Atlantic Police Academy gets $500K for public safety initiative

Holland College's Atlantic Police Academy will receive $500,000 from the provincial and federal governments for the Canadian Centre of Public Safety Excellence, an initiative to expand and market public safety programming.

In conjunction with long-time training partner, Slemon Park Corporation, the police academy will establish training options beyond traditional police recruiting and training to an expanded range of public safety training that will be marketed nationally and internationally.

Announced Wednesday in Summerside, the federal government, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, will provide funding of $346,810 for training equipment and marketing activities.

The province's Department of Innovation and Advanced Learning will contribute $99,500 over three years.

"Today's ‎announcement of funding for the Canadian Centre of Public Safety Excellence is very timely," said Edgar A. MacLeod, executive director of the Atlantic Police Academy, in a news release.

"The essence of this transformation is the fundamental belief that when it comes to keeping our communities safe, all governments and their agencies need to partner on effective and efficient approaches to training. APA is fast becoming a leader in finding collaborative solutions."

Federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Gail Shea was on hand at the announcement on behalf of Rob Moore, Minister of State (ACOA).

"The safety of Canadians is a top priority for our government, and we continue to support important work to keep our streets and communities safe," she said.