First Responders' Day - Ottawa 2026 - Jour des Premiers intervenants

Welcome to **First Responders' Day 2026 Ottawa**!

Join us on Friday May 01 2026 at this year's Venue Sponsor 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!

NOTE: The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Ottawa has graciously provided discounted hotel room rates for before and after the event (April 30 and May 1st) so you can truly make this a "retreat" and nourish yourself.

Please Book Here: GFRD26S

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-8:30AM

Check-in (coffee/juices avail)

Exhibitors open

8:30-9:15AM

Session 1 Main Stage

Speaker: Dave Wolff, EdD(c), MAdEd, BClinPrac, A-EMCA, CMM III

Talk Title: Anchored in the Shifting Tides:

An Interpretive Phenomenological Study of Paramedic Resilience and Worldviews

9:15-10:00AM

Opening “Ceremonies”:

Guests of Honour: tbd

10-10:45

Session 2 Main Stage

Speaker: Julia Dharma Long, CWMF, ANF, RYT500, YACEP, BBA, LL.B, CEO

Organization: FRY Canada, F.R.Y. Community Outreach (NFP)

Author of Amazon Best Seller "Duty to Self - A First Responder's Handbook for Building Resilience"

Talk Title: Duty to Self: Proactively Raise your "Bar of Resilience™"

11-11:45

Session 3 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

1-1:45PM

Session 4 Main Stage

Speaker: Harpreet Singh, Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA), MBA, Financial Advisor

Organization: Zoho Financial

Talk Title: Protecting the Protectors: Financial Wellness as Self-Care

2-2:45PM

Session 5 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 6 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 7 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