The Ford government has announced it will invest in a new comprehensive mental health program for Ontario Provincial Police officers and their families.
Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services Sylvia Jones announced the new program in partnership with the Ontario Provincial Police Association on Friday.
"The unique challenges and demands our brave men and women in uniform experience on the job when protecting our communities can have a severe impact on their mental health and emotional wellbeing," she said.
The new program is described as "a one-stop approach to care so individuals can be connected to the most appropriate mental health supports and services as easily and quickly as possible." It promises to be confidential and will be open to retirees.
"On a regular basis, our members are asked to willingly subject themselves to traumatic events," said Rob Jamieson, the president of the Ontario Provincial Police Association. "The resources currently in place to assist our members and their families are insufficient to address the mental health crisis that currently exists in the OPP."
Last Friday, Ottawa-area Constable Roch Durivage became the fourth OPP officer in nine months to take his own life.
The release from the provincial government does not address how much funding will be committed to the new program, but Finance Minister Vic Fedeli is expected to introduce the Ford government's first budget on April 11.
