators lie on the ground to protest against racism in front of the US embassy in Warsaw on June 4, 2020 in solidarity with protests raging across the United States over the death of George Floyd.
    Demonstrators lie on the ground to protest against racism in front of the US embassy in Warsaw on June 4, 2020 in solidarity with protests raging across the United States over the death of George Floyd. Photo by ANEK SKARZYNSKI /Getty Images
  23. A protestor holds the US flag during a Black Lives Matter march in Vienna, Austria, on June 4, 2020, in solidarity with protests raging across the United States over the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died during an arrest on May 25.
    A protestor holds the US flag during a Black Lives Matter march in Vienna, Austria, on June 4, 2020, in solidarity with protests raging across the United States over the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died during an arrest on May 25. Photo by HANS PUNZ /Getty Images
  24. Protestors attend a Black Lives Matter march in Vienna, Austria, on June 4, 2020, in solidarity with protests raging across the United States over the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died during an arrest on May 25.
    Protestors attend a Black Lives Matter march in Vienna, Austria, on June 4, 2020, in solidarity with protests raging across the United States over the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died during an arrest on May 25. Photo by JOE KLAMAR /GETTY
  25. Demonstrators rallied in support of the Black Lives Matter movement on Tuesday, gathering on the Malieveld in The Hague Featuring: Atmosphere, Protesters Where: The Hague, Netherlands When: 02 Jun 2020
    Demonstrators rallied in support of the Black Lives Matter movement on Tuesday, gathering on the Malieveld in The Hague Featuring: Atmosphere, Protesters Where: The Hague, Netherlands When: 02 Jun 2020 WENN
  26. Protesters wearing protective face masks take part in a candlelight vigil to mark the 31st anniversary of the crackdown of pro-democracy protests at Beijing's Tiananmen Square in 1989, after police rejects a mass annual vigil on public health grounds, at Victoria Park, in Hong Kong, China June 4, 2020.
    Protesters wearing protective face masks take part in a candlelight vigil to mark the 31st anniversary of the crackdown of pro-democracy protests at Beijing's Tiananmen Square in 1989, after police rejects a mass annual vigil on public health grounds, at Victoria Park, in Hong Kong, China June 4, 2020. Photo by Tyrone Siu /REUTERS
  27. A Hong Kong anti-government protester raises a hand to show support for the five demands at Liberty Square in Taipei to mark the 31st anniversary of the crackdown of pro-democracy protests at Beijing's Tiananmen Square in 1989, Taiwan, June 4, 2020.
    A Hong Kong anti-government protester raises a hand to show support for the five demands at Liberty Square in Taipei to mark the 31st anniversary of the crackdown of pro-democracy protests at Beijing's Tiananmen Square in 1989, Taiwan, June 4, 2020. Photo by Ann Wang /REUTERS
  28. Security forces take position during a protest against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., May 30, 2020.
    Security forces take position during a protest against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., May 30, 2020. Photo by Lucas Jackson /REUTERS
  29. A woman wearing a painted protective face mask during a Black Lives Matter protest in Centenary Square in Birmingham, following the death of George Floyd who died in police custody in Minneapolis, Birmingham, Britain, June 4, 2020.
    A woman wearing a painted protective face mask during a Black Lives Matter protest in Centenary Square in Birmingham, following the death of George Floyd who died in police custody in Minneapolis, Birmingham, Britain, June 4, 2020. Photo by Jason Cairnduff /REUTERS
  30. A protester holds a sign during a banned demonstration in memory of Adama Traore, a 24-year-old black Frenchman who died in a 2016 police operation which some have likened to the death of George Floyd in the United States, on the Place de la Republique in Lille, France June 4, 2020.
