The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is at an important juncture with respect to the wellness and resilience of its members. There is an ever-present tension between the operational reality of sustaining the public safety mandate across Ontario in an environment of increasing demands on limited resources and organizational capacity and the physical and psychological health, wellness, resilience and workplace experience of the individuals who serve that mandate.

Wellness issues, including those stemming from dangerous and difficult work, staff shortages and work-related stress, have resulted in unprecedented numbers of officers off-duty or away from the frontlines. Tragically, since January 2012, 17 members are known to have died by suicide, including three this year.

In the workplace, members report concerning incidents related to workplace bullying, harassment, conflict and disharmony. Members report a diminished confidence in the support of management.

It is clear to us that OPP leadership faces an immediate and significant challenge with respect to the workplace culture and health of the organization. In particular, the lack of credible, accessible and meaningful support for members with mental health issues is approaching crisis. Some members’ lack of faith in the processes provided for members who have workplace conflicts is a serious concern. In some respects, there is a disconnect between regional/operational units and some services delivered through GHQ. Wellness, in the multitude of ways it can be interpreted, is markedly challenged in the organization.

However, there is also opportunity in this moment. A new Commissioner, Thomas Carrique, was appointed in April 2019, presenting an opportunity for the OPP to assess its challenges and to strengthen areas of success. Commissioner Carrique and his newly appointed Leadership team have clearly set wellness and resilience as key priorities.

“Greatest strength: the current openness to accepting that perhaps the current state of affairs isn’t working and that something needs to change.” - OPP member

Members of the OPP are justifiably proud of their critical role in Ontario’s communities and their service to the public. They are invested in ensuring that the organization provides a healthy and supportive workplace.

There have been a number of key studies, reports and discussions on these issues during 2019 that provide concrete and meaningful guidance for the path forward. More is known about the science behind the wellness challenges facing police, military and other first responders. Social dialogue on these issues is becoming more prevalent. These are positive signs.

Gaining the full trust of the membership and building a healthy and resilient workforce will require a series of concrete and meaningful actions by the Commissioner and his leadership team, including:

  • prioritizing wellness and a healthy workplace culture across the leadership of the organization
  • ensuring that leadership at all levels of the organization is people-centred, empathetic and trained to support the members
  • refocusing and strengthening mental health supports for members
  • restructuring the process for managing workplace conflicts
  • tackling the challenging organizational pressures that cause stress at the frontline

While our recommendations are largely focused on action by the government and the leadership of the OPP, the observations and conclusions of this Report apply broadly. The challenges facing the membership of the OPP at this time are not a failing or a success of any one individual, group or faction. Likewise, the responsibility for improvement, action and success cannot fall to one individual or group. These concerning issues require a collaborative and collective response. We encourage all readers of this Report to consider their own role in growing and improving a culture of wellness and resilience within the OPP. We are also hopeful that the insights and ideas in this Report may be of assistance to other organizations facing similar challenges.