editorial strategist – educator – creative solutions
A whistleblower is urging Ontario’s ombudsman to investigate how 911 workers are treated for post-traumatic stress disorder. Retired OPP Det.-Insp. Bruce Kruger insists first responders across Ontario should petition Ombudsman Andre Marin to look into the “failures” of the “heartless” Ministry of Labour and Workplace Safety Insurance Board in handling 911 workers with the condition. […]
MoreA new east-end elementary school has opened with much fanfare, but no sidewalk, and furious parents want immediate action. “It’s a hazard and it’s a serious concern,” said resident Jason Broadbent. The French Catholic school Notre-Dame-des-Champs at 6280 Renaud Rd., near Navan Rd. in Orleans, welcomed 195 students with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony. “The school […]
MoreRae-Lynne Dicks was one of the “forgotten” first responders. A former 911 dispatcher in Vancouver for 10 years, she left the field permanently in 2004 following a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder. “Part of that challenge was never showing weakness,” said Dicks. “You learn to stuff it all inside you.” Ranging from talking someone down […]
MoreThe spotlight is on mental health of police officers following the death of RCMP spokesman Sgt. Pierre Lemaitre, who took his own life July 29. City cops in distress have a variety of resources, said Ottawa Police manager of health, safety & lifestyles Angela Slobodian. Officers or family members with a “variety of life issues […]
MoreThe average person in distress phones 911. So who do 911 workers turn to during a mental health crisis? There’s a disheartening lack of resources for first responders, according to former Toronto paramedic Vince Savoia. “It’s a subject matter that most organizations do not wish to talk about. It’s something they’re very uncomfortable with and […]
MoreCanada’s largest police service “betrays” its officers by failing to develop a national mental health strategy, says a Mountie turned psychologist. “There’s known risks to police work. We know that it puts people’s physical and mental health at risk, so I think organizations have an obligation to care for their employees,” said Dr. Jeff Morley, […]
MoreOttawans will have to wait until Monday to find out what Mayor Jim Watson thinks about the public health unit’s stance against a new casino. Medical officer of health Dr. Isra Levy made it clear last week he doesn’t support expanded gaming in Ottawa — shy of suggesting council nix the prospect of adding a […]
MoreViolence and upheaval in Cairo led more than 100 members of Ottawa’s Egyptian and Arab communities to peacefully demonstrate on Parliament Hill Saturday. “We have to stand up for our people back home, ’cause what they’re going through isn’t fair, ” said Omar Farahat, 18, of South Keys. “There are a lot of innocent people […]
MoreTwenty Ottawans face charges after a massive drug bust netting weed worth more than $6.8 million in street value, cash and weapons. Project Power Plant “significantly disrupted the illicit production of cannabis marijuana in the Ottawa region,” said Ottawa Police Staff Sgt. Mike Laviolette from the drug unit. A joint effort between city cops, provincial […]
MoreIn the wake of another serious sex assault initiated on transit property, the leader of an anti-street harassment group wants to know why details of OC Transpo’s enhanced safety plan haven’t been released. “The situation is dire,” said Hollaback! Ottawa director Julie Lalonde. ”What more do we need to happen to show this is a […]
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Kelly Roche - Storyteller 