Taiwo Afolabi, PhD., holds the Canada Research Chair in Socially Engaged Theatre; and is the Director of the Centre for Socially Engaged Theatre (C-SET), and an Assistant Professor at the University of Regina. He is an artist, qualitative researcher, theatre manager, applied theatre practitioner and educator with a decade of experience in a variety of creative and community contexts in over a dozen countries across four continents. He conducts research, creates works, performs, and teaches at the intersection of performance and human ecology. His research interests lie in the areas of applied theatre and policing, social justice, decolonization, art leadership and management, migration, and the ethics of conducting arts-based research. He is a Senior Research Associate at the University of Johannesburg (SouthAfrica) and the founding artistic director of Theatre Emissary International.

Devon Clunis served 29 years in The Winnipeg Police Service, retiring as Chief of Police in 2016.

After his retirement, Devon joined U.S. based Matrix Consulting Group where he worked until October 2020. In October 2020, Devon joined the Ontario Government in the role of Inspector General of Policing and help establish The Inspectorate of Policing, the first of its kind in Canada.

Devon was president of the Manitoba Association of Chiefs of Police and was awarded the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for the Advancement of Inter-religious Understanding in 2017. Devon has served on numerous boards and is a strong advocate for community focused groups.

Devon co-authored two children’s books, The Little Boy from Jamaica, and The Little Girl from Osoyoos, with his wife, Pearlene. Both books speak to addressing equity, diversity, and inclusion in a collaborative and constructive fashion.

Brad is an authentically curious, dedicated team player who took up academia after retiring as a sergeant in 2018 following almost 28-years in municipal policing. He has worked with large, diverse teams in both private and public organisations. He specialises in creating partnerships, connections and improving communications between previously siloed groups. One of his core beliefs is, “None of us is as strong as all of us.”

Brad’s passion is Public Safety. He believes that police services can be better and do much more for the communities they serve and professionalisation holds the key.

Brad is a doctoral candidate (PhD) in Management at the University of Edinburgh. His thesis explores the measurement of trust in policing. He has an MBA from the University of Edinburgh Business School (2019). He has diplomas from McMaster University and holds accreditation with the Ontario Municipal Management Institute as a Certified Municipal Manager Level 3 (CMMlll).

Priscilla de Villiers is a leading Canadian advocate on crime victim issues. In 1992 she founded CAVEAT (Canadians Against Violence Everywhere Advocating its Termination) after the abduction and murder of her daughter by a sexual predator out on bail.

In 2001, CAVEAT closed, and Ms. de Villiers was appointed as a special advisor to the Office for Victims of Crime where she served until 2005. She was then appointed as a Board Member to the Office for Victims of Crime in 2007, currently serving as Vice-Chair.

In her private capacity, Ms. de Villiers continues to address the many and varied aspects of victimization and to support and advise victims of crime.

In July 2013, she co-founded the Victim Justice Network, an online information network providing a hub for existing networks and organizations to share accurate information and provide resources for victims of crime.

She has received numerous awards, most notably the Meritorious Service Medal from the Governor – General of Canada, and a Doctor of Laws (Hon.) from McMaster University.

Wally is an experienced counsel and strategic advisor. His practice focuses on alternative and traditional dispute resolution as well as Indigenous law.

After graduation from the University of British Columbia Law School, Wally went into private practice for a number of years. During this time he was appointed as a Special Prosecutor on many high profile criminal and commercial cases.

In 2005, he was appointed as Attorney General of British Columbia and served as Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism until 2009. Wally was involved in many significant reforms of the justice system, including the establishment of Canada’s first community court to deal with chronic offenders, developing new Rules of Court in order to promote quicker resolution of disputes and developing new initiatives in dealing with violence against women.

A lifetime resident of British Columbia, Wally has dedicated his entire working life to the pursuit of social justice and community safety. His landmark report on policing in British Columbia led to many policing reforms after its publication in 1994. Wally’s service to the public of this province, most recently as Commissioner of the Missing Women Commission of Inquiry, is of special significance.

Allan Rock is President Emeritus and a Professor in the Faculty of Law at the University of Ottawa.

