News & Events
2026 CIPSRT Conference a Success
The presentations may have ended, but the impact of the 2026 CIPSRT Conference continues to grow.
More than 470 delegates from across Canada and beyond gathered in Calgary May 5 and 6 to share insights and optimism when it comes to reducing stigma and protecting the mental health and wellness of those who serve.
The Honourable Ralph Goodale opened the conference with some insights as one of Canada’s most notable public safety champions. CIPSRT owes much of its early moment to the former Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, whose tenure is marked with CIPSRT’s establishment in 2018.
Keynote speaker André Picard—himself a renowned journalist and health expert—began Day 1 with a call for more meaningful systemic supports for first responders and other public safety personnel.
“Talk isn’t enough. Research isn’t enough. Action plans aren’t enough. We actually need real action. We need accessibility to care for every single person who needs it. There have been too many sacrifices asked of you and too little support,” he told the crowd.
During a conference-wide panel session featuring the impacts of public safety careers on families, RCMP Corporal Sam Gerstmar offered some very personal insights that resonated with many.
“At the end of the day, your family is all you’ll have left once your career is over. Give them the attention they deserve. I didn’t, and it nearly cost me my marriage.”
Closing keynote speaker Dr. Colleen Carney—back for a command performance from the 2025 CIPSRT Conference in Regina—had the audience visibly nodding and smiling.
“Your bodies aren’t broken. You just need to stop associating your bed with tossing and turning. If you’re not falling asleep, get out of bed and do something you enjoy until you naturally become sleepy and your sleep drive returns. You may initially get less sleep in the beginning, but trust me, your body knows what to do.”
CIPSRT Acting Executive Director Donna King acknowledged CIPSRT’s Public Safety Steering Committee, including co-chairs Pierre Poirier and Casey Ward for emceeing the event.
“We are so appreciative of everyone on the PSSC for their guidance and support in helping put this conference together. We also acknowledge Public Safety Canada for funding CIPSRT’s entire scope of work as a national non-profit institute.”
Donna was also quick to thank Conference Project Manager Derek Shogren and his team, along with every other staff member who helped contribute to the event’s success, both in Calgary and on the homefront.
“Putting on a conference of this size takes months of planning, preparation, and execution. I can’t thank our team enough for all their efforts, from venue logistics, to coordinating speakers, to ensuring all the necessary resources were in place. We’ve only got a few weeks of downtime before planning gets underway for the 2027 Conference.”
Pre-conference media coverage included several talk-show appearances in Calgary, Saskatoon, and Regina by Inspector Casey Ward of the Regina Police Service, along with members of the Calgary Police Service. Media coverage during the conference included news stories on CBC Calgary radio and TV, plus a cover story in the Calgary Herald.
The 2026 Conference attracted public safety personnel and families, plus clinicians and researchers from across Canada, with some delegates attending from the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the United States. All public safety sectors were represented, including: police, fire, paramedics, corrections, border services, communications, emergency management, operational intelligence, operations support, and search and rescue.
June is PTSD Awareness Month
June is PTSD Awareness Month. Here at CIPSRT, we want to help foster a culture where support, wellbeing, and psychological safety are prioritized.
Join our movement to help acknowledge, appreciate, and support those tasked with keeping Canadians safe. Let’s show up for our first responders and other public safety personnel by letting them know they are not alone when it comes to posttraumatic stress disorder. We’re here to offer our presence, trust, support and dignity. #SupportStartsWithUs #PTSDAwarenessMonth
We see you. We hear you. We appreciate all you do as public safety personnel.
It’s time for all of us to add some words of encouragement as part of June’s PTSD Awareness campaign. Let’s build conversations that create safer spaces for healing.
PSPNET
We’re excited to announce the launch of our new website!
Take a look and learn more about our courses, free promotional materials, and more at pspnet.ca.
Featuring: New Sleep Toolkit Expansion Resources Now Available
CIPSRT has released new Sleep Resources for Public Safety Personnel including a booklet designed to help PSP assess common sleep disorders, and resource cards that provide practical, evidence-informed strategies to help support healthy sleep habits and wellness.
The new sleep resources were created by CIPSRT based on materials developed by sleep expert Dr. Colleen Carney of Toronto Metropolitan University’s Sleep and Depression Laboratory. They offer quick, accessible tips designed to help individuals better understand sleep patterns, improve sleep quality, and access additional supports when needed.
CIPSRT sleep resources are available through CIPSRT and available in our Online Resource Centre.
Book a Presentation for your Team
The CIPSRT and PSPNET teams are ready to support your upcoming events—virtually or in person! Whether you’re organizing a conference, expo, workshop, or team session, our experts deliver engaging, research-informed presentations tailored to public safety personnel.
Examples of our most in-demand presentation topics include:
- Supporting a Colleague – Building a supportive workplace culture.
- Self-Care – Maintaining wellness in high-stress environments.
- Sleep – Improve sleep and overall performance.
- Signs and Symptoms of PTSD – Supporting early intervention.
Presentation slots fill quickly—book now to secure your date.
If you’re interested in arranging a session, or if you know of an upcoming opportunity, please contact Communications.CIPSRT@uregina.ca as soon as possible.
