News & Events
Did you know that over half of Canadian PSP experience problems with their sleep? This is why PSPNET is happy to introduce our new PSP Sleep Course!
The PSP Sleep Course offers evidence –based techniques for PSP who struggle with falling asleep, staying asleep, or feeling tired during the day. The course considers the unique needs of Canadian first responders and other PSP. PSPNET is also doing research on this course to better help PSP. [Learn more]
CIPSRT Conference
The Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment (CIPSRT) proudly welcomed delegates from across Canada and the UK to Regina, Saskatchewan for its 2025 conference, Thriving in Public Safety: Research to Action! The event was a resounding success, uniting public safety personnel, organizational leaders, researchers, and policymakers around the urgent need to translate evidence into meaningful action. This year’s theme focused on bridging cutting-edge research with practical strategies to foster resilience and improve wellbeing across all levels of public safety.
Over two energizing days, attendees engaged with leading experts through keynote presentations and dynamic discussions tailored to the unique challenges of the public safety community. The conference delivered tangible takeaways, actionable tools, evidence-informed practices, and innovative approaches to support the mental health and operational effectiveness of public safety personnel and leadership.
A bustling trade show added to the momentum, offering hands-on engagement with wellness technologies, service providers, and thought leaders shaping the future of public safety in Canada. Delegates left inspired and better equipped, having built meaningful connections and renewed their commitment to advancing a healthier, more resilient public safety culture nationwide.
CIPSRT’s 2024 Champions of Mental Health
Twenty Canadian public safety personnel have been named CIPSRT’s 2024 Champions of Mental Health for their contributions. This year’s awards received over 200 nominations, with 50 specifically for 2024. Recipients engaged in initiatives like mental health outreach, wellness strategies, peer support groups, and training for healthcare providers. Nominees must promote evidence-based practices, positively impact mental health, and reduce stigma, with all public safety organization employees eligible for nomination. [Read more]
Knowledge Mobilization
Upcoming online events
Mind and body: Using dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) for healing and recovery
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm EDT
For more information and to register visit our online event website.
Join us for a dynamic discussion exploring two powerful therapies in trauma and mental health treatment: Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Our expert panel will share insights and practical strategies on how these modalities support healing from emotional dysregulation, PTSD, and complex trauma.
Whether you are a public safety personnel (PSP), PSP family member, clinician, student, or seeking to understand trauma therapy, this discussion offers valuable perspectives on how DBT and EMDR can help PSP and PSP families.
PSPConnect – Online peer community of practice meeting
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
What is PSP Connect?
A community of practice with quarterly, virtual meetings geared towards frontline personnel. PSP Connect is the place where PSP can discuss the issues most important to them regarding their mental health and wellbeing. PSP Connect is flexible, so if you can’t attend a meeting, we encourage you to sign up anyway.
Why join PSP Connect?
Network with peers in the public safety sector, and connect with CIPSRT in a small, personal, and welcoming environment. These PSP-driven meetings allow you to engage in online presentations on topics of interest to PSP, weigh in on CIPSRT’s tools and resources, to identify gaps in mental health services, provide feedback, and to suggest topics of webinars and other opportunities for learning on a local and national level.
Latest event recordings – here’s what you may have missed!
In part one, we learned about the impacts of fatigue on physical and mental health, and the ways workplace policies and practices can be mobilized to help support PSP wellbeing.
And in part two, we gathered an expert panel for an interactive discussion on fatigue, stress, and burnout and answered audience questions about managing these impacts.
Information at a glance: What is fatigue? And what can you do about it? Here’s what we learned about fatigue, burnout, and stress from this online event series. View infographic
What about my family? Where do we fit?
Watch the latest session in the Garnet Families Interactive Series, wherein a panel of experts with research and lived expertise gathered to discuss the experiences and perspectives of families not as commonly represented – such as single parent serving families and dual-serving families. Click to watch the full video here.
PSCN Guidelines
The Peer Support Guidelines for Veterans, Public Safety Personnel, and Their Families—created by the Atlas Institute and the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment (CIPSRT)—provide best practices for peer support programs in various settings. Addressing the unique challenges these groups face, the guidelines focus on increased exposure to traumatic events and mental health impacts. Developed with input from 48 stakeholders, they offer tailored recommendations and serve as a key resource for organizations implementing peer support initiatives. [Read more]
2025 GLEPHA Student Awards
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day – Honouring History, Culture, and Contributions
On National Indigenous Peoples Day, we honor the vibrant cultures and significant contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across Canada. This day serves as an opportunity for reflection and a renewed commitment to reconciliation.
We are proud to highlight Michelle Vandevord, Associate Director of Saskatchewan First Nations Emergency Management, and Associate Director of the National Fire Safety Council, who is also a dedicated volunteer firefighter. Her work embodies the strength and resilience of Indigenous communities, particularly in the areas of public safety and mental health advocacy.
As we celebrate today, let’s elevate Indigenous voices and leadership in all fields, collaborating towards truth and reconciliation together.