He practised for 20 years (1973-93) as a trial lawyer with a national law firm in Toronto, appearing as counsel in a wide variety of cases before courts at all levels, including the Supreme Court of Canada.

Allan Rock was elected to the Canadian Parliament in 1993, and re-elected in 1997 and 2000. He served for that decade as a senior minister in the government of Prime Minister Chrétien, in both social and economic portfolios. He was Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada (1993-97), Minister of Health (1997-2002) and Minister of Industry and Infrastructure (2002-03).

He was appointed in 2003 as Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations in New York during a period that involved responding to several complex regional conflicts. He led the successful Canadian effort in New York to secure unanimous adoption by UN member states of The Responsibility to Protect populations from genocide, ethnic cleansing, crimes against humanity and war crimes.

In 2008, Allan Rock became the 29th President and Vice Chancellor of the University of Ottawa, a comprehensive university of almost 50,000 students, faculty and staff. uOttawa is ranked among the Top Ten in Canada for research intensity, and is the largest bilingual university (French-English) in the world. He completed two terms as uOttawa President in 2016.

Most recently, Allan Rock was a Visiting Scholar at Harvard Law School, associated with the Program on International Law and Armed Conflict.

He is a member of the World Refugee and Migration Council and its Task Force Against Global Corruption.

He is married to Deborah Hanscom and they have four children.

Following 30 years of service with the Edmonton Police, David was appointed Chief of Police in Winnipeg, Canada. He served on the Advisory Board of the Law Commission of Canada and several other government and community Boards locally, provincially and nationally. As a life member of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, he served on the Board of Directors, Law Amendments Committee, Human Resources Committee and Identification and Laboratory Services Committee. As Winnipeg Police Chief, he planned and directed the department’s reorganization, implementing a decentralized community policing model.

As Operational Commander, David was also responsible for the response and recovery during the Edmonton Tornado (1987), the Winnipeg Red River Flood (1997) and assisted the RCMP with the recovery effort following the Okanagan Mountain Park wildfires in 2003.

For the past 22 years, David has provided consulting services to several government departments including Justice Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Foreign Affairs Canada, RCMP International Training Unit, Canadian Firearms Centre, Canadian Air Transport Security Authority and the Canadian International Development Agency. He was directly involved in the formation of the South East Europe Police Chiefs Association, the reorganization of the San Jose Police Department, Costa Rica and Co-founder of the Coalition for Canadian Police Reform (C-CPR) presently serving as President.

Roger Chaffin served with the Calgary Police Service for over 33 years, the last 3 of which he served as the Chief of Police. In his professional policing career he has led most (if not all) operational and administrative functions that comprise modern Canadian policing. He has received his policing education locally, provincially, nationally and internationally, has served in the executive of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, The Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police, as well as served on numerous boards for not for profit organizations across Canada. Since his retirement he serves as a volunteer on several community boards in the Calgary area, provides consultancy advice on projects relating to policing in Canada, and sits as an advisor with the Coalition for Canadian Police Reform, advocating for systemic reforms in Canadian policing. He has been awarded with the Canadian Order of Merit (Officer Level), the Queens Diamond Jubilee, and the Provincial Long Service medal. He is a staunch advocate for strategic police governance, for contemporary reimagination of police legislation, and for a national approach to delivering to all Canadians systemic police reforms.

Cal Corley is the CEO of the Community Safety Knowledge Alliance (CKSA), a Canadian non-profit that supports governments and police agencies in developing, implementing and assessing new approaches to improving community safety and well-being outcomes and delivery methods.

Cal is a former Assistant Commissioner of the RCMP. From 2008 – 2014, he was head of the Canadian Police College and also served as the RCMP Senior Envoy to Mexico and the Americas.

Over the course of his career, he gained extensive experience both domestically and internationally in operations and executive management, serving in such areas as community policing, major crimes, drug enforcement, national security investigations, criminal intelligence, learning and development, and leading major organizational reform initiatives. He also served on secondments at Canada’s Privy Council Office and at Public Safety Canada.

Kerry began his police career in 1972 with the Lancashire Constabulary in Blackpool, Lancashire, England. In 1975 he returned to Canada and served 20 years in the Hamilton Police Service in all operational areas, receiving 28 commendations: 5 for outstanding homicide investigation, case management and trial preparation, 23 for excellent police work. He holds a Certificate in Adult Education from St. Francis Xavier University and Instructional Techniques Diploma from the Canadian Police College. In 1995 he resigned as the S/Sgt in charge of training to start a new career in insurance loss adjusting with Crawford and Company.

In 1998 as President of the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) Ontario Chapter, he and his team implemented the IAAI World Training Conference in Toronto.

At Crawford, as the VP of Professional Development and Professional Standards and Auditing he designed and implemented both National Claims and Management Training Schools and a system of Professional Standards Review. As the VP of Class Action Services, he created a Class Action Settlement Administration Division responsible for the administration of 55 of the most legally complex class action settlements in Canada. In 2007, the Chief Justices of Ontario and BC appointed Kerry to serve as their Independent Monitor in the $5.6B Indian Residential Schools Class Action Settlement.

Between 2012 and 2020 he was the COO of a litigation financing firm and as a licensed insurance broker, the COO of an insurance brokerage. He retired (kind of) in 2020.

In 2021, he was retained as an expert witness re Noticing and Award Distribution by counsel acting on behalf of Canadian Cattle Farmers in the BSE/ Madcow class action trial.

He performed 142 guest lecturer appearances before International and National Police, Insurance, and Legal audiences in Canada, UK, Netherlands, US, and the Channel Islands, speaking on Police Liability, Police Training, Class Action Settlement Administration, Risk Assessment, Risk Management, Residential Schools, Major Case Management, Insurance, Evidence, Investigative Interviewing.

He performed 41 guest lecturer appearances at the Ontario Police College – Leader Program – teaching Risk Assessment and Risk Management, and 5 guest appearances at the RCMP Training Depot in Regina SK on their Advanced Proceeds of Crime Course.

Dr. Lilley is Secretary and a Founding Member of the Coalition for Canadian Police Reform.
He is a retired physician but continues as a Clinical Professor at the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta. John was recently reappointed as a member of the Alberta Premier’s Council on Charities and Civil Society. He is Chair of the YMCA of Northern Alberta Foundation as well as Co-Chair of the Pregnancy Pathways Steering Committee for homeless pregnant women. He is a prior Police Commissioner in Edmonton. John is proud to have established a consultation practice for non-profits in Alberta which is now part of the Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations and is called the Alberta Community Support Network.

Dr. McNaughton is an Assistant Professor with the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto, a Scientist with the Wilson Centre for Research in Education at University Health Network (UHN) and Education Scholar with the Michener Institute for Education at UHN. She specializes in scenario based education with simulated participants to narrow the gap between theory and practice. Actively engaged as an educator and researcher, Nancy works with many professional groups both within and beyond healthcare designing and delivering curriculum, evaluation programs, research projects and remediation activities, locally, nationally and internationally. For the past 15 years she has worked closely with Toronto Police Services, Peel Police services, Queen’s Park Security services and most recently the City of Toronto Community Crisis Support Services delivering mental health focused communication courses. Nancy’s work with police and community mental health care workers focuses on the crucial connections between emotion, and effective communication, problem solving, decision making and implementation strategies with special attention to practice responding to people experiencing mental and emotional crises.

Kelly is an Associate Professor in the Department of Economics, Justice, and Policy Studies at Mount Royal University in Calgary, an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Faculty of Environmental Design at the University of Calgary, and Adjunct Professor in the School of Law at the University of Adelaide in Australia. His applied research primarily focuses on how functional, informed, and desired design can effectively contribute to enhanced physical security –– seeking to increase security across the human, technological, and physical landscapes. Kelly holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Victoria, Master of Arts in Public Safety Leadership and Training from Royal Roads University, and Doctor of Philosophy in Political and Social Inquiry from Monash University.

After 30 years in law enforcement, including stints with the Ontario Provincial Police and the Canadian Military Police, Alain (Al) Babineau retired as a Staff Sergeant from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in 2016. He holds a Juris Doctor and Bachelor of Civil Law from McGill law Faculty, a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Criminology from University of Ottawa, a B.A in Legal Studies and a Graduate Diploma in Conflict Resolution from Carleton University. He is currently a Master of Law candidate at McGill Law Faculty.

