Canada – Federal support to Runnymede Healthcare Centre for feasibility study on PTSI for Public Safety Personnel

Mar 4, 2022 | International

Canada’s public safety personnel are repeatedly exposed to traumatic events that can take a toll on their mental health, putting them at high risk for Post-Traumatic Stress Injuries (PTSI) and other operational injuries.

March 3, 2022

Toronto, Ontario

Canada’s public safety personnel are repeatedly exposed to traumatic events that can take a toll on their mental health, putting them at high risk for Post-Traumatic Stress Injuries (PTSI) and other operational injuries. Through the National Action Plan on PTSI for public safety personnel, the Government of Canada is committed to providing national leadership to address this issue by facilitating collaboration, sharing best practices and funding cutting-edge research to help public safety personnel get access to the care and support they need.

Today, on behalf of Minister of Public Safety Marco Mendicino, Arif Virani, Member of Parliament for Parkdale – High Park, announced that the Government of Canada intends to provide up to $1 million to Runnymede Healthcare Centre (RHC) for a feasibility study into the development of a facility dedicated to comprehensive rehabilitation-focused programs and services for PTSI.

This facility would serve as a PTSI Centre of Excellence for public safety personnel. Activities that could be supported by the federal funding include a review of best practices for supporting the rehabilitation of public safety personnel suffering from PTSI, modelling of projected volumes and staffing requirements, assessment of potential funding models, exploration of service delivery models and knowledge transfer activities.

“Supporting the health of our public safety personnel is something that we do with pride. Through the Action Plan on PTSI, we have made significant investments in further research to improve access to treatment and better understand how these injuries impact public safety officers and the community. We’re pleased to see Runnymede Healthcare Centre moving forward with important efforts to make research, treatment, and support widely available.”

– The Honourable Marco Mendicino, Minister of Public Safety

“Throughout this pandemic, public safety personnel have been keeping us safe from COVID-19, working as first responders on the front lines. They have done this selflessly, sometimes at great risks to themselves. Today, we begin the important work of looking after the mental health of those who for so long, have been looking after all of us. This important initiative at the Runnymede Healthcare Centre will directly benefit women and men in uniform, not just in my community here in Toronto, but around the province and across the country.” 

– Arif Virani, Member of Parliament for Parkdale – High Park

“The support of the Federal Government will allow the Treatment Centre to conduct clinical research and will work with renowned researchers to gather strong research evidence to better understand and ultimately inform the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Injury. In partnership with First Responders’ Command and Professional Associations, Runnymede Healthcare Centre is working to develop programs and services that address the unique needs of First Responders and their families. These purpose-built facilities will provide the right care, in the right place, at the right time providing a better long-term strategy to wellness for First Responders.”

– Connie Dejak, President and CEO, Runnymede Healthcare Centre 

Public safety personnel is a term that broadly encompasses front-line personnel who ensure the safety and security of Canadians across all jurisdictions. Examples can include: Tri-Services (police – including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, firefighters, and paramedics), correctional employees, border services personnel, operational and intelligence personnel, search and rescue personnel, Indigenous emergency managers, and dispatch personnel.

In 2019,the Government of Canada released Supporting Canada’s Public Safety Personnel: An Action Plan on Post-Traumatic Stress Injuries. The Action Plan was developed based on consultations with many stakeholders, including other levels of government, public safety organizations, academia, union representatives, mental health professionals and non-governmental organizations. This work will support research, prevention, early intervention, stigma-reduction, care and treatment for all types of public safety personnel, all across the country.

The Action Plan built on other investments by the Government of Canada to advance work on this issue, including:

$20 million over five years (2019-2023) to support a new National Research Consortium on PTSI among public safety personnel between the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment (CIPSRT);
$10 million for an Internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy pilot to provide greater access to care and treatment for public safety personnel, especially in rural and remote areas; and
$10 million toward a longitudinal study of the mental health of RCMP new recruits that will help develop appropriate mental wellness and remedial strategies for the Force and other emergency response organizations.

Canada – Federal, provincial and territorial labour ministers discuss common goals and collaboration as Canada emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic 

Feb 26, 2022 | International

Federal, provincial and territorial labour ministers met virtually today to share information and advance work on priority issues in workplaces across the country.

February 25, 2022              Gatineau, Quebec                Federal, provincial and territorial labour ministers met virtually today to share information and advance work on priority issues in workplaces across the country.

The meeting was chaired by the federal Minister of Labour, Seamus O’Regan Jr., and addressed the challenges and opportunities ahead for workers as Canada emerges from the COVID‑19 pandemic.

The ministers discussed labour issues related to COVID‑19 and the changing nature of work. Ministers shared labour policy successes and lessons learned, with all governments recognizing that workplaces have changed significantly as a result of the pandemic. Other topics of discussion included the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, protections for gig workers and changes to leave provisions.

Paid sick leave was a topic of discussion. Ministers noted the importance of protecting workers and preventing the spread of illness in the workplace, with several ministers sharing updates on changes in their jurisdictions. Discussions regarding paid sick leave across the country are ongoing.

The discussion also included updates on Canada’s ratification of the International Labour Organization Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019. In addition, officials shared progress on the implementation of the Pan‑Canadian Occupational Health and Safety Reconciliation Agreement, the second agreement of its kind.

Ministers committed to pursuing their collaboration and to working toward the implementation of policies supporting safe and healthy workplaces across the country.

“When workers, employers and governments work together, we create safer and healthier workplaces. The COVID‑19 pandemic has exposed gaps in Canada’s social safety net, including the lack of paid sick leave across the country. We have an opportunity to close them if we work together. Today’s meeting of labour ministers is yet another example of collaboration leading to improved policies for Canadian workers.”

– Federal Minister of Labour, Seamus O’Regan Jr.

