The Ontario government has announced $2.7 million in spending to enhance mental health support for police officers and civilian employees across the province. This funding, allocated through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream, aims to train about 160 Peer Support Workers, ultimately benefiting thousands of police officers, including over 2,000 in the Peel Region, it said.
“The brave men and women in our police services put their lives on the line to keep Ontario communities safe and our government is proud to support them,” said Premier Doug Ford. “This investment through our Skills Development Fund will provide critical mental health support for our men and women in uniform to help them face the significant challenges and occupational stress that come with the job.”
New digital platform
The project, led by Get A-Head Inc., will introduce a new digital platform designed to assist peer support workers in providing mental health care to their colleagues and families. The platform will utilize artificial intelligence to identify individuals in distress and deliver customized care, while automating routine tasks to allow more time for direct support.
“Our police officers put their lives on the line daily to serve and protect the people of Ontario. We know this can lead to trauma and mental health challenges for these heroes,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
“Just as they are there for us, we need to be there for them. By investing in training and upskilling for police peer support workers, we are helping to make sure they have the latest tools to provide the best mental health support to our first responders.”
Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah expressed appreciation for the government’s investment. “Peel Regional Police appreciates the Government of Ontario’s investment into supports for first responders. We are pleased to participate in initiatives that support our members’ mental health and well-being and to contribute to the work that Keel Digital Solution Mind and Get A-Head are doing.”
Nando Iannicca, Chair of Peel Region, highlighted the potential impact of the initiative: “This investment in mental health support through the Skills Development Fund is an important step for Peel. This initiative will enhance the mental well-being of those who serve and protect our community. By leveraging artificial intelligence and digital platforms, this project ensures personalized and efficient mental health care, significantly benefiting thousands of police officers and civilian employees as well as their families.”
Since its launch in 2021, Ontario’s SDF Training Stream has invested nearly $1.1 billion in skills development, supporting almost 600,000 workers in training for in-demand sectors. More than 420,000 participants come from underrepresented groups, including women, youth, persons with disabilities, and Indigenous peoples. The fund is supported through labour market transfer agreements between the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.
