Mark Baxter

Today marks the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. It’s a reminder to learn from history, speak out against racism, and take meaningful action toward racial equality. Every day, our members remain committed to fighting racism and fostering an inclusive environment for all.

Tim Reparon, Chair of the PAO Board, attended today’s Ontario Police College March Past and Review Ceremony, celebrating the graduation of 515 new recruits. As you step into your new roles, we wish you great success as you begin your service ahead. Congratulations on reaching this significant milestone!

I’m incredibly proud of the 515 new recruits who marked a defining moment today, completing their Basic Constable Training at the Ontario Police College’s March Past ceremony.   Thank you for answering the call and choosing service over self. As you step forward to serve and protect Ontario, Premier @FordNation and our government will always have your backs.   Congratulations on this milestone, and wishing you the very best in the years ahead.   @OPPAssociation 
@TPAca 
@OACPOfficial 
@PoliceAssocON @zeeinmilton

“Surprised and Shocked” that a sniper was deployed? Maybe the real shock is that @DorothyMcCabe wasn’t aware of how serious public safety planning had become 🤦‍♂️ And, publicly discussing police tactics only undermines officer safety and future operations. If you’re responsible for a city, you don’t get to be surprised, you get to be accountable.

As a proud member of the Canadian Police Association, we fully support the intent and objectives of Private Members’ Bill C-243. We urge all parties in Parliament to support the Bill at second reading and allow it to proceed to committee. This is a critical step forward for our communities and the importance of acknowledging victims' rights in Canada.

ctvnews.ca/london/article… We extend our appreciation to @Sarnia_Ontario City Council and @mayorofsarnia Mike Bradley for seeing this motion withdrawn. A heartfelt @SarniaPolice Association's delegation, with @PresidentPAO Mark Baxter, needed to be said. We also extend thanks to our Board, to our community (for the supportive and encouraging words), and to our members for the great work they do in our city every day. As Chief, it was reassuring to have ongoing support from our Ontario Solicitor General @TeamKerzner, and Premier Doug Ford @fordnation. Both continue to recognize the importance and unique contributions made by our small and medium-sized police services across Ontario. Lastly, we extend thanks to @OACPOfficial President Mark Campbell, other Chiefs, and many others who reached out to us in this process. With this distraction now behind us, our focus can shift back to addressing our real issues of community safety and finding viable solutions to the many challenges ahead.

Today on International Women’s Day, we celebrate and honour all the sworn and civilian women who work every day to keep our communities safe, including the dedicated members featured here from London and Sudbury. #GiveToGain is about supporting, empowering, and uplifting one another. To all the women who dedicate themselves to public safety—thank you. Your leadership and commitment strengthen the profession and help shape a safer, more inclusive future for everyone. #IWD2026 @SudburyPA2024 @SudburyPolice @LdnPoliceAssoc @lpsmediaoffice

This International Women’s Day, we are honoured to spotlight Lynn Neale, Director of the Ontario Provincial Police Association. As a dedicated advocate for mental health and inclusion, Lynn exemplifies this year's theme, Give To Gain—showcasing exceptional leadership, genuine compassion, and an unwavering commitment to empowering others. Discover more about Lynn’s inspiring journey: pao.ca/news-post/prof… @OPPAssociation @OPP_News

"He was one of those guys that you knew would always be there to have your back. A great frontline community neighborhood police officer." - Matthew Cox, President of the Ottawa Police Association We extend our heartfelt condolences to the @OTTAWAPAca and to the family, friends, and colleagues of Sgt. Robert “Bobby” Cleroux, who tragically lost his life to suicide. His passing is a profound reminder of the mental health challenges faced by first responders every day. If you are struggling, please remember you are not alone—support is available. We urge all our members to reach out if they need help. cbc.ca/news/canada/ot…

Just 5 days left to nominate your police hero! Every year, we celebrate both sworn and civilian police personnel who go above and beyond to make a difference. Is there someone in your community who inspires you? Recognize their dedication — visit policehero.ca to submit your nomination today.

#TheDispatchSpotlight: PAO & BTB Partnership Expands Wellness Supports The Police Association of Ontario (PAO) and Canada Beyond The Blue (BTB) have launched the Workplace Resilience Program Suite, offering trauma-informed support for officers and their families. From peer groups and family workshops to leadership training, the program helps reduce stigma and strengthen wellness across Ontario. This collaboration sets a new standard for a healthier, more resilient policing community. Read about the full program here: dispatchmagazine.ca/issues/4bcb40b…

This morning, I had the honour of attending the National Police Federation's panel on Digital Lawful Access in Canada. It was a valuable opportunity to hear from Canadian experts as they shared insights on the evolving access needs of law enforcement in today's digital landscape.

It was a pleasure to speak this morning alongside Premier @fordnation with Associate Solicitor General @zeeinmilton at the Police Association of Ontario’s 35th Employment Conference. Our government is proud to work with @PoliceAssocON membership to support policing across the province and make sure that we do everything we can to prioritize officer health, wellbeing and giving police the tools they need to be successful. Grateful to see collaboration across the sector with participation from @OAPSB and @OACPOfficial. @PresidentPAO

We’re thrilled to kick off the 35th Annual Police Employment Conference alongside the @OACPOfficial and the @OAPSB! With 430+ policing professionals gathered, we’re ready for a dynamic 2 days of learning, collaboration, and meaningful connections with leaders from across Ontario.

It's an exciting day when a recruit gets signed off by their coach officer to start patrolling on their own. Today @HaltonPolice 30 Division on one of my 'District Days', I ran into @HRPAssoc member, Cst. Tornifoglia, newly signed off and ready to hit the road. Congrats, Sam!

Congrats to Sgt Ozzie Nethersole, VP of @LdnPoliceAssoc and his team on earning the Chiefs Award of Excellence in Community Trust last night at the London Police Chief’s Gala. Well deserved recognition for your leadership. Proud to be there to celebrate with you, Ozzie

RCMP officers responded to the active shooter in Tumbler Ridge within 120 seconds. Their courage and swift action in the face of unimaginable danger are more than admirable. Thank you to every officer and first responder who risk their life to keep our communities safe. @BCRCMP @rcmpgrcpolice vancouversun.com/news/canada/tu…