This is an archive of news stories and research from the National Union of Public and General Employees. Please see our new site - https://nupge.ca - for the most current information.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada and all Canadians, I pay tribute to the police and peace officers whose self-sacrifice and dedication to their noble professions contribute to helping keep us safe and safeguard our rights and freedoms.” Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
and General Employees (NUPGE)
Ottawa (01 Oct. 2018) – Peace Officers from the National Union were a strong contingent at the 41st Annual Canadian Police and Peace Officers' Memorial Service. The officers, members of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), included union activists from across the country, and those who have worked in provincial adult and youth corrections, probation and community corrections services, conservation and highway safety.
Larry Brown, NUPGE President wants Canadians to take the time to honour the nation’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 Brown.
2018 Officers honoured
August 10, 2018, Constable SARA M. BURNS, Fredericton Police
August 10, 2018, Constable ROBB COSTELLO, Fredericton Police
April 11, 2018, Constable IAN D. JORDAN, Victoria Police
November 6, 2017, Constable JOHN DAVIDSON, Abbotsford Police
September 12, 2017, Constable FRANCIS DESCHÊNES, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (N. B.)
September 21, 2016, Constable JACQUES OSTIGNY, Sûreté du Québec
Challenges facing justice workers continue to grow
As in the past, correctional officers and youth facility workers, who are NUPGE members, met in Ottawa in the days prior to the memorial service. This year, a national meeting of representatives of highway safety officers is being held on the Monday following the memorial.
Violence in the workplace was a key issue faced by both occupations
"Every year, we hear that situation is getting worse," said Brown. "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' safety," said Brown.
41st Annual Canadian Police and Peace Officers' Memorial Service
The ceremony began on Parliament Hill at 9 a.m. as officers read aloud the names of each of the police and peace officers who have died on duty over the years. Later, officers in uniform marched from the Supreme Court to Parliament Hill where they were 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.
