Yesterday, hundreds gathered on Parliament Hill in Ottawa for the Canadian Police and Peace Officers’ Annual Memorial Service, honouring police and peace officers across Canada who were killed in the line of duty.
It was also a moment to thank everyone who works every day to keep our communities safe.
Among them are park wardens, the law enforcement officers of Canada’s national parks and historic sites. They are also proud members of the Union of National Employees.
This year, five wardens were chosen to represent the Park Warden Service in Ottawa:
– Hugo Royer (10269, La Mauricie-West)
– Sean Williams (80020, Kejimkujik)
– Daniel Forbes (00041, Bruce Peninsula)
– Thomas Robinson (20106, Glacier and Mount Revelstoke)
– Kevin Valdes (40107, Waskesiu Lake)
“I am grateful to have been invited to attend yesterday’s ceremony on Parliament Hill honouring peace officers, alongside UNE Trustee Alex Silas. It was an opportunity for me to gain a better understanding of the essential role played by our Parks Canada wardens, the realities of their work, and the labour relations issues they face. Their dedication deserves not only to be recognized, but also to be supported in concrete ways, and I intend to continue this dialogue with them in the months ahead.”
— Jean Michel Lavergne, National President, Union of National Employees
In September, the PSAC bargaining team representing Parks Canada workers tabled new proposals recognizing the first-responder duties of park wardens, wildland firefighters and visitor safety personnel, including improved mental health support and leave for employees who experience critical incidents. Talks resume December 2–3. Read the latest Parks Canada bargaining update.
To all park wardens and peace officers: thank you for your service.
