The Winnipeg Police Association (WPA) are proud sponsors of the 2023 World Police & Fire Games and played an instrumental role – together with the United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg – in securing the Games for Winnipeg.
WINNIPEG, MB: The Winnipeg Police Association (WPA) in partnership with the Behavioural Health Unit of the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) are proud to announce a new partnership agreement with Wounded Warriors Canada (WWC). A national mental health service provider, WWC offers programming to support Veterans and First Responders including all current and retired members of the WPA/WPS and their families.
WPA 50/50 winner the Winnipeg Police Credit Union represented by CEO Cal Berzuk, receives a $46,282.50 cheque (50% of money raised) from Moe Sabourin and Jeremy Cull of the Winnipeg Police Association. Cal then donates the entire amount back to the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba represented by Kathryn McBurney for a total of $92,565.00!
WINNIPEG, MB: An independent assessment has confirmed that the members of the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) are facing serious morale challenges.
The WPS Mental Health and Wellness Survey – a joint effort supported by the Winnipeg Police Association (WPA), the Winnipeg Police Senior Officers Association (WPSOA) and the Executive of the WPS – was commissioned this past spring. Independent experts reviewed the responses and have prepared a summary report which highlights a number of serious challenges impacting the workplace of WPS members.
The survey process was designed by Dr. Lisa Kitt and Dr. Nathalie Gagnon, two highly qualified academic researchers. The response rate was very strong at 75%, and the key findings of the report have been presented to the WPS Executive, the leadership of the WPSOA and the WPA. A briefing has also been provided to the members of the Winnipeg Police Board.
“At the time we announced this survey, we felt the WPS was facing a severe morale crisis, and with the benefit of this independent report, we can see these concerns have been validated,” said WPA President Maurice Sabourin. “There is a serious leadership vacuum at the top of the WPS. There are growing morale challenges facing our members and serious workplace issues throughout the service. Certainly, the COVID-19 pandemic is a mitigating factor, but it is clear the roots of these problems go back five years or more.”
The summary report notes that WPS members are feeling micromanaged, unsupported by leadership and not cared about. Low staffing levels, particularly in the General Patrol, are a serious concern, as are promotion and transfer processes. These factors, together with the challenges presented by the ongoing pandemic and the broader political climate, are all contributing to an organizational culture within the WPS that the report describes as “toxic.”
“These are serious problems and it is clear that without prompt and decisive action, they will only get worse,” said Sabourin. “These issues can only be tackled if we work together. For our part, the WPA is committed to working constructively with the WPS Executive in order to see changes made. We are hopeful, in turn, the WPS Executive will accept the findings of the report, and work with us to overcome these challenges.”
Contact:
Maurice Sabourin
President
Winnipeg Police Association
T: 204-957-1579
C: 204-228-4301
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The WPA is proud to introduce the WPA 50/50 Raffle in support of the Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba. Buy your tickets online at http://wpa5050.ca for your chance to win half of a minimum guaranteed $50,000 POT! The pot will continue to grow after the $50,000 in ticket sales has been surpassed. The draw is July 1, 2021.
WINNIPEG, MB: Respecting provincial health guidelines, the 2021 Manitoba Motorcycle Ride for Dad (MRFD) format will again be RIDE ALONE TOGETHER. Registered riders are asked to collect pledge donations to fight prostate cancer in Manitoba and ‘Ride Alone Together’ on the days and routes of your choosing from May 1 to October 2, 2021.
The WPA and the WPS are extremely excited and relieved to announce that the Province of Manitoba has included Police officers in the list of eligibility for vaccination priority. In the Winnipeg town hall meeting on vaccination April 15, 2021, Minister Stefanson made the announcement. The WPA would like to thank Minister Stefanson and Dr. Reimer for their efforts in making Police Officers a priority.
Maurice (Moe) Sabourin
President
Winnipeg Police Association
The Winnipeg Police Association proudly salutes all 911 operators and public safety communicators who work tirelessly to ensure police and first responders are mobilized efficiently and effectively 24 hours a day.
WINNIPEG, MB: Beginning August 21, 2020 Manitobans were asked to ‘Ride Alone Together’ in support of the 12th Annual TELUS Manitoba Motorcycle Ride for Dad (MRFD).
Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba (CHFM) Champion Child Brady Bobrowich, and CEO, Stefano Grande, accepts a $45,000 cheque from Winnipeg Police Association president Moe Sabourin (second right) – proceeds from the 2019 WPA Charity Ball. On hand for the presentation was Brady’s sister Brooke (left), mom Corinne and father Brad (right). This brings the total raised from North America’s longest running Policeman’s Ball to $695,000.
WINNIPEG POLICE ASSOCIATION SUPPORTS:
WPA OFFICIAL COMMUNITY SPONSORS: