
2025 Ontario First Responders’ Mental Health Conference
Trillium Health Partners’ Insight Health Solutions and Wounded Warriors Canada are pleased to announce the upcoming 2025 Ontario First Responders’ Mental Health Conference. Building on the success of the first two events, which reached full capacity with 500 attendees, the conference garnered praise for its exceptional content, high-caliber speakers, professionalism, organization, and overall valued experience.
The conference is scheduled for April 1 and 2, 2025 at The International Centre in Mississauga, Ontario. April 1st is a half-day workshop focused on building connections through formative, in-depth discussions on how to make research that matters in the operational worlds of Trauma Exposed Professionals (TExP) and their families (TExF). An evening social event will provide an opportunity for participants to connect and reconnect with colleagues from across the province. April 2nd will feature a full day conference agenda including plenary presentations, keynote addresses, and concurrent workshop options.
The conference will feature frontline members, First Responder family members, organizational leaders, mental health clinicians, and renowned researchers like Dr. Nick Carleton. The focus will be on sharing best practices, hearing directly from First Responders and research related to the mental health of First Responders and their families.

March 26th Webinar – The Symbol and the Struggle: Unpacking the Mental Health Meaning behind the Thin Blue Line with Dr. Rosemary Ricciardelli and Zachary Towns
March 26th Webinar – The Symbol and the Struggle: Unpacking the Mental Health Meaning behind the Thin Blue Line with Dr. Rosemary Ricciardelli and Zachary Towns – 12pm EST
The “Thin Blue Line” has become one of the most widely recognized symbols associated with policing, carrying complex meanings for officers, communities, and society at large. While some view it as a representation of solidarity and sacrifice, others see it as a point of contention. But beyond its public perception, what does this symbol mean for the mental health of those who serve?
Join leading researcher Dr. Rosemary Ricciardelli and mental health advocate Zachary Towns for an insightful discussion on the psychological and emotional weight of the Thin Blue Line within law enforcement. This webinar will explore how the symbol shapes identity, resilience, and well-being among police officers, as well as the broader challenges of navigating mental health support in the profession.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the intersection between policing, symbolism, and mental health. Register now to be part of the conversation!

May 5th Webinar – Police Service Board/Commission Relationships with Police Associations: The Challenges and Opportunities during Budgets Negotiations, Collective Bargaining and Public Engagement with Casey Ward and Matt Cox
May 5th Webinar – Police Service Board/Commission Relationships with Police Associations: The Challenges and Opportunities during Budgets Negotiations, Collective Bargaining and Public Engagement with Casey Ward and Matt Cox – 12pm EST
The relationship between police service boards/commissions and police associations is a crucial but often complex dynamic, especially when navigating budget negotiations, collective bargaining, and public engagement. Finding the right balance between oversight, advocacy, and operational needs can be challenging, but it also presents opportunities for collaboration and progress.
Join Casey Ward and Matt Cox as they explore the key issues that arise in these negotiations, common points of tension, and strategies for fostering productive relationships. This webinar will provide insights into best practices for effective communication, transparency, and decision-making that benefit both law enforcement and the communities they serve.
Don’t miss this important discussion on strengthening police governance and labor relations. Register today!

May 13th Webinar - Building Police Chief Performance Management Practices, Capability, and Shared Objectives to be Achieved with Melanie Fix - Partner, MNP Consulting
May 13th Webinar - Building Police Chief Performance Management Practices, Capability, and Shared Objectives to be Achieved with Melanie Fix - Partner, MNP Consulting
Melanie Fix is a Partner in Edmonton’s MNP Consulting practice and is the National People Advisory Services Leader. Bringing over 25 years of experience in HR and Organizational Development (OD) consulting, Melanie serves mid-market clients across the country including several police service boards and municipal policing and community safety organizations. Melanie leads 360 degree performance evaluation processes for Chiefs of Police, CAOs and City Mangers, and other executive C-Suite leaders. Melanie studies the modern workplace and factors impacting the workforce of the future, leading talent management practices, and disruptors to attracting, retaining and maintaining an engaged team. She integrates leading practice insights into performance management practices to support the outcomes and values that organizations seek from their key leaders. Melanie is CMHA Certified in Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace and is Prosci Certified in Change Management. She is a proud Board Member for the Bissell Centre advocating for ending homelessness in Edmonton and is the Chair of the HR and Governance Committee.
Join us for an insightful webinar on Building Police Chief Performance Management Practices, Capability, and Shared Objectives with expert Melanie Fix. Partner, MNP Consulting
This session will explore best practices for evaluating and supporting police chiefs, strengthening leadership effectiveness, and aligning performance objectives with community and governance priorities.
Participants will gain practical strategies to:
– Develop clear and measurable performance management frameworks – Foster leadership capability and accountability – Align police chief objectives with public safety goals – Strengthen collaboration between governance bodies and law enforcement leadership
This webinar is ideal for police governance officials, municipal leaders, and law enforcement professionals looking to enhance performance management processes for effective policing leadership.

