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Carl Dalton, Chief Executive Officer of Dalton Associates and OPP Association Director Rob Jamieson joins the 10-5 Podcast to talk to our members about the “why” behind the OPP Association’s Encompas Mental Health Wellness Program that has been serving our OPP Association members and their families since 2020.
Listen to the podcast on the player above or on the podcasting platform of choice including Google, Apple and Spotify by clicking on image above.
The Encompas Mental Health Wellness Program is available to eligible active and retired OPP Association Members:
Telephone – 1-866-794-9117 (Available 24/7)
Email – info@encompascare.ca
Website – EncompasCare.ca
If you wish to connect with Carl Dalton or Rob Jamieson, have any questions about this episode, or ideas for future episodes, please email us at communications@oppa.ca.
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Mindset Matters – Where Shared Experiences Connect People
Encompas Mental Health Wellness Program
February 22nd, 2023 – 1000 – 1100 ET
Featuring John Flesher – John’s Journey from Cop to Counsellor
Our Encompas Mental Health Awareness and Communication webinar series has been rebranded as “Mindset Matters – Where Shared Experiences Connect People.”
Our goal with this Encompas series remains the same – to bring mental health awareness and promote open communication about mental health and wellness. Join us each month for insightful discussions, useful wellness tips, and a supportive community.
About the Speaker:
John is a retired Police Sergeant, now Registered Psychotherapist, and brings 30 years of front-line law enforcement experience and the passion for working with first responders and all those with trauma exposure, including family of origin, motor vehicle collisions or workplace and occupational stress injuries. John works from a client-centered, strength-based and solution-focused approach to promote incremental progress and growth with clients. John also provides the additional perspectives gained as a husband, father of two adult children and grandfather of five. John uses an integrative approach, using practical resources, visual illustrations, humour and motorcycle therapy to meet the clients where they are.
About the Session:
Please join us on Wednesday February 22nd, 2023, from 10am – 11am for a conversation with John Flesher as he shares his personal story of mental wellness and how he transitioned from being a police officer to a counsellor. Topics will include anger, anxiety, life after law enforcement, and John will also answer any questions submitted during the webinar.
Visit www.encompascare.ca to learn more.
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 compliant version of Zoom Webinar.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact encompas@daltonassociates.ca
Job description – Senior Advisor, Pension and Benefits
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.
We are looking to fill the position of Senior Advisor, Pension & Benefits.
This position will report to the Manager, Member Services.
The Senior Advisor, Pension & Benefits will oversee the management of members’ benefits and pensions and provide members and their families with information, guidance, and support. The successful candidate will also work collaboratively with the entire OPPA team to ensure exceptional member service is prioritized and achieved at all times.
The successful candidate will:
· Provide information, guidance, advice, and representation to OPPA members and their families.
· Project an image of the highest quality while establishing and maintaining the highest personal and ethical standards.
· Ensure that all member inquiries are handled professionally and expeditiously and are referred to the appropriate individual for resolution.
· Review and research benefit contracts and policies to improve the quality of benefits for members and their families.
· Provide timely recommendations to the Benefits Team, Executive Staff and Board of Directors.
· Review and update the business processes with Target Benefit Administrators, the Ontario Pension Board, and the insurance carrier.
· Liaise with the above parties to resolve problems and data issues. Review and analyze applicable reports, etc. regarding employee status to ensure proper administration of benefits and pensions.
· Provide information and guidance on benefit issues, including their implications on benefit plans and the administration of negotiated benefits.
· Provide advice and current information on Life Insurance and benefit contracts.
· Provide representation and prepare briefs for claim denial appeals to the Board of Directors.
· Consult with all levels of senior management of the OPP, Ministry, and insurance companies on problem situations, the interpretation and application of legislation, policies, and procedures, and the Uniform and Civilian Collective Agreements to determine the eligibility for pension and benefit entitlements.
· Conduct Pre-Retirement Seminars to provide course participants with the necessary information to assist in planning retirements.
· Support retired members, spouses, and surviving family members in relation to insurance, insured benefits, and pension entitlements.
· Support surviving family members on death claims and survivor benefits.
· Liaise with Ontario Pension Board, Ontario Shared Services, Target Benefit Administrators, and other applicable stakeholders as required.
· Provide guidance and ongoing support of members’ LTIP and WSIB claims including support through appeal processes if necessary.
· Address new employees and provide them with all the necessary information to promote the Association and outlining their entitlements for insured benefits and insurances.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
· Payroll administration.
· Sound knowledge of the Public Service Pension Plan.