Mindset Under Pressure Conference – Brandon, MB
CIPSRT participated in the Mindset Under Pressure Conference in Brandon, Manitoba April 18. Knowledge Translator Kara Vincent delivered a 30-minute in-person presentation titled “From Evidence to Action: How CIPSRT Supports Your Mental Health and Wellness.”
aThe session highlighted how CIPSRT translates research and evidence into practical mental health and wellness supports for public safety personnel, organizations, and communities across Canada. Attendees had the opportunity to learn more about available resources, programs, and initiatives that promote resilience, recovery, and psychological well-being.
CIPSRT was also represented by Outreach Coordinator Renee Legrand, who attended the conference and connected with participants throughout the event. The conference provided a valuable opportunity to engage with community members, share knowledge, and strengthen conversations around mental health support and wellness.
Regina Parole Board Presentation for Staff – Regina, SK
CIPSRT’s Knowledge Translation team delivered a 45-minute in-person presentation April 21 for Regina Parole Board staff focused on Psychological Safety in the Workplace.
Presented by Mackenzie Darling, the session explored the importance of creating supportive and psychologically safe work environments, particularly within high-stress and service-oriented professions.
The presentation encouraged meaningful discussions around workplace wellbeing, communication, and strategies that help foster a culture of respect, safety, and mental health awareness. Renee Legrand also attended the session and connected with participants throughout the event.
CIPSRT appreciates the opportunity to collaborate with organizations that are committed to supporting the mental health and wellness of their staff.
Warman Fire Rescue Presentation for Volunteers & Spouses – Warman, SK
CIPSRT also delivered a two-hour in-person workshop for volunteers and spouses of the Saskatchewan Association of Fire Chiefs on April 22.
The presentation was in response to a call from Fire Chiefs VP Russ Austin on mental health awareness and available supports for public safety personnel and their families.
Presented by Shaylee Spencer, the workshop introduced participants to CIPSRT and the Mental Health Toolkit, highlighting practical resources, strategies, and supports designed to promote resilience, wellbeing, and psychological health. The session also created space for open conversations about the unique challenges faced by public safety personnel and their support networks.
Renee Legrand attended the event and connected with participants throughout the evening. CIPSRT appreciates the opportunity to support the Saskatchewan Association of Fire Chiefs, specifically Warman Fire Rescue and their commitment to fostering mental health awareness within their community.
SWIP Hosts ‘Leadership Beyond the Badge’ Event – Regina, SK
RCMP & Paramedics officers with Mackenzie Darling and Renee Legrand (CIPSRT)
The Saskatchewan Women in Policing (SWIP) hosted its inspiring Leadership Beyond the Badge event May 21 at the Italian Club in Regina. The gathering brought together law enforcement professionals, community advocates, and researchers to discuss the evolving landscape of leadership in public safety.
Attendees included CIPSRT’s Renee Legrand and Mackenzie Darling. Their participation underscored the vital link between effective leadership and the importance of public safety personnel in the community.
The Leadership Beyond the Badge initiative focuses on empowering women and allies in uniform to lead with empathy, resilience, and vision. Key discussions throughout the day centered on breaking barriers, navigating the unique challenges faced by women in policing, and fostering a supportive culture that prioritizes mental health.
CIPSRT Supports Correctional Service Canada Events in Kingston and Gravenhurst, Ontario
In April and May, CIPSRT supported five Correctional Service Canada (CSC) events, including graduation ceremonies in Kingston, Ontario, as well as wellness resource fairs in both Kingston and Gravenhurst, Ontario. These events provided valuable opportunities to share information on CIPSRT mental health and wellbeing resources with CSC graduates and staff.
These events were made possible thanks to CIPSRT’s 2023 Champion of Mental Health award recipient, Marsha Snyder. She is also the Regional Manager of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Program at CSC. CIPSRT shared evidence-based resources and supports aimed at promoting the mental health and wellbeing of correctional staff while increasing awareness of who we are and what we do. We thank CSC and Marsha for their continued support and we look forward to future opportunities to support CSC employees.
CIPSRT Participates in CanOps “Lunch and Learn” Virtual Presentation
On May 25, CIPSRT and PSPNET took part in the Canadian Public Safety Operations Organization’s (CanOps) Lunch and Learn Virtual Presentation for CanOps employees.
CIPSRT Outreach Coordinator Renee Legrand delivered a presentation highlighting our programs and commitment to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of public safety personnel and their families. PSPNET Clinician Melissa Scheltgen also spoke about therapist-guided services.
The session provided an extensive overview of CIPSRT’s evidence-based resources and supports. Attendees also learned about CIPSRT’s ongoing efforts to promote wellbeing, reduce stigma, and strengthen people’s ability to cope. Events such as this Lunch and Learn offer valuable opportunities to increase collaboration and awareness of available supports and resources. CIPSRT remains committed to meeting the needs of the public safety community across Canada.
Upcoming Events
Atlas Institute Event:
Mastering cognitive processing therapy (CPT) for posttraumatic stress disorder (English) — 2026
The Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families is offering a two-part, advanced training course on mastering cognitive processing therapy (CPT) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The course is designed for licensed/registered service providers working in mental health who care for Veterans and Veteran Families in Canada. The cost for this training is covered by the Atlas Institute for eligible service providers who register and are approved.
Mark your calendar! Registration for this training opens at 12 p.m., Eastern time on June 16, 2026. Learn more: https://atl-as.ca/advanced-cpt-training-2026
New Resources for you
- Caregiving in Garnet Families
A video recording and accompanying learning resources from a recent conversation with Garnet Families explores the complexities of caregiving in military, Veteran and public safety personnel families.