How Ontario Built One of the Most Comprehensive First Responder Wellness Systems in North America

How the Ontario Provincial Police Supports Their People: How Ontario Built One of the Most Comprehensive First Responder Wellness Systems in North America

Guest: Rob Jamieson, Retired OPP Sergeant & Former President, Ontario Provincial Police AssociationHost: Conrad Weaver

Episode Overview
This powerful and far-reaching conversation with retired Ontario Provincial Police Sergeant and former OPP Association President Rob Jamieson dives into the creation of one of the most comprehensive first-responder mental-health programs in North America. Across his 30-year policing career, Jamieson witnessed firsthand the cost of untreated trauma, the painful impact of stigma, and the devastating consequences of suicide within the OPP.

Rob shares the pivotal turning points—from multiple member suicides, to his own diagnosis of complex PTSD, to listening to grieving families—that drove him to spearhead the development of Encompas, a 24/7/365 concierge-model wellness program serving thousands of OPP members and their families.

He discusses the legislative victories, unlimited psychological benefits, critical crisis interventions, and culture-shifting leadership practices that helped transform mental-health support in Ontario policing. He also highlights the profound financial benefits: the program saves the province millions while keeping members healthier, more connected, and at work.

This episode is a roadmap for leaders who want to build a healthier culture, reduce stigma, and create meaningful, structural support for their responders. Rob’s story is both deeply personal and broadly inspiring—a blueprint for what is possible when leaders decide to truly care for their people.


About the Guest
Rob Jamieson is a retired OPP Sergeant, former President & CEO of the Ontario Provincial Police Association, and a national leader in first-responder mental-health reform. His work helped shape the development of the Encompas Wellness Program—recognized as one of the most integrated and comprehensive mental-health programs for police personnel in Canada.


Rob’s Book
In Pursuit of Mental Wellness in the First Responder Community Available on Amazon. All proceeds support first responder support organizations.


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FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST


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