March 1, 2024
Regina, SK – The following is a statement from NPF President Brian Sauvé following the conclusion of the public coroner’s inquest into the in-custody death of Myles Sanderson.
“We are pleased to see the clear, powerful, and accurate testimony in the public Coroner’s Inquest into the in-custody death of Myles Sanderson, confirming that the mass killer died of a self-induced “acute cocaine overdose” with no cause or contribution by RCMP Members.
In fact, the inquest has asserted our Members’ bravery and professionalism again and again, including in his arrest as our Members put their own lives on the line to stop and apprehend a known killer and, by doing so, protect others.
It is also clear that the systemic issues and shortages experienced by our colleagues within Corrections Services Canada and our legal system contributed significantly to this horrific event, and the loss of innocent lives. The failures in these systems too-often fall to our Members and all police to resolve, putting civilian and Member lives at risk.
The National Police Federation supports the recommendations from these inquests, all of which link to our federal and provincial asks for more RCMP resources which, in turn, better supports the communities our Members diligently serve.
We also call on the federal government to complete its protracted First Nations policing review and introduction of subsequent policy. We support more policing independence for First Nations communities who wish to assume that responsibility.
Finally, and importantly, we thank the hundreds of RCMP Members within Saskatchewan and those deployed to Saskatchewan from other provinces who responded to the initial active threat and conducted a very thorough and professional subsequent investigation. You are true heroes, and Canadians once again owe you a debt of gratitude.
This work is difficult and can be psychologically traumatic and we encourage our Members and all those impacted to access supports to ensure your own health and wellness.”
About the National Police Federation:
The National Police Federation (NPF) represents ~20,000 RCMP Members serving across Canada and internationally. We are the largest police union in Canada. The NPF is focused on improving public safety for all Canadians, including our Members by advocating for much-needed investment in the public safety continuum. This includes investments in police resourcing and modern equipment, as well as social programs including health, addiction, and housing supports to enhance safety and livability in the many communities we serve, large and small, across Canada.
For more information: https://npf-fpn.com/
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Media Contact
Sarah Kavanagh
Coordinator, Media Relations
[email protected]
(604) 842-6864
