Badge of Life Canada

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Orillia, ON
Badge of Life Canada

Charitable organization empowering Canadian Public Safety Personnel dealing with Operational Stress Injuries

Badge of Life Canada is a peer led, national online resource hub, dedicated to empowering Canadian Public Safety Personnel dealing with Operational Stress Injuries by enhancing a network of therapeutic choices, research, education and training that promotes healthy living & growth.

06/05/2026

On June 3, 2026, the Deputy Chief Coroner's Review of Correctional Service Employee deaths by su***de was released.

Read the report:

Deputy Chief Coroner Review: Correctional service employees deaths by su***de — review and analysis | ontario.ca https://share.google/S4qnfAmzSSr9aTWli

Statement from Badge of Life Caada Executive Director Laura Kloosterman:

Having participated in this review process and met with the Deputy Chief Coroner on several occasions, I read the report with both hope and reflection.

For many years, correctional employees, their families, peer supporters, clinicians, and advocates have been speaking about the impact of operational stress injuries, moral injury, perceived injustice, toxic workplace cultures, and sanctuary trauma. Too often, these experiences were minimized, misunderstood, or viewed as isolated incidents.

This report acknowledges what many have known for a long time: psychological injuries do not occur in a vacuum. Exposure to trauma matters. Leadership matters. Workplace culture matters. Psychological safety matters. How organizations respond when someone is struggling matters.

I am particularly encouraged to see the report recognize the importance of family support, independent support systems, peer support, trauma-informed approaches, and the need to address sanctuary trauma—the additional harm that can occur when individuals seek help from systems they trust and experience further injury instead.

These are conversations Badge of Life Canada has been having for years with Public Safety Personnel and their families across the country.

At the same time, this report is not the finish line.

Reports do not create change. Recommendations do not create change. People create change.

There is still important work ahead to improve leadership practices, strengthen workplace culture, reduce stigma, support families, increase access to trusted supports, and ensure that those who dedicate their lives to serving others receive the care and respect they deserve.

I am grateful to everyone who contributed their voices, experiences, and expertise to this review, especially the families and correctional employees who shared deeply personal stories in the hope that future generations may not face the same struggles.

Progress is being made.

Now we must ensure the momentum continues.

05/26/2026

What a fantastic day spent with the incredible team at the York Region Paramedic Services Family Fun Day!

Badge of Life Canada was honoured to attend and connect with paramedics, families, children, retirees, and community members in such a welcoming and supportive environment. Events like this remind us how important connection, laughter, family, and community are within Public Safety culture.

A special thank you to everyone who stopped by to chat, share stories, learn more about peer support and post-traumatic growth, and spend time with Flanders. The conversations throughout the day were meaningful and appreciated.

Supporting wellness in Public Safety includes creating opportunities for people to come together outside of the uniform, strengthen relationships, and remind one another that nobody walks this path alone.

Thank you to the organizers and all those who made the day such a success. We are grateful to have been part of it.

MentalHealthMatters PostTraumaticGrowth CommunityConnection FirstResponders FamilyFunDay

05/25/2026

We are incredibly grateful to the The Community Foundation of Orillia and Area for their generosity and support of Badge of Life Canada.

Partnerships like this help us continue supporting Public Safety Personnel, Veterans, frontline professionals, and their families who are navigating operational stress injuries, PTSD, and the impacts of trauma.

Because of community support, we are able to continue creating safe spaces for connection, peer support, education, wellness initiatives, and pathways toward post-traumatic growth.

Thank you for believing in the importance of supporting those who spend their lives supporting others. Your investment in mental health, wellness, and human connection makes a meaningful difference across our communities.

FirstResponders PeerSupport OperationalStressInjury Orillia StrongerTogether

05/15/2026

Badge of Life Canada was honoured to attend the opening of Camp Cassidy — a beautiful and much needed space created for Veterans, First Responders, and their families to rest, reconnect, and recharge.

Located in the heart of New Brunswick, Camp Cassidy offers individuals and families from across the Atlantic Provinces access to a peaceful, park-like setting filled with opportunities to step away from the pressures of service life and focus on wellness, connection, and healing.

What makes this initiative even more meaningful is that there is no cost for Veterans and First Responders to access and enjoy these incredible amenities with their families.

Spaces like this matter.
They remind those who serve others that they also deserve care, support, quiet moments, and time with the people who matter most.

Thank you to everyone whose vision, hard work, and generosity brought Camp Cassidy to life. The impact this space will have on the Veteran and First Responder community will be felt for years to come.

05/12/2026

The weight carried inside Correctional environments is often invisible to the public.

Behind every uniform is a human being absorbing trauma, loss, hypervigilance, grief, violence, and moral conflict — often in silence.

At Badge of Life Canada, we continue to stand beside Correctional Workers, retirees, leadership, families, and peers who are navigating the cumulative impact of this work.

We cannot continue to normalize suffering as “part of the job.”
We cannot continue to lose people while only reacting after tragedy strikes.

Psychological safety, culturally competent support, health-centred leadership, peer connection, and early intervention are not luxuries. They are necessities.

To every Correctional Worker struggling right now:
You are not weak.
You are not alone.
Your life has value beyond your profession.

To the organizations and systems surrounding this community:
The time for performative awareness has passed. Action, accountability, and sustained support matter.

Please check on your people.
Especially the ones saying they are “fine.”

05/01/2026

Today, on First Responders Day, we pause to recognize the courage, commitment, and quiet sacrifices made every day by those who serve.

Across communities, first responders show up—often in the most difficult moments—carrying what many will never fully see or understand.

Today feels heavier.

We are holding space for the loss of an Ontario Provincial Police officer. A life given in service. A family forever changed. A policing community grieving one of their own.

Behind every uniform is a person. A partner. A parent. A friend. A colleague.

We honour the dedication it takes to step into the unknown. We recognize the weight that is carried long after the call ends. And we stand alongside those who continue to serve while navigating loss, trauma, and the realities of this work.

At Badge of Life Canada, we remain committed to walking with our public safety personnel and their families—through the hard days, the healing, and the growth that follows.

Today is about recognition.
Today is about reflection.
Today is about remembering.

We see you. We stand with you. Always.

04/13/2026

Badge of Life Canada is part of a national campaign through MyGivingCircle—and your vote helps us move closer to securing critical funding to continue this work.

This campaign is powered by people who care, people who understand that behind every uniform is a human being navigating stress, trauma, and life beyond the job.

Vote here:👇 https://mygivingcircle.org/badge-of-life-canada-or-insigne-de-vie-canada/vote?affiliate=mgcCshare&iv=share_jngwYGbkSo

Every vote strengthens access to peer support, trauma-informed resources, and a community that understands.

Together, we are building something that matters—support, connection, and a path forward.

Address

Orillia, ON

Website

http://www.badgeoflifecanada.org/

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