· Outstanding communication, training and presentation skills.
· Labour relations background.
· Sound knowledge of contemporary/future policing issues.
· Excellent analytical, problem solving, conflict resolution, and motivational skills.
· Strong administrative and computer skills.
· Knowledge of current Labour and Human Resources management concepts, practices, and relevant legislation.
Job Classification: Senior Advisor, Pension & Benefits
Annual Salary: $83,000-$120,000
Start Date: To be determined with successful applicant.
Interested applicants are to apply to Amie Fabiano, Manager Member Services, with a cover letter and detailed resume by February 21st, 2023 at 4pmET. Email: jobvacancy@oppa.ca
We thank all applicants, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: $83,000.00-$120,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site gym
- Paid time off
- Vision care
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
Work Location: One location
Job ad on LinkedIn
Job ad on Indeed
OPP Pilot/Sergeant Hans Schirmer joins the 10-5 Podcast to share his experience as a pilot for the Ontario Provincial Police. Topics covered are the career journey to become an OPP pilot, the shiftwork and duties of a police pilot, the types of helicopters and airplanes the OPP utilizes, and recruiting.
To listen to the episode click on the player above or click on the image above for links on Google, Apple, Spotify and more podcasting platforms.
To learn more about a career with the OPP please vision OPP.ca/Careers.
If you have any questions about this episode of the 10-5 Podcast, please email us at communications@oppa.ca
OPP Sergeant Ann McEwen and OPP Provincial Constable Jason Sobkowicz of the Rainy River District Detachment in Fort Frances, Ontario join the 10-5 podcast for Part 2 of 2 to continue their dialogue about being police officers in Northern Ontario and experiencing PTSD.
Listen to the episode on the player below or on any major podcasting platform. Click on the image above for the links.
Topics discussed include the issue of identity for police officers, the officers’ stories on how PTSD evolved, how gender and a male dominated workplace factors in for women, the challenges of reaching out for help, advice on improving toxicity in the workplace, ways to cope and overcome PTSD in addition to clinical therapy, how understanding ego is an important part of recovery, and how we can move forward positively together from a PTSD diagnosis with humanity and community.
If you missed Part 1, you can listen to it on the player below or on any major podcasting platform. Click here for all the links.
The Encompas Mental Health Wellness Program is available to eligible active and retired OPPA Members:
Telephone – 1-866-794-9117 (Available 24/7)
Email – info@encompascare.ca
Website – https://www.encompascare.ca/
If you have any questions about this episode of the 10-5 Podcast, please email us at communications@oppa.ca
(pdf of letter is available below)
The OPP Association supports the letter sent to the Prime Minister January 14, 2023 by all of Canada’s Premiers and Territorial leaders urging the federal government to take direct action to strengthen our bail system.
Our member, Provincial Constable Greg Pierzchala was murdered December 27, 2022 outside of Hagersville, Ontario as he responded to a call for service for a vehicle in a ditch. Greg was ambushed. He did not have a chance.
Greg was a promising young officer who had his future stolen from him by alleged criminal(s) who had no regard for Greg’s life.
We are all outraged by the fact that one of his alleged killers had been released on bail on charges of assaulting a police officer and numerous firearms charges.
There are many issues that need to be addressed to ensure others are not in a situation to take the life of one of our police officers or community members.
Police are on the frontline of public safety and when police are killed and harmed it means there is an increased threat to public safety and communities.
Five police officers have been murdered in the line of duty in the past five months in Canada, with four of them in Ontario.
We also have members who have been injured by people who are on bail. Their lives have been forever altered.
Many citizens have been victimized by accused persons out of bail.
These tragic incidents highlight not only the risks faced by law enforcement but also the complexities of our justice system—particularly around how bail is granted and managed.
When individuals accused of serious crimes are released on bail, the stakes are high for both public safety and the fairness of due process. In such situations, having strong legal representation becomes essential for all parties involved.
Experienced criminal solicitors in Melbourne, for example, play a crucial role in ensuring that bail decisions are handled responsibly—balancing the rights of the accused with the need to protect the community.
They help navigate the legal thresholds for detention or release, advocate for their clients within the bounds of the law, and work to maintain the integrity of the justice process.
A competent criminal lawyer doesn’t just defend; they help uphold the delicate balance between justice, accountability, and safety that every society depends on.
Yet it’s also true that not every individual awaiting trial poses the same risk. For some, bail isn’t about slipping through the cracks of justice—it’s about having the chance to live, work, and prepare for a fair defense while awaiting their day in court.