Mr. Babineau is also currently the Director of Racial profiling and Public safety for the Non-For-Profit Advocacy & Lobbyist group the Red Coalition inc. Since retirement, Alain has worked as an expert in racial and social profiling for the Office of the Commissioner for the Fight against Racism and Systemic Discrimination for the City of Montreal, and as an advisor to the Center de Research Action on Race Relations (CRARR) in Montreal on issues of racial profiling in private and public security. Mr. Babineau is often consulted on these issues by the media, community groups, politicians and lawyers at all levels of government. Alain also gives conferences and training in colleges, universities, as well as for community groups and private and public institutions. Some of his main interests revolve around policing reforms, social justice, police management accountability, and the use of alternative dispute resolution in law enforcement to mitigate internal and external conflicts.

Dr. Scott Blandford is a retired (30 yr.) police officer who has held operational and administrative positions, including emergency response, criminal investigation, training, human resources, and research & planning where he developed a competency-based performance management, career development, and promotional system for his organization. In addition, he has been an instructor and administrator for several college and university programs focused on policing & public safety for over 25 years. He is currently the coordinator of all undergraduate and graduate policing/public safety program for Wilfrid Laurier University. His research focus is on organizational development in public safety organizations, and competency-based recruiting and development of police officers.

Senator Gwen Boniface was appointed to the Senate of Canada on November 10, 2016 and is a member of the Independent Senators Group. Her work in the Senate includes past membership on the Senate Standing Committees on Aboriginal Peoples, Legal and Constitutional Affairs, and current membership on the Foreign Affairs and International Trade, and Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament. She chaired the National Security and Defence Committee from 2017-2021.

Senator Boniface initiated a Truth and Reconciliation project in her home community of Orillia in 2019 with Indigenous and non-Indigenous members. The initiative has grown and continues to evolve through regular meetings with local Elders and community stakeholders. She has dedicated her efforts in the Senate to address Human Trafficking, ending Domestic Violence and curbing the Opioid Crisis. In November of 2021, she introduced a Senate public bill entitled Bill S-232: An Act respecting the development of a national strategy for the decriminalization of illegal substances, to amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts.

Prior to Senator Boniface’s appointment to the Upper Chamber, she served internationally for 10 years, including as Deputy Chief Inspector of Ireland’s Garda Síochána Inspectorate tasked with reforming Ireland’s national police service; as a Transnational Organized Crime Expert with the United Nations Police Division and as Deputy Executive Director of the International Association of Chiefs of Police. Senator Boniface was the first female Commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police and is a past President of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police. Ms. Boniface served with Law Commission of Canada for 5 years as a Commissioner.

Julie completed a Bachelor of Recreation Studies and Master of Arts (MA) at the University of Manitoba. Her MA thesis focused on the use of wilderness education for at risk youth. Her PhD was completed at the University of Calgary in the Department of Graduate Division of Educational Research, with her dissertation focusing on educational development. Julie is a faculty member at Mount Royal University in the Department of Health and Physical Education where she teaches courses on program planning, leadership, and an exploration of current issues and trends in the sport and recreation field. Her research focuses on educational development, and behaviors in sport.

Nicki Casseres is a mental health care specialist, and Senior Manager of Training & Education at the Gerstein Crisis Centre in Toronto. Nicki has over the years developed programs that put police together with Community Support workers and is currently directing a new Community Crisis response training program for the City of Toronto that will seek to better support community health, wellness, and safety by introducing an alternative model of crisis response that is community-led, person-centred, trauma-informed and focused on harm reduction.

Roger Chaffin served with the Calgary Police Service for over 33 years, the last 3 of which he served as the Chief of Police. In his professional policing career he has led most (if not all) operational and administrative functions that comprise modern Canadian policing. He has received his policing education locally, provincially, nationally and internationally, has served in the executive of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, The Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police, as well as served on numerous boards for not for profit organizations across Canada. Since his retirement he serves as a volunteer on several community boards in the Calgary area, provides consultancy advice on projects relating to policing in Canada, and sits as an advisor with the Coalition for Canadian Police Reform, advocating for systemic reforms in Canadian policing. He has been awarded with the Canadian Order of Merit (Officer Level), the Queens Diamond Jubilee, and the Provincial Long Service medal. He is a staunch advocate for strategic police governance, for contemporary reimagination of police legislation, and for a national approach to delivering to all Canadians systemic police reforms.