    A protester holds a sign during a banned demonstration in memory of Adama Traore, a 24-year-old black Frenchman who died in a 2016 police operation which some have likened to the death of George Floyd in the United States, on the Place de la Republique in Lille, France June 4, 2020. Photo by Pascal Rossignol /REUTERS
  31. A protester holds a sign during a banned demonstration in memory of Adama Traore, a 24-year-old black Frenchman who died in a 2016 police operation which some have likened to the death of George Floyd in the United States, on the Place de la Republique in Lille, France June 4, 2020. The sign reads
    A protester holds a sign during a banned demonstration in memory of Adama Traore, a 24-year-old black Frenchman who died in a 2016 police operation which some have likened to the death of George Floyd in the United States, on the Place de la Republique in Lille, France June 4, 2020. The sign reads "Black Lives Matter. Today, Tomorrow and for Always".Photo by Pascal Rossignol /REUTERS
  32. Demonstrators raise their fists during a protest over police brutality towards African-Americans in the United States, after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody, in front of the U.S. embassy in Warsaw, Poland, June 4, 2020.
    Demonstrators raise their fists during a protest over police brutality towards African-Americans in the United States, after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody, in front of the U.S. embassy in Warsaw, Poland, June 4, 2020. Photo by Kacper Pempel /REUTERS
  33. Demonstrators lie on the ground during a protest over police brutality towards African-Americans in the United States, after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody, in front of the U.S. embassy in Warsaw, Poland, June 4, 2020.
    Demonstrators lie on the ground during a protest over police brutality towards African-Americans in the United States, after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody, in front of the U.S. embassy in Warsaw, Poland, June 4, 2020. Photo by Kacper Pempel /REUTERS
  34. Protesters cross Morrison Bridge while rallying against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, in Portland, Oregon, U.S. June 3, 2020. Picture taken with a drone.
    Protesters cross Morrison Bridge while rallying against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, in Portland, Oregon, U.S. June 3, 2020. Picture taken with a drone. Photo by Terray Sylvester /REUTERS
  35. Children stand with their family as they attend a rally and march calling for a defunding of Seattle police, in Seattle, Washington, U.S. June 3, 2020.
    Children stand with their family as they attend a rally and march calling for a defunding of Seattle police, in Seattle, Washington, U.S. June 3, 2020. Photo by Lindsey Wasson /REUTERS
  36. At sunrise, a demonstrator waves goodbye at soldiers as they withdraw behind a metal fence near the White House after a night of protests for the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd in Washington, U.S., June 4, 2020.
    At sunrise, a demonstrator waves goodbye at soldiers as they withdraw behind a metal fence near the White House after a night of protests for the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd in Washington, U.S., June 4, 2020. Photo by Kevin Lamarque /REUTERS
  37. A man yells in the face of a soldier at sunrise outside the White House to protest the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd in Washington, U.S., June 4, 2020.
    A man yells in the face of a soldier at sunrise outside the White House to protest the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd in Washington, U.S., June 4, 2020. Photo by Kevin Lamarque /REUTERS
  38. At sunrise, a soldier keeps watch at the Lincoln Memorial after a night of protests over the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd in Washington, U.S., June 4, 2020.
    At sunrise, a soldier keeps watch at the Lincoln Memorial after a night of protests over the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd in Washington, U.S., June 4, 2020. Photo by Kevin Lamarque /REUTERS
  39. Protesters paused for a photo at Sunday’s Black Lives Matter protest in Woodstock.
    Protesters paused for a photo at Sunday’s Black Lives Matter protest in Woodstock. Photo by Kathleen Saylors /Postmedia
  40. SEATTLE, WA - JUNE 08: Demonstrators clash with police near the Seattle Police Departments East Precinct shortly after midnight on June 8, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. Earlier in the evening, a suspect drove into the crowd of protesters and shot one person, which happened after a day of peaceful protests across the city. Later, police and protestors clashed violently during ongoing Black Lives Matter demonstrations following the death of George Floyd.
