ACCPA CONFERENCE
2025 SPEAKERS
BUILDING BRIDGES BY UNITING COMMUNITIES FOR EMPOWERMENT AND SAFETY
SPEAKER BIOS
MICHAEL aDORJAN
SESSION: The prospects, and challenges, of restorative practices to foster community support for online conflict and harm
Tuesday, May 6 at 1:15PM
Michael Adorjan is an Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Calgary. His research and teaching centers on societal responses to youth crime, public perceptions of policing and most recently youth and cyber-risk, including cyberbullying and image based sexual abuse, as well as parental and educator responses. He has also published edited collections on research ethics in criminology. In addition, he is exploring restorative practices in response to online conflict and harm. With his colleague Rosemary Ricciardelli, Memorial University of Newfoundland, another long-term project examines correctional officers, mental health and the Canadian correctional system.
The area of restorative practices in response to cyber-conflict and harm generates important questions about imagined communities, both virtually mediated and how these relate to offline communities. Yet there are challenges in implementation despite good intentions on the part of parents and schools. My research so far has examined this issue from the perspective of both parents and educators and I'm happy to showcase some of my findings regarding 1) awareness of restorative practices (in a nutshell, there is less awareness, but general support for the idea, in Alberta); 2) challenges with implementation - 'not in my backyard' and neoliberal dynamics undercutting effective application in schools.
doreen blumhagen
SESSION: Country Road Chats-Rural Polarization
Tuesday, May 6 at 2:45PM
I have created Country Road Chats to share my story and strategies of dealing with mental health. I am an advocate of having open and honest discussions about the struggles of maintaining mental wellness.
My husband, Shannon and I own and operate a farm north of the village of Halkirk. We each have had our fair share of struggles with mental illness. I can give you the perspective of dealing with my own recovery and needing to be supported, as well as being the supporter of someone in need.
Although mental illness is a serious topic I find opening the door to discussions with light hearted humour an effective way to start conversations. Plus, you will leave my entertaining presentations with practical tools to use in your everyday life and continue your journey to mental wellness.
Our world has become increasingly polarized and from the coffee shop to widespread social media, people involved in politics are heavily scrutinized. People who take on the responsibility to lead their communities are not always seen as "the helpful neighbour" but rather as "another politician that doesn't understand". As a former county councillor for eight years, I experienced first hand the mistreatment that leaders can experience. And while we cannot control how other people treat us, we do have a say in how we respond, take care of our own mental health, and still serve our communities. In my presentation I will... 1. Share my stories of personal attacks and how I supported my mental wellness while serving my community. 2. Detail strategies on dealing with extreme opinionated delegates as a whole council as well as an individual. 3. Bring to light simple methods of keeping strong in a personally charged conflict that can continue on long after council meetings and terms.
Marc Boychuk
SESSION: Innovative Municipalities: Demonstrating possibilities through integrated approaches to Mental Health and Policing
Tuesday, May 6 at 1:15PM
Marc is passionate about ending homelessness and identifying programs needed to accomplish this. Not being employed in the homeless sector allows him to approach situations from a unique perspective. The main goal being building inter agency collaborations to close gaps in services.
By being in the shelters, soup kitchens, streets, make shift shelters, supportive living houses and prisons, Marc is continually learning and adapting to the new solutions and issues our vulnerable populations face. He has been recognized for his efforts by being a 2022 Queens Jubilee recipient, Awarded the 2022 Nadine Stirling Memorial Award from the Alberta Division of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), and the Northern Lights Alberta Premier award for his work done in opening the first emergency shelter in Peace River.
Marc has presented at many conferences and symposiums with the latest presentation being at the 2022 Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness. Hoping to motivate others and ignite new ideas are the main themes of his presentations with sometimes unique and new solutions.
Sustainable Housing with supports are what Marc is advocating for as a major solution for people living in unsafe and unsanitary situations. Working with the Federal, Provincial and municipal governments and agencies Marc hopes to identify and bring much needed supports for rural areas.
When Councillor Boychuk learnt that the RCMP were conducting a large amount of transports, under Form 10, ( the Mental Health Act ) in their community he decided to do something about it. In his research, he would learn these RCMP officers, who had little to no training, were dealing with a large amount of mental health calls. Councillor Boychuk encouraged and was successful with others in forming a Peace River Task Force Team. With the formation of the Task Force, they learnt that the Peace once mobilized and working as a collective can make tremendous progress with politicians and institutions ( University of Lethbridge, institutions, & Rural Municipalities - both rural and urban) in getting the necessary resources and solutions for their community, all the while ensuring safety for everyone. Councillor Boychuk will provide delegates with what solutions came about due to their task force and how they continue to make changes regarding social issues in Peace River. Councillor Boychuk will share his story on how their Task Force Team organized and began lobbying for changes in his community and how the changes have changed his community.
