Cost of Professional Policing in Ontario Stable and Accountable for 20 Years

TORONTO, Aug. 29, 2012 /CNW/ - Statement by Dave McFadden, President of the Police Association of Ontario in response to remarks made by Premier Dalton McGuinty with regard to bankable sick day benefits for police.

"The important thing for people to know is that Ontario municipalities and citizens are fortunate to have professional, accountable policing.  Professional, accountable policing is what helps make our communities safe, strong, and livable. With professional policing, contracts are negotiated in good faith and that's part of the positive and accountable relationship we have with our communities. Proportionally, the cost of professional policing has not increased in over 20 years.  The cost of policing takes up the same percentage of budgets now as it did 20 years ago.  People are aware that policing is dangerous and police officers put their lives on the line every day - every minute - and associations need to work closely through collective bargaining to ensure that members receive a responsible compensation that reflects that reality.  This is about collective bargaining and has to be seen in the context of individual contracts.  Any benefit that is negotiated is balanced by something else that is given up."

SOURCE: Police Association of Ontario

Dave McFadden, President, Police Association of Ontario at 905.670.9770