Statement made on 15 June 2011 by Senator Elizabeth Hubley
Hon. Elizabeth Hubley:
Honourable senators, on June 8, 2011, Chief Paul Smith of the Charlottetown Police Services was appointed by the Governor General to the Order of Merit of the Police Forces. He was recognized for his 30 years of policing services on Prince Edward Island, the last 16 of which he has been chief of the Charlottetown police force.
The Order of Merit of the Police Forces was created in 2000 to recognize the men and women of the Canadian police services who demonstrate exceptional merit, contributions to policing and to community development.
Chief Smith is certainly well deserving of this honour. Under his leadership, the Charlottetown Police Services grew and evolved. Chief Smith oversaw amalgamation, relocation to a new state-of-the-art facility, the establishment of canine and street crime units and, finally, the adoption of an up-to-date system for information and intelligence sharing.
In addition to his leadership within the police service, Chief Smith is also known for his community involvement. He serves on various committees such as the Victim Services Advisory Committee, the John Howard Society of Prince Edward Island, the Prince Edward Island Provincial Council of Scouts Canada, and he was a past coach with the Charlottetown Abbies Soccer Club.
Whether in uniform or on the soccer field, Chief Smith is known for his dedication and exemplary service. I congratulate him on his prestigious appointment to the Order of Merit and thank him for his hard work and contributions to our community.