Scott cameron
SESSION: A Social Capital Approach to Community Safety
Tuesday, May 6 at 2:45PM
Scott Cameron is the President/CEO of bassa Social Innovations Inc. and co-founder of Emergency Management Logistics Canada – an online platform designed to help communities build preparedness through connection. By bringing local emergency management organizations, businesses, and community organizations together in one shared space, local communities can enhance community safety by pre-identifying resources, building relationships, and establishing levels of trust and understanding that helps to increase community capacity and resilience.
Scott brings a community development perspective to all his work. He understands that local communities can accomplish great things by working together and tapping into collective wisdom, networks, and shared resources. He is a graduate of the MA Interdisciplinary Studies program at Royal Roads University where he focused on Sustainable Community Development and Leadership. He calls Calgary home.
This session will frame safer community-building through the lens of social capital, emphasizing trust, social cohesion, and collective action. Drawing on theories from the World Bank and Robert Putnam, this interactive session will explore the five key dimensions of social capital: trust, social cohesion and inclusion, networks, collective action, and communication. Participants will learn how fostering "thick trust" through deep relationships, bridging diverse community groups, and promoting collective action can enhance community safety. Attendees will actively explore how to mobilize community resources, empower local networks, and promote inclusive dialogue. The session aims to help strengthen interpersonal connections, creating a culture of cooperation and shared responsibility for public safety, while reinforcing trust in both community members and institutions.
Marc COCHLIN
SESSION: ALERT: Success Through Collaborative & Integrated Policing
Wednesday, May 7 at 2:45PM
Superintendent Marc Cochlin is the Chief Executive Officer of ALERT; an integrated, provincially funded police agency. ALERT is comprised of over 400 police officers and professional staff, and is mandated to tackle serious and organized crime across Alberta.
As a 27-year-member of the Edmonton Police Service, Cochlin has worked in a variety of specialized areas and units across the city and most recently supervised the criminal investigations division, which entails homicide, robbery, organized crime, firearms investigations, and missing persons. Cochlin previously spent time in ALERT leading the Edmonton-based organized crime and gang teams between 2018 and 2020.
Born and raised in Edmonton, Cochlin was a member of the first Alberta Francophone graduating class of École Maurice-Lavallée. He is a graduate of the University of Alberta and former Edmonton premiership soccer player.
Cochlin was appointed ALERT CEO in December 2021.
PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS
• 27-year policing career at EPS and worked in every patrol division in the city;
• Most recently, oversaw EPS’ criminal investigations division, entailing homicide, robbery, missing persons, firearms investigations, and organized crime;
• Oversight of EPS specialized, high risk, operational units including flight operations, tactical, canine, disaster planning, and bomb unit;
• Led ALERT’s Edmonton organized crime team from 2018 to 2020, and ushered the expansion of internet child exploitation, human trafficking, and auto crimes units;
• Incident Command representative providing business planning and oversight to major city events including Edmonton’s prospective 2026 World Cup bid, 2018 CFL Grey Cup, 2017 NHL Playoffs, and Canada Day celebrations;
• Born and raised in Edmonton and graduate of University of Alberta.
ALERT is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated policing resources. Established and funded by the Alberta Government, ALERT brings together 400 municipal police and RCMP officers, working on specialized teams, to investigate everything from drug trafficking to child exploitation to gang violence. Supt. Cochlin will provide an update on ALERT’s efforts to keep Alberta communities safe by exploring criminal market trends. Supt. Cochlin will also address how ALERT is leveraging the Guns and Gang-Violence Action Fund (GGVAF) to support several important safety initiatives across the province.
guy felicella
SESSION: Overcoming
Wednesday, May 7 at 1:15PM
Guy Felicella is an international public speaker and advocate for drug policy reform. Overcoming a two-decade substance use disorder, he has turned his life around after years of homelessness, gang involvement, and surviving overdoses in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Now, Guy passionately promotes harm reduction, trauma therapy, and faster access to treatment, using his story of resilience and recovery to inspire others and push for compassionate drug policies and addiction support.
Guy shares his personal story to inspire others towards transformation, hope, compassion and human connection. He also provides information and insight into the full continuum of care that supports people and meets them where they're at when dealing with addiction.
allen gukert, ross gear, remi nault
SESSION: Public Safety Unit-Local Solutions
Tuesday, May 6 at 10:30AM
Allen Gukert serves as the Business Development and Leadership Manager at Apex Security, where he is a driving force behind the Public Security Unit (PSU) program. With over 35 years of experience in security and corrections, Allen plays a key role in promoting the PSU's mission to enhance public safety by providing a vital link between social programs and law enforcement throughout Alberta.
