The Sault Ste. Marie Police Association is endorsing the former police chief, Hugh Stevenson, along with Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre in the upcoming election.
“Our officers work every day to protect our community and uphold public safety,” said Josh Teresinski, president of the Sault Ste. Marie Police Association, in a news release.
“We believe Hugh Stevenson and Pierre Poilievre understand the current legislative challenges that police face and are committed to providing the tools and support needed to perform our duties effectively,” Teresinski said.
Stevenson was the chief from 2018 until late March when he stepped down to run as the Conservative candidate for Sault Ste. Marie - Algoma.
SooToday's latest poll shows a tight race between Stevenson and Liberal incumbent Terry Sheehan.
“Pierre Poilievre's approach to public safety - holding repeat offenders accountable and reducing political interference - aligns with the priorities of law enforcement professionals across Canada," Teresinski said.
He said the police association is confident “these leaders will stand with our officers and work toward building safer communities for all Canadians.”
The association’s concerns are with Bill C-75, Teresinski said, “which has contributed to repeat offenders being released on bail, limiting the ability of officers to protect the public and enforce long-term community safety.”
The Sault Ste. Marie Police Association has roughly 260 members, including sworn officers and civilians.
Poilievre will hold a rally tonight in the Sault.
Voters will head to the polls on April 28.
Also in the running for the riding are Laura Mayer for the New Democratic Party, Robyn Kiki Eshkibok for the Green Party, Harry Jaaskelainen for the People's Party of Canada, and James Collins for the Christian Heritage Party of Canada.