Toronto’s policy on police background checks for parks and recreation employees has been changed after it was revealed that the accused Eaton Centre shooter worked for the city taking care of kids. The shooter, Christopher Husbands, was recently arrested and charged with first-degree murder and six counts of attempted murder. Husbands had also been previously charged with sexual assault in 2010 and had a 2008 drug conviction. The city’s previous policy allowed those working with vulnerable populations to provide background checks up to three months after they started working. Coun. Giorgio Mammoliti said he’s “furious” at the city’s bureaucracy for letting Husbands work more than six months without providing a criminal record check. At a recent city council meeting, councilors planned to order a review of the city’s policies when it comes to police background checks on employees who work with kids and other vulnerable populations. “We’ve gotten staff to agree to change the policy so, on an ongoing basis, anybody hired has to give us those forms before they step foot (on city property) as an employee,” said Mammoliti.
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