Mark Baxter

We had the privilege of honouring Dr. Angela Eke of the Ontario Provincial Police, recipient of a Police Services Hero of the Year Award, at the Ontario Provincial Police Association’s President’s Banquet, alongside her family and association members. For more than two decades, Dr. Eke has made significant contributions to shaping how Ontario police services assess risk, understand criminal behaviour, and protect vulnerable individuals, earning her the 2026 Police Hero Honour Roll Award. Learn more about Angela’s contributions to policing: pao.ca/news-post/police-asso…

Congratulations to MPP Monica Ciriello on her appointment as Parliamentary Assistant to the Solicitor General of Ontario! Your dedication to public service is inspiring, and we look forward to continuing our strong partnership as we advocate for our members’ needs. We also congratulate MPP Mohamed Firin on his appointment as Parliamentary Assistant to the Solicitor General. We value our ongoing relationship with the Solicitor General’s office and look forward to continuing to address the challenges facing our members and advance their best interests. Read the full press release: news.ontario.ca/en/release/1…

Our hearts go out this morning to the brave members of the Canadian Armed Forces, their families, and the dedicated First Responders and medical teams responding to the major fire at CFB Wainwright in Alberta. From one service to another, we deeply appreciate the unwavering commitment and sacrifice of these individuals who serve and protect our country. The PAO extends its sincerest condolences to the families and colleagues of those who have lost their lives, and wishes a swift and full recovery to all who are injured.

Happy Thanksgiving! Today, and every day, we’re thankful for our 33,000+ members who dedicate themselves to protecting our communities. A special thank you to those working today and spending time away from their families to keep Ontario safe. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

Thank you, Premier Ford, for listening to our members' concerns and recommendations and for working to develop a plan that better supports our members and their safety. We appreciate your leadership and commitment, and look forward to the same strong collaboration with @SeanFraserMP and @gary_srp as we work together to address this critical issue. We will never waver in our commitment to the safety and well-being of our members.

Today, we had the honour of celebrating Cst. Preston Gabriele, recipient of a Police Services Hero of the Year Award, in Hamilton, surrounded by members of his service and his family. Cst. Gabriele has gone above and beyond in his role, making a meaningful difference while on duty and earning the 2026 On-Duty Difference Maker – Uniform Award. Congratulations, Preston, on this outstanding achievement! Read more about the story behind Preston’s recognition: pao.ca/news-post/police-asso…

Today, on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we honour the children who never returned home, residential school survivors, and all those impacted. We remember, we listen, and stand together in support of reconciliation—today and every day. #EveryChildMatters

Six names we will never forget. #HeroesInLife • Sergeant Anaïs Fortin-Cozzens – Sûreté du Québec • Sergeant Brandon Malcolm – Ontario Provincial Police • Provincial Constable Tarun Bali – Ontario Provincial Police • Constable Marc Pinizzotto – Toronto Police Service • Constable Mohamed Lamine Benredouane – Service de police de la Ville de Montréal • Correctional Officer Nicolae Serban – Correctional Service of Canada

It was great to see so many of our association members at the 49th Canadian Police and Peace Officers’ Memorial. Today was a powerful reminder of the strength, unity, and unwavering dedication of over 33,000 members across Ontario. Thank you for standing together, representing our community, and honouring our fallen heroes. #HeroesInLife

Today, the Police Association of Ontario met with Attorney General of Ontario, Minister Doug Downey, to discuss key issues impacting our members across the province. We emphasized the need for adequate resources to support the prosecution of assaults against police officers and stressed the importance of consistent, province-wide data collection on criminal charges related to these incidents. We also discussed strengthening judicial accountability through independent oversight. We appreciate the opportunity to engage in these important conversations and look forward to continuing our work with Minister Downey to advance issues that support the safety, well-being, and interests of our members.

Honouring those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The Ride to Remember is officially en route! Riders gathered together in Aylmer and are making their way to Ottawa to honour our fallen heroes and raise funds for the Canadian Police & Peace Officers’ Memorial. Wishing all riders a safe journey as we remember those who protected their communities. @CanadianR2R