Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service to hire more officers, build station, under new funding agreement

An Indigenous police service in northeastern Ontario has signed a landmark agreement that it says will finally give it the resources to address urgent safety concerns in its community.

Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service (WTPS) has signed a deal with the federal ministry of public safety and the solicitor general of Ontario that will recognize it as an essential service and provide long-term funding.

The agreement will provide WTPS with $112 million dollars over 10 years.

"This agreement is a paradigm shift for public safety in our community." said WTPS Chief, Ron Gignac, in a news release.

He said it allows police to plan strategically for the long-term and invest in resources to improve public safety.

He also says the funding will help increase uniform and civilian personnel from 40 to 72 positions.

WTPS is also looking at expanding and upgrading existing facilities while planning takes place for a new station.

Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory is located on the northeastern end of Manitoulin Island

"Our government partners have been instrumental in finalizing this agreement," said Joseph Wabejijig, board president. "We thank them for their long-term investment and look forward to further supporting our community with enhanced capabilities."

Last December, the Nishnawbe Aski Nation signed a $514 million funding agreement between the province and the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service Board to provide stable and enhanced funding for the communities it serves.

NAPS provides policing for 34 First Nations across northern Ontario, 25 of which are remote. 

Its coverage area ranges from the Manitoba border and eastward up the James Bay coast over to the Quebec border.

Historically, Indigenous police have been given short-term contracts under the First Nations and Inuit Policing Program that don't allow for them to invest in specialized units such as canine or drug units or allow them to own their own facilities.

That matter is currently being argued by the Indigenous Police Chiefs of Ontario and Public Safety Canada before the Human Rights Tribunal.