Former Director, Indigenous Health Program, Alberta Health Services.

Mr. Crowshoe has extensive policing experience with First Nations people in Alberta and British Columbia. Throughout his Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) career, he held supervisory positions as a Detachment Commander in “K” and “E” Divisions, and investigated serious crimes. He strongly believes in community policing and recognizes the need for building long-term partnerships between police and Aboriginal communities. After more than 20 years of service with the RCMP, Mr. Crowshoe retired at the rank of Staff Sergeant in 2006.

From 2001 to 2003, Mr. Crowshoe took time off from the RCMP to participate in a major project on the development of Canada’s second diamond mine in the Northwest Territories. While employed by Diavik Diamond Mines, he developed policies and programs for site security that were recognized internationally.

Mr. Crowshoe was seconded to Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada’s Aboriginal Policing Directorate (APD) from 2003 to 2005. During this period, his objectives were to negotiate Alberta’s self-administered tripartite agreements for policing services, and develop community tripartite agreements whereby the RCMP were the service providers. After his secondment, Mr. Crowshoe returned to the RCMP and finished his policing career in the “K” Division Aboriginal Policing Services, where he managed the division’s policing services for the Aboriginal and Métis communities in Alberta. In the fall of 2006, Mr. Crowshoe joined the APD as Regional Manager, responsible for Alberta and the Northwest Territories. This provided him the opportunity to continue working closely with the First Nations communities in the province and territory.

Mr. Crowshoe’s educational experiences include a long history in professional career development, including but not limited to: leadership management, police/justice leadership, strategic planning and indigenous governance.

Mr. Crowshoe is a recipient the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal, and the Long-Service Award from the Government of Canada for 25 years of service. He was also presented with a soapstone sculpture and Sacred Eagle Feather in recognition of his contributions to the First Nations people of Canada. Mr. Crowshoe’s ancestry is Blackfoot and originates from the Piikani Nation Reserve in southern Alberta. In 1997, he was inducted as an Honorary Chief of the Piikani (Blackfoot) Nation, which included a traditional transfer for a sacred eagle headdress. Mr. Crowshoe is deeply involved with his Blackfoot culture and spirituality. He is married with two daughters and two incredible grandsons.

Lisa Deveau was a former constable with the Ottawa Police Service. She has graduated with a Masters of Social Work and will be pursuing her PhD in the fall. Lisa has dedicated her research to mental health, de-escalation, and crisis intervention training for officers. She advocates for those who are marginalized and encourages others to incorporate an intersectional lens while recognizing the various systems of oppression.

Chief Nishan Duraiappah was born in Sri Lanka, and immigrated to Canada. Chief Duraiappah began his career with Halton Police in December 1995. He served in a variety of assignments throughout his career including front line policing, specialized investigations and Diversity and Community relations. He was promoted to Deputy Chief of Halton Police in 2015 leading front line policing, community mobilization as well as innovation and technology.

In October 2019, Chief Duraiappah was appointed Chief of Peel Regional Police. Chief Duraiappah arrived with a mandate for change and the strategic goal of becoming the most progressive police service in Canada. Amidst the first year of his command, Peel Regional Police championed:

- The creation of its first-ever community-embedded Intimate and Partner Violence Unit to respond to the growing needs in our Region.
- A re-emphasis on front line policing.
- A road map for Innovation and Technology, as well as a Digital Officer Transformation plan to better equip officers to serve the community.
- The adoption of the Community Safety and Well-Being (CSWB) framework and establishment of a CSWB Bureau to modernize traditional community policing.

Chief Duraiappah is committed to the safety and well-being of the community he serves, with one of the primary focuses being mental health and seeking multi-sectoral collaborative partnerships to reduce risk in the community. Chief Duraiappah is heavily involved in the community. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology and Criminology from the University of Toronto, and a Diploma of Public Administration from the University of Western Ontario. Chief Duraiappah serves as Vice President of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police Board of Directors. He is the recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and is an Officer of the Order of Merit Canada.

