The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Felix Collins, Minister of Justice:

Chief of RNC Is Appointed an Officer of the Order of Merit of Police Forces

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in the House of Assembly to congratulate Chief Robert Johnston of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) on his appointment as Officer of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces. Chief Johnston is just the second Newfoundlander and Labradorian working as a police officer in this province to receive this prestigious honour at the officer’s level.

The Order of Merit of the Police Forces was created in 2000 to recognize conspicuous merit and exceptional service by members and employees of the Canadian police forces whose contributions extend beyond protection of the community. There are three levels of membership which reflect long-term, outstanding service: Commander, Officer and Member.

Mr. Speaker, Chief Johnston joined the RNC in 1979 and was assigned to uniform patrol in St. John’s but soon found his niche in the Criminal Investigations Division. Throughout the years, he progressed through the ranks of the RNC and, in 2010, became the 20th Chief of Police. During his career, Chief Johnston has shown outstanding leadership resulting in a number of achievements. He leads by example and is looked up to by all those within the ranks of the RNC. His dedication to service and integrity makes him an excellent choice to be included for this honour.

In addition to Chief Johnston’s appointment, Inspector Sean Ryan of the RNC and Inspector Patrick Cahill of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) will also be inducted as members of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces. They now join five other current members in Newfoundland and Labrador who have achieved this great honour.

Mr. Speaker, the Provincial Government continues to support both the RCMP and the RNC in Newfoundland and Labrador. Since 2004, policing budgets have increased by over $52 million and there are an additional 145 uniformed police officers on the street. Budget 2012: People and Prosperity provided funding for an RNC officer for the Child Exploitation Unit and $4.1 million towards the new RCMP contract.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all honourable colleagues to join me in congratulating Chief Robert Johnston, Inspector Patrick Cahill and Inspector Sean Ryan on their appointments to the Order of Merit of the Police Forces. They will receive their orders at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on Wednesday, May 9.

Thank you Mr. Speaker.

2012 05 07             1:50 p.m.