OPPA Member Sarah Bowers-Peter led the development of Indigenous Focus Crime Stoppers which won a 2023 OPP Accolade Award for Team Partnership (Community Focus). Sarah joins 10-5 The Official Podcast of the OPP Association to discuss her role as the Program Coordinator - Crime Stoppers Guelph-Wellington and the evolution of Indigenous Focus Crime Stoppers being implemented in Northern Ontario and beyond. 

The concept of the initiative was stared in mid 2023 and features Indigenous training for Crime Stoppers Call Centre staff including cultural and geographical awareness, a plan to include Indigenous training at Crime Stoppers annual conference for Coordinators & Board members, and translation of Crime Stoppers materials in all local Indigenous languages. 

All of this was accomplished by community visits to discuss how Crime Stoppers works and how it can be customized for Indigenous communities, obtaining permission from Band Councils to engage and get feedback on local issues the Band Council would like addressed, and community tours to see the needs firsthand. 

Indigenous Focus Crime Stoppers began in Big Trout Lake, with training in Thunder Bay, in conjunction with the OPP Indigenous Policing Bureau. 

The ultimate goal is to roll out the program across the province of Ontario with local Crime Stoppers programs engaging fully with the local Indigenous communities. 

To learn more, connect with Sarah through Crime Stoppers Guelph Wellington website. 

If you have any questions about this episode or ideas for future episodes please email communications@oppa.ca. 

Music – “Line of Fire” by Jason Shaw available at Audionautix.com and used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for over 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario. 

Retired York Regional Police Service Superintendent William (Chris) Bullen is one of the founding members, as well as the former President and Vice President of the Association of Black Law Enforcers (A.B.L.E.). Chris joins OPPA Director Lynn Neale on 10-5 The Official Podcast of the OPP Association to discuss the 32nd A.B.L.E. Scholarship and Awards Gala being co-hosted by the OPP Association and the OPP on November 16, 2024 at the Casino Rama Entertainment Centre in Orillia. All are welcome to attend. To purchase tickets and/or nominate a scholarship and/or award recipient please visit ableorg.ca

If you have any questions about this episode or ideas for future episodes please email communications@oppa.ca. 

Music – “Line of Fire” by Jason Shaw available at Audionautix.com and used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for over 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario. 

The names of two OPP police officers who died in the line of duty in 2023, Sergeant Eric Mueller of the Russell County Detachment and Detective Constable Steven Tourangeau of the Perth County Detachment will be added to the Ontario Police Memorial on Queen's Park Cr. in Toronto at the 25th Anniversay of the Ontario Police Memorial Ceremony of Remembrance Sunday May 5, 2024 at 11am. 

There are also two historical names being added, Chief Edward Lavery of the Prescott Police who died in 1928, and Detective Sergeant Thomas A. Whitelaw of the Metropolitan Toronto Police who died in 1938.

In this episode OPPA Director and Ontario Police Memorial Foundation Board Member Lynn Neale is the guest to talk about what to expect at the 2024 Ceremony of Remembrance. 

The event is open to the public and media.  Families of all fallen officers, dignataries, as well as police members, sworn officers, civilian members, retirees, and their families and friends are invited. 

For more information visit the official Ontario Police Memorial Foundation blog. 

There is funding available from the OPP Association to eligible OPPA members. The funding application form can be accessed on the OPPA.ca members only website. 

Inquiries about this podcast episode or ideas for future episodes can be directed by email to communications@oppa.ca.

Music – “Line of Fire” by Jason Shaw available at Audionautix.com and used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for over 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario. 

Hamilton Police Service Staff Sergeant Andrea Torrie joins the 10-5 Podcast to discuss the International Association of Women Police (IAWP) 2022 Conference, hosted by Niagara Regional Police in partnership Ontario Women in Law Enforcement (OWLE), and taking place from September 12-16, 2022. 

We discuss the difference between IAWP and OWLE, themes for the upcoming conference, and a high-level overview of what to expect at the conference.

For additional information on IAWP 2022, please visit their website at https://iawp2022niagarafalls.org/ or follow them on Twitter.

For more information on OWLE, please visit their website at https://www.owle.org/ or follow them on Twitter.

This episode of the 10-5 podcast is produced and hosted by Scott Mills and Joshua Jutras.

Music – “Line of Fire” by Jason Shaw available at Audionautix.com and used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode

If you have any questions about this episode of the 10-5 Podcast, please email us at communications@oppa.ca

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for over 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario. 

The Encompas Mental Health Wellness Program has become the go to resource for members of the OPPA in need of assistance. Encompas is delivered by Dalton Associates and their CEO, Carl Dalton, joined the 10-5 Podcast to talk about the program, including a background on services offered, the role of Dalton Associates in the Encompas program, and the successes and next steps for the program.

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/

This episode of the 10-5 podcast is produced and hosted by Scott Mills and Joshua Jutras.

Music – “Line of Fire” by Jason Shaw available at Audionautix.com and used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode

If you have any questions about this episode of the 10-5 Podcast, please email us at communications@oppa.ca

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for over 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario. 

OPPA Vice-President, John Cerasuolo, joins the 10-5 Podcast to recap the 2021 OPP Association Annual General Meeting (AGM), held from October 18th-21st. Presentations/topics covered include the auditor’s report, review of investment policy, budget review, OPPA by-law changes, election of Directors, the OPP’s Healthy Workplace Team, the Encompas Mental Health Wellness Program, mental health presentations from OPPA members, training sessions, OPP Fleet & Telecomm, Inspector Dan Jones (Edmonton Police Service) on “Universal Precautions for Trauma and Compassionate Leadership,” the OPPA’s Awards & Recognition Night, OPP’s Office of Professionalism, Respect, Inclusion & Leadership (OPRIL), the Ontario Pension Board, and Premier Ford.

This episode of the 10-5 podcast is produced and hosted by Scott Mills and Joshua Jutras.

Music – “Line of Fire” by Jason Shaw available at Audionautix.com and used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode

If you have any questions about this episode of the 10-5 Podcast, please email us at communications@oppa.ca

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for over 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario. 

