NUPGE probation and parole officers meet in Ottawa

'These workers play an important role in Canada's criminal justice system.' - James Clancy

Ottawa (15 Jan. 2008) - Probation and parole officers from across Canada will meet in Ottawa on Jan. 28-29 to discuss a wide range of concerns.

The participants are members of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) and its Components.

"These workers play an important role in Canada's criminal justice system," says James Clancy, NUPGE's national president.

"If an offender finds his or her way to a more socially productive life it is often as a result of the support they receive from these workers. Alternately, they often act as gatekeepers for serious offenders and hence protect the safety of our communities," explained Clancy.

The meeting will also provide an opportunity to meet with members of parliament from a number of national parties to discuss the proposed amendments to the Youth Criminal Justice Act and other criminal justice related items.

Speaking with the delegates will be Rob Moore, Conservative MP for Fundy Royal and parliamentary secretary to the minister of justice and attorney general of Canada; Marlene Jennings, MP for Notre-Dame-de-Grâce - Lachine, Liberal critic for justice and member of the standing committee on justice and human rights, and Joe Comartin, MP for Windsor-Tecumseh, NDP justice critic, public safety critic, and deputy house leader.

The delegates will also discuss a series of challenges facing workers in the sector, including working conditions and caseloads. NUPGE

(Published as n15ja08b.htm)