The Chiefs of Ontario join the Chiefs of Quebec and Labrador in calling upon Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, to honour the federal government’s commitment to provide equitable funding for First Nation policing.
Regional Chief Isadore Day, who hails from Serpent River First Nation, says not only is it an essential service, it is a human right to provide safe and secure communities.
He says to date, the federal government has been absent in their obligation to participate in the 52-48 funding share agreement with the province of Ontario and that has forced the province to take sole responsibility for funding the wages of First Nation police forces.
He adds it is time for the federal government to step up and match the province.