CPKN Hosts 18th Annual Stanhope Conference

The Canadian Police Knowledge Network (CPKN) hosted its annual Stanhope Conference from October 7 to 9, 2025, in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island (PEI), drawing delegates from across the country to connect, collaborate, and advance professional development in policing.

Stanhope is an opportunity to bring together innovators, members of training units, practitioners, and decision-makers to explore current issues facing the police and public safety communities and identify innovative learning solutions. It is renowned for its focus on meaningful connection and networking.

“Our conference is unique in that its heart is truly about fostering genuine relationships among delegates,” said Sonia Poulin, President, CPKN. “By intentionally keeping our numbers small, we ensure that everyone has the chance to connect on a first-name basis, exchange ideas, and build lasting partnerships to address the challenges facing Canada’s police and public safety communities.”

This year’s conference brought together 97 delegates from 48 organizations nationwide. The theme, Emerging Trends, Stronger Partnerships: Advancing Police Professional Development across Canada, was explored through four key subthemes: employee wellness and career growth, leadership development, artificial intelligence and innovation, and partnerships and collaboration.

The event kicked off with a compelling keynote address by Major Willem R. Dallaire, who spoke about the profound impact of mental health on individuals, families, and the services and organizations in which individuals serve.

New for 2025, the conference introduced a pre-conference Learning Management System (LMS) workshop, which attracted over 40 participants of all skill levels eager to enhance their organization’s training capabilities.

A significant milestone was also announced during the conference. Moving forward, the Stanhope Conference will now be known as the CPKN Conference. The event’s original name, which is rooted in its early days at a resort in Stanhope, PEI, has become less relevant as the conference has shifted to Charlottetown and the Network has grown.

The decision to rename the conference was made in collaboration with CPKN staff, the Board of Directors, and the National Advisory Committee, who aimed to simplify the event’s identity while preserving its legacy.

“This marks a new chapter for our organization,” Poulin reflected. “We deeply respect all that the Stanhope Conference has represented for our Network. While we honour our past, we are committed to moving forward in the best way so we can transform police and public safety, together.”

The next CPKN Conference will be held in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island from September 22 to 24, 2026.