Ontario’s Nishnawbe Aski Police Service Becomes First First Nations Police Force Under Provincial Policing Framework
TORONTO — In a historic move, the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service Board (NAPSB) has become the first First Nations police service to join Ontario’s Community Safety and Policing Act (CSPA), the province’s overarching policing legislation. The announcement, made on December 10 at Queen’s Park, was accompanied by a $514 million investment by the Ontario government to support this transition.
The funding will enable the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS) to double its workforce, growing to over 500 officers, to serve 34 remote and Northern First Nation communities more effectively.
“This is a historic day for policing in the province of Ontario,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner during the signing ceremony. “We’re proud to mark this momentous occasion alongside First Nations partners to help modernize and strengthen the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service to keep communities safe and protected.”
The agreement allows NAPS to deliver culturally appropriate policing services while adhering to provincial standards for adequate and effective policing under the CSPA. This legislative recognition ensures equitable resources and funding for First Nations communities.
The @NAPS_Police’s opt-in to provincial framework marks an important step in enhancing safety & security for 34 Northern remote communities.
NAPS will continue providing culturally relevant services with more support and training than ever before. https://t.co/3o72h5fbFJ
— Greg Rickford (@GregRickford) December 11, 2024
Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation, underscored the significance of this partnership. “By joining the provincial framework for policing, the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service is taking an important step forward in enhancing the safety and security of 34 of the most remote and Northern First Nations communities in Ontario,” he said.
Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler of Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) highlighted the years of work leading to this moment and the importance of securing consistent support for NAPS officers. “Thanks to the CSPA, the First Nations policed by NAPS will now have access to the same standards and guaranteed funding that the rest of Canada takes for granted. This is what our leaders have asked for, and what our communities deserve,” Fiddler said.
The partnership builds on extensive collaboration between the Nishnawbe Aski Nation, NAPSB, and the Ontario government. The funding agreement will support recruitment, training, and the development of infrastructure needed to meet the CSPA’s requirements over the coming years.
This milestone is seen as a significant step forward in addressing public safety and policing needs in remote First Nations communities. It also reinforces Ontario’s commitment to fostering culturally relevant and effective policing services.