In the seventh episode of our Retirement Planning Series, OPPA Executive Officer of Pension & Benefits, Lisa Hillstrom, joins the 10-5 podcast to talk about a retirement planning checklist. Topics include:

• Why you need a retirement planning checklist
• Where to get questions answered about your pension
• Where to get questions answered about termination payments
• Where to get questions answered about insurances and insured benefits
• Working after retirement
• Mental health resources
• OPPA Pre-Retirement Seminars

Ontario Shared Services (OSS) Contact Centre - 1-866-979-9300 or askOSS@ontario.ca – Note – Ask to speak with the Benefit Advisor for Retirement Planning Purposes

Target Benefit Administrators can be reached at 1-888-660-6055 or https://oppa.wlvinc.com/

The Ontario Pension Board can be reached at 1-800-668-6203, clientservice@opb.ca or visit their website at https://www.opb.ca/

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/

This episode of the 10-5 podcast is produced and hosted by Scott Mills and Joshua Jutras.

Music – “Line of Fire” by Jason Shaw available at Audionautix.com and used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode

If you have any questions about this episode of the 10-5 Podcast, please email us at communications@oppa.ca

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for over 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario. 

OPPA Executive Officer of Pension & Benefits, Lisa Hillstrom, joins the 10-5 Podcast for the sixth episode in our Retirement Planning Series to discuss pensions and retirement planning. This includes the different unreduced retirement provisions available to members, how a pension is calculated, and retirement planning tools available through the Ontario Pension Board.

The Ontario Pension Board can be reached at 1-800-668-6203, clientservice@opb.ca or visit their website at https://www.opb.ca/

This episode of the 10-5 podcast is produced and hosted by Scott Mills and Joshua Jutras.

Music – “Line of Fire” by Jason Shaw available at Audionautix.com and used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode

If you have any questions about this episode of the 10-5 Podcast, please email us at communications@oppa.ca

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for over 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario. 

October is Cyber Security Awareness Month in Canada and Detective Sergeant Vern Crowley joins the 10-5 Podcast to talk about the Ontario Provincial Police’s (OPP) Cyber Crime Investigative Unit, including the composition of the Unit, what types of crimes the Unit investigates (Cybercrimes vs Cyber Enabled Crimes), trends in cyber security investigations, prevention, resources for the public and tips on securing your phone and PC.

For additional information on Cyber Security Awareness Month and “Get Cyber Safe,” please visit https://www.getcybersafe.gc.ca/en/cyber-security-awareness-month

The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security can be reached at https://cyber.gc.ca/en/

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre can be reached at 1-888-495-8501 or https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm

The Cyber Security Ontario Learning Portal can be accessed at https://cybersecurityontario.ca/

The United States Government’s Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency webpage can be found at https://www.cisa.gov/

This episode of the 10-5 podcast is produced and hosted by Scott Mills and Joshua Jutras.

Music – “Line of Fire” by Jason Shaw available at Audionautix.com and used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode

If you have any questions about this episode of the 10-5 Podcast, please email us at communications@oppa.ca

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for over 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario. 

Inspector Chris Collins from the Ontario Provincial Police’s (OPP) Uniform Recruitment Unit and OPP Association Director Mike Adair join the 10-5 Podcast for the conclusion of our discussion on the OPP’s current uniform recruiting efforts including northern recruiting, the employee referral program and secondary assessments of candidates.

For further information on the OPP’s Uniform Recruitment Unit, please visit www.opp.ca/careers, email uniformrecruitment@opp.ca, visit their Facebook page www.facebook.com/OPPCareers, or contact them at 1-877-677-4473.

This episode of the 10-5 podcast is produced and hosted by Scott Mills and Joshua Jutras.

Music – “Line of Fire” by Jason Shaw available at Audionautix.com and used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode

If you have any questions about this episode of the 10-5 Podcast, please email us at communications@oppa.ca

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for over 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario. 

Inspector Chris Collins from the Ontario Provincial Police’s (OPP) Uniform Recruitment Unit and OPP Association Director Mike Adair join the 10-5 Podcast for the first of two episodes to discuss the OPP’s current uniform recruiting efforts. This includes the number of recruits being sought, current initiatives and psychological testing.

For further information on the OPP’s Uniform Recruitment Unit, please visit www.opp.ca/careers, email uniformrecruitment@opp.ca , visit their Facebook page www.facebook.com/OPPCareers or contact them at 1-877-677-4473.

This episode of the 10-5 podcast is produced and hosted by Scott Mills and Joshua Jutras.

Music – “Line of Fire” by Jason Shaw available at Audionautix.com and used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode

If you have any questions about this episode of the 10-5 Podcast, please email us at communications@oppa.ca

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for over 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario. 

Mark Baxter is the President of the Police Association of Ontario (PAO). Mark was first elected to the PAO Board of Directors in 2014 as a Uniform Director. Since that time, Mark has been actively engaged in provincial matters related to policing, including holding the position of Board Chair for five of the last seven years. Mark was elected as the Vice President of the Brantford Police Association in 2012, and elected President in 2015. He held the position of Brantford Police Association President until 2021 when he was elected as PAO President by members across the province.

Mark joined the 10-5 Podcast to introduce himself to OPPA members, talk about the opportunities and challenges facing the PAO and its members, goals for his 3-year term and the next Provincial election in June 2022.

Please visit the PAO website at https://pao.ca/. They can also be reached pao@pao.ca.

The Encompas Mental Health Wellness Program is available to eligible active and retired OPPA Members:

Telephone - 1-866-794-9114 (Available 24/7)
Email - info@encompascare.ca
Website - https://www.encompascare.ca/

Beyond the Blue Canada - https://www.canadabeyondtheblue.com/

Boots on the Ground - https://www.bootsontheground.ca/, 24/7 at 1-833-677-BOOT (2668)

Badge of Life Canada - https://badgeoflifecanada.org/, info@badgeoflifecanada.org

Wounded Warriors Canada - https://woundedwarriors.ca/, info@woundedwarriors.ca

This episode of the 10-5 podcast is produced and hosted by Scott Mills and Joshua Jutras.

Music – “Line of Fire” by Jason Shaw available at Audionautix.com and used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode

If you have any questions about this episode of the 10-5 Podcast, please email us at communications@oppa.ca

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for over 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario. 

Jean Turner sits on the Board of Directors for Serving With Pride and joins the 10-5 Podcast to discuss  the organization and their work, its training programs, the upcoming Gala & Awards Night (October 16, 2021), “The Independent Civilian Review into Missing Person Investigations”, and the documentary film “Coming Out Cops.”

