For Immediate Release:  June 19, 2009

(Sudbury, ON) – Police leaders from across Ontario will gather in Sudbury June 21 to 24 for the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police’s (OACP) 2009 Annual Conference and Global Showcase. Senior police leaders from municipal, regional, provincial, national, and First Nations police services will take in a number of educational sessions, keynote speakers, and a Global Showcase featuring exhibitors and the latest in products for the law enforcement community.

“Police leaders are delighted that the City of Sudbury and its police service have put together an exceptional program which will allow our members to hear excellent presentations and speakers and enjoy all attractions this great city has to offer.” said OACP President Chief Daniel Parkinson (Cornwall Police Service).

The 2009 OACP Annual Conference and Global Showcase will be hosted by Chief of Police Frank Elsner and the Greater Sudbury Police Service.

“It is an honour and pleasure for us to host this important conference, the first time that it will be in our community since 1991,” said Chief Elsner. “We are determined to put on a great conference. This is an opportunity to showcase our police service and city and welcome delegates from across Ontario with typical Northern hospitality.”

The conference will kick off Sunday night with an Ice Breaker evening hosted by Harley Davidson at its The Shop location. Official Opening Ceremonies will take place Monday morning at the Holiday Inn Hotel (1696 Regent Street) and feature Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services the Hon. Rick Bartolucci, Sudbury Mayor John Rodriguez, and Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police President Steven Chabot, Deputy Director of the Surete du Quebec.

Keynote speakers at this conference will be Peter Legge, President and CEO of Canada Wide Magazines & Communications Ltd., Leo Gerrard, International President of the United Steelworkers of America, and Sudbury’s own Gerry Lougheed Jr., a well-known inspirational speaker.

Conference sessions include policing and indigenous peoples, emergency preparedness, legal issues update, and a look at a policing mission to Afghanistan featuring Greater Sudbury Police Service.

The conference will attract more than 200 delegates and companions as well as feature more than 70 exhibitors.

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