Congratulations Julia Kinna - Recipient of the IODE Canada Annual Award

The IODE Canada (Women Dedicated to a Better Canada) is a National women’s charitable organization and the IODE Canada Annual Award is presented to an individual who has made a significant impact on the lives of youth in their community, and who has gone above and beyond in their commitment to improving the lives of youth and/or vulnerable residents. 

We are extremely proud and pleased to announce that this year’s recipient is our very own, Julia Kinna.

In 2019, Julia began her role as the Project Champion Coordinator in the Major Crime Section of our Criminal Investigations Division and in 2020, Julia became a registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Worker. In 2021, Julia took on the additional role of the Project Empower Coordinator with GSPS and organized an Educational Engagement Session for parents and guardians on the signs of Human Trafficking and the tactics used to recruit victims of all ages. Julia is currently a Team Leader, Crisis Responder and Project Breakthrough Coordinator with Sudbury and Area Victim Services.

Through all of these roles, she has provided short-term emotional and practical support to Survivors of crime and tragedy. Julia understands the importance of building positive and respectful relationships with vulnerable youth in our community and she takes the time to provide therapeutic group programming in the group homes to at risk youth. Throughout the past three years, Julia has taken the time to attend the group homes on a weekly basis to cultivate meaningful relationships with both staff and youth.

In addition to all of these remarkable achievements, Julia has assisted GSPS in forming a partnership with Dr. Shawna Williams, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology at McGill University in order to ensure that our Officers have relevant training in relation to Child Forensic Interviewing. This is imperative when investigating incidents where young Survivors have experienced child abuse and maltreatment.

Julia has dedicated her time to the youth in our community by providing them with guidance and unconditional support. She is a role model, leader and exceptional woman who dedicates her time to helping vulnerable youth.

Congratulations Julia!