Before joining Apex Security, Allen had a distinguished 35-year career with Alberta Corrections, spending 17.5 of those years in leadership positions, including his final role as Director of the Peace River Correctional Centre. His experience spans across four correctional centers in Alberta, and he also served as the Deputy Director of Operations and Security. A leader in tactical operations, Allen commanded correctional tactical teams for over five years, with a total of 12 years on those teams. For his dedication and years devoted to public safety, he was awarded the Corrections Exemplary Service Medal.
Allen holds a Law Enforcement Diploma from Lethbridge College and has written and taught courses in correctional methods and self-defence, contributing to the development of future leaders in the field.
In his current role, Allen is committed to ensuring the success of the PSU program, continuously working to improve community safety and foster collaboration between public safety initiatives and law enforcement agencies. His wealth of experience and dedication make him a pivotal figure in the evolution of community security through Apex.
Ross Gear brings over 35 years of distinguished law enforcement experience to the Public Security Unit (PSU), including 27 years of service with the RCMP. Throughout his career, he has held numerous leadership positions, including Sergeant and Staff Sergeant at the Grande Prairie Detachment, where he oversaw critical areas such as community policing, traffic enforcement, forensic identification, police dog services, and serious incident command. Ross also led public complaints management and contributed to RCMP's K Division management review team.
His extensive experience spans roles with the RCMP in various communities in AB, Ross gained hands-on expertise in leading complex teams and managing public safety initiatives. Notably, he served as the Sergeant for peace officers in Grande Prairie, where he was present during the launch of the PSU and witnessed and was involved firsthand in its positive impact on the community.
In the PSU, Ross applies this wealth of knowledge to strengthen community safety and enhance the PSU's proactive security approach. He is excited to present this information to other communities, showcasing the valuable services a PSU can offer through fostering effective collaboration with local law enforcement. His leadership is instrumental in shaping the PSU’s impact in addressing local security concerns and building safer communities across Alberta.
Born in 1975 and raised on Air Force bases across Canada, I learned resilience and adaptability early on. My passion for sports led to a successful career as a personal trainer and bodybuilding champion, which I pursued until knee injuries prompted a career change.
In 2004, I turned to glassblowing, a craft I practiced for 12 years. In 2013, I transitioned into the security sector with Apex Security, quickly advancing through roles like static guard, event security, patrol guard, and bodyguard. My dedication led to a leadership role as the Patrol Department Lead, where I focused on meeting clients' security needs and improving safety measures.
In 2022, I joined Apex’s innovative public security pilot project with the Public Security Unit (PSU), using my extensive experience to enhance community safety initiatives. As the Director of PSU, I supervise the team’s operations, ensuring effective patrols, rapid response, and continuous monitoring of high-priority areas. My role focuses on overseeing proactive crime prevention efforts, collaborating with law enforcement, and addressing community safety concerns, particularly around homelessness and social issues.
I lead the PSU in working closely with community stakeholders, law enforcement agencies, and social services to develop long-term solutions that build trust and tackle the root causes of crime. Under my leadership, we prioritize comprehensive approaches to public safety, ensuring that the PSU delivers essential services to the community. This work fosters a safer, more resilient environment for all residents.
As a single father of an 8-year-old daughter, I am driven to tackle the challenges facing our community and create a safer future for her and others.
With the increase and challenges associated with encampments & other social issues, by communities and Municipalities, the principles of Apex Security saw a need for a critical layer of protection and enforcement between law enforcement and community programs. A direct result of this need, the Public Security Units (PSU) were formed and initiated by Apex Security. They also saw the need to bridge the gap between law enforcement and community programs; all the while ensuring safety for all in the community. Their PSU Units deal with the management of encampments for socially displaced individuals, as well as other issues such as loitering, trespassing, and public disturbances. Attendees will learn how municipalities or communities can tailor the Public Safety Units (PSU) to their particular unique challenges; all the while ensuring safety to their residents and businesses. Attendees will also learn why collaboration, cohesive strategies, as well as the importance and presence of skilled and trained staff is crucial for effectively managing low-level incidents and supporting local law enforcement agencies, including the RCMP, municipal peace officers, and local police. Join us to learn how the Public Security Unit (PSU) can make a difference in building safer, more secure communities throughout Alberta. Together, we can foster safer environments that prioritize the safety and security of everyone in our towns and cities across Alberta.
