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Board Members

Jacqueline Edwards, President

I am honoured and humbled to serve a third term as president of this incredible association alongside my eight committed, passionate, talented colleagues, who bring an unbelievable set of skills and lived experience to their respective roles.

My thanks to: Alain, Dale, Julie, Kenton, Kolin, Mark, and Rebecca.

Collectively we will do our best to ensure that ABLE continues to be recognized as a leading organization, focused on advocating for its membership, increasing representation, recognizing professional excellence, investing in the next generation of leaders, and being a bridge between law enforcement and Black communities, organizations, and key partners.

We know that a more diverse law enforcement and justice sector will not automatically remove the inequities, injustices and systemic racism, however, a more diverse sector will help to dismantle the various forms of discrimination within the criminal justice system.

ABLE is an organization that believes in the importance of investing in youth as they pursue higher education to achieve their goals of working in the justice sector. Supporting our youth will not only lift them up but it will also support our goal of increasing their trust and confidence in the law enforcement community that has been eroded over the years. We will support and empower our youth as they come to terms with the recent and ongoing disproportionate use of force by police and the overrepresentation of Black people in our jails. By believing in our youth and their futures, we will address the underrepresentation of Black and racialized peoples employed across the criminal justice landscape.

A.B.L.E. celebrates the impressive appointments of several Black individuals in the past year. The Honourable Michael Tulloch was appointed the Chief Justice of Ontario and Greg Fergus is the first Black individual to be appointed the Speaker of the House of Commons. We have come a long way in achieving goals of enhancing equity, diversity and inclusivity in the law enforcement community. At the same time, we know that our work must continue. We are here tonight to renew our commitment to achieve our goals and live our values. Our values will transform the criminal justice system and offer fair and equitable opportunities to all.

Mark Wilson, Vice President

My name is Mark Wilson, I was born in Jamaica and moved to Canada when I was a child. I grew up in the Lawrence and Keele area and then moved to 100 Lotherton Pathway otherwise known as Village. Village was an area that had low-income housing.

I met a lot of great people. The area wasn't the greatest, but it was great for us. We were a tight nit group. There was always something going on in village, but everyone always minded their business, we weren't the riches people with money, but we were the happiest kids. In our community quite a few of the people got into trouble and some of those people were the ones that told us to do better. There are a few of us that chose not to be a product of our environment and kept out of trouble. I promised myself that I would always try to do good because I didn't want to fit the narrative.

The reason I am running for these elections is because there is a need for us as black people and community to work to have diversity, equity and inclusion in the spaces some people don't think we should be in. I believe that through ABLE we can help better the experiences some of our other members deal with in their respective positions at work. I don't believe we should be checking a box because we have people in positions that look like us. We should be helping to make sure they progress in their growth and have a voice without having a fear of reprisal because of unfair treatment. I am a very levelheaded person and I believe in making good people better. Being the current Vice President of A.B.L.E we have made great progress especially during covid when things were much harder. We were able to improvise, adapt and overcome many obstacles. We were able to modernize some of the ways we do things, such as memberships, banking, working on a better website and updating the constitution and I believe that our work is not done. I am hoping that we can start a mentoring program and have 4 some of the younger generations step into the space to work on becoming our next leaders. We have built many good relationships and I hope we can continue to build many more.

Doctor Rebecca Finlason-Harper, Treasurer

Most of my career was spent in management positions reporting to boards and ensuring the organization achieves their missions. I have delivered successful national programs in environment and agriculture on behalf of the organizations I have worked for.

I have more than 20 years’ experience in organizational and program management in the non-profit and charity sector.

In the four years in Canada my networking skills have assisted me to make contacts with potential donors and I have assisted in galas for associations. In Jamaica, I have written cabinet submissions and champion corporate partnerships for programs equalling to millions of dollars. I have knowledge and experience in systems tracking funding and donors. I build relationships with donors and ensure there is trust that we deliver what they are funding. I report on impact and Social Investment Returns to all donors. I have successfully managed budgets for milliondollar projects. I have been responsible for board submission with budgets, and I am knowledgeable of CRA requirements for charities.

I have expertise in managing organizations and have certification in volunteer management. I personally have recruited placement students from all different expertise from Seneca, University of Guelph, and Humber College to work in previous organizations to assist in daily operations, social media marketing and projects.

Some of my key project management and organizational leadership successes have included:
• Leading multi-disciplinary teams to successfully help complex organizations transform their service delivery, business and operations models that enhanced departments that service the entire country to be efficient and cost effective in the delivery of their projects. Models that helped teams to standardize their emergency responses to effectively help Canadian Citizens in need in five countries. Models that organized and worked with training and employing over 10, 000 youth in apprenticeship roles.
Managing multi-faceted large budget projects that have successfully brought communities out of systemic poverty using new agricultural technology and training communities in agribusiness 5 for sustainability.
Organizing fundraising events, creating lasting donor relationships, and submitting government proposals for millions of dollars to help women, youth, the environment, and families.

