A legal representative in Saskatoon has raised concerns over the treatment of a homeless activist who allegedly spent nearly nine hours in police custody during the dismantling of the encampment where he resided. The encampment on Avenue K, housing over 100 individuals, was disassembled by authorities after evacuating the occupants. David Fineday, a prominent advocate for the homeless and a resident of the camp, recounted being apprehended by officers upon returning from a coffee run with his son to deal with the police presence at the site. Fineday’s attorney disclosed that he was arrested for causing damage amounting to over $5,000 and was detained throughout the duration of the encampment clearance. Fineday claimed that he and his son were detained from 8:30 am until just after 5:30 pm, with promises of prompt paperwork completion that were not fulfilled.
The Community Legal Assistance Services for Saskatoon Inner City Inc. (CLASSIC) expressed serious reservations about the extended detention, citing concerns about the arbitrary exercise of police authority and questioning the rationale behind preventing Fineday from returning to the encampment during the operation. CLASSIC highlighted the lack of consistent explanations provided for Fineday’s detainment, deeming the justifications arbitrary and unreasonable. Saskatoon Police attributed Fineday’s lengthy custody to processing time variations within their Detention Unit and refrained from divulging further details due to the ongoing legal proceedings.
Following the encampment clearance, approximately 80 tents were removed, and barriers were erected to secure the area, with nearly 6,000 kilograms of refuse and belongings collected. CLASSIC underscored that the discarded items mainly constituted personal possessions of the encampment residents, including individuals with physical disabilities encountering difficulties relocating their belongings. Fineday shared his distress upon release, finding his living quarters disassembled and his acquaintances dispersed.
CLASSIC underscored the injustice of Fineday’s detention hindering his participation in the encampment’s dismantling and ceremonial dismantling of his tipi. Fineday’s prolonged custody prevented him from attending to his sacred items, with community members assisting in safeguarding his belongings during his incarceration. Fineday, sober for three decades, and CLASSIC pointed out the lack of clarity regarding the nature of the mischief charge and the circumstances leading to his arrest. Fineday emphasized the need for enhanced addiction services and meaningful dialogues on homelessness in Saskatoon.