Ace Uniforms Announces a New Military and Federal Sales Division

Dec 21, 2021 | Business

 On July 17, 2020, Ace Uniforms CEO Rory Staiger proudly announced the launch of Ace Federal Solutions (AFS), a division of Ace Uniforms (CAGE Code: 0A5U7) focused on serving federal and military customers. With the formal launch today, AFS is ready to provide uniforms, gear, footwear, and shipboard equipment to meet our customer’s demanding mission requirements. Building off Ace Uniforms’ 50+ years of serving public safety, medical, hospitality, and other first responders, AFS adds shipboard equipment such as culinary uniforms, rack curtains, INSURV items, equipment covers and flight deck gear to their portfolio thanks to the onboarding of two experienced military sales professionals – Jocelyn De Guzman and Steven Sanders. They bring over 25 years of combined federal procurement and customer service experience to Ace Federal Solutions. “As a Navy Veteran I understand the daily issues with procuring supplies, and I take pride and ownership of every customers request,” said Steven Sanders. Headquartered in downtown San Diego, AFS services national and global customers thanks to strong partnerships with 3PLs.

“Ace Uniforms has served the military locally and through FedMall for a number of years, but with the addition of product lines beyond uniforms, gear, and footwear, we recognized it was time to launch a division focused solely on serving this unique customer base. That’s how Ace Federal Solutions was born,” said Rory Staiger describing the thought process behind AFS.

AFS currently holds a FedMall contract (SP47W117D0039) and is awaiting a GSA Advantage contract award. AFS is also a Small Business and HUBZone supplier. Visit www.acefederalsolutions.com to browse our ever expanding catalog and to get in contact with our team. If you are in San Diego, stop by to their 22,000sqft retail facility located at 633 16th Street, San Diego, CA 92101. At the store, you can get embroidery and alterations work done while you wait or get some hands-on time with product.

About Ace Uniforms: Ace Uniforms opened its doors in 1958 selling uniforms footwear and gear to law enforcement professionals in San Diego. We now operate 3 stores across California and Arizona as well as a strong nationwide e-commerce presence. Learn more at www.aceuniforms.com. Ace Federal Solutions is a DBA of Ace Uniforms.

Ace Federal Solutions

Steven Sanders

619-233-0227

https://acefederalsolutions.com

ContactContact

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  • Government

Canada – Federal Court of Canada approved the Gottfriedson settlement agreement for former Day Scholars at Indian Residential Schools

Oct 2, 2021 | International

The Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations, Carolyn Bennett, issued the following statement today.

Ottawa, Ontario (October 1, 2021) — The Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations, Carolyn Bennett, issued the following statement today:

“The mistreatment of Indigenous children is a tragic and shameful part of Canada’s history, the impacts of which are still being felt today. The Government of Canada is deeply committed to advancing reconciliation and healing for former Indian Residential School Day Scholars and their descendants.

On Friday, September 24, 2021, the Federal Court approved the Indian Residential Schools Day Scholars (Gottfriedson) Settlement Agreement. The Court ruled that the agreement is fair, reasonable and in the best interests of the Survivor and Descendant class members.

Canada is pleased with this important step forward on the journey of reconciliation and healing with Indigenous Peoples. We are proud of the work we have accomplished together with Survivors and their counsel toward a lasting and meaningful resolution for the thousands of Day Scholars who suffered harm while attending an Indian Residential School.

The settlement agreement combines individual compensation of $10,000 for harms experienced in attending an Indian Residential School as a Day Scholar with forward-looking investments to support healing, wellness, education, language, culture, heritage and commemoration for Survivors and Descendants.

To ensure that the aging survivors receive compensation in their lifetime, the parties have agreed to separate the Band Class claims in order to focus on the settlement of the Survivor and Descendant classes.

The parties to the settlement will continue to work collaboratively toward implementing the settlement following the 60-day appeal period.

As the process going forward can have a re-traumatizing effect, Canada has health supports in place for Survivors and their families. The Hope for Wellness Help Line offers immediate access to experienced and culturally competent Help Line counsellors to all Indigenous Peoples across Canada. Counsellors can help those who want to talk, who are in distress, who are having a strong emotional reaction or who are triggered by painful memories. The Hope for Wellness Help Line offers counselling and crisis intervention and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 1-855-242-3310 or by connecting to the online chat at hopeforwellness.ca.

The advocacy, perseverance and commitment of former Indian Residential Schools Day Scholars to address past wrongs will not be forgotten.”

Ani Dergalstanian

Press Secretary and Communications Advisor

Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett

Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

819-997-0002

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Canada – Federal Court’s decision related to Canadian Human Rights Tribunal orders

Oct 2, 2021 | International

Government of Canada issued a media statement on Federal Court’s decision related to Canadian Human Rights Tribunal orders.

Ottawa, Ontario (October, 1, 2021)

On September 29, 2021, the Federal Court dismissed Canada’s application to judicially review the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) orders regarding:

compensation for harms to First Nations children who were in care of First Nations Child and Family Services agencies, as well as those who were impacted by the government’s interpretation of Jordan’s Principle; and,
the Tribunal’s definition of who is a First Nations child under Jordan’s Principle.

Canada is reviewing the Federal Court’s decision and further information will be forthcoming.

Canada remains committed to compensating First Nations children who were removed from their families and communities and to continue implementing significant reform of the First Nation Child and Family Services Program, recognizing that class actions have been filed, including by the Assembly of First Nations and Moushoom. Jordan’s Principle continues to ensure that First Nations children can access the products, services and supports they need when they need them. 

We continue to work with Indigenous governing bodies to implement An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families, under which First Nations are enabled to exercise their jurisdiction in relation to child and family services and make decisions in the best interest of their children.

These are important steps in redressing the intergenerational impacts of colonization.