Organizing
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Photo: David Nakogee Cochrane, ON |
Feb. 15, 2008
NAPS- A Sacred Calling
Greetings All,
I would like to bring this video to your attention for the purposes of support, education and awareness.
Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service: A Sacred Calling is a 20 minute video documentary portraying the deplorable working and living conditions of NAPS officers and detachments, resulting from an accumulation of severe provincial and federal funding shortages.
Video Link:
http://www.nan.on.ca/article/nishnawbe-aski-police-service-a-sacred-calling--307.asp
Other Related News and Links:
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/canada/story.html?id=285717
http://www.thestar.com/News/article/300461
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/January2008/16/c9460.html
Please pass on this information.
Miigwetch/Thank you
Kevin Nadjiwon
Aboriginal Representative- PSAC Ontario Regional Council
Human Rights Representative- National Component, Ontario
Mar. 24, 2006
Nishnawbe-Aski Police Officers to Join One of Canada’s Largest Unions
The Canada Industrial Relations Board is giving the Nishnawbe-Aski Police Services (NAPS) Board officers an opportunity to join one of Canada’s largest and most progressive unions, the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC).
The police officers are currently represented by the Canadian First Nations Police Association. By choosing the PSAC, the police officers would join 20 civilian employees of the Nishnawbe-Aski Police Services Board who are already PSAC members.
“A vast majority of Nishnawbe-Aski Police Services Board officers have already signed a PSAC membership card,” said Gerry Halabecki, PSAC Regional Executive Vice-President for Ontario. “We are confident the officers will seize the opportunity to start the work of improving their sometimes deplorable working conditions.”
The Nishnawbe-Aski Police Services Board officers’ working conditions may be among the worst in this country for police officers. PSAC intends to discuss the health and safety deficiencies in the workplace with the Nishnawbe-Aski Police Services Board as soon as it is recognized as the legitimate representative of these workers.
“The first order of business will be the creation of a joint Health and Safety Committee as it is required by law under the Canada Labour Code,” said Halabecki.
PSAC believes that addressing the systemic problems that gave rise to the Kashechewan Police detachment fire and the Kashechewan water crisis will require a comprehensive political response in partnership with affected communities.PSAC has sent representatives to Northern detachments in both the northeast and northwest regions to observe first-hand the state of many detachments that are in need of an urgent and immediate upgrade. By standing together, Nishnawbe-Aski Police Services Board employees can make a difference.
Jan. 18, 2006
PSAC National President's letter to Nishnawbe-Aski Police Services Board Officers
On behalf of the 160,000 members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada, I wish to express my deepest and sincerest condolences to the three Officers and their families who were involved in the unfortunate and avoidable fire at the Kashechewan Police detachment. It is my hope these Officers and their families will have a full recovery, and that their injuries will not be long lasting.
The Public Service Alliance of Canada has consistently taken a strong stand to support our members’ right to a healthy and safe workplace.
The Public Service Alliance of Canada has also previously expressed a position in support of on safe drinking water. PSAC's “Think, Ask, Vote” fact sheet on Aboriginal rights was created to encourage all our members to lobby candidates to respond to the recent water crisis in Kashechewan, Ontario. The Public Service Alliance of Canada is also encouraging candidates to address the broader social and economic gap between Aboriginal Peoples and other people in Canada.
Addressing the systemic problems that gave rise to the Kashechwan water crisis, and the Kashechwan Police detachment fire will require a comprehensive political response in partnership with affected communities. The Public Service Alliance of Canada intends to play a constructive role by building a Health and Safety committee in this workplace. By standing together Nishnawbe/Aski Police Services Board employees can make a difference.
Once again our thoughts and prayers go out to the three Officers and their families.
Sincerely,
Nycole Turmel
National President
Public Service Alliance of Canada
Campaign Updates
PSAC files displacement certification application - Jan. 4/06
PSAC answers questions from teleconference - Jan. 27/06
Re-sign and return your PSAC card today! - Feb 1/06
PSAC obtains majority support to re-file application -Feb 27/06
Labour Board Orders Vote for NAPS’ officers! - Mar 23/06 [pdf] [word]