IN MEMORIAM
AUDREY MARIE GOODYER (née OXFORD)
April 5, 2025
PUBLIC STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE HALIFAX BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS
The Halifax Board of Police Commissioners extends its deepest sympathies on the passing of Audrey Marie Goodyer—Dartmouth’s first policewoman and a former Commissioner whose legacy continues to inspire.
Audrey made history in 1967 when she became the first woman to serve on active duty with the Dartmouth city police force. Her trailblazing role helped pave the way for future generations of women in law enforcement. She stepped away from active duty in 1972 to focus on raising her family, but her commitment to public service never waned.
Audrey returned to public life in the late 1970s and throughout the 1980s, serving as a dedicated member of the Board of Police Commissioners. She later earned her degree from Saint Mary's University and concluded her career with Correctional Services Canada, continuing her lifelong dedication to justice and community service.
To all of us at the Board, Audrey was a steadfast advocate for public safety, ethical governance, and social justice. Her unwavering passion and principled leadership serve as a guiding light in the complex and ever-evolving landscape of policing and community care. She was deeply committed to making a difference—and she truly did.
We honour her memory and legacy with gratitude.
Greg O’Malley, Chair
Halifax Board of Police Commissioners
About the Halifax Board of Police Commissioners
The Halifax Board of Police Commissioners provides civilian governance and oversight for the Halifax Regional Police on behalf of Regional Council. The Board also functions as a Police Advisory Board to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Halifax District as it performs contractual policing services within the Halifax Regional Municipality.
The legislated mandate and responsibilities of Board of Police Commissioners is established by the Provincial Government of Nova Scotia, and set out in the Police Act , as well as the Board's Terms of Reference (By-Law P-100).
The Board of Police Commissioners Policy Manual provides further information regarding the roles and responsibilities of the Board in fulfilling its mandate to provide civilian governance and oversight of police services provided within the Halifax Regional Municipality.
Board of Police Commissioners' meetings are held in Accordance with Administrative Policy One, The Procedures of the Board Of Police Commissioners Administrative Policy [PDF]. The Board of Police Commissioners normally meets on the first Wednesday of each month, at 1:00 p.m. Meeting dates and times are subject to change. Check the calendar below, and the agenda (once available) to confirm the exact date and time for each meeting.
Find out what’s happening at board meetings and learn how you can participate.
Learn about the HRM Police Services Code of Conduct.
Learn about the Wortley (Street Checks) report and the Board of Police Commissioners.
The Subcommittee on Defunding the Police presented their report to the Board of Police Commissioners on January 17, 2022. Read the report and watch the meeting video. Learn more about the Subcommittee.
News release – Release of the Halifax Independent Civilian Review Into August 18, 2021 Encampment Evictions
September 4, 2024 (Halifax, NS) – The Board of Police Commissioners for the Halifax Regional Municipality has discussed The Halifax Independent Civilian Review Into August 18, 2021 Encampment Evictions and have directed that it be provided to Regional Council for their review.
In terms of next steps, the Board has directed that Halifax Regional Police initiate an assessment of the Review and provide a report to the Board. It has also recommended that Regional Council request a report from the Chief Administrative Officer.
Read the full news release here.
Read The Halifax Independent Civilian Review Into August 18, 2021 Encampment Evictions here.
Statement from the Board of Police Commissioners regarding independent review
May 3, 2023 (Halifax, NS) – The Board of Police Commissioners for the Halifax Regional Municipality has commissioned an independent civilian review of the issues relating to the Board’s oversight, governance and policy responsibilities that arise out of the response by Halifax Regional Police (HRP) to protests on August 18, 2021.
Board of Police Commissioners Meetings
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Staff contact for the Board of Police Commissioners
Andrea Lovasi-Wood
Legislative Assistant
lovasia@halifax.ca
902.240-7164
To submit correspondence, email clerks@halifax.ca. Would you like to learn more about correspondence?