PHIL GURSKI
SESSION: Why communities are an indispensable resource for public safety
Wednesday, May 7 at 1:15PM
Phil Gurski is the President and CEO of Borealis Threat and Risk Consulting Ltd. and former Program Director for the National Security program hub at the University of Ottawa’s Professional Development Institute (PDI).
He worked as a senior strategic analyst at CSIS (Canadian Security Intelligence Service) from 2001-2015, specializing in violent Islamist-inspired homegrown terrorism and radicalization. From 1983 to 2001 he was employed as a senior multilingual analyst at Communications Security Establishment (CSE – Canada’s signals intelligence agency), specializing in the Middle East. He also served as senior special advisor in the National Security Directorate at Public Safety Canada from 2013, focusing on community outreach and training on radicalization to violence, until his retirement from the civil service in May 2015, and as consultant for the Ontario Provincial Police’s Anti-Terrorism Section (PATS) from May to October 2015.
He was the Director of Security and Intelligence at the SecDev Group from June 2018 to July 2019. Mr. Gurski has presented on violent Islamist-inspired and other forms of terrorism and radicalization across Canada and around the world.
Those who work in law enforcement and security intelligence rely on a number of sources in their work, ranging from the recruitment and running of human agents, wiretaps, surveillance and information received from domestic and international partners. When it comes to public and community safety, however, the best 'eyes and ears' are often average citizens who are well-placed to identify issues and individuals who may pose a threat to society. The development and maintenance of good relations between those tasked with preventing 'bad things' from happening and communities is a priority and pays large dividends. This talk will look at the benefits, and challenges, of these ties.
kimberly hurst
SESSION: Alberta Citizens on Patrol & Piikani First Nations
Wednesday, May 7 at 10:30AM
Kimberly joined Citizens On Patrol in 2013 and has been on the Alberta Citizens On Patrol Association Board since 2018. In October 2021, she completed Basic CPTED training with the Edmonton Police Service and is currently working with RCMP to assist local communities with assessments. Kimberly speaks at community meetings assisting RCMP, as well as local town and municipal governments. She organizes community events and initiatives that support the RCMP to break down the barriers the uniform can bring. One of the core initiatives Kimberly is involved in is "Shoes for Kids", bringing shoes to children/families on and off reserve. Other committees Kimberly serves on include, Police Advisory Committee, Community Led Task Force in partnership with the RCMP, Integrated Offender Management for Piikani Nation, Crowsnest Pass, Pincher Creek and Fort MacLeod as well as Southwest Alberta Rural Crime Watch. When not volunteering, Kimberly is a Youth Wellness worker at Napi Friendship Association engaging primarily with Indigenous youth. Kimberly is also a guard for RCMP within the Crownest Pass, Pincher Creek and Piikani Nation Detachments. When not working or volunteering in her communities you will find Kimberly at various sporting events supporting her two sons and their teams keeping her busy as a single parent.two sons and their teams keeping her busy as a single parent.
Kimberly is passionate about helping communities become a safe and inclusive space for all.
Wanda McGinnis, Linette soldan, Reave MacLeod
SESSION: A ‘Made in Alberta’ small town and rural collaborative to preventing gender-based violence
Wednesday, May 7 at 2:45PM
Wanda McGinnis is a registered social worker who has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Regina and a Bachelor of Social Work Degree from the University of Calgary. She has spent nearly two decades working within the domestic violence sector. Wanda began her career as a front-line worker in rural Alberta. She is trained in advanced risk assessment and was instrumental in supporting the development of a rural Family Violence Prevention Program- a program designed to customize a rural community domestic violence response. This program brought RCMP, Alberta justice, Children’s Services and the local domestic violence shelter together to collaboratively establish wrap around services for at risk families in the area. Wanda
recognizes the importance of a trauma informed approach which honours the unique experiences of each person. She is currently the Executive Director of Big Hill Haven in Cochrane. Wanda is committed to creating effective rural strategies to ensure no one must choose between being safe and remaining in the community they call home.
Linette Soldan has been in the Social Services sector for over 25 years. Throughout her career, she has supported individuals and their families with counselling, safety planning, case planning, parenting strategies and navigation of community resources that will build their formal and informal supports. Linette believes that supporting individuals and their families to
increase their sense of safety, resiliency, and dignity is key through the collaboration of strong partnerships. Strong partnerships assist in seamless client delivery and improve access to services for individuals and their families experiencing domestic violence and abuse.
