On the National Day of Mourning we remember the sacrifice of 110 OPP officers who died in the line of duty, 38 members since 1989 who died by suicide, and all injured. We pledge to work to ensure health & safety of our members who serve the people of Ontario with integrity every day.
President & CEO Rob Stinson
and the Board of Directors
Ontario Provincial Police Association
The OPP Association is hiring two Labour Lawyers. For more information or to apply click this link on Indeed:
LABOUR LAWYER
(Two 12-month contract positions)
The OPP Association (OPPA) works on behalf of all civilian and non-commissioned uniform Members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). There are over 6,200 uniform and approximately 3,600 civilian members who belong to the Association. The OPPA Legal Department requires two labour lawyers to join our legal team consisting of four in-house counsel and two legal assistants.
We are seeking two Labour Lawyers (4-7 year call), one for a 12-month contract to cover a maternity leave, and one for a 12-month contract with the possibility of an extension. Duties of the positions will include providing advice to the Chief Legal Officer, the Chief Administrative Officer, the Board of Directors, Labour Relations staff and Association representatives, providing support to negotiations, advancing grievances, presenting arbitration cases, appearing before a variety of employment related Tribunals including the HRTO, and sitting on various Association and OPP committees.
The successful candidates must have experience in labour law, human rights law, and administrative law, and be sympathetic to the goals and aspirations of a police labour organization. Experience in the policing sector and/or Police Services Act defense work would be an asset.
The salary range is $100,000 to $130,000 per year for both positions, depending on experience. We also offer flexible work arrangements. The Association Office is located at 119 Ferris Lane, Barrie, L4M 2Y1, less than one hour north of Toronto, although presently, due to COVID, we are working remotely. Some travel within Ontario may be required.
The OPPA is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from equity seeking groups including individuals of Indigenous descent, racialized individuals, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ persons. If you require an accommodation during any stage of the recruitment process, please notify us.
Please reply in confidence with a detailed resume, references and a writing sample. The anticipated start date for the position is in June, 2021. The OPPA welcomes applications reflecting its commitment to diversity. Our building is fully accessible.
We thank all applicants but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Contract length: 12 months
Job Types: Full-time, Contract
Salary: $100,000.00-$130,000.00 per year
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
Licence/Certification:
- Member good standing, Law Society of Canadian jurisdiction (preferred)
Work remotely:
- Temporarily due to COVID-19
COVID-19 precaution(s):
https://torontosun.com/news/local-news/mandel-durham-cops-told-to-remove-support-our-troops-decals was recently reversed due to public outcry. Although not directly impacting our members, the original reaction of our membership was disappointment and anger that this decision was made in the first place. The OPP Association stands united with our Canadian Forces brothers and sisters. The decision to keep the symbols after the public reaction is the right decision. We thank the leadership at Durham Regional Police Service for realizing their original decision was an error. We shall remember the service and sacrifice of our soldiers today and every day.
Lest We Forget
Rob Stinson C.D.
President & CEO
and Board of Directors
Ontario Provincial Police Association
We are thrilled to have had a successful first year of the uniquely designed Encompas Mental Health Wellness Program supporting OPP Association and the OPP Commissioned Officers’ Association uniform and civilian, active and retired members.
This Program was built uniquely for the members and their families. The member engagement has ensured that this program is effective and can empower members in their journey to mental wellness.
We have had many highlights over this first year, including:
– Significant program utilization and based on a highly representative client survey, 94% of Member clients felt this program had or will have a positive impact on their mental health;
– 93% of participants were highly satisfied with the program
– 93% of participants recommend the program
– We are pleased to have launched a monthly live Mental Health Awareness and Communication Series to open up conversation about Mental Health amongst the Membership – tackling stigma and providing program awareness and mental health education
– We are incorporating member feedback in our program evolution and are excited about the recent and coming program enhancements including the launch of the exclusive centralized Encompas Member’s Portal. This portal empowers the client to more actively manage their treatment journey, affords secure centralized communication and collaboration, access to evidence-based self-assessments and offers a library of uniquely curated self-directed resources.
We remain committed to minimizing the barriers to accessing high quality care, easing the navigation pathway and to supporting the journey to mental wellness.
The emphasis on engagement and continuous feedback ensures that the services remain relevant, compassionate, and effective.