Dr. Anne Eason was previously a Senior Probation Officer, who has areas of operational expertise are in multi-agency working, public protection and the assessment of risk and dangerousness. She has managed sexual offenders, domestic violence perpetrators and Lifers in the process of desistance and rehabilitation. She is currently the Associate Head of Department for Policing, overseeing the University of the West of England provision for the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship and Degree Holder programs. Her research interests focus on police decision-making particularly around risk and domestic and/or sexual violence and working with victims but also about the way in which work-based learning contributes to students’ skills and knowledge development. She is also a Trustee of AnamCara.

Dr. Harris is the Deputy CEO at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

Dr. Harris is a Professor Emeritus at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at the University of Western Ontario (UWO) having spent 25 years in active teaching practice of Vascular Surgery. During his time at Western he served terms as Richard Ivy Chair of Surgery as well as Associate Dean, Postgraduate Medical Education. While at the Royal College he was Director of the Office of Specialty Education for 12 years.

Jibril Ibrahim, PEng is a professional Engineer who has worked in various industries in Canada and the United States from automotive, air condition system, design of mobile cranes, and has been working in the oil and gas industries as a manager of Manufacturing facility for drilling tools.

He is currently an Operations and Welding Manager of one of the oil industry companies from Alberta and finds fully satisfying to find a time to help Afro Canadians and others who are in need and mentor youth from Alberta.

He has a family of 6, wife, three boys and girl and they currently live in Edmonton.

Mr. Ibrahim is a leader who has been committed for the last 15 years to furthering the well-being and success of his Somali community in Edmonton, as well as the larger black community.

He has been involved in the community as:
• President of Somali Cultural Society of Edmonton
• Founder of the Gaashan Youth Leadership Academy, It is an academy that help youth develop life skills to become better citizen of Canada.
• Has served in the past as the Co-Chair of the African Liaison to the Edmonton Police (ACLC)
• An active voice and mobilizer of the black communities in Civic, Provincial as well as Federal Political engagements.
• A tireless advocate in matters of justice and equality for the black community and other minority groups in general is simply commendable
• Mr. Ibrahim has sat on a several boards & is an active member/volunteer for initiatives such as Out of School Time Program, Mentorship for African Youth.

In all of these capacities, Mr. Ibrahim continues to exemplify transformative leadership qualities such as:
• The ability to envision possibilities and potential opportunities for black youths and communities in Edmonton
• Humility and adaptability to work with other community leaders• A unique ability to listen well
• The maturity to deal with conflict situations in a respectful way, and
• An effective ability to execute, good will toward others.
• What is truly impressive about Mr. Ibrahim is how he juggles professions, while still adhering to his duty as husband and fatherly duties.

Mr. Ibrahim has significantly played a foundational role in empowering young black youth from Edmonton.

I am the Director at the Stan Daniels Healing Center. This is an amazing place run by Native Counselling Services of Alberta. I retired from the Edmonton Police Service after 25 years of service. I have worked in General Patrol, Foot Patrol, Undercover Operations and Gang Unit as a Constable, Professional Standards Branch, and Homicide Section as a Detective, General Patrol as a Staff Sergeant, as well as Investigative Support Branch Downtown Division Patrol and Research as an Inspector. I have earned a Master’s Degree in Applied Criminology from the University of Cambridge. I am Currently a PhD Candidate at Huddersfield University. I have sat on numerous boards and worked extensively in the community, my board work includes previous time with the Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society, Crystal Kids Youth Center, The Indigenous Community Liaison Committee and the Alberta Community Justice Association. I currently sit on the Alliance Boxing Board and I currently sit on the research advisory committee for the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police.

Michael Kempa is an Associate Professor of Criminology at the University of Ottawa.  With an approach that blends academic genealogy with investigative journalism techniques, he delves into the politics behind policing and security.  His recent emphasis is upon transformations in policing wrought by Covid-19 and rising political populism, far-right extremism and protest.  Widely published in leading social sciences journals and global media, he tweets at @MichaelKempa1

Rose LeMay is an unrelenting champion for the inclusion and wellbeing of Indigenous peoples. As a facilitator and keynote speaker in cultural competence and anti-racism, she has supported thousands of Canadians from coast to coast to coast to deepen understanding and capacity for reconciliation. She was recognized as a 2021 Global Pluralism Award laureate for her work to advance reconciliation in Canada. Rose has over 25 years of experience in health and mental health policy and programs in government, non-profit and now owns her own company. She is a Certified First Nations Health Manager, and Certified in Prosci Change Management.

