Health and Safety decision reaffirms need for protective
equipment required for Canada’s Park Wardens

OTTAWA … The Public Service Alliance of Canada is pleased that the February 1^st health and safety decision for its members working as Park Wardens in National Parks, validates the union’s concerns that the Parks Canada Agency does not offer them adequate protection in the performance of their duties as Peace Officers.

"The Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) Labour Program decision, has confirmed our position that Park Wardens working in Canada’s National Parks should receive the same level of protection that any other Peace Officer in North America receives," says Ed Cashman, national president of the PSAC’s National Component. "And we are pleased that the decision orders Parks Canada to discontinue law enforcement activity that constitutes a danger until these workers are provided with the necessary personal protective equipment," Cashman adds.

The Canada Labour Code, Part II decision is the result of the investigation of a complaint filed by a Park Warden from Western Canada. The PSAC member’s complaint contained concerns about the lack of protective equipment required to carry out the duties of his position as a law enforcement specialist.

The decision pointed out that: "Wardens who are expected to engage in law enforcement activities such as patrols, intelligence gathering, investigations of possible offences, and arrests, for resource management purposes and the maintenance of the public peace, activities in the performance of which they may find themselves at risk of grievous bodily harm or death, are not provided with the necessary personal protective equipment."

Cashman adds that in October 2000 the Government of Canada reaffirmed its commitment to fostering safe workplaces. "This was further reaffirmed when the government passed amendments to Part II of the Canada Labour Code which will ensure that workplace health and safety concerns, on the whole, are identified and resolved in a more flexible and timely manner."

"It is therefore incumbent on Sheila Copps as Minister of Heritage Canada to follow her government’s commitment by respecting the law and ensuring that all Park Wardens are provided with the proper protective equipment required to carry out their law enforcement duties. Park Wardens are employed by the Parks Canada Agency and act as Conservation Officers and Fishery Officers enforcing the National Parks Act, the Fishing Act, the Criminal Code, the Highway Safety Act and other federal and provincial laws. Park Wardens do not have the option of dialing 911 and, in most parks, Park Wardens are the only law enforcement officials readily accessible.

"Minister Copps does not have the long-term option of delegating the law enforcement duties to the RCMP or Provincial Police because police officers in their jurisdictions do not have the resources or staff to suddenly take up law enforcement in National Parks.

"Our union, on behalf of our members, the Park Wardens across Canada, urges the Minister of Heritage Canada to comply with the HRDC directives and provide all these workers with the necessary personal protective equipment and related training required to do their job on behalf of Canadians. We share a common commitment with the employer to ensure public safety and the health and safety of Parks Canada workers. This is exactly why our union has been pushing the employer to offer proper protective equipment," concludes Cashman.

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For further information: Ed Cashman, National President, PSAC National Component - 613-560-4301
or: Nancy Mitchell, PSAC communications officer - 613-560-4235

05-050201