Reave MacLeod holds a Master of Social Work degree with a specialization in Leadership. As the
current Director of Advocacy and Community Programs at YWCA Banff, she is putting her extensive human services background to good use in the community in which she works and plays. Often described as a collaborative and authentic leader, she has held various progressive leadership positions in the non-profit sector throughout her career. Reave is passionate about
gender equity, and using a community development approach, working with groups at various levels to build capacity and explore creative, meaningful change.
Gender-based violence rates in rural areas are 75% higher for women, Indigenous Peoples, and equity-deserving groups compared to urban settings, with greater severity (Litviniuc & Wells, 2023).
In response, leaders from three women’s shelter in rural Alberta took the lead (YWCA Banff, Cochrane Big Hill Haven and Rowan House Society) partnered with Shift: The Project to End Domestic Violence at the University of Calgary. Together, they are developing a “Made in Alberta” rural primary prevention strategy that is focused on changing the social conditions that create and enable violence perpetration.
The partnership emphasizes shifting focus from secondary and tertiary responses to primary prevention, which is focused on targeting violence before it starts. Shelter leaders are co-developing primary prevention plans tailored to their communities’ specific needs and in partnership with key sector leaders. This presentation will share insights on collaborating
with academics, building capacity to advance primary prevention, leveraging local data, expertise and insights, and developing actionable strategies to stop violence before it starts with unique partners throughout each community.
ERIC POIRIER
SESSION: Trauma-Informed Awareness Presentation: A Comprehensive Approach
Wednesday, May 7 at 10:30AM
Eric Poirier is a traumatologist, crisis responder, and communicator passionate about advancing trauma-informed practices. As a member of the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress (since 2021), he holds a Certification in Emergency Crisis Response (CECR) and developed the Trauma Informed Incident Response and Interviewing (TIIRI) program, which he delivers to law enforcement, military personnel, private investigators, and other professionals. A registered ASIST trainer, Eric has also completed extensive training through the Traumatology Institute, earning certifications in School Crisis Response, Community and Workplace Traumatology, and Early Intervention Field Traumatology. A sought-after speaker, he has presented at Durham College and been featured on CBC Radio Canada. Currently the Manager for Rail Safety and Compliance for a major commuter rail network, he is pursuing his Registered Clinical Hypnotherapist (RCH) designation to further support clients, students, and veterans in emergency services and the Canadian Armed Forces. He is also the co-founder of Training 4 Trauma Combative Sciences (T4TCS.CA)
While trauma-informed awareness is a valuable tool for addressing the root causes of crime, it's important to acknowledge that first responder activities remain essential for maintaining public safety. Trauma-informed approaches can complement traditional first responder strategies by providing a more holistic understanding of crime and its underlying factors.
Key considerations for integrating trauma-informed awareness into first responder practices include: First Responder Training, De-escalation Techniques, Collaboration with Community Partners, Data-Driven/Intelligence Led Approaches and Community Engagement
In this session Eric will speak about incorporating trauma-informed awareness into first responder practices, to create a more compassionate and effective approach to public safety that addresses both the immediate needs of crime prevention and the long-term well-being of individuals and communities. He will also discuss the components of Trauma-Informed Awareness as a holistic approach that recognizes the prevalence of trauma in individuals and communities and seeks to create environments that are safe, supportive, and responsive to the needs of those who have experienced trauma. Through this session, delegates will also be provided with the benefits of Trauma-Informed Awareness,& how Trauma-Informed Awareness plays a role in/ & is a crucial component of addressing the root causes of violent extremism, gangs, and organized crime. Eric will demonstrate to the delegates that by understanding and addressing the underlying trauma experiences of individuals, we can reduce the likelihood of their involvement in harmful behaviors. Delegates will also learn Trauma-informed approaches that will help individuals develop resilience, cope with difficult emotions, and build positive relationships, ultimately contributing to safer and more cohesive communities. Additionally, by fostering empathy, understanding, and collaboration, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment that reduces the appeal of extremist ideologies and criminal activities.
christian stenner
SESSION: Crime in the energy sector, societal impacts, and mitigations
Wednesday, May 7 at 9:00AM
Christian Stenner is a corporate security, crisis management and organizational resilience leader and facilitator with experience over 25 years. He spent 13 years in the energy sector, responsible for corporate security programs for critical infrastructure protection. Stenner holds a Certificate in Professional Management with specialization in Risk Management from the University of Calgary, a Professional Certificate in International Critical Infrastructure Protection, A Diploma in Investigations and Security Management from MacEwan University, and Master of Science in organizational resilience from Buckinghamshire New University, where his dissertation work studied security education, training, and awareness programs in energy critical infrastructure organisations.