For more information on Serving with Pride, please visit www.servingwithpride.ca or contact them at info@servingwithpride.ca.

For more information on “The Independent Civilian Review into Missing Person Investigations,” please click here.

For more information on the documentary film “Coming Out Cops”, please visit www.comingoutcops.ca.

This episode of the 10-5 podcast is produced and hosted by Scott Mills and Joshua Jutras.

Music – “Line of Fire” by Jason Shaw available at Audionautix.com and used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode

If you have any questions about this episode of the 10-5 Podcast, please email us at communications@oppa.ca

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for over 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario. 

Veronique Boucher is the daughter of Retired OPP Provincial Constable Guy Boucher. She joins 10-5 The Official Podcast of the OPP Association to discuss her father's career and his tragic suicide shortly after his retirement. Veroinique hopes that by sharing her story that she can give hope to other police families dealing with mental health challenges. If you are struggling the OPPA's Encompas Mental Health Wellness Program is available 24/7 to OPPA members and their families online at EncompasCare.ca or by calling 1-866-794-9117.

Inquiries about this podcast episode or ideas for future episodes can be directed by email to communications@oppa.ca.

Music – “Line of Fire” by Jason Shaw available at Audionautix.com and used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for over 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario. 

OPPA Executive Officer of Pension & Benefits, Lisa Hillstrom, joins the 10-5 Podcast for the fifth episode in our Retirement Planning Series to discuss Estate Planning, Wills and Powers of Attorney. This includes the different types of Powers of Attorney and the importance of Wills and Estate Planning.

This episode of the 10-5 podcast is produced and hosted by Scott Mills and Joshua Jutras.

Music – “Line of Fire” by Jason Shaw available at Audionautix.com and used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode

If you have any questions about this episode of the 10-5 Podcast, please email us at communications@oppa.ca

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for over 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario. 

OPPA Executive Officer of Pension & Benefits, Lisa Hillstrom, joins the 10-5 Podcast for the fourth episode in our Retirement Planning Series to review contacts that our members can use in their retirement planning. This includes who to contact regarding pension entitlements (Ontario Pension Board), termination payments (Ontario Shared Services (OSS)), and insured benefits and insurances (Target Benefit Administrators).

Resources:

The Ontario Pension Board can be reached at 1-800-668-6203, clientservice@opb.ca or visit their website at https://www.opb.ca/

Ontario Shared Services (OSS) Contact Centre - 1-866-979-9300 or askOSS@ontario.ca – Note – Ask to speak with the Benefit Advisor for Retirement Planning Purposes

Target Benefit Administrators can be reached at 1-888-660-6055 or https://oppa.wlvinc.com/

This episode of the 10-5 podcast is produced and hosted by Scott Mills and Joshua Jutras.

Music – “Line of Fire” by Jason Shaw available at Audionautix.com and used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode

If you have any questions about this episode of the 10-5 Podcast, please email us at communications@oppa.ca

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for over 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario. 

In the conclusion of our series on frontline staffing in the OPP, OPP Association Director Jason Cull joins the 10-5 Podcast to discuss civilianization of police duties and the staffing pilot taking place in North-East Region.

*This episode of the 10-5 podcast is produced and hosted by Scott Mills and Joshua Jutras.

Music – “Line of Fire” by Jason Shaw available at Audionautix.com and used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode

If you have any questions about this episode of the 10-5 Podcast, please email us at communications@oppa.ca

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for over 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario. 

In the second of three episodes on frontline staffing in the OPP, OPP Association Director Jason Cull joins the 10-5 Podcast to talk about staffing targets, the use of overtime and the impacts of legislated leaves of absence.

This episode of the 10-5 podcast is produced and hosted by Scott Mills and Joshua Jutras.

Music – “Line of Fire” by Jason Shaw available at Audionautix.com and used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode

If you have any questions about this episode of the 10-5 Podcast, please email us at communications@oppa.ca

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for over 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario. 

In the first of three episodes on frontline staffing in the OPP, OPP Association Director Jason Cull joins the 10-5 Podcast to talk about the current situation and the challenges of recruiting.

This episode of the 10-5 podcast is produced and hosted by Scott Mills and Joshua Jutras.

Music – “Line of Fire” by Jason Shaw available at Audionautix.com and used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode

If you have any questions about this episode of the 10-5 Podcast, please email us at communications@oppa.ca

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for over 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario. 

This episode contains coarse language and mature subject matter. Listener discretion is advised.

In the second of a two-part episode, Mathew Belear, a Veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces and a Provincial Constable with the OPP, talks about his experience during the 2018 Invictus Games and his current work with the Invictus Games Foundation.

If you wish to connect with Mathew Belear, please email communications@oppa.ca. 

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/

OPP Healthy Workplace Team – Care Navigators and Mental Health Clinicians are available 24/7 for support services, including peer support and psychological services at 1-844-644-9409.

Canadian Mental Health Association – https://cmha.ca/ or 416-646-5557

For further information on the Invictus Games Foundation, please visit https://invictusgamesfoundation.org/

This episode of the 10-5 podcast is produced and hosted by Scott Mills and Joshua Jutras.

Music – “Line of Fire” by Jason Shaw available at Audionautix.com and used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode

If you have any questions about this episode of the 10-5 Podcast, please email us at communications@oppa.ca

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for over 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario. 

This episode contains coarse language and mature subject matter. Listener discretion is advised.

In the first of a two-part episode, Mathew Belear, a Veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces and a Provincial Constable with the OPP, talks about his two tours of duty in Afghanistan, his experience during the 2018 Invictus Games and his current work with the Invictus Games Foundation.

If you wish to connect with Mathew Belear, please email communications@oppa.ca 

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/

OPP Healthy Workplace Team – Care Navigators and Mental Health Clinicians are available 24/7 for support services, including peer support and psychological services at 1-844-644-9409.

Canadian Mental Health Association – https://cmha.ca/ or 416-646-5557

For further information on the Invictus Games Foundation, please visit https://invictusgamesfoundation.org/

This episode of the 10-5 podcast is produced and hosted by Scott Mills and Joshua Jutras.

Music – “Line of Fire” by Jason Shaw available at Audionautix.com and used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode

If you have any questions about this episode of the 10-5 Podcast, please email us at communications@oppa.ca

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for over 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario. 

