The OPP Association welcomes the Ontario Government announcement July 29, 2024 of $134M to purchase five new police helicopters, two of which will be purchased, operated and maintained by the OPP to assist Toronto Police Service and Ottawa Police Service.
Our Members at OPP Aviation Services proudly fly both rotary and fixed wing aircraft, and play a crucial role for maintaining public safety, with our Members policing over 1 million square kilometres throughout Ontario.
The additional three helicopters named at the announcement will be purchased, operated and maintained by the Halton Regional Police, Peel Regional Police and the Durham Regional Police Services.
OPP Association President John Cerasuolo states: “The OPP Association supports the additional purchase of helicopters that will increase the capacity of police services to deliver safe, timely and effective policing throughout Ontario. We are grateful to our OPP pilots, mechanics and OPP Aviation support staff for the valuable work they perform each and every day to assist in investigations, locate missing and vulnerable persons and transport equipment, personnel and persons in custody. We look forward to supporting additional staff to manage the increase to the fleet leading up to the delivery of the new helicopters in 2026.”
For more information read the Ontario Government press release “Ontario Fighting Auto Theft and Organized Crime With Expanded New Joint Air Support Unit – New Helicopters will help prevent violent carjackings in Ottawa and the Greater Toronto Area”.
Barrie, Ontario – 5am July 22, 2024
The Membership of the Ontario Provincial Police Association have ratified new Uniform and Civilian Collective Agreements, making our Uniform OPP Association Members the highest paid police in Ontario.
87.7% of the Members ratified the Uniform Agreement
92.9% of Members voted to ratify the Civilian Agreement.
The term of Agreements are from January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2026 (four years). The percentages of yearly salary increases are retroactive to the dates identified.
January 1, 2023 – 4.75%
January 1, 2024 – 4.50%
January 1, 2025 – 2.75%
January 1, 2026 – 2.75%
OPP Association President John Cerasuolo states:
“Our Sworn Police Officers and Civilian Members work tirelessly to serve and protect the citizens of Ontario each and every day, often putting their own lives at risk. Our Members deserve to be the top paid police in Ontario. We wish to thank the Bargaining Team on both sides for their diligent work to finalize these Collective Agreements, and thank our Membership for the support.”
The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for the close to 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police. There are twenty Branches serving Members throughout Ontario. Head Office is located in Barrie.
Media Inquiries:
Scott Mills communications@oppa.ca cell 647-449-2801
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Today Provincial Constable Nicholls attended Court in Collingwood, Ontario for sentencing in relation to the Court’s October 26, 2023 finding of guilt on the charge of assault causing bodily harm. Based on the sentencing submissions of Provincial Constable Nicholls counsel and the Crown the Court imposed a suspended sentence.
The OPPA can advise, on behalf of Provincial Constable Nicholls, that there is merit to an appeal, and one will be filed. The appeal will be based on the Court’s errors including but not limited to the following issues:
- Incorrect application of s.25 of the Criminal Code by:
(a) determining that s. 25 requires a police officer to perceive a threat, as opposed to permitting use of force to affect the officer’s purpose regardless of the existence of a threat;
(b) improperly assessing the incident through the lens of the reasonableness of the complainant’s actions;
(c) failing to apply the requisite modified objective test to the assessment of the reasonableness of the officer’s actions;
- An unreasonable finding as to the degree of force actually applied;
- Incorrect assessment of whether there was a reasonable foreseeability of bodily harm;
- Improper finding that the complainant’s injury was the product of an intentional application of force; and
- A general misapprehension of the evidence.
The OPP Association will continue to support Provincial Constable Nicholls through the appeal and is optimistic that the outcome will be favourable.
John Cerasuolo – President, Ontario Provincial Police Association
Media inquiries:
Scott Mills
Email: communications@oppa.ca
Cell 647-449-2801
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OSHAWA, ON, March 25, 2024 /CNW/ – Today, all charges were withdrawn against our members, OPP Provincial Constables Nathan Vanderheyden, Kenneth Pengelly and Grayson Cappus in relation to a police-involved shooting in Lindsay on November 26, 2020.
