Laura Ferron, the OPP Association's Senior Advisor, Pension and Benefits joins the 10-5 Podcast to educate on how the OPPA Health Care Spending Account (HCSA) works.

As of April 1, 2026 the HCSA is available in addition to the base Canada Life benefits coverage for active uniform and civilian members.

Topics discussed are:

• HCSA eligibility
• Eligible spouse, dependents & expenses
• HCSA allocation & carry forward rules
• Claim submission process
• Coordination of benefits
• Claim submission deadlines

Listen on the OPPA public and members only website, on YouTube, Apple Podcast, Spotify Podcast and all major podcasting platforms.

Link to CRA eligible expenses

Link to further information on the OPPA HCSA

Link to OPPA website benefits information

(Note: for the information on the OPPA website, you require a member login. If you are a member and need a login email oppa@oppa.ca.)

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for over 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario.

Humberto Carolo is a globally recognized gender-based violence prevention expert and the Chief Executive Officer for White Ribbon. With a focus on engaging men and boys as allies in promoting gender equality and healthy masculinities, he has provided technical assistance and expert guidance to diverse organizations, institutions, governments, UN agencies, and industries around the globe.

Humberto joins the 10-5 Podcast to discuss engaging men and boys to promote gender equality in workplaces and beyond.

In this episode Humberto adresses the following topics:

1. Workplace Gender Based Violence and Harassment:

The impact on staff, workplace culture, and overall organizational well-being are explored.

2. Gender-Based Violence and Harassment in Male-Dominated Sectors:

How these environments often normalize exclusionary cultures, overlook harmful conduct, and reinforce gender norms that heighten risks for women and gender-diverse staff.

3. Best Practices in Addressing Workplace Gender Based Violence and Harassment:

Evidence-based strategies are explored, such as engaging men as allies, strengthening bystander skills, investing in leadership training, addressing power dynamics, and using holistic approaches to prevention.

4. Bystander Intervention:

Fostering a culture of accountability, concrete intervention strategies such as "the 5 Ds", and empowering employees to safely address concerning behaviour early.

5. Workplace Policies: How well-designed, trauma-informed policies support survivors, set clear prevention standards, and reinforce a culture of safety, respect, and inclusion.

6. Insights from White Ribbon’s recent research: White Ribbon recently engaged in discussions with survivors on how male allies can be engaged in supporting them. They spoke to 36 intimate partner violence survivors across a number of discussion groups and in collaboration with a survivor-centred community partner.

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for over 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario.

Caledon OPP Sergeant Greg Stobbart was a well liked member of the OPP and OPPA until his tragic off duty death in 2006. Greg was struck by a truck while riding his bicycle in Milton, Ontario and died in hospital the same day. Greg's wife, The Honourable Eleanor McMahon joins the 10-5 Podcast to share Greg's legacy - the ongoing Share the Road campaign and Greg's Law, which was enacted after Greg's death to toughen laws for suspended drivers and repeat offenders. For more information visit sharetheroad.ca.

The OPP Association is the sole bargaining agent for over 10,000 members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada. Our members are our focus and our strength. We aim to provide important information to our members and the public about matters that affect policing in the province of Ontario.