We help communities meet and work together

Ottawa

Date:

Fall 2026

Time:

TBA

Location:

TBA

Our Mission:

To create a network among organizations who support CAF veterans, Emergency Responders and their families in meeting the array of challenges, such as: transition, mental health, and housing instability, by promoting collaboration that improves the delivery of services.

Who is Invited to Attend:

We hope to see all Military Units, Police Services, EMS, Fire and Rescue, Medical and support First Responders, Peer Support groups, Spiritual support providers, local and municipal leaders, CMHA, Veterans Support agencies, EAP providers, VAC, Legion Branch Service Officers, psychologists, social workers, and anyone else interested and supporting those who suffer from PTSD and Operational Stress injuries.
The networking is very beneficial to all who attend!

New email address for the Ottawa Lead Facilitator: Please note that Don Hind may now be reached at Respect.Ottawa.Facilitator@gmail.com. Please delete his xplorenet address from your Contacts. Thank you!

Spring Forum Recap

Download: Womens Shelters Canada presentation

If you attended the Forum, please click here to fill out the survey

Guest Speakers:

Anuradha Dugal, Executive Director of Women’s Shelters Canada

Anuradha Dugal is a passionate advocate with over 25 years of experience championing the rights and safety of women, children, and gender-diverse people fleeing violence. In 2024, she stepped into the role of Executive Director at Women’s Shelters Canada, and her commitment to justice and equity has earned her national recognition—including the King Charles III Coronation Medal, awarded for her outstanding service to Canada. Anuradha serves as a board member of Royal LePage Shelter Foundation, Director at the Canadian Femicide Observatory for Justice and Accountability and is an active member of the South Asian Women’s Community Centre of Montreal. An immigrant who lives and works on the traditional, unceded territory of the Kanien’keha:ka (Mohawk) people, Anuradha is grateful to call Quebec home.

Leah Stuart-Sheppard, Director of Knowledge Exchange at Women’s Shelters Canada

Leah Stuart-Sheppard is the Director of Knowledge Exchange at Women’s Shelters Canada. In this role, she creates opportunities for shelters and transition houses across the country to connect with each other and share their knowledge, promising practices, and resources. Leah’s background is in adult education and community development, with a particular focus on experiential education and ‘learning-by-doing’. She is passionate about participatory, community-based approaches to social change.