OPPA Executive Officer of Pension & Benefits, Lisa Hillstrom, joins the 10-5 Podcast for the 3rd episode in our Retirement Planning Series to discuss the CPP benefit and its impact on retirement planning. This includes deciding on when to begin receiving the CPP benefit, impact on pension payments if a member elects to receive the CPP benefit prior to age 65 and how to receive an estimate of how much a member’s CPP benefit will be.

Resources:

The CPP chart Lisa Hillstrom referred to in this episode can be found at https://www.oppa.ca/News-Events/News/Private-News/10-5-The-Official-Podcast-of-the-OPPA-Episode-8-Re (OPPA Member’s Only – Log in required to view).

For an estimate on CPP benefit amounts, please contact Service Canada through their website at https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/portfolio/service-canada.html or contact them at 1-800-622-6232.

The Ontario Pension Board can be reached at 1-800-668-6203, clientservice@opb.ca or visit their website at https://www.opb.ca/

This episode of the 10-5 podcast is produced and hosted by Scott Mills and Joshua Jutras.

Music – “Line of Fire” by Jason Shaw available at Audionautix.com and used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode

If you have any questions about this episode of the 10-5 Podcast, please email us at communications@oppa.ca

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for over 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario. 

OPPA Executive Officer of Pension & Benefits, Lisa Hillstrom, joins the 10-5 Podcast for the 2nd episode in our Retirement Planning Series with an in-depth discussion of insured benefits and insurances at retirement. This includes the eligibility criteria for insured benefits upon retirement, how to continue insurances at retirement and the types of insurances available to members at retirement.

Resources:

Confirmation that a member has met the eligibility criteria for insured benefits at retirement can be obtained from the Ontario Pension Board - https://www.opb.ca/ or 1-800-668-6203

Although the carrier for insured benefits remains the same (Canada Life) the policy number will change from 44501 for active members to 6772 for retired members. Your ID number will also change from your WIN number to your client ID number with the Ontario Pension Board.

To review your insurances, premium rates, or named beneficiaries please contact Target Benefit Administrators at 1-888-660-6055 or https://oppa.wlvinc.com/

If you are considering cancelling any of your policies, it is important to reach out to Target Benefit Administrators to discuss that further - 1-888-660-6055 or https://oppa.wlvinc.com/

Active members can purchase additional insurances within 31 days of a life event without providing proof of insurability. Please contact Target Benefit Administrators at 1-888-660-6055 or https://oppa.wlvinc.com/

For more information on insurances and insured benefits offered through the OPPA plan, please refer to the plan overview at https://www.oppa.ca/Benefits/Insurance (members only - log in required) or contact Target Benefit Administrators at 1-888-660-6055 or https://oppa.wlvinc.com/

This episode of the 10-5 podcast is produced and hosted by Scott Mills and Joshua Jutras.

Music – “Line of Fire” by Jason Shaw available at Audionautix.com and used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for over 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario. 

Karen Lagacé, Strategic Communications Coordinator for the OPP Association, talks about retirement and 25+ years of serving our members. Thank you, Karen, for everything you have done for our members. You will be missed.

This episode of the 10-5 podcast is produced and hosted by Scott Mills and Joshua Jutras.

Music – “Line of Fire” by Jason Shaw available at Audionautix.com and used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode

If you have any questions about this episode of the 10-5 Podcast, please email us at communications@oppa.ca

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for over 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario. 

Ontario Provincial Police Association Senior Advisor of Pension and Benefits Caitlin Fournier is the guest on 10-5 The Official Podcast of the OPP Association to explain Life, AD&D, Critical Illness Insurances for OPPA members. 

Insured Benefits Inquiries:

Reference information is posted on the members only side of OPPA.ca. 

Issues with claims, customer service? Contact Target Benefits 1-888-660-6055 toll free, or 1-416-740-1335, or by email target@wlvinc.com. Canada Life VIP Toll-Free Line – 1-888-381-4401.For member inquires to the OPPA Benefits Team please email benefits@oppa.ca. If you are unable to login please email oppa@oppa.ca for assistance. 

Inquiries about this podcast episode or ideas for future episodes can be directed by email to communications@oppa.ca.

Music – “Line of Fire” by Jason Shaw available at Audionautix.com and used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for over 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario. 

This episode of the 10-5 Podcast features a candid conversation regarding an officer’s experience with PTSD and the traumas he faced on the job which some listeners may find disturbing. Listener discretion is advised.

Jon Perrin, a Provincial Constable with the OPP and host of the "Twisted Trauma" podcast discusses his journey to mental wellness.

The Twisted Trauma Podcast is available on Spotify and Anchor.FM

Connect with Jon:

• Website - https://twistedtraumafoundation.com/
• Email - twistedtraumafoundation@yahoo.com
• TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@twistedtrauma
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jonperrin.livingwithamentalhealthillness/
• Youtube - https://youtube.com/channel/UCwT_g0zdcoVWE6YfwhFZTYQ

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@encompasscare.ca
• Website - https://www.encompascare.ca/

This episode of the 10-5 podcast is produced and hosted by Scott Mills and Joshua Jutras.

Music – “Line of Fire” by Jason Shaw available at Audionautix.com and used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode

If you have any questions about this episode of the 10-5 Podcast, please email us at communications@oppa.ca

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for over 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario. 

OPP Inspector Stuart Bertram is currently the Unit Commander of the Provincial Communications Centre in London and joins the 10-5 Podcast to discuss the body-worn camera pilot project currently taking place in the OPP, including location, public and officer support, cost, storage of digital evidence, privacy concerns and more. 

This episode of the 10-5 podcast is produced and hosted by Scott Mills and Joshua Jutras.

Music – “Line of Fire” by Jason Shaw available at Audionautix.com and used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode

If you have any questions about this episode of the 10-5 Podcast, please email us at communications@oppa.ca

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for over 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario. 

OPPA Executive Officer of Pension & Benefits, Lisa Hillstrom, joins the 10-5 Podcast to launch our Retirement Planning Series with an in-depth discussion of termination payments at retirement. This includes calculating severance pay, severance payments for amalgamated members, payment options, accrual of vacation credits on salary continuance, and use of vacation/stat credits/OT as leave with pay (salary continuance).