Rose is from Taku River Tlingit First Nation in BC, and is honoured to have worked with Indigenous peoples and Elders across Canada, US, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden and Norway. Rose is a mother and grandmother, 2Spirit, and based in Ottawa.

On February 1, 2019, Dale McFee was sworn in as Police Chief for the Edmonton Police Service. Prior to this role, Dale served 6.5 years as the Deputy Minister of Corrections and Policing in the Ministry of Justice for the Government of Saskatchewan and was the Senior Deputy Minister involved with leading transformational change. Dale served as a police officer for 26 years in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, including 9 years as the Chief of Police for the Prince Albert Police Service.

Dale has considerable small to mid-size business experience and lectured extensively on leadership and change management nationally and internationally. He is a former member of Entrepreneurs International and served in the capacity of moderator for groups of business leaders within Saskatchewan.

Dale is a past President of the Canadian Association Chief’s of Police, a former Chair of the Federal Provincial Deputy Ministers and former Co-Chair of CCJA within Stats Canada.

Dale has received several commendations in his related fields including being appointed and promoted to officer within the Order of Merit within police services by the Governor General of Canada. He has received a provincial policing leadership award for Leadership in Multi-Agency Community Mobilization. He is a recognized Governor General Leadership alumnus and a former citizen of the year within his home community.

Dale resides in Edmonton, AB with his wife, Leanne. Their 3 daughters are currently pursuing careers in education, nursing & engineering.

I am a Mushkego Cree woman residing in Treaty 6 territory. My family originates from James Bay Ontario. I have numerous years of experience working within the realm of Harm reduction and I am an advocate for people experiencing marginalization. Over the years I have worked to support women and families in Edmonton from a harm reduction lens. I have a particular interest in supporting Indigenous peoples experiencing marginalization due to colonial trauma. I am passionate about Indigenous wellness and cultural reclamation. I place a lot of value on relationship, relationship building and practicing good relationships with the life around me- Wâhkotowin.

I am well aware of the determinants of health which often contribute to marginalization. I am committed to doing my part to try to ensure everyone gets a chance to experience quality of life.
I have experience in education delivery roles and particularly enjoy being able to deliver meaningful Indigenous education.

I am passionate about Indigenous history, contemporary Indigenous issues as well as Indigenous language preservation, protection and revitalization.

Marlene Orr is the Chief Executive Officer of Native Counselling Services of Alberta and former Executive Director of Stan Daniels Healing Center. A member of the Beaver Lake Cree Nation, Marlene worked within the justice and correctional systems for many years as a Court worker, Probation Officer, Parole Officer, Aboriginal Liaison Officer and Aboriginal Program Officer. Leaving the field of Human Services, Marlene had many successful years in businesses that were non-traditional for women. Returning to Native Counselling Services, Marlene is able to utilize both her work experiences, traditional lifestyle experience growing up and personal commitment to Indigenous ceremony to further the healing of Indigenous men at Stan Daniels Healing Center.

Dr. Tam Pozzobon M.O.M. joined the School of Leadership Studies as an assistant professor in September of 2021 following a fulfilling 31-year career with the Calgary Police Service. She teaches and serves as program head for the Master of Arts in Leadership Program. Tam has extensive experience in a multitude of leadership roles from operational team leadership to executive visioning and strategy development, and successfully led several research projects that created sustained organizational change. She is committed to community service and has served on several boards of directors. Currently, Tam is the Chair of Prospect Human Services, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to breaking down organizational barriers and helping all people, regardless of personal circumstances find gainful employment.

She has been described by her peers and followers as a values-based, ethical leader who effectively balances the needs of people with those of organizational mission. She thrives in roles where integrated partnerships and collaborative leadership are necessary for success and she knows firsthand the importance and complexity of building co-created visions that are mutually beneficial and foster trusting relationships.