These successes have been the result of building trust and working collaboratively with donors and stakeholders. I have always operated with a “roll up your sleeves” work ethic and have demonstrated a diplomatic, collaborative, and motivational working style.

The reason I applied to be the Treasurer at ABLE is because I believe in the mandate of ABLE, and after so many years of working in the nonprofit and charity sector, I have seen that ABLE is true to their mission and with my knowledge of money management and grants I feel that my background and expertise could be of benefit.

Julie Kumar, Secretary

5 for sustainability. • Organizing fundraising events, creating lasting donor relationships, and submitting government proposals for millions of dollars to help women, youth, the environment, and families. These successes have been the result of building trust and working collaboratively with donors and stakeholders.

I have always operated with a “roll up your sleeves” work ethic and have demonstrated a diplomatic, collaborative, and motivational working style. The reason I applied to be the Treasurer at ABLE is because I believe in the mandate of ABLE, and after so many years of working in the nonprofit and charity sector, I have seen that ABLE is true to their mission and with my knowledge of money management and grants I feel that my background and expertise could be of benefit. Julie Kumar, Secretary Julie has been a Human Resources professional for more than 20 years. She is currently heading Human Resources at South Simcoe Police. She is involved in many initiatives beyond SSPS including acting as the co-chair of the OACP Constable Selection Committee. Beyond human resources, her work has been focused on influencing changes in the people management world at local, county, and provincial levels. Her passion lies in contributing and impacting change in the community through education, awareness and advocating social change. Julie is a founding member of BWG Diversity Action group and the Rise Up BWG. She also voluntarily participates in various committees and groups that work in affecting community transformation by promoting inclusion and eliminating racism.

Julie strongly believes in ABLE's work and intentions. She has personally seen the impact ABLE is making in the community of Law Enforcement and beyond. This inspired her to apply to the Board of Directors as she wants to be part of making the change and making a difference to help co-workers, community and others.

Alain Babineau, Director of Communications

After 30 years in law enforcement, including stints with the Ontario Provincial Police and the Canadian Military Police, Alain (Al) Babineau retired as a Staff Sergeant from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in 2016.

He holds a Juris Doctor and Bachelor of Civil Law from McGill law Faculty, a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Criminology from University of Ottawa, a B.A in Legal Studies and a Graduate Diploma in Conflict Resolution from Carleton University. He is currently a Master of Law candidate at McGill Law Faculty in Montreal ,Canada.

Mr. Babineau is also currently the Director of racial profiling and public safety for the Non-ForProfit Advocacy & Lobbyist group the Red Coalition inc and the Director for the francophone section for the Black Class Action Secretariat. Since retirement, Alain has worked as an expert in racial and social profiling for the Office of the Commissioner for the Fight against Racism and Systemic Discrimination for the City of Montreal, and as an advisor to the Center de Research Action on Race Relations (CRARR) in Montreal on issues of racial profiling in private and public security. Mr. Babineau is often consulted on these issues by the media, community groups, politicians, and lawyers at all levels of government. Alain also gives conferences and training in colleges, universities, as well as for community groups and private and public institutions. Some of his main interests revolve around policing reforms, social justice, police management accountability, and the use of alternative dispute resolution in law enforcement to mitigate internal and external conflicts.

Kolin Alexander, Director of Membership Services

Kolin Alexander was born in Canada and traces his ancestry lineage to the Caribbean islands of Trinidad & Tobago and Jamaica.

Kolin began his career with Hamilton Police Service in 1999, and in 2001 he joined York Regional Police (YRP).

During his 24-year career, Kolin has served in a variety of capacities, including Uniform Patrol, Traffic Bureau, COR Unit, SOCO Officer, Coach Officer, Breath Technician and a secondment in the Recruitment Unit. He is a former warrant officer in the Chief’s Ceremonial Unit which he has been a part of for over 12 years. He is now a protocol officer and currently, he is the unit commander of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Bureau and Hate Crime Prevention Unit.

Kolin has great relationships with many community groups and leaders. During the anti-Black movement, he has assisted in strengthening YRP’s relationship with this community. He attended several protests along with YRP Senior Leaders to create a trusting relationship with them. Kolin has also played an important role in liaising with the Black Community when community leaders inquired about an investigation concerning a hate incident that took place at a YRDSB school. These strong ties to the community will assist in this position for the benefit of members and ABLE as a collective. Moving forward on the path of continued success and development that was started by those that came before, which must be continued to ensure ABLE’s legacy lives on.

David Zackrias, Director of Community Engagement and Law Enforcement Issues

Dave believes that inclusion is fundamental to public safety, and that celebrating, encouraging, and respecting diversity makes Ottawa safer and stronger. A twenty-five-year veteran of the Toronto and Ottawa Police Services, Dave has extensive experience in Frontline Patrol, Neighborhood Policing, Criminal Investigations and Community Development.