Resources:

Ontario Shared Services (OSS) Contact Centre - 1-866-979-9300 – Note – Ask to speak with the Benefit Advisor for Retirement Planning Purposes

The Ontario Pension Board offers members access to Certified Financial Planners - https://www.opb.ca/ or 1-800-668-6203

For further assistance members can contact the OPP Association at oppa@oppa.ca or 1-800-461-4282

This episode of the 10-5 podcast is produced and hosted by Scott Mills and Joshua Jutras.

Music – “Line of Fire” by Jason Shaw available at Audionautix.com and used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode

If you have any questions about this episode of the 10-5 Podcast, please email us at communications@oppa.ca

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for over 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario. 

OPPA Civilian Director David Sabatini discusses several issues relating to Special Constables including the recent “ball cap” announcement, uniforms and pay equity issues with our members at Queen’s Park. Additionally, Director Sabatini discusses the upcoming Civilian Career Mentoring Workshop.

This episode of the 10-5 podcast is produced and hosted by Scott Mills and Joshua Jutras.

Music – “Line of Fire” by Jason Shaw available at Audionautix.com and used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode

If you have any questions about this episode of the 10-5 Podcast, please email us at communications@oppa.ca

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for over 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario. 

For the first episode of the 10-5 Podcast, OPP Association President Rob Stinson discusses the importance of reaching out to our members and how a podcast will help keep our members informed.

This episode of the 10-5 podcast is produced and hosted by Scott Mills and Joshua Jutras.

Music – “Line of Fire” by Jason Shaw available at Audionautix.com and used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode

If you have any questions about this episode of the 10-5 Podcast, please email us at communications@oppa.ca

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for over 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario. 

Kristal Jones is the Vice President of Canada Beyond the Blue and the President of Toronto Beyond the Blue. She joins 10-5 The Official Podcast of the OPP Association to update the 2024 efforts of the Beyond the Blue organization, including an appeal for peer supporters and brand ambassadors. Learn more about the programs offered to members and families of the policing community across Canada, and connect on the Canada Beyond the Blue website canadabeyondtheblue.com.

Inquiries about this podcast episode or ideas for future episodes can be directed by email to communications@oppa.ca.

Music – “Line of Fire” by Jason Shaw available at Audionautix.com and used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for over 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario. 

Brant County OPP Provincial Constable and OPP Torch Run Coordinator joins the 10-5 Podcast to talk about the 2024 Polar Plunge in support of Special Olympics Ontario, an event hosted by the Brant County OPP happeningt March 7, 2024 1:30pm at North Park Collegiate and Vocational School in the city of Brantford, Ontario. 

PC Bueckert will be Plunging over the next few weeks before the event in support of the cause.

The Polar Plunge is the largest fundraiser hosted by the Law Enforcement Torch Run. The Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run is the largest public awareness vehicle and grass-roots fundraiser for Special Olympics. Did you know that the LETR has raised more than $74 million in Canada since its inception?

If you wish to get involved by registering yourself or a team to take the plunge, please contact Brant County OPP Constable & Torch Run Coordinator - Jonathan Bueckert at LETR@opp.ca. The Brant OPP and Law Enforcement Torch Run are also seeking community partners to assist in raising funds for the event.

Any person or business that is looking to donate to this wonderful cause may donate on the day of the event by cash or cheques made payable to "Ontario Special Olympics".

Inquiries about this podcast episode or ideas for future episodes can be directed by email to communications@oppa.ca.

Music – “Line of Fire” by Jason Shaw available at Audionautix.com and used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for over 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario. 

Ontario Provincial Police Veterans' Association President Rob Pilon joins 10-5 The Official Podcast of the OPP Association to discuss the benefits and criteria of membership in the OPPVA. Also discussed is a pilot project to regularly check in on retirees "Vet's Watch".

To learn more about the Ontario Provincial Police Veterans' Association visit the oppva.ca.

The Encompas Mental Health Wellness Program is available to Ontario Provincial Police Association members and their families 24/7 by calling  1-866-794-9117 or online at encompascare.ca.

This episode of the 10-5 podcast is produced and hosted by Scott Mills and Emily Brown.

Inquiries about this podcast episode or ideas for future episodes can be directed by email to communications@oppa.ca.

Music – “Line of Fire” by Jason Shaw available at Audionautix.com and used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for over 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario. 

OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique joins OPPA President John Cerasuolo on 10-5 the Official Podcast of the OPP Association for a 2023 Year in Review episode. Topics addressed at line of duty deaths, OPP recruiting and additional cohorts at Ontario Police College, staffing, morale, equipment, emerging technologies, benefits, collective bargaining and priorities for 2024.

This episode of the 10-5 podcast is produced and hosted by Scott Mills and Emily Brown.

Inquiries about this podcast episode or ideas for future episodes can be directed by email to communications@oppa.ca.

Music – “Line of Fire” by Jason Shaw available at Audionautix.com and used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for over 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario. 

OPP Provincial Constable Guy Boucher retired on January 31, 2020. On May 2, 2021 Guy died by suicide. His wife, Lynn Boucher and many family and friends were left saying "but Guy had it all". Lynn has been speaking to many OPP members ever since about trauma being the silent killer. Lynn joins this episode of 10-5 The Official Podcast of the OPP Association to share her thoughts about warning signs of suicide and educate others what can be done to address the signs to save and improve the lives of our police officers and civilian members. 

This episode of the 10-5 podcast is produced and hosted by Scott Mills and Emily Brown.

Inquiries about this podcast episode or ideas for future episodes can be directed by email to communications@oppa.ca.

Music – “Line of Fire” by Jason Shaw available at Audionautix.com and used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for over 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario. 

November is "Movember" an initiative dedicated to changing the face of men's health. Prostate cancer and breast cancer can be beaten if detected early. Retired OPP Officer Jack Harkness was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

In this episode of the 10-5 Podcast, Jack provides advice to both men and women to 'get checked', as he shares is treatment journey, along with his expert doctor, Dr. Danny Vesprini, a radiation oncologist who treats prostate and breast cancer at the Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre in Toronto. 

Dr. Vesprini is an affiliate scientist in the biological sciences at the Sunnybrook Research Institute and an assistant professor in the department of radiation oncology at the University of Toronto. Dr Vesprini’s research includes a focus on the genetic predisposition to aggressive prostate cancer. He is one of the principal investigators of the Sunnybrook Active Surveillance Program, and director of the Male Oncology Research and Education (MORE) program, which focuses on men at increased risk of developing prostate cancer.