Stenner holds professional designations as a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), the Canadian Risk Management designation (CRM), Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) and is board certified in security management and in investigations, holding Certified Protection Professional (CPP) and Professional Certified Investigator (PCI) designations from ASIS International.
Concurrent to various security management roles he has been involved in training and education, program development, and program facilitation within the Canadian Forces, as a Director in Search and Rescue Alberta and in technical rescue roles, and as a leader of multiple groundbreaking research expeditions.
Intentional physical and cyber-attacks within the energy sector are prevalent and a pattern of crime incidents continue to occur in Canada. Crimes within the energy sector represent a diverse range of threat actors, their physical and virtual targets, and interconnected infrastructure impacts, reflecting the complex threat environment seen historically in Canada. Crimes range from thefts of copper wire and critical components to intentional sabotage and terrorist incidents aimed at damaging the functionality of the infrastructure. Vulnerabilities demonstrated in recent history along with conceptual weaknesses highlight threats that need mitigation.
Disruption, especially in areas considered critical infrastructure, could result in serious damage to national security due to societal reliance on these infrastructures. Physical and cyber security threats which currently exist are intensified by our reliance on converged cyber-physical systems and new vulnerabilities. Defenses against these vulnerabilities rely on both physical mitigations and human factors.
Protecting infrastructure from the impact of crime is challenging, as the sites are distributed in mostly rural areas. However, industry programs which have been used successfully to mitigate the impacts of crime can be portable to other sectors and organizations. During his presentation Christian Stenner will share with delegates the different methods of mitigation plus the importance of fostering trust in communities. Christian will also spend time providing delegates with security education, training, and awareness (SETA) programs for employees as a human factor mitigation. Attendees will learn about expanding programs, which include hybrid cyber & physical security content. Which involves expanding methodology and interactivity range in SETA programs, staff involvement , and management awareness and promotion of SETA, and its benefit to organizations as well as their resilience. Christian will demonstrate to delegates by effectively implementing these mitigations within organizations, not only is the organization protected, the prevention of incidents and disruptions benefits society at large as well.
ARTHUR SUNDAY
KEYNOTE: The Power of First Impressions and how good first Impressions can impact and shape lives within Rural and Indigenous Communities
Tuesday, May 6 at 9:00AM
Constable Arthur Sunday serves as a General Duty Investigator and Community Liaison Officer with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Peace River, Alberta. With a rich background shaped by his mother’s inspiring journey as an immigrant from Kampala, Uganda, Cst. Sunday understands the value of resilience and community support. Growing up in a household of six, he learned the importance of perseverance and compassion early on.
A talented athlete, Cst. Sunday played football at both the collegiate and professional levels, which instilled in him a strong sense of teamwork and discipline. He holds a College Diploma in Police Foundations and Law & Security from Mohawk College, as well as a Sociology Degree from the University of Guelph.
Cst. Sunday is deeply passionate about giving back to the communities he serves. As a firm believer in second chances, he strives to foster positive relationships and promote understanding within the community. In January of this year, Cst. Sunday was recognized and awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal. His commitment to service and advocacy for others makes him a dedicated officer and a valued member of the communities he serves.
In this Keynote session, we will explore the profound influence of first impressions on personal and professional relationships. Drawing on psychological research and real-world examples, we’ll examine how positive initial encounters can open doors, foster connections, and shape life trajectories. Attendees will gain insights into the elements that create impactful first impressions and practical strategies for leveraging them to enhance their interactions. By understanding the power of these fleeting moments, we can cultivate more meaningful relationships, transform interactions and pave the way for success in various facets of life.
WORKSHOP FACILITATOR BIOS
ray wilson, Rui Rodriguez, John Beatson
Monday May 5, 8:00AM
Ray Wilson is the founder and president of R2K Consultants Inc. a company that works with partnered stakeholders by providing solutions and expertise in combating retail crime. Currently Ray works for the Edmonton Police Service for the past 24 years, holding the rank of detective. Ray has a vast array of experience from the several areas he’s worked in, which included Communications, Gang Unit, Undercover Operations, Hate Crimes Unit, Robbery Unit, Crime Prevention, and Investigation Support Section. During his time in Crime Prevention Ray developed a passion for combatting retail crime. He developed and enhanced many initiatives raising awareness and strengthening community partnerships with the common goal of preventing retail crime. He overhauled the training of EPS Loss Prevention Officer partners, which helped reduce calls for service for patrol officers. He implemented Retail Cop, an online hub for retail partners to assist in identifying unknown offenders and managing prolific offenders. Ray also created the Retail Roundup, a sting operation targeting prolific retail offenders at a specific location partnering police and loss prevention officers – these operations garnered excellent results. Ray is the founder of the annual Alberta Retail Crime Prevention Summit, which has created a province-wide network of law enforcement and community partners implementing ongoing initiatives toward retail crime. Two main partnerships Ray enhanced include the Alberta Community Crime Prevention Association and the Retail Council of Canada.
