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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In the early morning hours of August 20, 2022, OPP Provincial Constable Mike Walli was involved in a police pursuit of a vehicle that was wanted in connection with a fail to remain collision. In the course of the arrest the suspect experienced a non life threatening injury which resulted in the Special Investigations Unit invoking their mandate.
On March 13, 2023 the Special Investigations Unit announced charges against Provincial Constable Mike Walli of criminal negligence causing bodily harm, assault with a weapon, assault cause bodily harm and careless use of a firearm.
The SIU press release can be read on the SIU website.
OPP Association President John Cerasuolo states:
The OPP Association supports OPP Provincial Constable Mike Walli who was carrying out his duties on August 20, 2022, when he responded to a call for a fail to remain vehicle collision in Orillia. As part of the OPP Association’s support of PC Walli, we provide him with legal counsel and we look forward to a vigorous legal defence as the matter proceeds through the justice system. We are mindful that the upcoming legal proceedings will be long and stressful for PC Walli and other OPPA members impacted by this incident. We encourage and urge all OPPA Members to reach out for professional and or peer mental health supports available by contacting 24/7 1-866-794-9117 or online at EncompasCare.ca.
Media inquires can be directed by email to Scott Mills communications@oppa.ca or cell 647-449-2801.
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TORONTO, ON, February 10, 2023 – After more than three weeks of evidence during the Coroner’s Inquest into the death of Mr. Abdurahman Hassan the jury rendered their verdict today, finding no wrongdoing on the part of OPP Provincial Constable Andy Eberhardt and Peterbourough Police Constable Alicia McGriskin.
The Inquest Jury found that Mr. Hassan’s cause of death was sudden death during struggle/restraint in the setting of schizophrenia and hypertensive heart disease. The jury’s cause of death statement and verdict completely exonerated PC Eberhardt, Constable McGriskin and the nurses.
It is important to recognize and acknowledge that during this incident PC Eberhardt and Constable McGriskin conducted themselves in the best traditions of the OPP and Peterborough Police Service, and Ontarians can be thankful for their service.
Background
On June 10, 2015 at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre PC Eberhard along with Constable McGriskin of the Peterborough Police Service were on a ‘paid duty’ assignment to maintain the custody of Mr. Hassan while he was recovering from health issues.
In the late hours of June 10, 2015 and early on June 11, 2015 PC Eberhardt and Constable McGriskin assisted the dedicated nursing team to provide healthcare to Mr. Hassan. On both of those occasions the assistance of the officers was required by the nursing staff because Mr. Hassan was highly agitated, violent, uncontrollable, in addition to spitting and throwing feces at the nurses and officers. Their collective goal on both occasions was to ensure Mr. Hassan’s healthcare was addressed in a timely manner while ensuring the safety of all of the persons involved.
During the second incident, Mr. Hassan was again highly agitated, thrashing, uncontrollable, and spitting and throwing feces at the nurses and officers. While Mr. Hassan’s healthcare needs were being addressed, he was again restrained by the nurses and police and it was during this interaction that he suddenly and tragically died.
Sadly, our OPP officer, PC Eberhardt died in 2018. It is important to note that the jury was able to rely on a voluntary audio statement he provided to the Special Investigations Unit during their investigation of Mr. Hassan’s death. PC Eberhardt and Constable McGriskin were both subject officers in the SIU investigation, and were both cleared of wrongdoing by the Director of the SIU in 2017.
A copy of the verdict is attached to this press release.
Media Contact:
Ontario Provincial Police Association
Scott Mills
Strategic Communications Coordinator
communications@oppa.ca
Cell 647-449-2801
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TORONTO, ON, January 6, 2023 – Four of Canada’s largest police associations representing more than 60,000 sworn and civilian police personnel announced today they have joined forces to confront the growing wave of violence against police and the communities they serve and protect. Following is a joint statement of the Canadian Police Association, the Police Association of Ontario, the Ontario Provincial Police Association, and the Toronto Police Association.
On Wednesday, January 4th, 2023, we bid a final heartbreaking farewell to yet another of our officers. Haldimand County OPP Constable Greg Pierzchala was gunned down in broad daylight coming to the aid of what he thought were citizens in distress with a car in the ditch. The senseless murder of this young, promising and valued member of the OPP has left us all devastated and grieving particularly for his family, friends and colleagues.
Losing one police officer is obviously losing one too many. Yet the horrible reality is Constable Pierzchala is one of five officers in Canada killed on duty just in the past four months. We also mourn the loss of Const. Devon Northrup (South Simcoe Police), Const. Morgan Russell (South Simcoe Police), Const. Shaelyn Yang (RCMP) and Const. Andrew Hong (Toronto Police).
