RCMP Watch

Canadian Press

Parliament has legislative work to do to ensure that Canada’s police officers are not frustrated on the job and can get home safely, Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day said Sunday.

Day spoke to thousands of police, their families and members of the public who gathered Sunday on Parliament Hill for the 30th annual memorial service for fallen peace officers.

“Folks, I think that’s what the family members are asking today, is simply that we remember,” Day said on an overcast, cool autumn morning.

“And I give a commitment to these family members here and to all these officers here, that my colleagues and I will continue to do the work in these buildings behind me to bring in the type of legislation that helps you to realize, as officers, that the work you do will not wind up in frustration.”

Day promised the officers “you’ll have the resources to do the job you do, so that you’ll be able to get home on the end of your shifts every day.”

Day did not specify what part of the Conservative law-and-order agenda will make tragic losses in the line of duty less likely.

He acknowledged that danger is inherent in the work police and peace officers are asked to do on a daily basis.

Nine new names were added to the honour roll this year, including four men who gave their lives over the past 12 months and five others from the historical archives dating back as far as 1921.

Two Ontario police, one Quebec constable and a wildlife protection officer from Quebec comprise the most recent toll. Together, David Mounsey, Robert Plunkett, Daniel Tessier and Richard Cayouette left behind 10 children.

“We understand and share in your loss,” said Tony Cannavino, president of the Canadian Police Association. “We remember, not in death but in life, as loving husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, sisters, brothers, partners, teammates and friends.”

The honour roll now contains 738 individuals, dating back to 1879. That list includes more than 600 police and 100 peace officers.