Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde Reinforces Support for First Nations Policing as an Essential Service

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde Reinforces Support for First Nations Policing as an Essential Service

OTTAWA, Dec. 6, 2017 – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde today called on the federal government to act now to recognize First Nations police services as an essential service and to provide the funding and support similar to other police forces in the country.

“The safety of our families and children is our priority and First Nations police are on the frontline in that work,” said National Chief Bellegarde. “The stark reality is that funding for First Nations policing on-reserve hasn’t risen since 2009. Our police officers are brave and dedicated people who deserve quality equipment and fair salaries. The government needs to designate them an essential service and support them as an essential service. This is about justice, fairness and safe and secure communities for families.”

The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador region held a press conference today at the AFN Special Chiefs Assembly in Ottawa, calling for sustained support for First Nations policing. AFN resolution 45/2017, passed unanimously at the AFN Annual General Assembly in 2017, calls on the federal government to ensure First Nations police services are viewed as essential services and are supported equitably with municipal and provincial police forces.

The AFN is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada. Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Updates.

For further information: Jamie Monastyrski, Press Secretary – National Chief’s Office, 613-241-6789 ext. 116, 343-540-6179 (cell), jamiem@afn.ca; Alain Garon, Bilingual Communications Officer, 613-241-6789 ext. 382, 613-292-0857 (cell), agaron@afn.ca; Michael Hutchinson, Communications Officer, 613-241-6789 ext. 254, 613-299-6330 (cell), mhutchinson@afn.ca

NT5