Events

January 30 & 31

Holiday Inn Peterborough Waterfront

February 27 & 28

Sheraton Parkway Toronto North, Richmond Hill

May 30 – June 2

York Regional Police Association

September 23

Bridgewater Golf Club, Fort Erie

November 14-16

Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel

Above left: The Advisory Council of Presidents roundtable at Blue Mountain in October. The other photos are from the Civilian Conference, also at Blue Mountain in October.

PHOTO BY VINCENZO PIETROPAOLO

Tel: 416.968.3333 Fax: 416.968.0325 555 Richmond St. W. • Suite 1200 Toronto • Ontario • M5V 3B1 www.upfhlaw.ca

It’s an honour to contribute to the Police Association of Ontario’s magazine and share some of my thoughts as Solicitor General of Ontario.

Since being appointed by Premier Doug Ford in July, I have been learning so much – and your members have taught me so much.

Most of all, I have learned that you represent a family, an extended family, and a true community. It really is a brotherhood and sisterhood. I feel very much a part of it.

First responders look after each other. That really hit home for me when tragedy impacted the policing community with the deaths of Toronto Police Constable Andrew Hong, York Regional Constable Travis Gillespie and South Simcoe Constables Devon Northrup and Morgan Russell.

You came together and paid tribute to their lives and sacrifice. It affected me deeply, and I think of them every day.

We grieve with those who grieve, and we pray with those who pray. We should remember them for the lives they lived.

I’ve been Solicitor General for about 150 days. But the experiences I have had so far have been the honour of a lifetime.

My appreciation for the work you do for our public safety and communities has only grown. Not only on what wearing a uniform means, but the incredible bravery and dedication you bring to the job. It’s amazing what you do every day – with no expectation of being thanked.

I’ve talked to hundreds of police officers across the province in many detachments, and they always impress me with their professionalism, pride and dedication to duty.

All too often, public safety is a thankless task. All too often, nobody stops to thank a police officer for what they do. As Solicitor General, I want to help change this and be a champion of your work.

In my role as Solicitor General, I see myself as an ambassador. As Premier Ford has said, we will always have your backs. I will always champion mental health supports.

It’s a privilege and a high honour to work with you, and I look forward to continuing our partnership to keep Ontario safe, each and every day.