On that day a family suffered the death of their child. The lives of the family, our police officers, and civilian members have been forever impacted. One of our members sustained very serious life altering injuries during the response to that tragic incident. When an incident such as this occurs, it affects the families, the community, and our entire policing family.
OPP Association President John Cerasuolo states:
“The circumstances of this incident involving the death of an innocent child are tragic for all involved. We offer our sympathies to the child’s family. It is our duty to serve and protect and we take that duty very seriously. Unfortunately, as police officers protect public safety in highly volatile and fast-moving dangerous situations, unexpected outcomes may result. It is a correct and just decision made today that the charges against our members have been withdrawn. We have stated from the outset that our members acted courageously and professionally during an extremely dangerous situation. We were confident that as the case proceeded through justice system that the evidence would vindicate the officers. It is important for the public to understand that if police are charged with an offence, they have the presumption of innocence, and in this case it has been determined that on the totality of the evidence there was no reasonable prospect of conviction. Our officers were doing their job according to their training.”
We encourage anyone impacted by this situation to reach out and lean on those closest to them as well as seek professional mental health assistance. We also encourage you to reach in to those you know are impacted by this tragedy.
The Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge offers mental health supports to residents of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton, Peterborough and County, and Northumberland. To learn more about the programs and services they offer, visit cmhahkpr.ca or call 705-328-2704.
The Ontario Provincial Police Association’s (OPPA) Encompas Mental Health Wellness Program is available to our members and their families by calling 24/7: 1-866-794-9117 or by visiting encompascare.ca.
Confidential support services are available to all OPP members, families, retirees, and auxiliaries through the OPP’s Healthy Workplace Team (HWT) available by phone, toll-free at 1-844-OPP-9409
(1-844-677-9409), or by directly contacting any HWT member.
Media Contact: Scott Mills Cell 647-449-2801 Email: communications@oppa.ca
For Immediate Release
December 7, 2023
Statement – Bail Reform Legislation Receives Royal Assent
OTTAWA – Tom Stamatakis, President of the Canadian Police Association, Mark Baxter, President of the Police Association of Ontario, John Cerasuolo, President of the Ontario Provincial Police Association, and Jon Reid, President of the Toronto Police Association, jointly released a statement today following Royal Assent being given to Bill C-48, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (bail reform). This important legislation was supported by all members of the Canadian Police Association, and was originally introduced following the high-profile murders of police officers in Ontario, and across Canada, by violent offenders who were, at the time of the attacks, on release from previous convictions.
“Front-line police personnel applaud all Members of Parliament for their work on passing common sense bail reform that specifically targets serious, repeat violent offenders. Perhaps most importantly, this legislation which was passed unanimously by all elected Members of the House of Commons, sends a strong signal to our Courts that community safety must be a key concern when considering whether proven, prolific offenders should be granted bail and released before being held accountable for their actions.” – Mr. Tom Stamatakis, President, Canadian Police Association.
“Police associations, and the members we collectively represent, sincerely appreciate the work done by former and current Justice Ministers David Lametti and Arif Virani, building on the consensus developed by leaders of provincial and municipal governments across Canada, on this important issue. The safety of our communities should be a thoroughly non-partisan issue, and Bill C-48 proves that when all stakeholders come together, we can quickly identify solutions to address serious problems.” – Mr. Mark Baxter, President, Police Association of Ontario.
“We hope that this legislation is only the first step in meaningful justice reform that recognizes that bail is a fundamental right, and the presumption of innocence is a cornerstone of our justice system, but that we can work collaboratively to identify potential evidence-based legislative and administrative changes to address the concerns that many Canadians have expressed, when highlighting their concerns of deteriorating public safety in their communities. We believe that by working together, we can better protect the public and ensure a fair and effective justice system.” – Mr. John Cerasuolo, President, Ontario Provincial Police Association.
