FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Public Safety Minister Visits Guelph Police Service
An opportunity for dialogue and to Highlight Innovation and Community Safety Initiatives
Guelph, ON — October 10, 2025
The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety, joined Dominique O’Rourke, Member
of Parliament for Guelph, to meet with the Guelph Police Service (GPS) today to discuss the Service’s
innovative approaches to public safety and its leadership in community initiatives.
The visit was also an opportunity for Minister Anandasangaree and MP O’Rourke to discuss Bill C-12
which will prioritize the protection of Canadians and equip law enforcement agencies with the tools to
combat organized crime, money laundering and ensure stronger border protection. As part of the visit, the
Guelph Police Service was able to contribute valuable insights into how the proposed legislation applies
in a local context.
During the visit, Minister Anandasangaree and MP O’Rourke met with Chief Cobey and members of the
Guelph Police Service leadership to learn more about their initiatives, including the new Community
Safety Operations Centre designed to support proactive policing strategies in the downtown area as well
as using advanced technology and data to improve response times for serious incidents and proactively
dealing with major events. Discussions also highlighted the GPS’s Pre-Charge Consultation model, as
well as the commitment to community collaboration and initiatives such as IMPACT (Integrated Mobile
Police and Crisis Team) which pairs officers with mental health professionals to respond to individuals in
crisis. The visit demonstrated collaborative proactive efforts to enhance safety and well-being in Guelph’s
core and throughout our city with increased visibility and engagement.
The Service’s work in combatting human trafficking and intimate partner violence was also a focus of the
discussion and GPS shared insights into its trauma-informed approach, victim support services, and
partnerships with community organizations to provide wraparound care for survivors. The support and
services around intimate partner violence in our community have and continue to be part of the key
priorities of MP O’Rourke and this meeting demonstrated the ongoing partnerships between the federal
government, police services and community service providers.
Quotes:
“Guelph is proud to be a leader in community-based policing,” said MP Dominique O’Rourke. “Today’s
visit highlights the incredible work being done by GPS to keep our city safe and support those in need.
The innovation and integrity of our police services are an excellent example of community modeled
policing.”
For more information, please contact:
Lianne Cassidy, Chief of Staff to Dominique O’Rourke
Member of Parliament for Guelph
Lianne.cassidy/[email protected]