OTTAWA - "The provision of the ‘basic safety tools’, including access to sidearms, for Public Service Alliance of Canada members working as Park Wardens in Canada’s National Parks is essential if these workers are to perform their responsibilities as peace officers," says PSAC National President Nycole Turmel as the union prepares to meet with the Parliamentary Committee on Canadian Heritage.

Turmel says the PSAC is fully supportive of animal rights groups and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) that are seeking to further enhance the protection of Canada’s endangered species. "However, in order for our members at Parks Canada to perform their enforcement responsibilities, to protect endangered species, they must have the required tools."

The union’s submission to the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage on Bill C-27, an Act respecting the National Parks of Canada, is seeking a series of amendments to the Act that would make the Minister of Canadian Heritage accountable for the protection and safety of Canadians visiting and working in Canada’s National Parks.

"The Parks Canada Chief Executive Officer has proclaimed ‘safety’ as the main overriding reason to be utilized in determining issuance of ‘tools’ for enforcement officers and wardens. But, for reasons he chooses not to identify, he has determined that Park Wardens should not be issued sidearms," continues Turmel.

"The Minister cannot delegate her authority beyond the employees of the Parks Canada Agency," says Ed Cashman, national president of the PSAC’s National Component. "The Parks Canada Agency must maintain within its jurisdiction full and complete control of enforcement responsibilities with our National Parks and National Historic Sites. To perform these enforcement responsibilities, these workers must be provided with the required tools. Parks Canada Wardens are the only Natural Resources Officers in Canada who do not have access to sidearms," adds Cashman.

Details of the PSAC’s submission to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage are:

Date and Time: Thursday, May 18, 2000, Between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Place: Room 269, West Block, House of Commons

Spokespersons: Ed Cashman, national president, PSAC National Component

Doug Martin, assistant regional vice-president for Alberta and Northwest Territories, National Component and Park Warden, Banff National Park

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For information: Ed Cashman, national president, PSAC National Component , (613) 560-4301

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