NDP calls for a fair deal as the Liberals refuse to negotiate in good faith with Ontario Indigenous police forces

OTTAWA – On Monday, NDP MP Carol Hughes (Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing) and NDP MP Lori Idlout (Nunavut) stood with representatives of the Indigenous Police Chiefs of Ontario to urge the government to negotiate in good faith with the First Nations and Inuit policing organizations.

Hughes and Idlout are making the call after the government adopts a “take it or leave it” approach to contract negotiations. The current funding expired on March 31st, 2023, risking 45 First Nations being without a police force by the end of June. Due to the lack of funding, the Anishinabek Nation Territory has already declared a state of emergency.

“Community, Indigenous-led Policing is an essential service for community safety, and this government needs to ensure the funding is there,” said Hughes. “First Nation police need a government that will give them the respect they deserve.”

The Indigenous Police Chiefs have launched legal action against the government at the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal as a result of the government’s unwillingness to negotiate fairly.

“It’s shameful to see the Liberals leave Indigenous communities behind, once again,” said Idlout. “If they really cared about First Nations safety, they would negotiate a fair deal.”

“I’m hearing how dire the situation is without this funding. The government is trying to impose a contract on us that has been found to be discriminatory, said Jeff Skye, Chief of Police of Anishinabek Police Service. “We’re denied the basic rights that police forces of major cities have, such as the ability to have legal representation and police units. It’s shameful, and the government needs to come to the negotiating table so our communities can stay safe.”