Nishnawbe Aski Police Service signs agreement with Ontario to become an essential service

The Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS) has made history by opting into Ontario’s policing legislation, officially becoming an essential service. This decision was announced at a news conference with Solicitor General Michael Kerzner and Nishnawbe Aski Nation’s grand chief, Alvin Fiddler, at Queen’s Park in Toronto.

NAPS, the largest First Nations police service in Canada, serves 34 First Nations communities in northern Ontario, with 25 of them being remote. The service was established in 1994 to provide culturally appropriate policing services to these communities. However, over the years, it faced severe gaps due to lack of funding and resources, including working alone in dangerous situations.

The decision to opt into Ontario’s Community Safety and Policing Act (CSPA) comes with a $514-million funding agreement between the province and the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service Board (NAPSB). This funding will allow NAPS to expand its force from over 260 uniformed officers to more than 500 officers.

The CSPA, which came into effect on April 1, is aimed at improving oversight and accountability within the policing sector. This move is a significant milestone for NAPS, as it marks the first time a First Nations police service has opted into Ontario’s legislation.

Nishnawbe Aski Nation, a political territorial organization representing 49 First Nations communities, has been advocating for this change for years. The organization believes that Canada must also fulfill its responsibilities to ensure the safety of First Nations people.

The decision to opt into the legislation was influenced by the recommendations of three inquests into the deaths of First Nations individuals. These inquests highlighted the need for NAPS to be legislated and deemed an essential service to ensure better policing standards in these communities.

Despite facing challenges such as understaffing and lack of resources, NAPS officers have continued to serve their communities with dedication. The signing of the act is seen as a step towards providing them with the tools and resources they need to ensure the safety and well-being of the members of Nishnawbe Aski Nation.

NAPS police Chief Terry Armstrong, who has been with the service for 40 years, expressed hope that the funding and support provided through the legislation will bring an end to the disparities and challenges faced by NAPS. With the signing of the act, NAPS is hopeful that they can move forward and continue to provide safety to the deserving members of Nishnawbe Aski Nation.