FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 16, 2026

EDMONTON, ALBERTA – The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) recognized two outstanding policing leaders during the Opening Ceremonies of its 121st Annual Summit with the presentation of the CACP Recognition Award.

Selected by the CACP President, the recipients were honoured for their exceptional contributions to the Association and their commitment to advancing its strategic priorities. The award recognizes individuals whose leadership, dedication, and service have had a significant impact on the CACP and the policing profession, while reflecting the Association's core values of courage, integrity, respect, transparency, inclusiveness, excellence and compassion.

The CACP recognized the contributions of Chief Constable Fiona Wilson. O.O.M. of the Victoria Police Department.

Chief Constable Wilson was recognized for her outstanding leadership and advocacy on some of Canada's most complex public safety issues. As a long-time co-chair of the CACP Drug Advisory Committee, Chief Constable Wilson has been a respected national voice on substance use, community safety, harm reduction, and drug policy.

In recent years, she has helped advance several key CACP resolutions addressing safe supply diversion, wastewater analysis to inform public safety and police, and track-and-trace technologies, while also playing an important role in the Association's advocacy efforts related to lawful access modernization. Through her engagement with governments, parliamentarians, and stakeholders, she has helped strengthen understanding of critical public safety issues and advance meaningful national dialogue.

Beyond her policy contributions, Chief Constable Wilson has been a strong advocate for the advancement of women in policing and a mentor to many emerging leaders. Her professionalism, integrity, and commitment to public service have had a lasting impact on the policing profession and the communities it serves.

“Fiona Wilson has been an exceptional leader and advocate for Canadian policing,” stated Commissioner Thomas Carrique, President of the CACP. “Her expertise, dedication, and commitment have strengthened our profession and helped shape important national conversations on public safety.”

Congratulations also go out to Senior Deputy Chief Constable Howard Chow, O.O.M. of the Vancouver Police Department.

He was recognized for his longstanding leadership and commitment to advancing public safety through the CACP. Throughout his career, Senior Deputy Chief Constable Chow has been a trusted advisor, collaborative leader, and tireless contributor to the Association's work.

As co-chair of the CACP Law Amendments Committee, he helped guide the Association's efforts on key legislative and public safety issues, including lawful access modernization, organized crime, witness protection, and privacy reform. He has represented the CACP before parliamentary committees, contributed to discussions on criminal justice reform, and played an important role in advancing recommendations that support effective policing across Canada.

More recently, Senior Deputy Chief Constable Chow was elected to the CACP Board of Directors as a representative for British Columbia and has provided exceptional leadership as co-chair of the Association's special purpose committee on hate-motivated crime. His ability to bring people together, build consensus, and navigate complex issues with professionalism and respect has strengthened both the Association and the policing profession.

"Some of the most important contributions to policing happen quietly, through collaboration, relationship-building, and thoughtful leadership," stated Commissioner Thomas Carrique, President of the CACP. "Howard has exemplified those qualities throughout his service to the Association, helping guide difficult conversations and bringing people together in pursuit of meaningful progress."

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For further information or to arrange a media interview, please contact:

Natalie Wright | natalie@cacp.ca | 613.838.8807 | www.cacp.ca