Tag Archives: memorial service

45th Annual Canadian Police and Peace Officers’ Memorial Service

On Sunday, September 25, 2022, as part of the 45^th Annual Canadian Police and Peace Officers’ Memorial Service, representatives of the Customs and Immigration Union were honoured and humbled to be back on Parliament Hill to attend the service and pay respect to the brave officers who lost their lives in the exercise of their duties.

This year’s service honoured the lives of RCMP Constable Alan Poapst, RCMP Constable Heidi Stevenson, Ontario Provincial Police Constable Marc Hovingh, Calgary Police Sergeant Andrew Harnett, RCMP Constable Shelby Patton, and Toronto Police Constable Jeffrey Northrup, along with two historical admissions — Surrey Police Constable George McDonald and RCMP Superintendent Dennis Massey.

To commemorate this important day, the Canadian flag was also lowered at half-mast at the CIU National Office, in Ottawa.

Amongst CIU members attending the Service in Ottawa on Sunday were (from left to right): Alana Baarschers, Leanne Hughes, Lisa Morgan, Andrew Wiersema, Gus Kontogianis, Carl Coupal, Mark West, Rick Savage, Brea Baresinkoff, Derek Brackley, CIU National President Mark Weber, Bonnee Shapter, Marjorie Gavel, Philippe Piette, and Fany Parent (photo: Danielle Dubuc).

1996: Joint Police & Peace Officers Memorial Service

Our fourth historical vignette highlights an important step in border officers being recognized as part of the law enforcement community.

As a founding member of the Canadian Peace Officers Memorial Association, CIU (then CEUDA) was instrumental in ensuring that border officers be present on Parliament Hill to pay homage to those who paid the ultimate price.

A memorial service had first been held in 1977 to honour police and federal correctional officers. By 1994, thanks to union involvement, a separate ceremony was also held specifically for Peace Officers. Finally, in 1996, for the first time in history, Canadian Police Officers and Peace Officers held a joint memorial service on Parliament Hill to honour those who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Today, we can be proud of our Sisters and Brothers who, every year, stand beside their law enforcement colleagues to honour their fallen.

Two border services officers, with text on the creation of the join police and peace officers memorial service

Click for full-size version.

For more union victories, see this page, and follow us on social media using #CIUvictories.

Canadian Police and Peace Officers’ 41st Annual Memorial Service

On September 30, 2018, CIU members and representatives from across the country attended the Canadian Police and Peace Officers’ 41^st Annual Memorial Service. Paying homage to those who have paid the ultimate price for keeping Canada safe is certainly one of the most significant gestures anyone can make.

CIU is grateful to all who were present to honour their law enforcement brothers and sisters. Your dedication to this Memorial and your professionalism in representing your coworkers are truly appreciated.

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