Recap of the 2025 Annual Meeting and Convention
Day 1: Inspiring Opening and Leadership Discussions
The day commenced with opening ceremonies featuring Mark Baxter, President of PAO, Hon. Zee Hamid, Associate Solicitor General for Auto Theft and Bail Reform, Matthew Cox, President of the OPA, Chief Eric Stubbs of the Ottawa Police Service and Salim Fakirani, Chair of the Ottawa Police Services Board. The keynote session was delivered by retired Inspector Lance Valcour, who shared his poignant journey through addiction and mental health, emphasizing the hidden struggles. Following the keynote, the PAO business session included vital agenda items such as the appointment of committee members, approval of meeting minutes, and bylaw amendments. In the afternoon, the continued business session featured comprehensive reports from the Treasurer, Audit Committee, and legal counsel, culminating in candidate speeches for upcoming elections, which reflected both the challenges and dedication within the policing community.
Day 2: Engaging Workshops and Practical Sessions
The day was packed with informative sessions that provided valuable insights across various topics. Matthew Pegg discussed the Warrior Health Initiative, focusing on enhancing mental health support in Ontario and the importance of resilience. Mary Van Buren and Gary Simonsen highlighted the importance of effective governance, emphasizing the value of high-performing boards and talent recruitment. An interactive session led by Lauren Pearce and Bruce Price equipped association leaders with the knowledge to navigate legal responsibilities. Updates on OMERS pension benefits were shared by Christopher Hayle, Mary Van Buren, and Gary Simonsen. Elizabeth Howell conducted a workshop on effective minute-taking. At the same time, Dr. Andrew Ekblad and Kristal Jones addressed compassion fatigue and its impact on mental health, proposing strategies for prevention and recovery.
Day 3: Exciting Panels and Roundtable Discussions
The day began with opening remarks from Hon. Ruby Sahota, Secretary of State for Combatting Crime, setting a collaborative tone for the event.
The Ontario Policing Oversight Panel featured updates from key figures in policing oversight, including Ryan Teschner, Inspector General of Policing for Ontario, Stephen Leach, Independent Police Review Director at LECA, and Joe Martino, Director of the SIU. They shared insights from the past year, allowing members to engage with their experiences and inquiries in a spirit of openness.
Following this, Lauren Pearce, Partner at Jones Pearce LLP, provided a key legal update, highlighting recent cases and legal developments in police labour relations with essential takeaways for associations.
Celine Chiovitti, Chief Pension Officer at OMERS, updated attendees on the pension plan’s performance, sharing administrative insights and discussing future outlooks.
A collaborative panel featuring Mark Baxter, President of the PAO, Roger Wilkie, President of the OACP, and Lisa Darling, Executive Director at the OAPSB, focused on the partnership between their organizations. They addressed shared challenges, such as recruitment and retention, and emphasized the importance of working together to enhance policing in Ontario.
The day concluded with Joanne Mulcahy, a veteran police defence counsel, who reported on current developments in police discipline cases and offered insights into the future of police discipline under the CSPA.
Zone meetings provided an opportunity for further discussion and engagement among attendees.
President’s Banquet and Police Hero Awards Ceremony
Our final evening brought together distinguished guests from across Ontario as we celebrated the achievements within our community. PAO President Mark Baxter presented the John Walker Award for local association service to Mark Ballantine from the Peterborough Police Association and the Dennis R. Latten Award for provincial service to Trevor Arnold from the Peel Regional Police Association. Two life memberships were bestowed upon Rob Jamison from the OPP Association and Jeff Chartier from the Peterborough Police Association.
We also recognized long-serving association leaders with Harry DeJong pins, with Mark Ballantine from the Peterborough Police Association and John Cerasuolo from the OPP Association receiving the 25-year pin.
We were thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2025 Police Hero of the Year Awards, honouring individuals and teams who demonstrated exceptional commitment to serving and protecting their communities:
- On-Duty Difference Maker (Uniform Officer): Constable Jayden Drage, Hamilton Police Service
- On-Duty Difference Maker (Civilian): Special Constable Sandra Guiliani, Hamilton Police Service
- Extra Mile Award: Sergeant Andrew Poustie, Hamilton Police Service
- Police Hero Honour Roll: Constable Marc Lauzon, OPP – Russell County Detachment
- Community Role Model: Detective Gary Bezaire, London Police Service
Congratulations to all award winners and nominees! To learn more about their inspiring stories, please click here. For photos from the night, click here.
Day 4: Wrap-up and Future Directions
The day commenced with the 2025 Elections, led by Mark Baxter, President of the PAO, and Tyler Callaghan, Executive Director of the PAO. They facilitated the voting procedure and the election of the PAO Board of Directors.
Following the elections, a Business Session was held, during which certificates for Representative Excellence were awarded.
A significant highlight was the CPA Update by Tom Stamatakis, President of the CPA. He provided attendees with critical insights into national issues affecting police associations and personnel, including recent legislative developments and workplace challenges. The session concluded with the presentation of the Order of Merit, honouring outstanding police personnel who have made significant contributions to their communities and the profession.
The day also featured a Collective Bargaining Panel, moderated by PAO President Mark Baxter, featuring panellist Ray Kaastra, Aylmer Police Association, Mark Egers, Waterloo Regional Police Association, Vince Corrente, North Bay Police Association, Andrew Tummonds, Durham Regional Police Association, Ryan Boutin, Lindsay Police Association and James Boyle, Owen Sound Police Association where updates and analysis on recently settled contracts were discussed.
An informative presentation by Akmal Khan from Universal Automation Systems Inc. (UAS) followed, providing valuable insights into advancements in technology.
Overall, it was a productive and informative day focused on leadership, excellence, and the future of policing in Canada.
Results of the Board of Directors Election
We held our elections, and we are pleased to announce the members of the 2025-2026 Board of Directors:
- Mark Baxter, President, Brantford Police Association
- Tim Reparon, Chair, Waterloo Regional Police Association
- Matt Jotham, Uniform Director and Treasurer, Guelph Police Association
- Mike Adair, Uniform Director, Ontario Provincial Police Association
- Kathryn Chytuk, Civilian Director, Barrie Police Association
- Cameron Gough, Uniform Director, Kingston Police Association
- Tim Morrison, Civilian Director, Durham Regional Police Association
- Becky Verreault, At-Large Director, Halton Regional Police Association
- Colin Woods, Uniform Director, Thunder Bay Police Association
Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to making this year's convention a resounding success. We look forward to seeing you next year!