Bail is a safeguard of the system, ensuring people aren’t punished before they’re convicted, while still holding them accountable through conditions and charges.
Services like San Diego Bail Bonds exist to help individuals secure that second chance responsibly, providing a pathway for them to rebuild, meet obligations, and face trial with dignity.
Because while public safety must always be paramount, justice also demands balance—recognizing when someone deserves the opportunity to start new.
The time for all of us to act to address the shortfalls of our criminal justice system is now.
The OPP Association, along with our Police Association and Police Service partners are turning our outrage into action. We intend to address with vigor the circumstances in our criminal justice system that resulted in Greg being killed.
The OPPA are working collaboratively with our Police Association partners, Police Service partners, victim groups, and the federal and provincial governments with a view to making recommendations that will not only improve officer safety and public safety, but make the criminal justice system more effective for everyone.
Our intentions are to review case law, regulations, legislation, resource allocation and funding. We will leave no stone unturned.
When police officers are not safe, the public and communities across Canada are not safe. The criminal justice system needs improvements now so that it functions effectively and efficiently for everyone in our community.
President John Cerasuolo
and the OPPA Board of Directors
OPP Sergeant Ann McEwen and OPP Provincial Constable Jason Sobkowicz of the Rainy River District join the 10-5 podcast to speak about being a police officers in Northern Ontario and experiencing PTSD.
Topics discussed are the officers’ stories on how PTSD evolved, the challenges of reaching out for help, advice on improving toxicity in the workplace, ways to cope and overcome PTSD in addition to clinical therapy, how understanding ego is an important part of recovery and how we can move forward positively together from a PTSD diagnosis with humanity and community.
To listen to the podcast click on the player above or visit the official public OPPA blog OPPA.ca/Media.
For links to listen on Google, Apple, Spotify and many more podcasting platforms click on the image above.
The Encompas Mental Health Wellness Program is available to eligible active and retired OPPA Members:
Telephone – 1-866-794-9117 (Available 24/7)
Email – info@encompascare.ca
Website – encompascare.ca
If you have any questions about this episode of the 10-5 Podcast, please email us at communications@oppa.ca.
OPP Provincial Constable Grezegorz “Greg” Pierzchala was honoured by the OPP and the OPPA, along with Police and First Responders, dignitaries, and community from across Canada and USA Wednesday January 4, 2023 in Barrie, Ontario.
Thank you to all who showed their respects today in person or online. We appreciate the support.
Greg was shot and killed in the line of duty in Haldimand County on December 27, 2022. He leaves behind his parents and siblings, as well as his colleagues and many friends. Greg will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Greg was remembered today as a dear son and brother, as well as a dedicated and respected member of the Ontario Provincial Police and former member of the Canadian Forces Reserves.
The funeral was livestreamed and can be watched on archived video on the Ontario Provincial Police Youtube channel below. As well we have posted some photos to our social media channels. Links are below.
(PDF downloadable copy of this map is attached to this blog post)
OPP Corporate Communications has issued the following public news release. It is reproduced here for the information of our members.
(BARRIE, ON) – A private funeral service for Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Constable Grzegorz (Greg) Pierzchala will be held Wednesday, January 4, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Sadlon Arena, 555 Bayview Drive in Barrie.
The private service will be attended by Constable Pierzchala’s family, their guests, members of the Ontario Provincial Police, representatives from other police services, Canadian Armed Forces members, emergency services personnel and officials.
The funeral service is not open to the public.
LIVESTREAM
Members of the public may view the funeral proceedings via a livestream on OPP social media platforms:
· YouTube: @ontarioprovincialpolice
· Facebook: @ontarioprovincialpolice
An in-person broadcast of the funeral is being offered at the Caledonia Lions Hall located at 100 Haddington Street in Caledonia. It will be open to the public at 10:30 a.m. in advance of the service at 11:00 a.m.
Local television outlets may also choose to carry the pool feed being provided.
Visitation, the funeral mass and interment are also private and not open to the public.
BOOK OF CONDOLENCES
Expressions of condolence to Provincial Constable Pierzchala’s family and friends can be sent via the Provincial Constable Pierzchala memorial page on the OPP website.
A book of condolences can be signed in person at the Haldimand County OPP Detachment located at 72 Highway 54 in Cayuga.
FLOWERS/DONATIONS
For anyone who wishes to send flowers, they can be sent to Adams Funeral Home and Cremation Services Ltd at 445 St. Vincent Street in Barrie, and Holy Spirit Parish at 650 Essa Road in Barrie.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be provided to the Holy Spirit Parish at 650 Essa Road in Barrie.
