Minister Day outlines Government's actions to protect Canadians in keynote address to the Canadian Association of Police Boards conference

TORONTO, August 15, 2008 - Today, the Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety, reiterated the Government of Canada's support for the important work and contribution of police boards in a keynote address to the Canadian Association of Police Boards (CAPB) annual conference.   In his speech to representatives of over 75 municipal police boards in Canada, Minister Day highlighted concrete actions taken by the Government of Canada to support law enforcement in their efforts to keep Canadian communities safe.

"The safety of Canadian citizens is a top priority of the Government of Canada, said Minister Day. "In just over two years, we have added more police on our streets, we have strengthened security at the border, we have sent serious non-Canadian criminals back to their country of origin and we have begun to reform our prison system." 

Minister Day outlined how the Government of Canada has taken action to support law enforcement by delivering on its key platform commitments to provide financial resources to support the recruitment of 2,500 new front-line police officers, to fund an additional 1,000 RCMP personnel, and to pass the Tackling Violent Crime Act.  

Other initiatives highlighted by Minister Day include the Government's National Anti-Drug Strategy, support for the RCMP Contraband Tobacco Enforcement Strategy, and beginning a much-needed reform of our prison system so that offenders are more accountable for their actions in prison and on release.

Compelling offenders to abide by the conditions of their release is also a key aspect of prison reform and is why on August 11, 2008, the Government of Canada announced a program to electronically monitor certain federal offenders.

The Canadian Association of Police Boards works collaboratively and proactively to improve police governance in Canada and bring about change that will enhance public safety for all Canadians.

"Police boards play an essential role in creating effective and accountable police services and the Government of Canada will continue to support them as they contribute to the safety and protection of Canadians," concluded Minister Day.

For further information:

Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657

Mélisa Leclerc
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Stockwell Day
Minister of Public Safety
613-991-2863