The provincial grant will help women in policing and public safety across Prince Edward Island strengthen their leadership skills through CPKN’s Canadian Credible Leadership program.
By Natalie Fournier
The Canadian Police Knowledge Network (CPKN), a Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.)-based national not-for-profit, has been awarded a $ 20,000 grant from the Government of PEI Interministerial Women’s Secretariat to promote its Women in Public Safety Leadership Program, open to women in policing and public safety across P.E.I.
The free Women in Public Safety Leadership Program is an extension of CPKN’s Canadian Credible Leadership (CCL) Cohort and will be fully funded by the grant with financial support from the Government of Canada Department for Women and Gender Equality in support of the National Action Plan to End Gender Based Violence.
The Canadian Credible Leadership (CCL) Cohort is a virtual program led by a subject matter expert and blends online learning with facilitated workshops to provide a unique learning experience for users. Participants gain a better understanding of their abilities to demonstrate behaviours, skills, and competencies related to self-awareness and self-management, social awareness, problem solving, driving organizational change, and coaching.
“This funding reflects a shared commitment to advancing gender equity and increasing leadership opportunities for women in public safety,” said Sonia Poulin, President, CPKN. “By providing access to the Women in Public Safety Leadership Program at no cost, we hope to support the growth of current and emerging leaders who will help shape the future of public safety in their communities.”
The program will begin on August 27 and run until October 29, 2026, and will be offered in English. Individuals working in policing and public safety in P.E.I., who identify as female and are sworn or civilian members working, training, or volunteering in policing, corrections, fire services, paramedicine, emergency communications, search and rescue, emergency management, community safety, or other public safety professions are encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted through the CPKN website until August 20, with the selection being on a first come first served basis.
The Interministerial Women’s Secretariat provides assistance to the provincial government to promote the legal, health, social and economic equality of women. The Secretariat is mandated to partner with the community on projects to promote the status of women. The grant helps to fund projects, programs and services that benefit women from P.E.I. with the objective of supporting organizations that benefit women and girls in the province.
“Supporting women to develop their leadership skills helps build stronger, more inclusive workplaces and communities across Prince Edward Island,” said Barb Ramsay, Minister of Social Development and Seniors and the Minister Responsible for the Status of Women. “Through the Interministerial Women’s Secretariat Grant, we are proud to support the Canadian Police Knowledge Network’s Women in Public Safety Leadership Program, creating opportunities for women in policing and public safety to strengthen their skills, confidence, and professional growth. By investing in women leaders, we are helping advance gender equity and creating positive change across the sector.”
As part of its mission to empower members of its Network to achieve their potential through knowledge, expertise, and research, CPKN continues to source funding to ensure learning opportunities are available to marginalized groups. By providing access to professional development opportunities, the Women in Public Safety Leadership Program aims to support the advancement of women into leadership roles and contribute to more diverse, inclusive, and effective public safety organizations.
