Police union issues warning about Caledonia protest

NEWS RELEASE

ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE ASSOCIATION

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BARRIE, ONTARIO, January 18 - The Ontario Provincial Police Association (OPPA) today issued an appeal to those organizing a protest in the Caledonia area this weekend to exercise extreme caution.

"The people behind these protests are not from the area," said OPPA President Karl Walsh.

"They are, however, acting on a sustained basis to push an aggressive political agenda that includes promoting hatred, flaunting the justice system and inciting violence," Walsh said. One protest organizer has already been arrested in connection with a previous demonstration and is now soliciting up to 50 others to join him this weekend to act in a manner that causes their arrest.

"The OPPA will hold accountable those who provoke or engage in confrontation that results in any of our officers being injured," said Walsh.

"The OPPA will seriously consider lawsuits and other legal remedies against those responsible for direct injury of officers and against those who instigate violence resulting in injury," he said.

The OPPA has repeatedly and consistently advocated for the safety of front-line officers who have served and are serving in the Caledonia area.

So far, 32 officers have sustained injuries while preserving the peace in the Caledonia land dispute. "Front line officers are putting their life and well being on the line every time they report for duty in Caledonia," said Walsh.

"We recognize the right of citizens to protest but will not tolerate any activities that result in harm coming to officers," he said.

The OPPA represents over 8,000 Ontario Provincial Police uniformed and civilian members who provide community-based policing and specialized police services to residents in over 300 municipalities across Ontario.

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