This episode of the 10-5 podcast is produced and hosted by Scott Mills and Emily Brown.

Inquiries about this podcast episode or ideas for future episodes can be directed by email to communications@oppa.ca.

Music – “Line of Fire” by Jason Shaw available at Audionautix.com and used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. 

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for over 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario. 

Retired OPP Detective Sergeant David Lalonde joins 10-5 The Official Podcast of the OPP Association to discuss his new book "Death of a Millionaire".  David spent a career with the Ontario Provincial Police mostly policing in Northern Ontario. His recent fiction publication is based on his experiences as a criminal investigator. Learn more about his book online at dcjackbutler.com.

Inquiries about this podcast episode or ideas for future episodes can be directed by email to communications@oppa.ca.

This episode of the 10-5 podcast is produced and hosted by Scott Mills and Emily Brown.

Music – “Line of Fire” by Jason Shaw available at Audionautix.com and used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. 

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for over 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario. 

Retired OPP Staff Sergeant Kathleen Doherty joins 10-5 The Official Podcast of the OPP Association to discuss her role as an ambassador and competitor in the 2025 World Police and Fire Games happening June 22 - July 6, 2025 in Birmingham, Alabama . 

The annual event will feature 8,500+ Athletes who work as Police, Firefighters, Paramedics, Corrections, Border Patrol and more , 2,500+ Volunteers, 60+ Sports, 15,000+ Supporters, 20,000+ Room Nights, 35+ Venues,  50,000+ Spectators, 1,600+ Medal Events and 70+ Countries. The projected Economic Impact is US$65 million. 

For more information on The World Police & Fire Games visit their website bhm2025.com. 

To reach Kathleen about opportunities email communications@oppa.ca. 

Music – “Line of Fire” by Jason Shaw available at Audionautix.com and used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for over 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario. 

This episode of 10-5 The Official Podcast of the OPP Association features OPPA Director Lynn Neale, and Police Safety Spokesperson and Judge of the 2023 Dancing With the Stars of 911 event, Colleen Eve.  

The episode  is a recap of the 2023 Dave Mounsey Memorial Fund Dancing With The Stars of 911 event held in London, Ontario Saturday October 28th.  

The Dave Mounsey Memorial Fund was created in memory of Provincial Constable Dave Mounsey of the Ontario Provincial Police who was killed in the line of duty in November, 2006.

In 2010 the DMMF held its first Dancing With the Stars event. This event was specific to members of the Ontario Provincial Police and spanned from 2010-2012.  

In 2013, to better represent the mission statement and vision of the Fund in honouring all fallen First Responders and Military persons, Dancing With the Stars of 911 was started.  

Since 2010, over 75 couples have danced at the event and twelve defibrillators have been donated thus far at the gala evening. The dedication and commitment of each dancer is a reminder of their belief in remembrance and their desire to honour those who have made the ultimate sacrifice..  

The year 2023 marked the return of the event after a three year COVID hiatus. This year a defibrillator was donated in honour of Sapper Brian Collier and his family.  

Couple one was Morgan Rolph and Austin Kohler both of the OPP. Couple two were from Middlesex-London Paramedic Services, Christopher Tran-Nguyen and Julie Colgen. Couple three was Lindsay Adamson and Ben Morgan from the OPP. Couple four was Darcy Campbell and Abbigail Boss from the Woodstock Police Service. Couple five was Jade Flay from Middlesex-London Paramedic Service and Layne Lavis from the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary. Couple six was Nick Dorken of the Thames Centre Fire Department and Michelle Marko from Middlesex-London Paramedic Services.  

The couples performed for an audience of approximately 400 at the formal dinner gala.  

The OPPA are honoured to be a Lifetime Donor to the event and thank everyone for their  support in raising over $38,000.00 at this year's event.

Listen to the episode to find out the results of the evening!

If you are intersted in information on a defibrialltor contact John Collie, President Rescue 7 Inc. 905-474-0770 or johncollie@rescue7.net

Inquiries about this podcast episode or ideas for future episodes can be directed by email to communications@oppa.ca.

This episode of the 10-5 podcast is produced and hosted by Scott Mills and Emily Brown.

Music – “Line of Fire” by Jason Shaw available at Audionautix.com and used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. 

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for over 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario. 

Sylvio (Syd) Gravel, the co-founder of Badge of Life Canada joins the 10-5 Podcast to discuss the origins of Badge of Life Canada and discuss his vision and hope for peer support for public safety personnel moving forward.  

Badge of Life Canada is empowering Canadian public safety personnel and their families who are dealing with operational stress injuries, including post-traumatic stress and suicidal ideation, to achieve healthy living and post-traumatic growth.  

The organization was co-founded in 2010 by a 25yr veteran Ottawa Police Service Constable named Peter Platt and Ottawa Police Service police officer, now retired, Syd Gravel.  

Peter was dealing with an operational stress injury and was unable to find supports. Peter died from cancer on October 12, 2016.  

On October 12, 2023 Syd Gravel delivered an address to the 100 delegates at the Badge of Life Canada Post Traumatic Growth Event in Barrie, Ontario outlining the history of Badge of Life Canada and sharing training and resources on effective peer support and agreed to share his message on the 10-5 Podcast.  

For more information visit BadgeofLifeCanada.org.

Inquiries about this podcast episode or ideas for future episodes can be directed by email to communications@oppa.ca.

This episode of the 10-5 podcast is produced and hosted by Scott Mills and Emily Brown.

Music – “Line of Fire” by Jason Shaw available at Audionautix.com and used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. 

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for over 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario. 

OPP Provincial Constable Elana Durtnall of the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment joins 10-5 The Official Podcast of the OPP Association to talk about “Nora’s Nook”. Elana and her wife have worked tirelessly to establish children’s book nooks in neo-natal intensive care units of hospitals and in schools. The initiative is in memory of their infant daughter named Nora. October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. 

For more information and resources visit. 

Comfort Kits — Bridget's Bunnies Pregnancy and Infant Loss Foundation (bridgetsbunnies.ca)

Peer support programs - PAIL Network (sunnybrook.ca)

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Outreach | Hospice Orillia

To reach Elana Durtnall send an email to communications@oppa.ca

If you have any questions about this podcast or any suggestions for further episodes please email communications@oppa.ca.

This episode of the 10-5 podcast is produced and hosted by Scott Mills and Emily Brown.