As awareness grows and stigma diminishes, the focus increasingly shifts toward early intervention, personalized care, and empowering individuals to take charge of their mental wellness through trusted guidance and evidence-based tools.
This evolution in mental health care has also been accelerated by technology, allowing patients to connect with professionals from the comfort of their own homes. The rise of remote psychiatric care has transformed how individuals access therapy, medication management, and ongoing mental health support. By combining clinical expertise with secure digital platforms, it’s now possible to create a seamless continuum of care that meets people where they are—both emotionally and geographically.
This approach ensures privacy, convenience, and continuity, especially for those balancing work, family, or recovery. As more programs adopt these innovations, mental health care becomes not only more inclusive but also more adaptable to modern life, creating lasting pathways to stability and resilience.
Thank you to the provincial government for funding the program and supporting the health and wellness of our members.
A team of OPP Communciations personnel have been nominated for a 2021 Police Association of Ontario Police Hero Award. The nomination is posted on the PAO website PoliceHero.ca and is reproduced below. Congratulations to all those nominated. The winners will be announced at the PAO AGM in June, 2021.
On March 20, 2020, the OPP received a call from a male who had a loaded firearm in his truck, was parked on the off-ramp of a highway and was intending to die by suicide. Communications Operator Rebecca Harjupanula took the original call and spoke with the disturbed male. She did an excellent job of getting important information in a short time before the male stopped responding. Communications Operator Collen Dewey was dispatching the console where this incident took place. It was dispatched as a high priority call. She did an excellent job of coordinating and organizing units to attend the scene.
Operators Kyle Lyon and Grant Eccles were dispatching neighbouring detachment areas. They recognized the need for a multitude of officers to attend and began sending officers from their talk group and coordinating with Colleen Dewey. Communications Operator Melissa Richardson recognized the location’s proximity to another police service and contacted Durham Regional Police Service, advising them of the incident and arranging further resources to respond. Communications Operator Shannon Hogg received a second phone call from the disturbed male. She did an outstanding job of directing the male, who had now changed his mind about suicide, in surrendering to the officers. She helped minimize danger to both the officers and the male with her directions.
Clearly, this was a cooperative and collaborative response. Everyone worked together to get the job done. Few if any, were asked to act; the actions taken were the work of obvious professionals. These actions kept the public, officers and the male party safe.
A Qunite West OPP officer is in stable condition after surgery following being stabbed at a traffic stop near Belleville in the early morning hours of Sunday March 21, 2021. OPP President Rob Stinson stated:
“The notifications were being made shortly after 1am. Our brother is in stable condition as he is recovering from surgery. I have been in contact with family and co-workers offering our support. Thanks to the members of the community that assisted in the apprehension of the suspect. Prayers and thoughts for our brother, family and everyone that has been affected by this tragedy.”
The following tweets were posted by OPP East Region and OPP Association:
An individual, wanted in connection with a violent assault on an OPP member near Foxboro, n/w of #Belleville overnight, has ben arrested without further incident. The shelter in place is now over. Thanks to everyone for tips and your kind words regarding our member. #Quinte ^bd pic.twitter.com/0gdTKjndfp
— OPP East Region (@OPP_ER) March 21, 2021
Encompas Mental Health Wellness Program
March 24, 2021 Speaker Series – Featuring Anthony Mann
The Encompas Mental Health Wellness Program is featuring police officer, Anthony Mann, as their inaugural speaker on their March 24, 2021 Mental Health Awareness and Communication Series.
Anthony began Policing in 1998. For most of his career, he has been in uniform, general patrol along with working with Major Crime, Drug Enforcement, and Community Service.
Please join us March 24, 2021 from 1200 – 1300 ET for a conversation with Anthony as he shares his mental wellness journey and what he hopes will help current and future officers in theirs.
Visit www.encompascare.ca to learn more and register.
About the Series:
The Series will alternate monthly between virtual Open Houses and a Speaker’s Series. Both the Open Houses and Speaker Series will include 30-45 minutes of presentation, followed by 15-30 minutes for questions and answers.
Speaker Series:
These presentations will provide education on topics and solutions for healing and resilience. They will also showcase some of the speciality services such as Residential Treatment or Intensive Outpatient treatment.
Note: To ensure your anonymity, your registration information will ONLY be available to the hosts from Dalton Associates. Registrants will NOT have the option of turning on their camera or microphone at any time. Questions will be managed through the text Q&A which are sent only to the hosts – Dalton Associates. They will either answer those questions verbally without referencing the name of the participant who asked the question, or privately through the text function.
