Toronto police union elects new president

The union that represents Toronto police officers has elected a new president as it seeks a new contract, the organization said on Tuesday.

The Toronto Police Association (TPA) said in a news release that Clayton Campbellwill replace Jon Reid, who announced his retirement on Sept. 16. Reid was president for the past four years. Three people ran for president.

Campbell was director of uniform field services for the TPA for six years, according to association spokesperson Meaghan Gray.He has been a police officer for 25 years and held the rank of staff sergeant before he joined the TPA, Gray added.

Campbell said in the releasehe is "humbled and proud" to lead the largest municipal police association in the country.

"The time has come for us to be a strong voice for our membership as we address critical issues like collective bargaining, recruitment andretention, and support andrespect for the men andwomen of the TPS," Campbell said.

"My platform was based on speaking up anddoing what's best for our police family andI am grateful to have gotten the support of so many members."

According to the TPA, the president leads its nine-member board of directors in day-to-day activities, including collective bargaining, governance, finance and health and wellness of members.

Speaking on Tuesday to the Toronto Police Services Board, Toronto Police Chief Myron DemkiwcongratulatedCampbell on winning the electionand thanked Reid for his years of service as a police officer and as TPA president.

"I spoke with Clayton earlier this morning and told him I look forward to working with him," Demkiw said. "The Service and the TPA have a shared commitment for the well-being of our members."

Reid, for his part, said in the release that his time with the TPA was the highlight of his three decades in policing.

"Representing our members, from the frontline to the detective offices to the talented and professional civilians who make up the backbone of the Service, has been my greatest honour," Reid said.

On Sept. 5, the TPAannounced thatnegotiations with the police services board hadbroken down and the process is movingto binding interest arbitration at the end of November. The TPA said such a movehas not happened for 16years. Talks broke down after eight months of bargaining, the TPAadded.

Following the breakdown in talks, the TPA launched a new campaign, Keep Toronto Safe, designed to engage the public in its advocacyfor better compensation for Toronto police officers.

The TPA, which represents more than 8,000 police and civilian members of the Toronto police, says it is dedicated to advancing the interests of itsmembers through education, political actionand legislative advocacy.