MPPAC urges RCMP members to join and have their voices heard

OTTAWA, Feb. 18, 2016 /CNW/ - The Mounted Police Professional Association of Canada (MPPAC) is calling on members to join and be part of an historic transformation within the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Force.

"Our association strives for excellence in all we do, including fighting for the right to engage in collective bargaining which will soon be available to all members," said MPPAC's President Rae Banwarie. "There is a lot of work to be done, and along with members from across the country we can do it by working together."

MPPAC has been working on behalf of RCMP regular and civilian members across Canada, including winning a Supreme Court of Canada case in 2015 for the right to enter into a collective agreement, and most recently becoming the Respondent in a case whereby the RCMP are appealing orders to implement safety measures.

Over the years, MPPAC has raised questions of the RCMP management's accountability, resources and training, and ongoing issues related to officer safety and the public's safety. 

The Association's goal is to provide leadership and advocacy not only on workplace issues, but on policing and justice issues which affect our members and all Canadians the RCMP serves and protects. 

"We are all key stakeholders in the RCMP and have an interest in improving it," said Rob Creasser, MPPAC spokesperson.  "Members want to negotiate our employment conditions and be consulted on changes to the RCMP in order to improve its overall effectiveness — for everybody." 

In an upcoming Global News 16 X 9 investigative report, MPPAC members are mentioned regarding a privacy breach in which their medical information was used without their knowledge and consent. This action was sanctioned by current RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson.

Of the 227 police agencies in Canada, 226 already have collective bargaining rights – the only exception has been the RCMP. The majority decision from the Supreme Court of Canada in January 2015 gave officers the right to unionize. MPPAC does not seek or support the right to strike.  In January 2016, the Supreme Court has given the federal government four more months to draft new legislation that will grant collective bargaining rights to RCMP members. The legislation will be introduced no later than the end of May 2016.

It's our RCMP, it's our future, you can make a difference! To join visit: http://mppac.ca/about/become-a-member/

SOURCE Mounted Police Professional Association of Canada

Rob Creasser, Media Relations, Mounted Police Professional Association of Canada, T(250) 371-1071, E: [email protected]