Recap CPCA-ON Region 3rd Annual Professional Development Day
- bewanyshyn91
- May 26
- 3 min read
It's my pleasure as CPCA President to provide a report to our CPCA members recapping the 3rd Annual Professional Development Day hosted by the Toronto Police Service on May 21, 2025. Once again, CPCA-Ontario Regional Director Chaplain Rev. Charles Swartwood and YRP Chaplain Captain Greg Bailey played major roles in organizing the event. In addition, TPS Chaplain Rev. Wendell Gibbs was instrumental in organizing this event engaging persons from the TPS Wellness Team and the Toronto Police Association. This training day at TPS reflected the theme for our upcoming national ATS in Vancouver in October which is that we are "Better Together." If you haven't registered yet for our CPCA ATS in Vancouver, please visit this webpage for more information and the registration link: https://www.canadianpolicechaplainassociation.com/annual-training-seminar
The two main objectives for Professional Development days in Ontario are equipping and connecting. Regional training days bring chaplains together who are experiencing challenges within their geographical area to strategize and encourage each other. Afterall, we are "better together." On behalf of the CPCA Executive and National Leadership Team, thank you to all the organizers, speakers, participants and host agency TPS for making the 2025 Professional Development Day an invaluable source for training and connection. Warmest regards, Rev. Bruce Ewanyshyn - CPCA President.
The following is a written recap I received from CPCA-Ontario Regional Director Charles Swartwood. Our 3rd PD Day is now history and what a successful day it was. Thanks to Wendell and his team who were amazing, we all felt welcomed and well fed!! Our two speakers Dr. Daniel Saugh (Vital partnership with Mental and
Spiritual care), and Dr. Mansfield Edwards (Relevancy of chaplaincy in a diverse Religious culture) provided instruction, information and inspiration. All of us had plenty to take home and apply to our Chaplain's Duty Belt.
The two sessions were recorded and will be available on request for a nominal fee. The slide presentations will be made available for all who attended our day, once I receive the info.
The discussions between our Chaplains and TPA Wellness people were invaluable and bridge building. Wellness Teams are very open to Chaplains who are building a relationship with them. Do your part! Because of our PD Days there is an increased awareness of the value Chaplains bring to any Police Service in Ontario. I said it on Wednesday and I'll say it again, "there is a new brand of Chaplains rising in Ontario." We are more than ceremonial chaplains, we are operational chaplains, who know how to linger with intent.
Plans are underway for our 2026 and 2027 PD Days so try to make these annual days a priority. For more information about what's happening, go to the Canadian Police Chaplain Association website https://www.canadianpolicechaplainassociation.com/
Remember as always: We Are Better Together!
Rev Charles M Swartwood (PAOC)
Hon. Inspector Stratford Police Chaplain
CPCA-ON Regional
Congratulations to former CPCA President & Past President Michael Rolph
On March 22, 2025, RCMP "K" Division Chaplain Michael Rolph was presented the King Charles III Coronation Medal. There ceremony was held at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Sherwood Park, Alberta with the presentation made by the local Member of Parliament the Honourable Garnet Genuis. Michael has served the RCMP as a Chaplain for over 24 years. Michael has been a member of the CPCA for many years and his service included national leadership roles as CPCA President and Past President.
On behalf of the CPCA Leadership Team, congratulations Michael for the well deserved recognition.
Warmest regards,
Bruce Ewanyshyn
CPCA President
ICPC Director of Region 1
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