Statement from OPP Association

BARRIE, ON, March 9, 2015 /CNW/ - On Friday, March 6, 2015, RCMP officers executed a search warrant at the Head Office of the OPP Association in Barrie, Ontario.  The RCMP is conducting a criminal investigation and believed that evidence to support its investigation could be found in the OPP Association Head Office as well as the offices of President Christie, Vice President Bain and CAO Walsh.

The Association has fully cooperated with the RCMP investigation by providing them with the items identified in their search warrant.

In the best interests of the Association and its membership, effective immediately, President Christie and Vice-President Bain have taken voluntary leaves of absence from the OPP Association. In addition, CAO Walsh has been placed on administrative leave by the Board of Directors. These actions should not be considered admissions or implications of wrongdoing or liability by anyone or by the Association. The Association has no knowledge of any charges being laid against any persons at this time.

All the lawful authority of the Association is now with Acting President Lewis, Acting Vice-President Provost, the Board of Directors and Acting CAO Briscoe. These steps will ensure that the day-to-day operations of the OPP Association continue.

Acting President Lewis and the Board of Directors would like to thank the Staff of the Association for their dedication during this difficult time. They wish to reassure members of the Association that the high level of professional service they have received in the past will continue.

The Association is in the process of obtaining specialized independent legal advice with respect to this matter.

As this investigation is ongoing, the OPP Association will not be commenting further at this time.

SOURCE Ontario Provincial Police Association

Josh Jutras, Strategic Communications Coordinator, OPP Association, 800-461-4282, [email protected]