Rui Rodrigues, RCC Executive Advisor, Loss Prevention & Risk Management, has extensive leadership experience overseeing Loss Prevention, Risk Management, Security, Health & Safety and Audit functions with retailers such as ICI, Shoppers Drug Mart, Best Buy, Staples and Holt Renfrew. He has been actively involved with Retail Council of Canada and National Retail Federation for over 15 years helping to organize conferences, participating on LP Committees and as an active speaker / presenter at industry events. Rui has also served a 5 year term on the Peel Crime Stoppers Board with 2 of those years as Chairperson. Rui’s role with the RCC is to support Loss Prevention, Asset Protection and Risk Management to enhance programs and services for members from coast to coast.
John is a former police officer retiring in 2021 after 33 years of service with the Toronto Police Service (TPS) and Edmonton Police Service (EPS). John worked in a variety of areas including the Crime Prevention Unit (CPU). During his time in the Crime Prevention Unit, John was introduced to Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED).. He immediately saw the benefits of CPTED and became the subject matter expert for the Edmonton Police Service taking part in numerous CPTED assessments and overlooked assessments conducted by Edmonton Police Officers as well as facilitated CPTED courses. John embraced CPTED because he recognized that CPTED helped reduce or prevent crime unlike traditional policing methods that had officers responding to calls that were in progress, or already happened. Retiring gave John the opportunity to pursue his passion with CPTED and he created CPTED Alberta (cptedalberta.com). John was one of the founders of a new Canadian Chapter of the ICA called CPTED-PCAM Canada that intends to focus on implementing CPTED in Canada’s unique social and physical environment. He currently teaches the only Level 1 (Basic) and Level 2 (Advanced) accredited courses recognized by the ICA in Canada.
This workshop aims to re-engage and support the retail community to promote collaborative action across all levels of government and law enforcement in Alberta and Canada. Retail crime has seen a surge of over 300% in thefts since 2020 resulting in an illicit revenue of over $5 Billion yearly. These funds generated by organized retail crime are utilized by domestic and transnational organized crime groups to fund their activities in Canada and abroad to negatively impact community safety. The result of this workshop will be to create a unified made for Alberta retail crime strategy that is aligned with ongoing efforts across Canada. Through education and awareness, workshop facilitators will deliver a series of presentations and break-out sessions to help attendees understand the complexities of retail crime and empower all-of-society engagement on the issue. At the end of the workshop, attendees will have contributed to the development of an outline for a provincial strategy that can be adapted into local and national frameworks.
You will learn about:
- Current trends in retail crime prevention in Canada and abroad
- How to develop strategies within your community
- How to collaborate with multiple stakeholders to empower safety
- The effect retail crime has on the community and the economy
- Safe practices for retail employees and responsibilities of the employer
SCOTT CAMERON, Avery Acheson
WORKSHOP 2: Emergency Solutions: The Community Engagement Masterclass
Monday May 5, 8:00AM
Scott Cameron is the President/CEO of bassa Social Innovations Inc. and co-founder of Emergency Management Logistics Canada – an online platform designed to help communities build preparedness through connection. By bringing local emergency management organizations, businesses, and community organizations together in one shared space, local communities can enhance community safety by pre-identifying resources, building relationships, and establishing levels of trust and understanding that helps to increase community capacity and resilience.
Scott brings a community development perspective to all his work. He understands that local communities can accomplish great things by working together and tapping into collective wisdom, networks, and shared resources. He is a graduate of the MA Interdisciplinary Studies program at Royal Roads University where he focused on Sustainable Community Development and Leadership. He calls Calgary home.
Avery Acheson cares deeply about bringing the best out of organizations, groups, and people. He has a Master of Arts in Global Leadership from Royal Roads University and brings nearly a decade of experience working with Immigrant and Refugee communities in Red Deer. Avery has consulted on a wide range of projects in the realms of municipal policy, organizational design, community safety, housing, and business design. Avery brings a passion for community engagement and years of professional facilitation experience.
Avery is also an experienced leadership coach, is a certified PROSCI Change Management Practitioner, and carries a wide range of leadership and staff development certifications including Situational Leadership (SLII), Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-i 2.0, and EQ-i 360), and Insights Discovery.