“The past 15 months have been difficult for the policing community in Canada, with eight murders of police officers who were engaged in the exercise of their duties across the country. Passing this bail reform legislation is important action that shows that their sacrifices are recognized, and that our elected officials are ready to take concrete steps to help protect not just our law enforcement personnel, but also the communities they serve.” – Mr. Jon Reid, President, Toronto Police Association.
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The Canadian Police Association (CPA) is Canada’s largest law enforcement advocacy organization and the national voice for 60,000 police personnel across Canada. Membership includes police personnel serving in 160 police services across Canada, from Canada’s smallest towns and villages as well as those working in our largest municipal and provincial police services, and members of the railway police, and first nations’ police personnel.
For additional information:
Mr. Michael Gendron
Communications Officer, Canadian Police Association
(613) 299-6516 / mgendron@cpa-acp.ca
Media Contact for OPP Association:
Scott Mills Email: communications@oppa.ca / Cell 647-449-2801
Barrie, Ontario
November 28, 2023
“The OPP Association will fully support OPP Provincial Constable Bailey Nicholls to the conclusion of this proceeding. We believed that the evidence, including the video released today, would result in the acquittal of PC Nicholls. The decision is obviously very disappointing. We have viewed the video. It is our position that force used in the circumstances was minimal, appropriate, and commiserate in the full circumstances of the incident. It is important to note that the full interaction with the intoxicated female that informed the officer’s response was not captured in the video. We believe that while a reasonable member of the public viewing the video may not accept the officer’s use of force they would be left wondering how that interaction resulted in the injury and a conviction for ‘assault cause bodily harm’. We are analyzing and reviewing the decision of Justice Olver, and once the legal process is concluded, a determination will be made about the merits of an appeal.”
John Cerasuolo
President, Ontario Provincial Police Association
Media Inquiries:
Scott Mills
Email: communications@oppa.ca
Cell 647-449-2801
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Barrie, Ontario
“The OPP Association will fully support OPP Provincial Constable Bailey Nicholls to the conclusion of this proceeding. On October 26, 2023 Justice Jon Olver read a verdict of guilty of assault causing bodily harm for Constable Bailey Nicholls after a trial in Orillia Court. We believed that the evidence would result in the acquittal of PC Nicholls and today’s decision is obviously very disappointing. We are analyzing and reviewing the decision of Justice Olver, and once the legal process is concluded, a determination will be made about the merits of an appeal.”
John Cerasuolo
President, Ontario Provincial Police Association
Media Inquiries:
Scott Mills
Email: communications@oppa.ca
Cell 647-449-2801
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Barrie, Ontario
The OPP Association was disappointed and outraged to learn that convicted murderer and dangerous offender, Paul Bernardo has been moved to a medium security prison. We understand that the Correctional Service of Canada is reviewing this decision with a focus on the impact on the victim families and a ‘trauma informed approach’ after a public and political outcry. We cannot remain silent on this issue. Families of the victims deserve better, as do our members.
In this case, and in the case of several others where police officers were murdered, the OPP Association closely monitors parole hearings for offenders. Our members and their families are often outraged at the decisions made. These decisions are often made with minimal consultation due to privacy laws protecting offenders.
We urge the Correctional Service Canada and the Parole Board of Canada to consider first and foremost the victim families, public safety, and the health and welfare of members at all times when making decisions relating to dangerous offenders and police officer killers.
There is significant trauma that our members are exposed to during investigations of horrendous crimes that people like Paul Bernardo have been convicted of and whereby declared a dangerous offender.
Our members work tirelessly to gather the evidence to convict offenders like Paul Bernardo, often at great peril to their own mental health and the well being of their families. When the system lets us down the vicarious trauma experienced by our members is lived all over again in the form of sanctuary trauma, further harming the health and welfare of our members.
Equally, when a police officer is murdered, our members are exposed to extraordinary circumstances and further trauma. Our members gather and present the evidence to the Court resulting in offenders being convicted and sentenced to life in prison. We, along with Canadians, expect that these offenders will remain in prison for life, not gain early release based on good behaviour, and in the case of a Paul Bernardo, and other dangerous offenders, remain in a maximum security institution for the rest of their lives.