    SEATTLE, WA - JUNE 08: Demonstrators clash with police near the Seattle Police Departments East Precinct shortly after midnight on June 8, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. Earlier in the evening, a suspect drove into the crowd of protesters and shot one person, which happened after a day of peaceful protests across the city. Later, police and protestors clashed violently during ongoing Black Lives Matter demonstrations following the death of George Floyd.Photo by David Ryder /Getty
  41. SEATTLE, WA - JUNE 08: Seattle Police and Washington National Guard personnel retake control of an intersection as demonstrators clash with law enforcement near the Seattle Police Departments East Precinct shortly after midnight on June 8, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. Earlier in the evening, a suspect drove into the crowd of protesters and shot one person, which happened after a day of peaceful protests across the city. Later, police and protestors clashed violently during ongoing Black Lives Matter demonstrations following the death of George Floyd.
    SEATTLE, WA - JUNE 08: Seattle Police and Washington National Guard personnel retake control of an intersection as demonstrators clash with law enforcement near the Seattle Police Departments East Precinct shortly after midnight on June 8, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. Earlier in the evening, a suspect drove into the crowd of protesters and shot one person, which happened after a day of peaceful protests across the city. Later, police and protestors clashed violently during ongoing Black Lives Matter demonstrations following the death of George Floyd. Photo by David Ryder /Getty
  42. SEATTLE, WA - JUNE 08: Demonstrators raise their fists as a fire burns in the street after clashes with law enforcement near the Seattle Police Departments East Precinct shortly after midnight on June 8, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. Earlier in the evening, a suspect drove into the crowd of protesters and shot one person, which happened after a day of peaceful protests across the city. Later, police and protestors clashed violently during ongoing Black Lives Matter demonstrations following the death of George Floyd.
    SEATTLE, WA - JUNE 08: Demonstrators raise their fists as a fire burns in the street after clashes with law enforcement near the Seattle Police Departments East Precinct shortly after midnight on June 8, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. Earlier in the evening, a suspect drove into the crowd of protesters and shot one person, which happened after a day of peaceful protests across the city. Later, police and protestors clashed violently during ongoing Black Lives Matter demonstrations following the death of George Floyd. Photo by David Ryder /Getty
  43. SEATTLE, WA - JUNE 08: Graffiti is seen on a wall after demonstrators clashed with law enforcement near the Seattle Police Departments East Precinct shortly after midnight on June 8, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. Earlier in the evening, a suspect drove into the crowd of protesters and shot one person, which happened after a day of peaceful protests across the city. Later, police and protestors clashed violently during ongoing Black Lives Matter demonstrations following the death of George Floyd.
    SEATTLE, WA - JUNE 08: Graffiti is seen on a wall after demonstrators clashed with law enforcement near the Seattle Police Departments East Precinct shortly after midnight on June 8, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. Earlier in the evening, a suspect drove into the crowd of protesters and shot one person, which happened after a day of peaceful protests across the city. Later, police and protestors clashed violently during ongoing Black Lives Matter demonstrations following the death of George Floyd. Photo by David Ryder /Getty
  44. SEATTLE, WA - JUNE 08: A fire burns in the street after demonstrators clashed with law enforcement near the Seattle Police Departments East Precinct shortly after midnight on June 8, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. Earlier in the evening, a suspect drove into the crowd of protesters and shot one person, which happened after a day of peaceful protests across the city. Later, police and protestors clashed violently during ongoing Black Lives Matter demonstrations following the death of George Floyd. (Photo by David Ryder/Getty Images)
    SEATTLE, WA - JUNE 08: A fire burns in the street after demonstrators clashed with law enforcement near the Seattle Police Departments East Precinct shortly after midnight on June 8, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. Earlier in the evening, a suspect drove into the crowd of protesters and shot one person, which happened after a day of peaceful protests across the city. Later, police and protestors clashed violently during ongoing Black Lives Matter demonstrations following the death of George Floyd. (Photo by David Ryder/Getty Images)Photo by David Ryder /Getty
  45. NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 08: People protest at One Police Plaza on June 8, 2020 in New York City. More than 500 former and current mayor's office staff joined with city agency staff to demand policy reforms on the NYPD amid the nation-wide protests against police brutality and racial inequality. (Photo by Stephanie Keith/Getty Images)
    NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 08: People protest at One Police Plaza on June 8, 2020 in New York City. More than 500 former and current mayor's office staff joined with city agency staff to demand policy reforms on the NYPD amid the nation-wide protests against police brutality and racial inequality. (Photo by Stephanie Keith/Getty Images)
  46. NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 08: People protest outside of One Police Plaza on June 8, 2020 in New York City. More than 500 former and current mayor's office staff joined with city agency staff to demand policy reforms on the NYPD amid the nation-wide protests against police brutality and racial inequality.
    NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 08: People protest outside of One Police Plaza on June 8, 2020 in New York City. More than 500 former and current mayor's office staff joined with city agency staff to demand policy reforms on the NYPD amid the nation-wide protests against police brutality and racial inequality. Photo by Stephanie Keith /Getty
  47. HOUSTON, TEXAS - JUNE 08: Nehemia Tekleab holds a picture of George Floyd during the public viewing at the Fountain of Praise church on June 8, 2020 in Houston, Texas. George Floyd died on May 25th when he was in Minneapolis police custody, sparking nationwide protests.
    HOUSTON, TEXAS - JUNE 08: Nehemia Tekleab holds a picture of George Floyd during the public viewing at the Fountain of Praise church on June 8, 2020 in Houston, Texas. George Floyd died on May 25th when he was in Minneapolis police custody, sparking nationwide protests.Photo by Joe Raedle /Getty
  48. Overseas Pakistani and civil society activists hold placards during a protest against the killing of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died after a white policeman knelt on his neck during an arrest in the US, in Lahore on June 8, 2020.
    Overseas Pakistani and civil society activists hold placards during a protest against the killing of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died after a white policeman knelt on his neck during an arrest in the US, in Lahore on June 8, 2020. Photo by Arif ALI /Getty
  49. People hold a placard reading
    People hold a placard reading "Racism is a way of delegating to someone else its own self-disgust" as they demonstrate in Nantes, on June 8, 2020, during a 'Black Lives Matter' worldwide protests against racism and police brutality in the wake of the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man killed while apprehended by police in Minneapolis. Photo by Loic VENANCE /Getty
  50. TOPSHOT - A police officer takes a knee during a 9 minute moment of silence in honor of George Floyd during a
    TOPSHOT - A police officer takes a knee during a 9 minute moment of silence in honor of George Floyd during a "Sit In Protest" to mourn the death of George Floyd at DeepWater Park in Pasadena, Texas on June 7, 2020. - On May 25, 2020, Floyd, a 46-year-old black man suspected of passing a counterfeit $20 bill, died in Minneapolis after Derek Chauvin, a white police officer, pressed his knee to Floyd's neck for almost nine minutes. Photo by MARK FELIX /Getty
  51. Iraqi demonstrators burn tires to block the road, amidst concerns about the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), as they demand the resignation of the governor of Najaf, Lauy al-Yassiri, during a protest in the holy city of Najaf, Iraq June 8, 2020.
    Iraqi demonstrators burn tires to block the road, amidst concerns about the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), as they demand the resignation of the governor of Najaf, Lauy al-Yassiri, during a protest in the holy city of Najaf, Iraq June 8, 2020. Photo by Alaa Al-Marjani /Reuters
  52. Iraqi demonstrators pose for a photo after burning objects to block the road, amidst concerns about the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), while they demand the resignation of the governor of Najaf, Lauy al-Yassiri, during a protest in the holy city of Najaf, Iraq June 8, 2020.
    Iraqi demonstrators pose for a photo after burning objects to block the road, amidst concerns about the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), while they demand the resignation of the governor of Najaf, Lauy al-Yassiri, during a protest in the holy city of Najaf, Iraq June 8, 2020. Photo by Alaa Al-Marjani /Reuters
  53. Julius Malema, leader of South Africa's opposition party the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), kneels during a protest against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd and Collins Khoza, who died after a confrontation with South African security forces enforcing the nationwide coronavirus disease (COVID-19) lockdown, outside the U.S embassy in Pretoria, South Africa June 8, 2020.
