Forging alliances with Government and Police to combat ORC in Nova Scotia

RCC and local representatives from various retail organizations met in July 2023 with representatives from government and police to speak about how retailers, police and DOJ could work together across the province in combatting the increase in organized retail crime as well as the increase in violence and threats towards retail employees.

RCC has continued to reach out to government, specifically Public Safety, to arrange an initial meeting to discuss the growing retail crime concerns. After an initial discussion with the Minister of Public Safety, a follow up meeting was scheduled to provide further detail on concerns, suggestions of activities to foster collaboration, and arrange for a wider meeting with retail representatives.

RCC is working with Hayley Crichton, Executive Director Public Safety & Security Division, to work through next steps with DOJ, police, and retailers. Miss Crichton organized a meeting on November 7, 2023 that, invited representation from all police services in Nova Scotia. Halifax Municipal Police was not represented. Police services who were represented asked for time to consider what was presented by RCC. Only Cape Breton, who has joined in the national blitz campaign, committed to any activities at that time.