Music – “Line of Fire” by Jason Shaw available at Audionautix.com and used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. 

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for over 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario. 

Dancing with the Stars of 911 event organizer OPP Sergeant Patrick Armstrong and participating dancers, OPP Provincial Constables Lindsie Adamson, Morgan Rolph and Austin Kohler are guests on 10-5 The Official Podcast of the OPP Association to discuss the Dancing with the Stars of 911 fundraiser event for the Dave Mounsey Memorial Fund.  

The event is happening Saturday October 28, 2023 6pm in London Ontario. The event is open to the public and tickets are available for purchase on Eventbrite. 

Dancing With The Stars of 911 is a black tie gala event that features a live dance competition between Law Enforcement, Fire, Paramedic and Military members judged by a celebrity panel of judges. It promises to be a fun night out for all participants and attendees. 

The Dave Mounsey Memorial Fund which is an Ontario Not For Profit organization which donates life-saving defibrillators in memory of fallen Police, Fire, EMS and Military members who died in the line of duty. The fund will be donating a defibrillator at the event in memory of Sapper Brian James Collier.  For tickets and further information visit dwtsof911.com or davemounsey.com

If you have any questions about this podcast or any suggestions for further episodes please email communications@oppa.ca.

This episode of the 10-5 podcast is produced and hosted by Scott Mills and Emily Brown.

Music – “Line of Fire” by Jason Shaw available at Audionautix.com and used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. 

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for over 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario. 

Retired OPP Officer Teena Stoddart joins 10-5 The Official Podcast of the OPP Association to discuss violence link training. 

The training is based on education, intervention, and prevention for professions who work with victims of violent crime, providing evidenced based research on violence link to help front line workers recognize high risk situations. 

Barriers, challenges and risk factors that prevent victims from leaving, and provide options to front line workers to help victims overcome those barriers, challenges and risk factors, as well as violent crimes such as partner assault, elder abuse, human trafficking,  gang violence, and terrorism are covered in this violence link training discussion. 

For further information visit the Violence Link Training website violencelinkconsulting.com

If you have any questions about this podcast or any suggestions for further episodes please email communications@oppa.ca.

This episode of the 10-5 podcast is produced and hosted by Scott Mills and Emily Brown.

Music – “Line of Fire” by Jason Shaw available at Audionautix.com and used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. 

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for over 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario. 

OPP Provincial Constable Adam Belanger is the Provincial Bike Coordinator & Tammy Heidbuurt is the Executive Director of New Hope Community Bikes in Hamilton. They join the 10-5 Podcast for our 100th Episode to talk about the James Bay EPIC Fat Bike Ride. The Ontario Provincial Police, Nishnawbe Aski Police, New Hope Community Bikes and Ontario Cycling partnered together to build Youth Bike Programs in five communities along the James Bay Coast.  

 To raise awareness and funds for the program, five cyclists from across Ontario, a mix of OPP officers and members of the public participated in the James Bay Epic Fat Bike Ride from March 7-9, 2023.  

The riders cycled 300 km from Moose Factory to Attawapiskat, on Fat Bikes, to raise awareness and funds for youth cycling education programs and resources to the remote communities of Moose Factory, Moosonee, Fort Albany, Keshechewan and Attawapiskat, along the northwest coast of James Bay.  

All of the programs focus on positively engaging, influencing and mentoring youth through cycling and bicycle care.

If you have any questions about this podcast or any suggestions for further episodes please email communications@oppa.ca.

This episode of the 10-5 podcast is produced and hosted by Scott Mills and Emily Brown.

Music – “Line of Fire” by Jason Shaw available at Audionautix.com and used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. 

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for over 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario. 

This episode of 10-5 The Official Podcast of the OPP Association will assist Regular Full Time Uniform and Civilian members of the OPP Association to understand their entitlement to Short Term Sickness Plan (STSP) credits. Please note that references in this podcast assume that the member is off work due to a non-work related injury/illness.  

Guests are Lisa Hillstrom the now retired Executive Officer Pension and Benefits for OPP Association (served in role 2006-2023)  and Caitlin Fournier, Senior Advisor, Pension and Benefits who joined the OPP Association on May 1, 2023.

The episode follows a question and answer format as follows:

1.  What is a Member’s short term sickness plan (STSP) credit entitlement?

OPP Association members are entitled to 130 STSP credits each calendar year.  The first 6 days are at 100% salary and the balance of 124 days are at 75% salary.  Note:  130 STSP credits are based on 8 hour or 7.25 hour days (depends on the hours of the members position).

2. Can a member use attendance credits to top up the 124 STSP credits covered at 75% salary?

Yes, members have the following options to top-up the 124 STSP credits at 75% salary to 100% salary:

Uniform members – vacation credits, overtime credits and statutory holiday credits.

Civilian members – vacation credits and overtime credits.

3. How does a member qualify or requalify for Short Term Sickness Credits (STSP)?

Uniform members as per Article 7 of the Uniform Collective Agreement.  

Civilian members as per Article 12 of the Civilian Collective Agreement.  

NOTE:  Please refer to the STSP Qualification and Reinstatement chart which is available for members on the OPPA website at oppa.ca. (Login required. If you are member and require a login please email oppa@oppa.ca)

4. What is a sick day?

A sick day is an absence from the workplace when you are unable to perform the duties of your position due to illness or injury; example: If a medical appointment renders a member unable to attend to their duties, i.e. tests that require sedation, anesthetic or a recovery period.

5. What is not a sick day?

Some examples are: Scheduled routine medical appointments (annual medical checkup, dental hygiene, vision examinations, hearing tests, etc.), dependent care issues, weather, transit disruptions/traffic jams, vehicle breakdown, and utility disruption.

6. Do Members continue to contribute to their pension with the PSPP while using STSP credits?

Yes, members will continue to contribute to their pension while using STSP credits. Their pension contributions are made based on their full salary, therefore if the member elects to not top up their 124 STSP credits with available credits, the pension contributions are deducted as if they were paid at full salary.

7. What questions will be asked of a Member who is away from the workplace using their STSP entitlements?

(a) When did they start to be off continuously using their STSP credits. 

(b) Did the Member have 130 STSP credits when they started to be off continuously?

 (c) If the Member used some STSP credits prior to their current continuous absence, do they know how many credits they have available to remain on the payroll. 

(d) Has the Member elected to top-up their STSP credits covered to 75% salary with available credits or not?