As four of Canada’s largest police associations representing more than 60,000 members, we are saying today what we are sure most Canadians are feeling: Enough is enough. We cannot allow the deaths of five of our members to go unchallenged. Instead, we can and must honour their sacrifice by identifying the issues that led to this unacceptable wave of violence.
Together over the next days, weeks, and months we will review the judicial and public safety frameworks, commit to further research to fully understand the best remedies, identify what isn’t working, and call for change to ensure that this does not continue. Everything will be on the table – from bail to sentencing, to enhancing Crime Stoppers, to a growing and chronic shortage of police officers.
At the same time, we will be reaching out to our memberships, to our communities, and indeed to all Canadians to help us ensure our recommendations are followed by action at all levels of government and society.
Our members need to be safe. Our communities need to be safe. The system needs to change. And it needs to change now.
Tom Stamatakis President
The Canadian Police Association (CPA)
Mark Baxter, President
The Police Association of Ontario (PAO)
John Cerasuolo, President
Ontario Provincial Police Association (OPPA)
Jon Reid, President
Toronto Police Association (TPA)
Interviews available for all four organizations:
The Canadian Police Association (CPA)
Media Contact: Michael Gendron, Communications Officer
T: 613 299 6516 E: mgendron@cpa-acp.ca
The Police Association of Ontario (PAO)
Media Contact: Kiki Cloutier, Earnscliffe Strategies
T: 416 885 4651 E: kiki@earnscliffe.ca
Ontario Provincial Police Association (OPPA)
Media Contact: Scott Mills, Strategic Communications Coordinator
T: 647 449 2801 E: communications@oppa.ca
Toronto Police Association (TPA)
Media Contact: Meaghan Gray, Chief Communications Officer
T: 647 530 8911 E: mgray@tpa.ca
It is with deep sadness that we learn of the line of duty death today of our member from the Haldimand County Detachment, OPP Provincial Constable Grzegorz “Greg” Pierzchala.
Provincial Constable Pierzchala was investigating a motor vehicle collision when he was shot and killed this afternoon on Indian Line in Hagersville, Ontario.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Greg’s family, friends and colleagues. Greg’s service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. He will always be remembered as Hero in Life, Not Death. Our members go to work every day to serve and protect the citizens of Ontario. They do a dangerous job 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year throughout the province of Ontario. This situation demonstrates that there is no such thing as a routine call in policing.
This will be very difficult for all of our OPPA members. Please look after each other out there. If you need to reach out for peer or professional support, we encourage you to call our Encompas Mental Health Wellness Program at 1-866-794-9117 or encompascare.ca.
John Cerasuolo
President
Ontario Ontario Provincial Police Association
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About the Ontario Provincial Police Association
Headquartered in Barrie, the Ontario Provincial Police Association (OPPA) acts as the bargaining agent for its nearly 10,000 Uniform and Civilian members. Of equal importance, the OPPA serves as the voice of its members in advocating for improved health and safety standards and better supports for members suffering from operational stress injuries.
Media inquiries:
Scott Mills – OPPA Strategic Communications Coordinator
cell: 647-449-2801
Email: Communications@oppa.ca
Barrie, ON, October 26, 2022/CNW/
John Cerasuolo has been named the new President and CEO of the OPP Association. David Sabatini has been named the new Vice President. The announcements were made at the Annual General Meeting of the Ontario Provincial Association on October 20, 2022 in Collingwood, Ontario.
John is the first OPPA President from Northern Ontario. John previously was a Board member and Vice President of the OPP Association. Prior to his OPPA Board service, John served as an OPP officer in Espanola, Blind River, and Sault Ste Marie, where he currently resides.
Quote from John Cerasuolo, President and CEO of the OPP Association:
Thank you to the voting delegates from the 20 Branches of the OPP Association for electing me to the Board of Directors and to the Board for naming me President. I am honoured and proud to represent the almost 10,000 members of the OPPA and look forward to getting to work on contract negotiations and working collaboratively to tackle our OPP staffing shortage. Our contract expires in December 2022 and will be my number one priority along with staffing and member wellness.
David is the first OPPA Vice President to be a Civilian Member. He previously served on the OPPA Board in the Civilian Director role. David worked at OPP GHQ in Orillia prior to being elected to the OPPA Board of Directors, and currently resides in Orillia.