Dave has embraced post-secondary education in the field of policing.

He has a Diploma in Law and Security Administration from Algonquin College in Ottawa, a Bachelor’s Degree in Policing Studies and a Master’s Degree in Terrorism Safety and Security from Charles Sturt University in Australia, a Certificate in Leadership and Inclusion from Centennial College in Toronto, and is accredited in “Third-Party Neutral Accredited Mediation” by the world renowned Canadian Institute for Conflict Resolution in Ottawa. Dave immigrated to Canada from India with his family at the age of 15. He is fluent in Tamil, Hindi, Urdu and Kannada languages. He is dedicated to building strong inter-community relationships whether he’s on or off the job. He serves as a board member with various community organizations. Dave is passionate about serving the communities that have been traditionally marginalized. He believes in a holistic approach in ensuring public safety. In 2016, he was honored to receive the Peace Award from the Canadian Institute for Conflict Resolution.

My acclaimed efforts to foster understanding and resolve contentious racial issues in our racialized community and support for members have repeatedly shown my creative problemsolving abilities. I feel I can be a valuable asset to the ABLE executive leadership team.

Dale Swift, Director of Youth Affairs

Most of my work and volunteer experience has been dedicated to the growth and development of youth of various ages and backgrounds. Growing up in Chester Le, most individuals did not like engaging with police. But there were a few officers we saw that we felt comfortable speaking with.

The one thing that stood out to me was that I never saw black officers in my neighborhood, so I believed that black individuals never became officers.

When I became a Police Officer in 2009, I wanted to change the narrative. But knew there would be resistance, not only from the police service, but from friends and relatives from my community. But despite that, I prided myself on making the effort to visit many neighborhoods, despite the negative feedback I received from a few. My thought was to show the communities that I was invested in them and not there just to investigate and arrest individuals. To see a difference, you need to be that difference. Time passed on and I have been able to develop a healthy reputation with many communities.. I have always believed that my responsibility was to pay it forward and give youth a chance to have what I did AND didn’t have growing up. My aspiration is to inspire youth to reach their full potential and dismiss the stigma that ALL black youth are violent, lazy and from broken homes. My hope is to be an advocate for youth therefore empowering them to achieve their goals with the necessary resources and confidence.

I believe that growing up in the area I did and having to endure the many daily changes that I was faced with, gave time a clear understanding of what our youth deal with on a regular basis. It allows me to do my job with empathy and understanding. Being an officer of the law has given me firsthand experience on what has been working with our youth and where we have been failing our youth. It has been a career filled with self evaluation, learning, failure, and successes. Which, I believe has made me a successful officer in this time. My continued engagement with the youth has allowed me to gain trust and assist them with difficult situations and decisions, they have come to trust me, sometimes more than family. I have embraced the responsibility and make myself available to youth as much as I can. Social media has been a large part of my success with youth, as I engage with them in a way they 10 understand. Through self expression, real talks, and collaborations, I have created a safe place for youth to be themselves and reach out to me when needed because I have embraced their world and humanized the badge.

Kenton Chance, Immediate Past President

Kenton Chance commenced his career with the Ministry of Community Safety & Correctional Services as a Correctional Officer at the Whitby Jail in October 1990. In January of 1992 he was reassigned to the Toronto East Detention Centre where in 2005 he was promoted to the rank of Operational Manager.

Kenton then spent 6 months assigned to the Toronto Jail as an Operational Manager completing a lateral developmental assignment. As part of his career development, he has acted in the role of Deputy Superintendent of Programs for an extended period at the Toronto East Detention Centre and also was one of the Institution’s Security Manager and Admitting Sergeant. On May 3rd, 2009, Kenton Chance was appointed as Acting Manager of the Ontario Corrections Intelligence Unit. Kenton also acted as the Staff Inspector for the Correctional Services and Oversight Investigations.

Mr. Chance is a member of the Association of Black Law Enforcers and served two terms as its 5th President. Kenton is an active member of the National Black Police Association International. Kenton is also a very active member in the Community and regularly conducts seminars and educational talks in various areas and sectors in the Community. Kenton has completed specialized Gang training with the New York City Department of Corrections on Rikers Island, with the Toronto Police and with Correctional Services Canada. As one of two Security Managers at the Toronto East Detention Centre, Kenton had a primary role in Gang Management focusing on Staff/Inmate safety, security as well as criminal intelligence.

Mr. Chance has conducted several lectures and training with various Law Enforcement agencies about Gang Culture in Ontario Corrections. He also routinely conducts prevention sessions with young people about the dangers of Gang Involvement. Kenton is also actively involved in 11 several Ministry committees and initiatives focusing on the elimination of harassment and discrimination while increasing accountability in the organization.