(e) If the Member  has been off more than 3 months, have they received an LTIP package from the Ontario Shared Services? 

NOTE: On this episode the provisions of Long Term Income Protection (LTIP) are not discussed, however it is important for members to be aware that there is a 6-month qualification period before LTIP can be approved. If members don’t have enough STSP credits for the full 6-month period, they can remain on the payroll using available vacation, overtime or stat credits or they can request a leave without pay.

If you have any questions about this podcast or any suggestions for further episodes please email communications@oppa.ca.

This episode of the 10-5 podcast is produced and hosted by Scott Mills and Emily Brown.

Music – “Line of Fire” by Jason Shaw available at Audionautix.com and used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. 

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for over 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario. 

Retired OPP Inspector, Gerry Salisbury is the Vice Chair of the local Ontario Provincial Police Veterans' Association (OPPVA) Chapter 9 Kingston Branch. In this podcast episode Gerry updates listeners on a very special annual golf tournament in support of the local Special Olympics. The history of the tournament, as well as the mental and emotional value of getting vets, families, friends, and the community together in a social environment actively involved in their communities is explored. 

For more information on the OPPVA visit their website at OPPVA.ca. 

For information on the Kingston, Ontario chapter of Special Olympics visit the Special Olympics Ontario website.

This episode of the 10-5 podcast is produced and hosted by Scott Mills and Emily Brown.

Music – “Line of Fire” by Jason Shaw available at Audionautix.com and used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

If you would like to get in touch with Gerry or have any questions about this episode of the 10-5 Podcast, please email us at communications@oppa.ca

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for over 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario. 

Retired OPP Inspector and SafePet Ontario Volunteer Karen Moffatt along with Executive Director and Co-Founder of SafePet Ontario Hayley Glaholt join 10-5 The Official Podcast of the OPP Association to discuss the work SafePet Ontario is doing providing pet safekeeping for those fleeing family violence & human trafficking, helping survivors escape abuse by temporarily caring for their beloved pets. For more information visit SafePet.ca.

This episode of the 10-5 podcast is produced and hosted by Scott Mills and Emily Brown.

Music – “Line of Fire” by Jason Shaw available at Audionautix.com and used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

If you have any questions about this episode of the 10-5 Podcast, please email us at communications@oppa.ca

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for over 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario. 

OPP Provincial Constable Andrew Wierzbicki of Pembroke Detachment (formerly of the OPP East Region ‘PLT’ Provincial Liaison Team) joins the 10-5 Podcast to discuss the Indigenous Youth and OPP Camp Niigan Mosewak, which means "Walking Forward" in Ojibway language. The camp has been in operation for 14 years and runs for one week in the the summer months in a number of regions of Ontario. The camp pairs Indigenous youth between the ages of 13-17 with OPP police officers, civilian employees, Auxiliary officers and interested community partners such as Police Foundations students for the purpose of building positive relationships between the police and the Indigenous community.  For more information on the camp and application forms click here.  

For information on the Provincial Liaison Team watch this video on Facebook. 

To learn more information on Niigan Mosewak camp email OPP.IPB.IndigenousAT@opp.ca or call 705-329-6255

This episode of the 10-5 podcast is produced and hosted by Scott Mills and Emily Brown.

Music – “Line of Fire” by Jason Shaw available at Audionautix.com and used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

If you have any questions about this episode of the 10-5 Podcast, please email us at communications@oppa.ca

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for over 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario. 

OPP Provincial Constable James Giovannetti discusses the Dufferin Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) on 10-5 The Official Podcast of the OPP Association.  

When MCRT deals with a mental health call, the patient is transported to hospital less than 7% of the time.  If the team does take a patient to hospital, the process is streamlined quickly, freeing up the police officer and nurse team to be available for other calls.

 The nurses working on the team are able to get the patients into the mental health system efficiently, which takes workload off Emergency Room nurses.  In 2023, through the partnership of the MCRT with the local hospital, wait times in the ER have been reduced, despite the number of calls for mental heath rising. 

Inquiries about this podcast episode or ideas for future episodes can be directed by email to communications@oppa.ca.

Music – “Line of Fire” by Jason Shaw available at Audionautix.com and used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for over 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario. 

Retired OPP Officer Sylvie Côté and retired Kingston Police Service Officer Rick Whalen have rekindled their relationship in retirement after dating early in their policing careers. They both join the 10-5 Podcast to discuss living your best life post retirement.

Policing can be challenging to maintain a healthy lifestyle.  Sylvie and Rick want to help police officers understand where they are and get where they want to be by creating happy lives and healthy minds. Sylvie went from anger, resentment and despair, amongst many other emotions, to becoming grateful, happy and fulfilled through the help of a friend who helped her refocus.  She will explain how reconnecting with the reason “WHY” she was doing her job caused everything to change.  

When Sylvie and Rick reconnected after 25 years apart, in 2017, Rick was in poor health and 50 pounds overweight.  Rick will explain how he regained his health by taking control of his emotions after going through stress, unhappiness and hopelessness.  He did this using tools he learned in a life coaching course and Sylvie's support.  

Sylvie's co-worker in the recruitment unit took his own life in 2017, and it had a profound impact on her.  She wished she could have done something for him to prevent it.  Since then, she has learned tools and strategies to help people change their lives.  Sylvie describes in the podcast how she is making a difference.

Sylvie and Rick explain the importance of physiology, focus and language by providing examples from their lives and experiences, as well as how our beliefs can affect the decisions we make throughout our lives, limiting our opportunities and our happiness.  

Learn how they learned to understand each other, meet each other's needs, and have a harmonious and loving relationship as they transitioned from their career to retirement. They describe their involvement as a volunteers, traveling, operating an AirBnb, participating in Toastmasters International and continued learning in the areas of growth, development and leadership.    

Sylvie and Rick participated in extensive training for the last eight years, both graduating from Tony Robbins Mastery University, and are continuing their involvement in the program.  They describe how this training has been the foundation of the transformation of their lives.  Along the way, they have learned that the secret to living is giving and decided to help others live their best lives.

This episode of the 10-5 podcast is produced and hosted by Scott Mills and Emily Brown.

Music – “Line of Fire” by Jason Shaw available at Audionautix.com and used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

If you have any questions about this episode of the 10-5 Podcast, please email us at communications@oppa.ca

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for over 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario.