Ambitious agenda for national justice workers' meeting

Coincides with Canadian Police and Peace Officers' Memorial Service Sept. 30 on Parliament Hill
 

Ottawa (25 Sept. 2007) - National Union Component reps for justice workers will be rolling up their sleeves and getting down to work during a meeting Sept. 27-28 in Ottawa.

"They have set out an ambitious agenda for themselves," says James Clancy, president of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE). "Agenda items include a wide range of topics - bargaining, health and safety, post-traumatic stress and government relations."

Among the special guests at this year's meeting will be Saskatchewan researcher Bobbi Standyk, who will be discussing important research on post-traumatic stress disorders experienced by correctional officers. In addition, David Griffin, executive officer of the Canadian Police Association (CPA), will be presenting the views of his union on the federal government's legislative agenda.

"The delegates to these meetings are among the best informed people in Canada's criminal justice system," says Clancy. "They can speak knowledgeably about a wide range of issues effecting the system. They are also deeply committed to protecting our communities by ensuring that our justice system is efficient and effective."

The two day annual meeting occurs in advance of the annual Canadian Police and Peace Officers' Memorial Service, scheduled Sept. 30 on Parliament Hill.

Paying tribute to the fallen

At the memorial service, officers from across Canada will pay tribute to the 10 police and peace officers who lost their lives over the past year while working to keep our communities safe. Their names will be added to the Memorial Honour Roll, joining those of other fallen officers inscribed on the monument located on Parliament Hill.

In 1998, the Canadian government officially proclaimed the last Sunday of September as Police and Peace Officers' National Memorial Day. The annual service gives Canadians an opportunity to express their appreciation for the ultimate dedication and sacrifice of police and peace officers.

The National Memorial Day Service is organized by the Canadian Police Association (CPA), the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) and the Canadian Peace Officers' Memorial Association (CPOMA). NUPGE