In an unprecedented move the association for the rank and file of the Ontario Provincial Police has come out strongly against a political leader — the Progressive Conservative’s Tim Hudak.

“For the first time in the sixty-year history of the OPPA, Tim Hudak has given us no choice but to engage in a publicity campaign during an election”, OPPA president Jim Christie said in a news release.

The OPPA released two videos Monday attacking Hudak for wanting to cancel OPP contracts, cut pay and reduce pension plans for new recruits.

The kicker in each video is, “Every day we are working hard for you. Who is Tim Hudak working for?”

The OPPA’s position comes somewhat as a surprise given the Tories and police are often like-minded on many issues, especially law and order. The videos, however, did disappear later in the day for a short time because “of technical issues.”

Christie said he fears a Hudak-led government would launch a direct assault on the collective agreements of police associations right across the province.

“His positions on arbitration, public sector pensions and further wage freezes, among other issues, are unacceptable to our members who put their lives on the line for their communities every day,” said Christie, emphasizing that the OPPA anti-Hudak campaign is not an endorsement of the other leaders.

“Let me be clear. These ads do not serve as an endorsement for the Liberals or the NDP. This also does not mean that we don’t respect and work well with many in the Conservative caucus. We just don’t want this Conservative as premier.”

“There is no room for the divisive “Tea Party”-style politics that Mr. Hudak would bring to Ontario. From what we have seen during his past as leader of the Opposition through to the illogical present-day promise to fire 100,000 people to try (to) create one million jobs, it is clear that Mr. Hudak subscribes to the far right-wing teachings that have led to chaos in the “Right to Work” states south of the border,” Christie said.

The Tories have complained to the government and OPP Commissioner Vince Hawkes.

The OPP issued a statement Monday saying it does not support the OPPA campaign.

“As part of the greater Ontario government, the OPP does not participate in or offer any opinions or positions regarding elections and politics,” said Sgt. Pierre Chamberland.

“ . . . The OPP has no opinion or position on the current election, the political parties involved, or any of their party leaders.”