Quote from David Sabatini, Vice President of the OPP Association:
It is an honour to be named Vice President of the OPP Association and to be the first Civilian Member of the OPPA to be named to this role. I look forward to tirelessly advocating for all of our members. This is the 20th anniversary of civilians in the OPPA. We have come a long way for our civilian members over the years. We have a long road ahead to ensure the best possible working conditions for our civilian members, and all our members. I look forward to serving.
The OPPA Board of Directors elected at the 2022 AGM are Lynn Neale, Terri Hubbert, Mike Adair, Dave Dube and Rob Jamieson.
About the Ontario Provincial Police Association
Headquartered in Barrie, the Ontario Provincial Police Association (OPPA) acts as the bargaining agent for its nearly 10,000 Uniform and Civilian members. Of equal importance, the OPPA serves as the voice of its members in advocating for improved health and safety standards and better supports for members suffering from operational stress injuries.
Media inquiries:
Scott Mills – OPPA Strategic Communications Coordinator
cell: 647-449-2801
Email: Communications@oppa.ca
Higher resolution photos available upon email request
Barrie, ON, July 6, 2022/CNW/ – The has announced that OPP Association members, OPP Provincial Constables Ken Pengelly, Grayson Cappus and Nathan Vanderheyden have been charged with 1 count each of Criminal Negligence Causing Death and Manslaughter.
The charges are relating to a November 26, 2020 incident where a 1 year old child died in an interaction with Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers in the City of Kawartha Lakes.
The following is a statement from Rob Stinson, President of the OPP Association:
“This incident is a tragic circumstance for all involved. We are fully supporting our members charged and our officers and civilian staff affected, with some still off work. It has impacted many people, families, first responders, and our members. Every single day police officers make split second decisions that most will never have to make and wouldn’t want to make. This case is now before the courts. Everyone is entitled to due process. Our members have cooperated with the investigation in accordance with the law.”
About the Ontario Provincial Police Association
Headquartered in Barrie, the Ontario Provincial Police Association (OPPA) acts as the bargaining agent for its nearly 10,000 Uniform and Civilian members. Of equal importance, the OPPA serves as the voice of its members in advocating for improved health and safety standards and better supports for members suffering from operational stress injuries.
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Media inquiries:
Scott Mills – OPPA Strategic Communications Coordinator
cell: 647-449-2801 Email:
On Friday January 14, 2022 the Special Investigations Unit announced manslaughter and criminal negligence causing death charges against Provincial Constable Sean O’Rourke of the Chatham-Kent OPP Detachment. The charge relates to an on duty incident that occurred on Highway 401 near Ridgetown, Ontario on July 7, 2021.
The SIU press release can be read on the SIU website.
The following is a statement from OPP Association President Rob Stinson.
“The OPP Association supports Provincial Constable Sean O’Rourke of the Chatham-Kent OPP Detachment, and all of our members who acted in the good faith performance of their duties on the night of July 7, 2021, while responding to a call for service on Highway 401 near Ridgetown, Ontario. Our members have cooperated as mandated by law with the investigation led by the Special Investigations Unit. It was an absolutely tragic event. Our lawyers will vigorously defend the actions of our officer in a court of law. The upcoming judicial process will be long and stressful for all impacted and we urge all OPPA Members who are impacted by this incident to reach out for professional and or peer mental health supports.”
Media inquires can be directed by email: communications@oppa.ca or cell 647-449-2801.
The following correspondence has been sent to all members of the OPP Association on July 16, 2021 in support of the Police Association of Ontario Media Release “PAO Greatly Concerned with OACP Resolutions Surrounding WSIB & Mental Health Support”.
The OPP Association is deeply disappointed in the position taken by the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police calling for sweeping changes to legislation and policies governing Workers Compensation in the policing sector. The proposed changes were announced in a press release by the OACP on July 16, 2021.
These proposed changes reinforce stereotypes about our members, both sworn police officers and civilians who are experiencing mental health challenges related to the jobs they do admirably serving the citizens of Ontario. The proposed changes undo years of work by the policing and first responder communities encouraging our members to seek assistance for their mental health.
We encourage members to read the press release from the Police Association of Ontario on July 16, 2021 in response to the OACP media release.
The OPP Association stands shoulder to shoulder with the Police Association of Ontario’s position and will take all necessary action to ensure that the health and well being of our members and their families is protected moving forward.
Rob Stinson, President and CEO
and the Board of Directors
Ontario Provincial Police Association
Media inquires can be directed to Scott Mills
communications@oppa.ca
cell 647-449-2801