OTTAWA - Under the theme, Learning from the Experience of Others, six peace officers from various provincial and federal jurisdictions will participate in a panel discussion on Sunday afternoon, October 28, led by PSAC National President Nycole Turmel, on the issue of Canada’s Park Wardens receiving the appropriate level of protection as any other Peace Officer in North America.

On the eve of the Parks Canada appeal hearing on the lack of necessary protective equipment for Canada’s Park Wardens, 12 Park Wardens from across Canada, who are members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada, will observe the panel discussion and learn how other Peace Officers have fought for and received personal protective equipment on the job.

Turmel wrote to Heritage Minister Sheila Copps on February 15 following the release of the Canada Labour Code decision on February 1, encouraging her to respect the health and safety decision which reaffirmed the need for protective equipment for these workers. The government appealed the decision despite the Union’s pleas.

Details of the panel discussion and its participants are:

DATE:                                  Sunday, October 28, 2001

TIME:                                  2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

LOCATION:                     Salon Vanier, Conference Floor Level,
                                               Minto Place Hotel, 433 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa

PANEL MEMBERS:

                                                Nycole Turmel, PSAC national president
                                                Federal Fisheries Officer (PSAC member)
                                                Representative, North American Wildlife Enforcement Officer’s Assoc.
                                                Immigration Enforcement Officer (PSAC member)
                                                Customs Officer (PSAC member)
                                                Provincial Conservation Officer, and,
                                                Vice-president, Royal Newfoundland Constabulary

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For information: Nancy Mitchell, PSAC communications officer (613) 560-4235

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