    Julius Malema, leader of South Africa's opposition party the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), kneels during a protest against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd and Collins Khoza, who died after a confrontation with South African security forces enforcing the nationwide coronavirus disease (COVID-19) lockdown, outside the U.S embassy in Pretoria, South Africa June 8, 2020. Photo by Shafiek Tassiem /Reuters
  54. Current and former New York City Mayor's staff march across the Brooklyn Bridge to call for reforms during a protest against racial inequality in the aftermath of the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, in New York City, New York, U.S. June 8, 2020. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid ORG XMIT: PPPNYK510
    Current and former New York City Mayor's staff march across the Brooklyn Bridge to call for reforms during a protest against racial inequality in the aftermath of the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, in New York City, New York, U.S. June 8, 2020. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid ORG XMIT: PPPNYK510Photo by Brendan McDermid /Reuters
  55. Current and former New York City Mayor's staff march across the Brooklyn Bridge to call for reforms during a protest against racial inequality in the aftermath of the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, in New York City, New York, U.S. June 8, 2020.
    Current and former New York City Mayor's staff march across the Brooklyn Bridge to call for reforms during a protest against racial inequality in the aftermath of the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, in New York City, New York, U.S. June 8, 2020. Photo by Brendan McDermid /REUTERS
  56. Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wears a mask as he takes part in a rally against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, on Parliament Hill, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada June 5, 2020. REUTERS/Blair Gable ORG XMIT: GGGOTW105
    Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wears a mask as he takes part in a rally against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, on Parliament Hill, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada June 5, 2020. REUTERS/Blair Gable ORG XMIT: GGGOTW105Photo by Blair Gable /Reuters
  57. Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wears a mask as he takes a knee during a rally against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, on Parliament Hill, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada June 5, 2020.
    Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wears a mask as he takes a knee during a rally against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, on Parliament Hill, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada June 5, 2020. Photo by Blair Gable /Reuters
  58. A man lies on the ground grasping a cane after law enforcement deployed chemical agents and blast balls to disperse a protest against racial inequality in the aftermath of the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, near the Seattle Police department's East Precinct in Seattle, Washington, U.S. June 8, 2020.
    A man lies on the ground grasping a cane after law enforcement deployed chemical agents and blast balls to disperse a protest against racial inequality in the aftermath of the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, near the Seattle Police department's East Precinct in Seattle, Washington, U.S. June 8, 2020. Photo by Reuters
  59. Organizers Hannah Hodder and Jessica Hoffstetter pose for a photo at Sunday’s Black Lives Matter protest at Victoria Park in Woodstock.
    Organizers Hannah Hodder and Jessica Hoffstetter pose for a photo at Sunday’s Black Lives Matter protest at Victoria Park in Woodstock. Photo by Postmedia /Postmedia
  60. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau takes part in an anti-racism protest on Parliament Hill during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ottawa on Friday, June 5, 2020.
    Prime Minister Justin Trudeau takes part in an anti-racism protest on Parliament Hill during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ottawa on Friday, June 5, 2020.Photo by Sean Kilpatrick /THE CANADIAN PRESS
  61. U.S. Secret Service uniformed division officers face off with protestors as they block a street near the White House in Washington June 1, 2020.
    U.S. Secret Service uniformed division officers face off with protestors as they block a street near the White House in Washington June 1, 2020.Photo by Jonathan Landay /REUTERS

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Right now, Matlow said, the city can only approve the total budget — not what the police will do with that money.

“Could you imagine being asked to sign off on handing over your money without knowing what you’re paying for?” he said. “It’s absurd, really.”

Second, he wants the police to draft a 2021 budget that is 10 per cent lower than 2020’s. He also wants a line-by-line breakdown of the proposed budget.

The motion also asks for the city to consult with several divisions, including the city’s Confronting Anti-Black Racism Unit, on recommendations on how to spend the money.

In Minneapolis over the weekend, a majority of members of the local council said they supported disbanding the city’s police department.

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