Showcasing sessions and exhibits to promote resilience, agility, mental health in trauma-exposed, high-stress professions - a thank you.About this Event
Welcome to **First Responders' Day 2026 Ottawa**!
Join us on Friday May 01 2026 at this year's Venue Sport the new Hard Rock Hotel and Casino for a day supporting and honouring our amazing First Responders. This is a day filled with educational sessions AND kiosks of products & services that assist First Responders with mindset, mental health, resilience-building, agility, and injury-prevention, all in one place. Keep an eye on the Agenda below as sessions speakers are confirmed.
THIS YEAR'S THEME: Tools that Thrive: Exploring Solutions for Personal and Professional Resilience in High Stress Roles.
This event is FREE for First Responders (with ID) and a nominal ticket price for friends, family, supporters and the public, with proceeds supporting the event and activities on-site in support of the Ottawa First Responders' Foundation.
It's a great opportunity to see the resources available to trauma-exposed professions and a reminder of how valuable they are in our community.
DID YOU KNOW?
In 2013 the Ontario Legislature proclaimed that May 1st of each year would be proclaimed First Responders Day [First Responders Day Act, 2013 , S.O. 2013, c. 11 - Bill 15]
While in the past there were messages of support for First Responders in the news, on the radio and in social media, there was no “event” to honour those who show up in the worst of times, First Responders. Our inagural event in 2025 changed this. See the reel and pictures on this amazing event in 2025 here: https://www.frycanada.com/events-courses/gallery-of-events/ (have the sound on!)
Don't miss out on this special day supporting our First Responders!
WHY ATTEND THE Annual FIRST RESPONDERS’ DAY 2026 (OTTAWA)
FIRST RESPONDERS: This day is for you. Attend the Educational Sessions. Connect with colleagues, network and browse the information/vendor kiosks of services/products available to help you navigate the challenging career you have chosen, all in one place. We appreciate all you do.
PUBLIC: Join us in celebrating the brave First Responders on First Responders' Day 2025 with a day full of gratitude, appreciation, and support the speakers and exhibitors supporting them.Learn alongside First Responders and pick up tips, tricks and tools that may help anyone in high-stress, trauma-exposed professions, or anyone of us navigating the challenges of today's society!
Leave a message on the Wall of Thanks!
Visit on-site activities in support of the Ottawa First Responders’ Foundation.
AGENDA (Subject to change):
7:15AM-7:45
Guided Mindful Moment
(For those staying onsite or arriving early who wish to start the day trying a few moments of grounding work and breath. Start the day on the right foot!)
8AM-8:45AM
Check-in (coffee/juices avail)
Exhibitors open
9-9:45AM
Opening “Ceremonies”
Guests of Honour: tbd
10-10:45
Session 1 Main Stage
Speaker: Julia Dharma Long, CWMF, ANF, RYT500, YACEP, BBA, LL.B, CEO
Organization: FRY Canada, F.R.Y. Community Outreach (NFP)
Talk Title: Duty to Self: Proactively Raise your "Bar of Resilience™"
11-11:45
Session 2 Main Stage
Speaker: Parul Shah, MSP, RSW, CPA
Organization: Embracing Empowerment Counselling Services
Talk Title: Navigating Challenges
11:45-1PM
LUNCH (Free for First Responders - register; advance tickets for public available for purchase)
Visit Exhibitors
See Demo (12:30PM) with Ability Dogs Canada & Meet Agency-Trained Intervention Dogs
1-1:45PM
Session 3 Main Stage
Speaker: Commander (ret’d) Dave Ralph
Organization: former Toronto Police, Toronto Paramedics
Talk Title: The Ripple Effect: The Subtle Signs of Stress
2-2:45PM
Session 4 Main Stage
Speaker: Dr. Bellefontaine, C.Psych
Organization: Four Wings Psychology
Talk Title: Tactical Mindfulness: Staying Grounded in the Heat of the Moment
3-3:45PM
Session 5 Main Stage
Speaker: Elke Harder, Founder
Organization: Multi-Gen Living by Design
Talk Title: Living in a Multigenerational Home – A First Responder’s Advantage
4-4:45PM
Session 6 Main Stage
Speaker: Colleen Kamps
Organization: Tema Foundation
Talk Title: Wired for Survival – Understanding the Stress Response and Building Resilience
5PM
Closing and Wrap Up
Event Venue
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa, 4837 Albion Road South, Ottawa, Canada
CAD 0.00 to CAD 31.59
