Representatives of provincial probation officers will be meeting in Ottawa Oct. 15-16 to discuss a number of sweeping changes in the Canadian justice system.
The participants are members of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) and its Component unions across the country. The MGEU has sent three representatives: Staff Representative, Loren Findley, Local 47 member Brenda-lee Johnstone and Local 44 member Tanis Brugger.
"With all the proposed changes to sentencing - including conditional sentences - there is going to be a significant impact on the important work that these professionals do," says James Clancy, NUPGE's national president.
"The main goal has to be public safety. Providing support, supervision and rehabilitation programs upon an offender's release into the community is critical. Probation officers play an essential role in this. But they are far too often not consulted on the issues," Clancy said.
The meeting will also provide an opportunity to discuss a broad range of health and safety issues including preparations for an outbreak of the flu virus H1N1. Delegates will also discuss a series of challenges facing workers in the sector, including working conditions and caseloads.