Unions say cuts threaten public safety, want more information, dialogue

OTTAWA – Union leaders representing more than 33,000 workers say federal budget cuts are threatening public safety.

The unions, whose members work in Canadian prisons, at the borders and in the federal justice system, contend Public Safety Minister Vic Toews did not consult them before imposing the cuts.

They say the government is eliminating a money laundering intelligence unit, trimming dog-detector teams at the border and increasing caseloads for parole officers.

They’re teaming up to organize a forum on public safety in Ottawa this fall but Toews has declined an invitation to attend.

In a letter to the unions, Toews says budgetary decisions were made only after careful deliberation and that public safety was paramount.

Before the unions even held their news conference, Toews’s office circulated the letter, warning of misinformation that might come from the union leaders.