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. 

NUPGE Peace Officers join annual memorial

“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." NUPGE President Larry Brown

Members of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) Sept 29, 2019

Ottawa (30 Sept. 2019) – Peace Officers from the National Union were a strong contingent at the 42nd 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, and conservation.

Larry Brown, NUPGE President encouraged 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 Brown. 

2019 Officers honoured

  • October 7, 2018 Correctional Officer Lesa J. Zoerb, Correctional Service Canada

HISTORICAL OFFICERS BEING HONOURED IN 2019:

  • June 22 1927, Customs Inspector Turner Ingalls, Canada Border Services Agency
  • January 25 1927, Customs Inspector William G. Hughes, Canada Border Services Agency
  • November 17 1905, Constable/Deputy Sheriff John W. Clarkson, Treherne Police

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 Conservation officers was also held.

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.

42nd 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.