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Ottawa Officer Caught Saying ‘White Man’s Day Is Done’ Faces Disciplinary Charges

An Ottawa police officer who was caught on video saying the “white man’s day is done” and encouraging his son to find an Asian girlfriend has been charged with multiple disciplinary offences under the Police Services Act.

Const. Paul Heffler was captured on video making the comments in June 2019. The video began circulating on social media in April 2021.

Heffler was one of three Ottawa police officers seen and heard in the security camera video that went viral after it was posted online. The officers, who were on duty and in uniform, were standing in a private garage while waiting to serve a warrant.

During their conversation, Heffler is heard paraphrasing someone whose name is inaudible, saying: “Our days are done. White man’s day is done.”

Another officer responds in agreement: “He’s probably right.”

“We’re the minority, I think, at this point,” Heffler continues.

Another officer agrees: “If you put all the different groups together.”

Heffler then goes on to discuss interracial relationships.

“You go to Toronto, and every couple you see walking by is a mixed couple. You don’t see white and white people together. It’s white [and] Asian, white [and] East Indian,” he says.

“I told my son he can find a Chinese, Asian girlfriend,” he continues. “If he wants to stay in the mix, get your foot in the door.”

Facing 4 charges under Police Services Act

At the time the video became widely public, the police board and others in the community condemned it as racist. Heffler previously told CBC News that his words were taken out of context and he was trying to talk about population demographics.

Heffler faces three counts of discreditable conduct and one count of insubordination under the Police Services Act.

He has not yet entered a plea. When reached for comment, the officer said: “Truth is like the sun. You can shut it out for a bit, but it isn’t going away.”

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