PROCESSION TO THE SADLON ARENA
The public is invited to observe the funeral procession as it travels to the Sadlon Arena. Specific route details will be released on Tuesday, January 3, 2023.
ROAD CLOSURES
The OPP thanks the public in advance for its cooperation and patience. The following road closures will be in effect in Barrie on Wednesday, January 4, 2023:
· Bayview Drive from Big Bay Point Road to Churchill Drive will be closed commencing at 5:00 a.m. This road is expected to reopen at approximately 10:00 a.m.
· Churchill Drive will be closed at Welham Road, with local traffic access only.
· Bayview Drive from Churchill Drive to Mapleview Drive will be closed commencing at 8:00 a.m. This road is expected to reopen at approximately 4:00 p.m.
· Harvie Road/Big Bay Point Road will be closed from Veterans Drive to Bayview Drive commencing at 5:00 a.m. These roads are expected to reopen at approximately 10:00 a.m. (Note: Harvie Road becomes Big Bay Point Road at Fairview Road.)
· Fairview Road will be closed at Little Avenue, with local traffic access only.
Traffic control measures will be in effect to facilitate traffic flow in the area. Further details about these road closures are available on the Barrie Police Service website and social media channels.
The Ontario Provincial Police extends its gratitude for the support and condolences received from the public since the tragic death of Provincial Constable Pierzchala.
FROM: Corporate Communications DATE: January 3, 2023
-UPDATE #1-
FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR OPP CONSTABLE GREG PIERZCHALA
Procession Route Details
(BARRIE, ON) – The procession route has been released for the funeral service of Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Provincial Constable Grzegorz (Greg) Pierzchala on Wednesday, January 4, 2023, in the City of Barrie.
The funeral service is not open to the public. Members of the public may view the funeral proceedings via a livestream or on local television stations.
The OPP will share livestream information on the morning of the funeral on their social media channels, including its main Twitter account @OPP_News and Facebook @ontarioprovincialpolice.
PROCESSION TO THE SADLON ARENA
The public is invited to observe the funeral procession as it travels from Adams Funeral Home (445 St. Vincent Street, Barrie) to the Sadlon Arena on Bayview Drive. Travel is anticipated to begin at approximately 9:30 a.m., but is subject to change. The planned travel route is:
Adams Funeral Home to the Sadlon Arena:
· St. Vincent Street to Wellington Street East
· Wellington Street East to Eccles Street North
· Eccles Street North to Innisfil Street
· Innisfil Street to Essa Road
· Essa Road to Fairview Road
· Fairview Road to Big Bay Point Road
· Big Bay Point Road to Bayview Drive (the west side of Bayview Drive may be accessed by pedestrians – no public access on east side)
Beginning at approximately 9:15 a.m., OPP and other attending services’ members will begin marching from Big Bay Point Road, south on Bayview Drive to the Sadlon Arena. Members will position along Bayview Drive to honour the funeral cortege as they pass by.
ROAD CLOSURES
Traffic control measures will be in effect to facilitate traffic flow in the area. Further details about these road closures are available on the Barrie Police Service website and social media channels.
Procession route and road closure map is attached.
MEDIA INFORMATION
Details for media pool logistics and registration was shared in a separate release.
OPP Association President John Cerasuolo and OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique join the 10-5 Podcast for our annual “Year in Review” episode. As this episode was recorded on December 19, 2022, OPPA President Cerasuolo shares a brief message regarding the on-duty death of Provincial Constable Grzegorz “Greg” Pierzchala prior to the start of the episode.
To listen click on player above. For links to listen on the podcast platform of your choice click on the image above or visit our public facing OPPA blog OPPA.ca/Media.
Topics of discussion include officers lost in the line of duty in 2022, the Ontario Police Memorial and Canadian Police Memorial, staffing and recruiting, fleet issues, and “three wishes” for the future.
For additional information on careers with the OPP, please click here.
Members can access the staffing shortage form at oppa.ca/staffingform (log in required).
Members can also report staffing issues by calling us at 1-800-461-4282 and selecting option number 9.
The Encompas Mental Health Wellness Program is available to eligible active and retired OPPA Members:
- Telephone – 1-866-794-9117 (Available 24/7)
- Email – info@encompascare.ca
- Website – encompascare.ca
For additional information on the Ontario Police Memorial Ceremony of Remembrance, please click here.
For more information on the Canadian Police and Peace Officers’ Memorial, including video of previous ceremonies, please click here.
If you have any questions about this episode of the 10-5 Podcast, please email us at communications@oppa.ca