"In May of this year I was approached by Port Hope Police Sgt. Darren Stronman and Cobourg resident Pete Fisher concerning the application for the Medal of Valour to recognize Constable Christopher Garrett's brave act performed while dying in the line of duty. At that time it was determined the application did not meet the required deadline for submissions.
Constable Garrett, who was killed in the line of duty on May 15, 2004, saved the lives of his colleagues in wounding his assailant during his dying
moments. It was discovered after the arrest of the accused that he had further planned to blow up the Cobourg Police Station and to shoot officers as they evacuated the building.
After numerous discussions with Sgt. Strongman and Mr. Fisher, it was determined that their efforts to appeal the earlier decision might not be successful. However, in October, the information concerning Constable Garrett was re-submitted. That nomination was subsequently rejected by the Canadian Decorations Advisory Committee because, under the Canadian Bravery Decorations Regulations, such nominations must be submitted within two years of an act of bravery to be eligible.
Over the past few weeks, I have spoken with Prime Minister Harper several times on this issue. I conveyed to him the views of those who have contacted my office, that Constable Garrett's bravery should not be discounted simply because of a two-year deadline for nominations.
I am pleased to announce today that the Prime Minister is taking steps to have the Canadian Bravery Decorations Regulations amended to permit the Canadian Decorations Advisory Committee to consider Constable Garrett's case.
We want to make sure that the timelines could be extended in cases where investigations or trials take longer that the 2 years from the original event.
Over the past two months, thousands of Canadians have become aware of Constable Garrett's extraordinary actions in 2004. Over 30,000 people signed a petition on this issue. His dedication to the citizens of Cobourg and the cause of policing is inspirational, and a reminder of the dangerous work performed every day, around the clock, by Canada's law enforcement professionals."
For further information: France Lavergne, Junior Communications Officer,
Office of the Prime Minister, Ottawa, Canada, fax (613) 957-5556,
flavergne@pmo-cpm.gc.ca
