Ottawa, Ontario – Since 1998, the last Sunday of September has been set aside as Police and Peace Officers' National Memorial Day. This commemorative day gives Canadians an opportunity to express appreciation for the dedication of police and peace officers. This year, the event falls on September 26.

“Each day, police and peace officers are on the job, keeping our communities safe. That is why our government worked hard to introduce new legislation that would support officers in their work and equip our justice system with better tools,” said Ms. Tilly O’Neill Gordon, MP for Miramichi.

The commemorative day is important for highlighting the acts of bravery of police and peace officers and for honouring their colleagues who have died in the line of duty. The men and women being remembered on this day were also were beloved family members—husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, and friends as well.

We share your pain and understand the tremendous burden of sacrifice that you bear,” said Ms. O’Neill Gordon. “If it is any consolation, your loved ones were doing important work. Theirs was a noble ideal: to ensure the safety of all of us, at home, in our communities and in our country.”