Speakers & Performers

Paul Burnett

Deputy Chief, Ottawa Police Service

Deputy Chief Paul Burnett oversees the Community Policing Directorate, which includes the Frontline Policing Directorate, Specialized Policing Directorate, and the Neighbourhood Policing Directorate. This Command provides proactive and reactive public safety services in partnership with key stakeholders and the many diverse communities in Ottawa.

Deputy Chief Burnett began his policing career with the Gloucester Police in 1992 and, over the course of his 31 years of service in the Ottawa area, has fulfilled a variety of roles and worked in a variety of units throughout the organization including the Traffic Section, the Collision Reconstruction Unit, the Professional Development Centre as a Use of Force Instructor, and the Tactical Team as both an operator and the Unit Commander. In addition, he has worked as an investigator in the Professional Standard Unit and supervised the Community Policing Centres in the city’s east end.

Deputy Chief Burnett was a member of the 2008 Olympic Security Team that provided personal security as the Olympic flame made its way across the province. He also attended the Vancouver Olympics and was deployed as a Bomb Technician. He spent a year instructing at the Jordan International Police Training Center (JIPTC) in Amman, Jordan where he was the lead instructor in charge of the Improvised Explosive Device Training Centre and was awarded the JIPTC medal.

DC Burnett is a Member of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces, a fellowship of honour based on the highest qualities of citizenship, service to Canada, to the police community and to humanity at large.

In his previous role as a Duty Inspector, Deputy Chief Burnett oversaw Frontline Operations and was responsible for providing Incident Command for major events and high-risk operations, including demonstrations, major crime scenes, SIU investigations, tactical and search and rescue operations. He led the design, development and implementation of the organization’s first multi-year Strategic Equity Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan.

Deputy Chief Burnett earned his Bachelor of Social Science degree from Ottawa University and is currently an Instructor at the Canadian Police College on the Critical Incident Commanders course.

Jennifer Hayward

Master of Ceremonies | Métis Comedian, Author & Speaker

Jenn Hayward is a Métis and Ukrainian woman from Saskatchewan who has lived in the Ottawa region since 2007. She lives and works on unceded Anishinaabe Algonquin territory and is intentional about how she shows up in that. When it makes sense, she partners, collaborates, or steps back to ensure opportunities are held by those whose community this is.

Her career has moved through government, entrepreneurship, community work, consulting, and the arts. The through line has always been people — bringing them together, making things work better, and turning good intentions into something real.

Jenn started in policy and program development with Saskatchewan Health and later Correctional Service Canada. She led national consultations, worked on strategy and reporting tied to Indigenous initiatives, and spent a lot of time listening and learning alongside Elders, communities, and leadership.

In Ottawa, she moved into leadership roles with Indigenous organizations including Wabano Health Centre and the Odawa Native Friendship Centre. She later built a courier company from the ground up, growing it to over 50 staff and past a million in revenue.

Today, Jenn is a consultant who helps organizations move from talking about things to actually doing them. She is also a writer, speaker, comedian, and facilitator. She has written for CBC Radio, shares work on reconciliation and social issues, and speaks across Canada. Jenn holds a Bachelor of Human Justice from the University of Regina and a Global Changemakers Diploma from the Coady Institute.

DJ MKWA

Anicinape DJ & Music Producer

DJ MKWA is an Anicinape DJ and music producer based in Ottawa. Producing music since the age of 10, he delivers high-energy sets blending EDM, house, hip-hop, throwbacks, contemporary Indigenous music, and his own original tracks.

Known for smooth transitions and an ability to connect with audiences of all ages, MKWA creates engaging and memorable experiences for every event. Whether performing at festivals, community events, or private celebrations, his versatile style allows him to adapt to any crowd and create the perfect atmosphere.