Registration Now Open for the 36th Annual CAPG Conference!
CAPG'S 36th Annual Conference:
Thursday, August 14th, 2025 to Saturday, August 16th, 2025 in Victoria, BC
Detailed schedule will be available in the coming weeks!
British Columbia
What Vancouver council wants from next federal government - Business in Vancouver
Coun. Rebecca Bligh identifies infrastructure gap, Pete Fry wants more investment in housing
Independent B.C. tribunal launches to watchdog police violence against racialized groups - The Chilliwack Progress
Advocates and families of victims launch People's Tribunal to probe police-related deaths, particu
Saanich police unveil new crest paying tribute to Indigenous representation - Greater Victoria News
The new emblem incorporates Indigenous elements to reflect the district’s heritage and location
Alberta

Legal fallout continues 7 years after Edmonton police officer missed body at double homicide scene | Edmonton Journal

Calgary Police Service receive 15 blessed eagle feathers in act of reconciliation - Calgary | Globalnews.ca
The feathers, gifted from the Kainai Nation, can be used for swearing-in ceremonies, as well as the swearing of oaths for affidavits, statements, and other legal documents.
Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan investing in community safety via policing, staffing, border security - Law360 Canada
As part of its 2025-26 budget, Saskatchewan is investing more than $800 million in the areas of policing, prisons, public safety and border security. According to a March 19 news release, the investment will include $679.4 million for the Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety; $118.9 million for the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA); and $8.8 million for the Saskatchewan Firearms Office (SFO).

Saskatchewan budget 2025-26: Community safety sees increased funding
During this week’s budget speech at the legislature, Finance Minister Jim Reiter highlighted the importance of safety.

Tariffs could have impact on police service’s equipment reserve - DiscoverMooseJaw.com - Local news, Weather, Sports, Free Classifieds and Job Listings
Doubling of provincial child porn cases concerns Moose Jaw police commissioner - MooseJawToday.com
Commissioner Jamey Logan with Moose Jaw’s police board raised the topic of Sask. ICE’s “staggering numbers” during the board’s March meeting.
Manitoba

Manitoba government, provinces call on Carney to take action on bail reform – Winnipeg Free Press
Manitoba and other provinces — citing a Portage la Prairie-area woman’s death — called on Ottawa to pursue “stricter” bail reform measures, drawing a rebuke from the federal government while a snap election looms.

Winnipeg police chief Gene Bowers promises changes to the force
Gene Bowers, the new police chief in Winnipeg says he's going to assembly a committee to consult on Indigenous issues in the city.
Ontario

Ottawa police Det. Helen Grus found guilty of discreditable conduct
An Ottawa Police Service discipline hearing has found a local detective guilty of discreditable conduct under the Police Services Act over accessing files in infant death cases for which she had no investigative role.

Ontario’s police force using ‘growing ecosystem’ of Israeli spyware – report | Canada | The Guardian
Findings raise questions about extent and scope of Canadian authorities’ use of cyberweapons
Thunder Bay police board seeks information on waterway policing - TBNewsWatch.com
Read the full story and comment on Tbnewswatch.com
New diversity plan taking shape for South Simcoe's police board - Bradford News
‘We need to have different representatives, different perspectives at the table, so that everyone can be served,’ says Bradford councillor
This northern Ont., school hopes a new partnership with OPP will keep kids away from drugs, organized crime | CBC News
BREAKING: Sault police chief abruptly resigns to run for federal Conservatives - Sault Ste. Marie News
Hugh Stevenson tendered his resignation this morning after seven years as the city's top cop, amid rumours he's been handpicked as the local Conservative candidate
Officer, police board face $1.55 M lawsuit after assault conviction - TBNewsWatch.com
Read the full story and comment on Tbnewswatch.com
Quebec
Black and Arab people overrepresented in Laval police stops, data show, reflecting broader Quebec pattern - The Globe and Mail
Data obtained by the Globe adds to mounting evidence of racial profiling by law enforcement in the province
The North
RCMP 'white paper' could end crucial work of police in NWT: Kieron Testart - NNSL Media
Document published by former prime minister Justin Trudeau calls for federal force to focus on national priorities in stead of boots-on-the-ground
National

Deadly Force: an inside look at the police involved deaths of 2024
Deadly Force is a three part series on APTN Investigates that looks at the collision of Indigenous Peoples and police forces in Canada.

Trudeau recommends new policing model – The Eastern Door
Outgoing prime minister Justin Trudeau used his final days in office to call for the creation of a new Indigenous policing model in the country.