Matt Jotham

Uniform Director & Treasurer, Police Association of Ontario (PAO). Past President and Past Treasurer, Guelph Police Association (GPA).

[Police Association of Ontario (PAO) @PoliceAssocON]

Celebrating the collective strength of our 46 member associations—driving progress together with the Police Association of Ontario!

In 2025, our united leadership represented over 32,000 members and delivered real results: championing our members, enhancing public safety, and shaping the future of policing in Ontario.

🌟 46 presidents and executive teams stood together, leading our profession forward.
🗝️ 9 Board Meetings & 1 Think Tank, powered by collaborative insight and decision-making by our 9 PAO Board Members.
🏛️ Securing legislative changes for safer workplaces and communities across the province.
🚓 Province-wide recruitment and 5 March Past & Review Ceremonies, strengthening our profession by adding over 2,100 new police officers in our communities.
🤝 6 major conferences, 1,000+ attendees, and 80+ speakers—connecting and inspiring our policing community through shared knowledge.
🏅 Honoured 5 Police Services Hero of the Year recipients whose dedication reflects our shared values.

It’s the power of our 46 member associations, executives and committee members—working in partnership—that ensures every member’s voice is heard and the communities we serve are protected. Together, we’re building a stronger association and a brighter future for policing in Ontario.

Our collective effort. Our shared success.

[Guelph Police Association @Guelph_PA]

We would like to thank Mike Schreiner, the Leader of the Green Party of Ontario and #Guelph MPP, for the opportunity to meet today at #QueensPark to discuss issues important to policing and community safety, during the PAO Fall Membership Meeting & Advocacy Day. #PAO2025

[Police Association of Ontario (PAO) @PoliceAssocON]

The Police Association of Ontario stands with the Lindsay Police Association and its members. We appreciate their dedication and support them as they serve their community with professionalism and courage. See below for the full statement from the LPA ⬇️

[Mark Baxter @PresidentPAO]

The Windsor Police Services Board’s decision to impose no meaningful discipline on Chief Bellaire—requiring only EDI training by Dec 31, despite his retirement in November—is unacceptable. This sends the wrong message on accountability and leadership. https://t.co/7Q92v556EK

[Matt Jotham @JothamPAO]

@LdnPoliceAssoc @BezaireGary @Ozzie317 @PoliceAssocON Congratulations fellas!

[Paul Calandra @PaulCalandra]

School Resource Officer programs help build relationships between youth and police, actively promote positive behaviour, and create a culture of mutual respect.

That’s why our government has proposed changes that would require school boards to welcome SROs into schools where they’re offered by local police.

[Police Association of Ontario (PAO) @PoliceAssocON]

🌟 We're thrilled to kick off this year’s Annual Police Employment Conference, our largest event of the year! With over 350 delegates from 86 organizations, we're all set for meaningful conversations and learning opportunities focused on enhancing policing and labour relations across Ontario. #EmploymentConf2025 #Policing #LabourRelations

[Mark Baxter @PresidentPAO]

This story is not getting anywhere near the attention it deserves. Drug dealers are being let go because the federal government isn’t properly funding their prosecution! This cannot be allowed to continue ⁦@viraniarif⁩ https://t.co/zEecakmDe5

[Matt Jotham @JothamPAO]

Entire B.C. school board fired over its ban on police in schools | National Post https://t.co/x91evLrcys

[Guelph Storm @Storm_City]

The fifth annual First Responders Night is Friday, January 31st as the Guelph Storm host the Sarnia Sting.

🎟️ https://t.co/XnXs3AmL8R
📣 https://t.co/jURmbTtJ1Z

#StormCity | #IoftheStorm

[Police Association of Ontario (PAO) @PoliceAssocON]

Today’s announcement is an important step forward for Ontario’s police personnel. The new PTSI Centre of Excellence will provide much-needed mental health and rehab support for those who protect our communities. We applaud @ONgov and @MPPKerzner for prioritizing their well-being.

[Guelph Police Association @Guelph_PA]

As the final day of the 2025 PAO Winter Membership Meeting begins, we would like to take a moment to thank all the Associations from across the province who made the trip to #Guelph. And a BIG thank you to all the PAO staff who helped make this event happen. #PAOWMM25

[Guelph Police Association @Guelph_PA]

All set up and ready to go for the 2025 Police Association of Ontario Winter Membership Meeting. Hosting Association members from across the province. Looking forward to the next two days of information sharing and networking. Thank you to everyone for making the trip to #Guelph!

[Matt Jotham @JothamPAO]

@OPApresident Congratulations! Well done! Great leadership by you and your team!

[Police Association of Ontario (PAO) @PoliceAssocON]

We’re grateful to @ONgov and @ONsafety for their commitment to public safety and to ensuring police service members from across the province have the tools they need to effectively and safely do their jobs – which is keeping Ontario’s communities safe. From the changes to Christopher’s Law, to changes to enable police services to work more efficiently – today’s announcements by the provincial government will not only help police service members protect Ontarians and themselves, but will also help Ontarians feel more confident and safer in their communities. #onpoli

[Police Association of Ontario (PAO) @PoliceAssocON]

Every day, Ontario’s first responders put their lives on the line to save others. Today, @ONgov took a vital step to protect them, with a $32M investment in the Mental Health Supports for Public Safety Personnel program—bringing essential resources to first responders across the province, including our members. 🧵👇

[Police Association of Ontario (PAO) @PoliceAssocON]

From his days as a Big Brother and youth mentor, Constable Mason Melitzer knew he wanted to be the kind of resource officer that students could count on—just like the one he remembered: down-to-earth, approachable, and truly there for young people. Today, Constable Melitzer is that trusted figure in his own way, hosting events like ‘Cards with a Cop’ to create safe spaces for students to connect and be heard. Whether in uniform or not, he’s become a familiar face, a steady presence, and someone students know they can turn to.

[Police Association of Ontario (PAO) @PoliceAssocON]

Constable James Nightingale of the @Guelph_PA combines his background as a teacher with his passion for policing to build trust with students. Known as ‘Officer James,’ he builds relationships beyond the badge, treating students as partners rather than subjects. From explaining the role of law in everyday language to encouraging students to approach him with their concerns, Constable Nightingale is redefining what it means to be a resource officer.

[Police Association of Ontario (PAO) @PoliceAssocON]

Moments like these remind us of the real, tangible impact our members make every day in their communities. We are incredibly proud to announce that @OPApresident was honoured as the Canadian recipient of the Shield Award at last week’s Sword and Shield Gala. This prestigious recognition, presented by the Strohm Foundation, highlights Matt’s exceptional dedication to public service, his unwavering commitment to community safety, and his exemplary leadership within the policing community. Thank you to the Strohm Foundation for recognizing the dedication of our law enforcement leaders and hosting @JothamGPA and @PresidentPAO.

[Mark Baxter @PresidentPAO]

As school board trustee, accusing the police of murder without evidence is reckless, irresponsible, and undermines public trust. There is no place for this kind of inflammatory rhetoric, especially when the investigation is still underway. You should step down as a trustee immediately. Any loss of life is tragic, our thoughts are with his family as well as the responding police officers and other first responders