Matthew Shoemaker, candidate for mayor in the Oct. 26 municipal election, has committed to supporting funding for 10 additional police officers when the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service’s proposed 2027 budget comes before City Council, if re-elected.
“The proposed 2027 police budget includes funding for 10 additional officers for the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service, and I support those staffing increases,” said Shoemaker. “Our police officers need the people, equipment and resources required to keep our community safe. At the same time, taxpayers deserve careful oversight of how those resources are managed.”
Since 2022, Shoemaker has supported $15.4 million in funding increases for the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service. Those investments have supported 25 additional police officers, the opening of the downtown police station, 30 security cameras installed in the community, body-worn cameras and new equipment for officers.
“The lesson of the last several years is that supporting our police officers and demanding responsible financial management have to go hand-in-hand,” said Shoemaker.
“The Police Service is a complex organization and ensuring it is properly resourced while maintaining strong financial oversight requires constant attention. That is the approach I have taken as a member of the Police Service Board, and it is the approach I will continue if re-elected.”
Supporting a modern police service is a key part of Shoemaker’s efforts to strengthen public safety and address addictions and mental health issues. Over the last term, Shoemaker has successfully advocated for bringing additional health and social service resources to Sault Ste. Marie, including the HART hub, Community Wellness Bus, and the return of the Concurrent Day Treatment Program.
