National Defence should pay for sentry guards: Ottawa police board chair
Arming sentries with loaded weapons not being considered, says Canadian Armed Forces
The chair of Ottawa's Police Services Board said he’s open to the idea of posting armed officers to watch over the ceremonial sentries who stand guard at the National War Memorial as long as the Department of National Defence foots the bill.
The Department of National Defence is in discussions with the Ottawa Police Service to provide security for its unarmed sentries at the National War Memorial since it falls under the force’s jurisdiction, said Lt. Kirk Sullivan.
It comes nearly five months after Cpl. Nathan Cirillo was shot and killed while on honorary guard duty at the National War Memorial on Oct. 22. The sentry program is set to resume April 9 after the winter break.
"We remain undeterred in paying tribute to this nation's fallen and continue, resolutely, to show dignity and respect for this important national site," Sullivan told CBC News in an email. "The Department of National Defence does not have jurisdiction over the National War Memorial and law enforcement for the area is the responsibility of the Ottawa Police Service."
National Defence is also discussing the possibly of police protection for the sentries who guard Rideau Hall, the Governor General's residence.
The details of a potential agreement are still being negotiated, but Eli El-Chantiry, the chair of Ottawa's Police Services Board, said the officers would have to be on paid duty. They would also have to be working on their off-hours, so the work would be considered overtime, he said.
"We would expect a full cost recovery, because really we are in no position to offer service without compensation, no matter who the request comes from," El-Chantiry said.
Any contract between National Defence and the Ottawa Police Service is subject to approval by the board, El-Chantiry said.
Arming the sentries themselves with loaded weapons is not being considered at this time since the guards are meant to be ceremonial, a Canadian Armed Forces spokesman said.
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