A group of women leaders from police and public safety organizations across Prince Edward Island came together to strengthen their leadership skills, expand their professional networks, and support one another’s growth through CPKN’s Canadian Credible Leadership (CCL) program for women.
By Natalie Fournier
Over the past two and a half months, women in policing and public safety across Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.) gathered through the Canadian Police Knowledge Network (CPKN) Women in Public Safety Leadership Program to learn, connect, and grow together.
The program created a space for honest dialogue, shared experiences, and leadership development tailored to the realities of policing and public safety. Participation was fully funded through a $20,000 grant from the Government of PEI Interministerial Women’s Secretariat, with support from the Government of Canada Department for Women and Gender Equality in support of the National Action Plan to End Gender Based Violence.
A total of 32 participants from 15 organizations completed the program. Participants explored key leadership concepts including self-awareness, communication, coaching, driving organizational change, and relationship building, while connecting with peers from across the public safety sector in P.E.I.
The program was hosted by Sue Decock, retired Chief Superintendent, Ontario Provincial Police, and recent recipient of the CPKN Compass Award. Women working and volunteering across policing, corrections, fire services, paramedicine, emergency communications, search and rescue, Parks Canada, Youth Justice Services, the Atlantic Police Academy, and other public safety professions participated in the cohort.
“The Women in Public Safety Leadership Program provides a safe, supportive environment where women can open up, discuss challenges and goals, and share their stories,” says Decock. “Those shared experiences can be incredibly validating because, depending on the workplace, you may wonder, ‘Is it just me?’ or ‘Am I the only one struggling to keep up with the demands of home and work?’ You may also be eager to take on something new and challenging but not feel ready. And the question becomes: When will you ever feel ready?”
Limited representation of women in leadership positions can sometimes make it harder for other women to envision themselves in those roles and may affect both recruitment and the number of women who apply for promotional opportunities.
“We know that women in leadership positions make organizations stronger in many ways,” says Decock. “The trickle-down effect is that it will hopefully help with recruitment and retention when other women can see themselves in leadership roles.”
Decock hopes participants will apply the insights gained through the program to pursue future leadership opportunities.
“It’s all about building trusting relationships, empowering oneself and others, coaching, and committing to continuous learning. That’s what the course was all about,” says Decock. “We’re trying to help participants expand their leadership toolkit. We also discussed the benefits of mentorship and support networks as they continue their leadership journey.”
To learn more about upcoming leadership development opportunities, visit Canadian Credible Leadership Cohort – Canadian Police Knowledge Network and subscribe to CPKN updates.