All sessions will be delivered through the PHIPA complaint version of Zoom Webinar.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact encompas@daltonassociates.ca
From Canada Life – March 12, 2021 COVID-19 Group Benefits Update
Canada Life Position on group benefits claims relating to the COVID-19 vaccine
In recent weeks there have been concerns posted on social media suggesting that group benefits coverage could be put at risk if a plan member receives a COVID-19 vaccination. When a COVID-19 vaccine has been given by an authorized health professional, side-effects or complications from the vaccine would not limit someone’s eligibility for life, health or disability benefits. Government-approved COVID-19 vaccinations are tested to make sure they’re safe and effective. While some people have reported side effects after being immunized with a COVID-19 vaccine in Canada, those side effects aren’t necessarily related to the vaccine.
The Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA) has also released their position on the vaccine as it relates to insurance coverage. They stress that vaccination is one of the most effective means to protect yourself and others from serious illness and death from COVID-19 and that receiving the vaccine will not affect your individual or workplace life, health or disability insurance benefits. Our commitment to you hasn’t changed during the pandemic. The financial, physical and mental well-being of plan members is our top priority.
Condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of our OPP Association active member Detective Sergeant Jeffrey ‘Army’ Armstrong of the South Bruce OPP Detachment, who died after a courageous battle with cancer. We have lowered our flags at OPP Association Head Office in his honour.
More details can be found on the official obituary by clicking on this link. The obituary is also copied below.
Peacefully on Saturday, March, 13, 2021 surrounded by family. Beloved husband and best friend of Kathleen, loving father of Grey and Alexander. Jeff will be greatly missed by his parents Jean Armstrong and John Armstrong (Carol), his sister Janice (Steve) and nieces Hailey and Peyton. Jeff was a proud member of the Ontario Provincial Police for twenty years. He was a dedicated officer, who took great pride in protecting the community. Jeff was fondly referred to as ‘Army’ by his colleagues. He started with the OPP seeking a rewarding career, but what he found was a second family. The support of his fellow officers, and colleagues, was so appreciated this past year. He was touched by everyone’s kindness and unwavering support. Jeff loved to travel. He was planning to travel extensively upon retirement. Jeff was quite adventurous and had hoped to spend half of his time abroad helping those less fortunate. He enjoyed woodworking in the garage, whether it be making charcuterie boards, bird houses or flower boxes. He spent many happy hours smoking meats in the backyard, with his countless secret seasonings. Jeff enjoyed going for rides on his motorcycle, where he was able to relax and reflect. If asked, Jeff would say that his greatest accomplishments were his boys. He loved Alexander and Grey with his whole heart. Jeff was proud of the young men that they had become, and of their various accomplishments. He will definitely continue watching over them and being their biggest supporter. Thank you to Dr. Rowley and his staff, Kathy of Bayshore Homecare, and the staff at the Grand River Hospital and the Grand River Cancer Centre. A special thank you to Dr. Califaretti. She was conscientious, attentive and caring. Jeff was blessed to have her overseeing his care. A celebration of life will be held for close family and friends, once Covid restrictions are lifted. In lieu of donations and in Jeff’s honour, please consider an act of kindness for your family and friends. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the England Funeral Home.
Below is a photo of the flags at OPP Association Head Office today lowered in memory of Jeff.
Essex County OPP Provincial Constable Jody Fedak has been nominated for a 2021 Police Association of Ontario Police Hero Award. The details are posted on the PAO website PoliceHero.ca and are reproduced below. Congratulations Jody!
I am nominating OPP Provincial Constable Jody Fedak as a community hero. I have had the opportunity to watch her career develop through the years. She has always made the community and those within it the utmost important part of her life. I have watched the numerous volunteer positions she has always stepped up with. Whether for youths, the community or a fellow Officer, Jody is always there to make a difference. My son, who was 14 at the time, started a not-for-profit organization for First Responders and Veterans suffering from PTSD.
Jody was the first Officer to reach out to him to show him her detachment, vehicle and arranged for him to speak with other Officers to explain their outlook on the profession and problems they faced. She is a strong, caring and professional woman who is the epitome of an amazing hero and role model to those around her. This is only a small glimpse into the many changes she has made in her community and the lives of others.
