Safety of Communities a Priority for NAPS Chair and Chief
THUNDER BAY, ON – Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS) Board Chair Mike Metatawabin and NAPS Chief of Police Terry Armstrong react to today’s news that NAPS Officers voted to go on strike. While NAPS officers are not currently on strike, within approximately 3-4 weeks, NAPS officers may be in a legal position to strike.
NAPS Chair Mike Metatawabin stated: “Despite the reality that the Officers have voted in favour of striking, I am confident that they will remain dedicated to fulfilling their duties as best they can in the difficult conditions that they work under. The NAPS Board will ensure that the Chief has everything necessary to permit the continuation of policing in the communities. That said, the strike vote is the canary in the mines when it comes to Aboriginal policing in our communities. It is difficult to defend the current conditions that NAPS Officers operate under when doing the important work of keeping our communities safe. There is no room for double standards in society generally and how members of Aboriginal Police Services are treated in particular. While the current situation is troubling, I am confident that, with the cooperation of Canada and Ontario, an actual withdrawal of services can be averted.”
NAPS Chief of Police Terry Armstrong stated: “While it is unfortunate that our officers feel that they have reached this stage, as Chief of Police I can assure all communities that public safety is paramount. NAPS Officers, each and every one of them, are committed to fulfilling their duties to uphold the peace and keep people safe. Our Officers have never let me down in this regard. While these labour negotiations are going on I expect that there will be those who are critical of the Officers, I do not share that view. Nevertheless, my office in conjunction with the Board, is preparing for contingencies including a legal strike. I remain confident in the professionalism of my Officers and I am grateful to the community leadership that continue to recognize the essential role played by NAPS.”
NAPS delivers culturally appropriate policing for First Nations, serving 34 communities across NAN territory – an area encompassing nearly two-thirds of Ontario from Thunder Bay to Hudson’s Bay and from Manitoba to Quebec. NAPS employs more than 130 uniform officers and 30 civilians. NAPS was established in 1994 through a Tripartite Agreement between the governments of Canada, Ontario, and NAN under Canada’s First Nations Policing Policy. It is funded by Canada and Ontario but unlike other Ontario police services, NAPS is not regulated by the Police Services Act.