Tam graduated from the Master of Arts in Leadership Program at RRU in 2010, and holds a Doctorate of Education from the University of Calgary. On January 8, 2019, she was a recipient to the Order of Merit of the Police Forces of Canada for exceptional service to community and country.

Susan is passionate about mental health, workplace mental health, policy and program evaluation, and research. She is a current University of Manitoba Ph.D. student in the Department of Community Health Sciences, housed within the Max Rady College of Medicine. Susan obtained a Master of Social Work degree at the University of Manitoba, completing a CIHR (Canadian Institutes of Health Research) funded thesis that focused on female police officers' experiences of psychological stress and the impacts on help-seeking behaviours and overall mental health. She is a research assistant with the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment and co-founder of Behind Blue Doors, a podcast that aims to provide current and former policewomen, allies, and those who stand up against corruption. 

Dr. Tanya Trussler is an Associate Professor in the Department of Economics, Justice, and Policy Studies. She holds degrees from Saint Francis Xavier University, the University of Calgary, and a Doctor of Philosophy from McGill University. Her PhD dissertation examined geo-temporal factors affecting homicide and homicide clearance in Canada.

Teaching Interests: Quantitative Methodologies; Violence and Society
Research Interests: Interpersonal Violence; Recidivism, Policing Violence; Quantitative Criminology; Spatial Risk; Distribution of Crime; Crime Reduction Methods.

Kerry Watkins conducted more than two thousand investigative interviews during his 30-year career as a criminal investigator. He was the principal interviewing course designer and instructor at the Toronto Police College from 2012 to 2018. In 2017, he received the Chief of Police Award of Excellence for his contribution to interviewing education and practice in Canada. He has studied police interviewing in North America, the United Kingdom and Europe. His books include Interviewing and Investigation. Fourth Edition (2022), and Evidence and Investigation. Second Edition (2019). Kerry’s academic credentials include a B.A. and M.A. in criminology both from the University of Toronto; and an LL.M. in criminal law and procedure from Osgoode Hall Law School. He is currently in his second year of doctoral studies at Osgoode where he is examining the implications of the gap between social science knowledge about interrogation and confessions and the Supreme Court of Canada’s confessions jurisprudence. Kerry is a full-time professor in the Protection, Security, and Investigations program at Humber College in Toronto.

Born in New Waterford, Nova Scotia, Senator Vernon White holds a Doctorate in Police Leadership from Charles Sturt University, a Master of Arts in Conflict Analysis and Management from Royal Roads University, a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Psychology from Acadia University, is a graduate from the National Executive Institute-FBI, has extensive education at managerial and investigational levels within the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, is a graduate of the RCMP Training Academy and holds a Diploma in Business Administration from the College of Cape Breton.

Senator White has worked with the RCMP, moving through the ranks from Constable to Assistant Commissioner. He has served in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario and spent almost 19 years in the three northern territories. He was Chief of Police for the Durham Region as well as the City of Ottawa.

He has been an Adjunct, visiting or part-time professor at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Charles Sturt University, University of Ottawa, Carleton University, Simon Fraser University and Royal Roads University. He is a Fellow at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.

Mr. White has been honoured with a number of awards and commendations over the years, including a Commissioners Commendation, a Queen’s Jubilee Medal, and a United Way Community Builder of the Year Award.

He was appointed to the Senate of Canada, representing the province of Ontario in February 2012. He is presently a member of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP).

Detective Christina Witt, PhD, has twenty-three years police experience with the Calgary Police Service. Det. Witt has been a homicide detective since 2011, with prior experience in patrol, undercover drug officer, and child abuse investigator. Det. Witt has presented at numerous criminal justice conferences in Canada, Australia, and the USA. Det. Witt has also been teaching as a sessional instructor at Mount Royal University in the field of Economics, Justice, and Policy Studies, periodically since 2010. Det. Witt has a Master of Science Degree in Forensic and Legal Psychology and her PhD in Criminology, with a research focus on Best Practices of Homicide Investigations. Most recent research includes principal investigator in the 2020 – 2021 Alberta Homicide Study, and associate investigator in the 2021-2022 BC College of Policing Feasibility Study.