The Community Engagement Masterclass is a workshop designed to empower local communities with tools and techniques to improve community engagement, ultimately fostering safer, more connected environments. The session covers a variety of methods aimed at deepening local engagement, including crowdsourcing, personal asset inventory, and stakeholder identification. Participants are guided through exercises such as a visioning exercise, where they collectively imagine the future of their communities, focusing on behavioral and perceptual changes. Additionally, the workshops explore challenges, external influences, and key agents impacting community dynamics, aiming to identify and prioritize critical shifts in engagement. By addressing key concerns and fostering dialogue, the workshop equips participants to return to their communities with practical strategies for engagement that lead to safer and more cohesive neighborhoods. The session emphasizes collaboration, shared vision, and community-driven solutions.
Sgt. Cherie Jerebic, ARTHUR LADOUCEUR, KYLE MCKAY, SGT. RYAN FERRY, TARA ROBINSON
Monday May 5, 8:00AM
Sgt. Ferry currently supervises an intelligence hub for the Organized Crime Branch of the Edmonton Police Service. In working to reduce community harm at the hands of individuals
involved in organized crime, the mission of the Hub is to collect, synthesize and distribute actionable, gang related intelligence to both internal and external stakeholders.
Tara Robinson is passionate about crime prevention and community policing.
She is the Executive Director of YouthLink Calgary Police Interpretive Centre, which is also the Calgary Police Museum. It is an award-winning police centre which is a leader in crime prevention, youth education, and community policing. Miss Robinson led a collaborative team in the design and build of the Centre, and today it welcomes thousands of youth, families and tourists.
In a former life, Tara was a CTV News television journalist for 20 years, as a news anchor and reporter on the national and local scenes. During that time Miss Robinson had the opportunity to interview Prime Ministers and newsmakers of the day. However, she also saw the effects of predatory behaviour. She interviewed gang members, serial rapists, and murderers while reporting about how police worked to keep communities safe. She is proud to have gone from a life of reporting on crime to helping to prevent crime, while showcasing the important role of police in our community.
Breaking the Cycle: Addressing Gun and Gang Violence in Alberta through Awareness, Prevention, and Intervention – this pre-conference workshop will share insights and trends about gun and gang related violence in Edmonton and across Alberta. The workshop will highlight interactive approaches to raising awareness about the risks of gangs for youth and schools, as well as present on a number of initiatives in the province that aim to prevent entry into gangs and provide intervention and exit strategies to those who are looking to exit gang-life. These strategies include primary, secondary, and tertiary crime prevention techniques, and range from ensuring individuals have access to services that address root causes of crime (such as housing, mental health referrals, and much more) to mentorship opportunities for individuals involved in gang-life with those with lived-experience who have successfully exited.
The Edmonton Police Service’s (EPS) Mentorship and Gang Solutions (MAGS) is an innovative, police-led youth mentorship initiative designed to support justice-involved youth at risk of, or already engaged in, gang affiliations. Recognizing that many of these youth have faced systemic challenges and have not found success through conventional programs, MAGS employs a unique approach by partnering each participant with a “lived-life mentor.” These mentors have firsthand experience with similar paths and are now positive role models, demonstrating that transformation and renunciation of past lifestyles are achievable.
The core mission of MAGS is to reduce youth contact with the criminal justice system while fostering the development of essential life skills. Rather than focusing solely on preventing negative outcomes, the program operates on restorative justice principles, aiming to equip youth with positive, prosocial skills and assets that can help them overcome complex social, economic, and personal barriers.
Through a trauma-informed framework, MAGS mentors build deep, trusting relationships with youth, helping them navigate their challenges and identify pathways to personal growth, resilience, and purpose. MAGS is designed not only to provide alternative choices but to empower each young person with the confidence and skills to realize their potential and contribute positively to their communities.
The purpose of this session would be to provide an introduction to the pathways into gang participation which will lead in to a high-level overview of the gang landscape in the Edmonton Capital Region, with mention of how that landscape interacts with the larger trends seen across North America.
YouthLink is a not-for-profit organization, in partnership with Calgary Police Service, that focuses on crime prevention, community policing, and education. YouthLink was born out of a growing concern about youth crime and violence in the late 80’s and early 90’s – they opened their doors in 1992, with a focus on proactive policing strategies that target young people before they commit crimes, rather than after. They continue to pursue their mission of crime prevention and education while embracing the challenges that the modern world has on young people.
This presentation will focus on YouthLink’s innovative approach to crime prevention and public engagement, by utilizing a number of different approaches including showcasing real life stories, photos, and videos from Calgary Police, show-and-tell items (such as replica firearms and other weapons that have been seized from prior arrests), police footage, and real video recordings with interviews of incarcerated gang members talking about their time within a gang, their recruitment tactics, etc.