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News releaseMarch 24, 2006 Nishnawbe-Aski police officers to join one of Canada 's largest unionsToronto - The Canada Industrial Relations Board is giving the Nishnawbe-Aski Police Services (NAPS) Board officers an opportunity to join one of Canada 's largest and most progressive unions, the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC). The police officers are currently represented by the Canadian First Nations Police Association. By choosing the PSAC, the police officers would join 20 civilian employees of the Nishnawbe-Aski Police Services Board who are already PSAC members. “A vast majority of Nishnawbe-Aski Police Services Board officers have already signed a PSAC membership card,” said Gerry Halabecki, PSAC Regional Executive Vice-President for Ontario . “We are confident the officers will seize the opportunity to start the work of improving their sometimes deplorable working conditions.” The Nishnawbe-Aski Police Services Board officers' working conditions may be among the worst in this country for police officers. PSAC intends to discuss the health and safety deficiencies in the workplace with the Nishnawbe-Aski Police Services Board as soon as it is recognized as the legitimate representative of these workers. “The first order of business will be the creation of a joint Health and Safety Committee as it is required by law under the Canada Labour Code,” said Halabecki. PSAC believes that addressing the systemic problems that gave rise to the Kashechewan Police detachment fire and the Kashechewan water crisis will require a comprehensive political response in partnership with affected communities. PSAC has sent representatives to Northern detachments in both the northeast and northwest regions to observe first-hand the state of many detachments that are in need of an urgent and immediate upgrade. By standing together, Nishnawbe-Aski Police Services Board employees can make a difference. Nishnawbe-Aski Police Services Board officers provide services to the people of the Nishnawbe-Aski Nation in more than forty communities in Northern Ontario . The PSAC has 160,000 members, including Canada Custom Officers, Immigration Officers and other law enforcement and security agencies. -30- For information: Gerry Halabecki, Chris Wilson,
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