Canadian Firearms Program employees fundraised for celebration to be held tonight

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BY KRIS MCDAVID
Times & Transcript Staff

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MIRAMICHI - It's had its share of ups and downs, but Jocelyn MacCallum still can't believe how quickly 10 years went.

MacCallum, who has been an employee of the Canadian Firearms Program's central processing centre in Miramichi since its inception in 1998, said employees plan on celebrating the centre's 10th anniversary in style today.

The centre was created, in large part, to offset the job losses that came after the closure of Canadian Forces Base Chatham in 1994.

The centre currently employs more than 200 unionized workers who serve as frontline contacts for the RCMP-controlled Canadian Firearms Program.

All licensing and registration applications for the gun registry are processed at the Miramichi centre.

MacCallum said despite ongoing attempts by the Conservative government to scrap the controversial long-gun registry, and subsequently threatening most of the centre's jobs, employees continue to keep a positive attitude in the face of adversity.

"We're all extremely pumped about the event, and it definitely it marks a significant milestone for us," said MacCallum.

MacCallum said she's seen many of the centre's peaks and valleys during her tenure, adding that she has a feeling the worst is behind her.

"I've been here since September of 1998, however with the ups and downs of the program I've definitely gone and come back, but it felt like home every time I was asked to come back and hopefully I'm here for the long-term."

"It doesn't seem like it's been 10 years, but we've seen a lot happen working under different umbrellas and there have been good times and bad times, but right now we're confident; everything seems good under the umbrella of the RCMP."

In 2003, the centre was established as a stand-alone agency under the portfolio of Public Safety Canada. However, in 2006, control was transferred to the RCMP.

MacCallum said the centre is continuing to show signs of gradual growth.

Within the past year, she said, more than 50 new jobs were created through the creation of an enhanced screening department, and new hires are currently being trained for various departments.

Miramichi Mayor Gerry Cormier said the jobs the centre provides are vital for a community still reeling from the recent closures of both the UPM and Weyerhaeuser mills.

"As a city, we're very happy to have them here," he said. "Any time we get an organization that creates well-paying jobs, we're thankful. I wish them all the best as they move forward."

Included on the guest list for the evening gala are Public Safety Minister and local MLA John Foran, Miramichi deputy mayor Nancy Lordon, and Assistant Commissioner Kevin Mole, director general of the Canadian Firearms Program.

MacCallum said employees have been raising funds for the event since April through a series of raffles, barbecues, silent auctions, and bake sales.

She said the event is being funded entirely through those efforts.