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 Campbell will 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 release he 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 and retention, and support and respect for the men and women of the TPS,” Campbell said.
“My platform was based on speaking up and doing what’s best for our police family and I 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 Demkiw congratulated Campbell on winning the election to become 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 TPA announced that negotiations with the police services board had broken down and the process is moving to binding interest arbitration at the end of November. The TPA said such a move has not happened for 16 years. Talks broke down after eight months of bargaining, the TPA added.
Following the breakdown in talks, the TPA launched a new campaign, Keep Toronto Safe, designed to engage the public in its advocacy for 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 its members through education, political action and legislative advocacy.