THUNDER BAY – Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler and Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service (NAPS) Board Chair Mike Metatawabin welcome the ratification of a new labour agreement by NAPS officers that includes salary increases and improvements to operational safety.
“We are pleased that an agreement has been reached that was acceptable to the Nishnawbe- Aski Police Service Board and the officers who serve our communities with such pride and distinction. This will come as a great relief to the leaders of our communities and we thank everyone involved in these lengthy negotiations,” said Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler. “We will continue to negotiate a new Tripartite Policing Agreement with the federal and provincial governments that meets the needs of our officers and ensures the safety of our communities while pursuing a legislative framework with the provincial government to designate NAPS under the Police Services Act.”
The new agreement addresses wage and safety gaps between NAPS officers and other police officers in Ontario, and will improve working conditions for the officers in the communities they police.
“On behalf of the Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service Board and management I am pleased that this collective agreement has been ratified by the officers. It is a great relief for all concerned. Much appreciation and recognition to everyone who were involved in all the negotiations leading up to the agreement. We acknowledge and commend the decision of the officers to continue moving forward. Thank you. Wacheeyea. Meegwetch,” said NAPS Board Chair Mike Metatawabin.
NAPS is the largest First Nations police service in Canada and the second largest First Nations police service in North America, employing more than 130 uniform officers and 30 civilians. Based in Thunder Bay, NAPS polices 35 communities across NAN territory, which encompasses nearly two-thirds of the Province of Ontario.