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“These women and men have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the public. All Canadians must remember their names. Our members who are peace officers have a difficult and dangerous job, and this service reminds us of the risks and threats they face." — Bert Blundon, NUPGE President
Ottawa (21 Sept. 2022) — A contingent of peace officers from the National Union will join the 45th Annual Canadian Police and Peace Officers' Memorial Service on Sept. 25 . The officers, members of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), include union activists from across the country, those who have worked in provincial adult and youth corrections, probation and community corrections services, and conservation.
45th Annual Canadian Police and Peace Officers' Memorial Service
The ceremony begins on Parliament Hill at 9 a.m., where officers will read aloud the names of each of the police and peace officers who have died on duty over the years. Later, officers in uniform will march from the Supreme Court to Parliament Hill, where they will be greeted by dignitaries and the public.
In 1998, the federal government proclaimed the last Sunday in September as Police and Peace Officers' National Memorial Day. The Canadian Police and Peace Officers' Memorial Service gives Canadians an opportunity each year to formally express appreciation for the dedication of police and peace officers, who have contributed so much to our country.
Officers honoured in 2022
Bert Blundon, NUPGE President, asks Canadians to honour our country’s peace and police officers.
“These women and men have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the public. All Canadians must remember their names. Our members who are peace officers have a difficult and dangerous job, and this service reminds us of the risks and threats they face," said Blundon.
The Memorial will honour 6 officers who were slain since 2019, and 2 historical officers.
- Constable Allan Poapst, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (Manitoba), died December 13,2019.
- Constable Marc Hovingh, Ontario Provincial Police (Manitoulin Island), died November 19,2020.
- Constable Shelby Patton,Royal Canadian Mounted Police (Saskatchewan),died June 12,2021.
- Constable Heidi Stevenson,Royal Canadian Mounted Police (Nova Scotia), died April 19,2019.
- Sergeant Andrew Harnett, Calgary Police Service, died December 31, 2020.
- Constable Jeffrey Northrup,Toronto Police (Ontario, died July 2,2021.
Historical Officers Honoured
- Constable George McDonald, Surrey Police Service, died September 9, 1927.
- Superintendent Dennis Massey, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (Alberta),died December 18,2002.
NUPGE members meet to discuss challenges facing justice workers
After 2 years of pandemic restrictions, the memorial will return to a full service. As in the past, correctional officers and youth facility workers, who are NUPGE members, will meet in Ottawa prior to the memorial service from September 22 to 23. This will be the first in-person meeting of any NUPGE occupational group since the pandemic outbreak.
Violence in the workplace is a key issue
"Every year, we hear that the situation is getting worse," said Blundon. "As provincial governments try to cut costs in staffing and workplace safety, our members are increasingly at risk."
"This is unacceptable, and provincial governments must do more to protect our members," said Blundon.