For immediate release                              January 26, 2000

OTTAWA …. Federal Park Wardens responsible for law enforcement in Canada’s National Parks are being denied basic, important, tools to do their job of protecting Canada’s ecological heritage. A joint union/management committee report recommending that Park Wardens be provided with side arms and other basic equipment for their safety and well-being, has been rejected by the Parks Canada Agency.

"This is the third report in a row that recommends basic safety equipment be provided for these workers," stated Ed Cashman, president of the National Component of the Public Service Alliance of Canada. "The Minister is failing to recognize the seriousness of the situation."

Cashman adds that this is not a gun issue. "While the Employer is offering access to rifles or shotguns, there are many situations when they are not appropriate. What does an officer do with the rifle while he or she is apprehending and handcuffing an individual? Park wardens in their capacity as peace officers are required to de-escalate a confrontational situation A side arm allows for the gun to be holstered when not in use. A rifle or shotgun could actually escalate a situation."

"Parks Canada has recognized the need to issue firearms to Park Wardens but has chosen the wrong tool," says Mark Halley, president of the National Park Wardens Association (NPWA). "An officer always needs the option of using lesser force when stopping vehicles and doing checks on hunters. Park Wardens are mandated to enforce the National Parks Act. They maintain public peace in parks and they act as first response assistance under the Memorandum of Understanding with local police forces for Criminal Code matters. Back up police officers are often hours away due to the isolated nature of the parks," adds Halley. "On horseback, on foot, on skis in the back country, or on ski doo, a side arm is easier to carry and is more accessible than a rifle or shotgun."

Cashman says that proposed amendments to the National Parks Act would allow for increased penalties and fines for illegal hunting. "The Minister speaks of maintaining and enhancing ecological integrity in our National Parks but refuses to provide the workers with the tools to do their jobs. The Minister’s bark is loud, but poachers needn’t worry about being bitten."

"Wardens are encountering the illegal transportation of wildlife, reptiles, threatened and endangered species, fossils and Aboriginal artifacts. The perpetrators are potentially violent and armed. There is an expectation by the Minister that unarmed wardens will be able to disarm dangerous poachers. Issuing bullet proof vests to an unarmed officer in dangerous situations is not sufficient safety equipment. Does an officer have to die for the Minister to act?" asks Cashman.

In August 1999 Heritage Minister Sheila Copps told Park Wardens to be patient, because a committee had been struck to develop an arming policy. "If she truly believes in her statement then now is the time to throw her support behind the committee’s recommendations and urge Parks Canada to do the same.

"Park Wardens are responsible for the protection of the natural resources in Canada’s National Parks. The federal government deems infractions of the National Parks Act to be serious offences with fines up to $150,000 and/or up to 5 years imprisonment. For my protection, and that of my colleagues, we must be granted the same protection as other peace officers with the same mandate," says Alliance member and Park Warden Doug Martin. "Nine out of 10 provinces have chosen to provide their conservation officers with side arms. It’s time for Parks Canada to support its workers and adhere to the committee’s recommendations."

There are over 400 Park Wardens employed across Canada to ensure law enforcement, public safety and resource management in Canada’s National Parks. The wardens are members of the PSAC National Component.

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For Information:

Ed Cashman, president, PSAC National Component (613) 560-4301 or
Bernard Labonté, executive vice-president, National Component (418) 833-6783

02-26100