Parks Canada appeal on sidearms issue begins

October 29, 2001
Source: CBC Calgary
Original story - link verified on November 11, 2001

Parks Canada's appeal of a ruling by a labour safety officer that it should give guns to its wardens in national parks, starts this week. Rather than arm the wardens, Parks Canada chose to have the RCMP to take over law enforcement in the parks. However, Alan Latourelle of Parks Canada says they want wardens to get back to law enforcement duties, but not with guns. "From Parks Canada's perspective, we disagree with the labour officer's direction that would have called for immediately ceasing all law enforcement," says Latourelle. "From our perspective, we have put in place the appropriate mitigation measures to ensure the proper safety of our employees." Latourelle says the appeal before the tribunal in Ottawa this week is another step in a long legal battle over sidearms. "This is part of the process, the part of the appeal where Parks Canada will present its perspective on the issue of officer safety," explains Latourelle. The union representing park wardens is also appealing the ruling. That appeal will be heard later in November. Latourelle says he expects a decision on both appeals sometime in December or January.

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