National Memorial Day for Police and Peace Officers

September 23, 2009

Winnipeg, Manitoba – Since 1998, the last Sunday of September has been set aside as Police and Peace Officers' National Memorial Day. This commemorative day gives Canadians an opportunity to express appreciation for the dedication of police and peace officers. This year, the event falls on September 27.

This day holds special meaning for Shelly Glover, a veteran officer with the Winnipeg Police Service and the current Member of Parliament for Saint Boniface and Parliamentary Secretary for Official Languages.

“Each day, police and peace officers are on the job, keeping our communities safe. That is why, since I was elected to Parliament, I have worked very closely with our government to introduce new legislation that would support officers in their work and equip them with better tools,” said Ms. Glover.

The commemorative day is important to highlight the acts of bravery of police and peace officers and for honouring their colleagues who have died in the line of duty. The men and women who gave this ultimate sacrifice are being remembered on this day as beloved family members, husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, and friends to us all.

“We were saddened to hear of the recent loss of Mélanie Roy, the young police officer in Lévis, Quebec, who died on September 7. We share your pain and understand the tremendous burden of sacrifice that you bear,” said Ms. Glover. “If it is any consolation, your loved ones were doing important work. It is a noble ideal: to ensure the safety of all Canadians, at home, in our communities and across our country.”