~ John Cerasuolo, President OPP Association ~
Media contact: Scott Mills cell 647-449-2801 or email communications@oppa.ca
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Canada’s Police Associations Welcome Government of Canada Action on Bail Reform
OTTAWA –Associations representing Canada’s front-line law enforcement personnel released a joint statement today, welcoming the introduction of Bill C-48 (An Act to Amend the Criminal Code – Bail Reform), by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada. The full statement issued by the Canadian Police Association is attached below.
“Our members have seen first-hand the tragic results that can happen when repeat violent offenders are continuously released without concern for the impact that has on community safety. Over the past 8 months, the policing community, and all Canadians have mourned the loss of too many murdered police officers. In December, we persevered through the tragic loss of Ontario Provincial Police Constable Grzegorz (Greg) Pierzchala and now another heartbreaking funeral being held this week for Ontario Provincial Police Sergeant Eric Mueller. Our members appreciate the virtually unprecedented consensus that formed calling for concrete action on bail reform, and we’re glad to see the government has responded with the introduction of Bill C-48. We look forward to working with all stakeholders and Parliamentarians to see this legislation pass quickly.”
John Cerasuolo, President, Ontario Provincial Police Association.
Media Contact: Scott Mills cell 647-449-2801 communications@oppa.ca
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The OPP Association is devastated our member Sergeant Eric Mueller has been shot and killed in the line of duty, and two of our members have been wounded in Bourget, Ontario. We offer our deepest condolences to Sergeant Mueller’s wife and two young children, to his colleagues and friends. Eric will always be remembered for his service and sacrifice.
All three officers are from the Russell County OPP Detachment in the Ottawa area.
OPP Association President John Cerasulo states:
“There are no words to express the pain we are all feeling regarding this recent tragedy involving the murder of OPP Sergeant Eric Mueller, who was killed in the line of duty May 11. His service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. He will always be remembered as a Hero in Life, Not Death. Two officers were also injured during the event and are currently in hospital. We are hoping for the recovery of these officers. We send our thoughts to their families and colleagues during this difficult time.
Policing is a dangerous job 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year. Officers go to work every day to serve and protect the citizens of Ontario. This situation demonstrates that there is no such thing as a routine call. It cannot go unsaid that this is the 9th officer in Canada to be killed in the line of duty in the past several months – our members are asking “When will this violence end?”.
The risk that officers take every day cannot be overstated, and their sacrifice cannot be taken for granted. Our entire policing community, including our communicators and all civilian support staff are deeply affected by these line of duty deaths, as is our entire community. We don’t have all of the answers. Please keep Sergeant Eric Mueller, his wife, and children, his colleagues, and our policing family in your thoughts as we navigate and grieve this unspeakable tragedy.”
OPP Commissioner Carrique has publicly stated this morning:
“It is with an extremely heavy heart that we regretfully advise that OPP Sgt. Eric Mueller has been killed in the line of duty. We await further word on his fellow officers who are still at hospital. Our thoughts are with the officers, their families and colleagues.”
OPP East Region have publicly stated the following:
“Shortly after 2 a.m. on May 11, 2023, officers from the Russell County OPP Detachment were dispatched to a disturbance at a home on Laval Street in Bourget, where someone had reported hearing a gunshot. Three officers arrived on the scene and all three were shot by an individual at the home. All three officers were transported to hospital in Ottawa. One of the officers has since died as a result of their injuries. The others are recovering. One person has been taken into custody and there is no risk to public safety. No further details are available at this time.”
The OPP Association President, members of the Board of Directors and OPPA staff are actively engaged in supporting our members and their families.
We all are hurting this morning. We have notified our Encompas Mental Health Wellness Program of these circumstances and they are available 24/7 for support for our members and their families by calling 1-866-794-9117, or online at encompascare.ca.
The OPP Association will be updating our members on email blastouts when further information is available. Follow our OPP Association social media channels (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram) for public updates.
Further updates will be provided when available.
Media contact for OPP Association:
Scott Mills
Cell 647-449-2801
Email communications@oppa.ca.
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