Friday, October 23, 2026
Hilton Garden Inn Toronto Airport West/Mississauga
(1870 Matheson Blvd, Mississauga, ON L4W 0B3)
Join us on Friday morning for one of the signature events of the 2026 FSWO Annual Training Symposium—the FSWO Annual Awards Gala.
This special morning brings our fire service community together to celebrate the people, partnerships, and achievements that continue to move Fire Service Women Ontario and the fire service forward. We'll recognize outstanding individuals and organizations, celebrate the accomplishments of the past year, and honour those whose leadership, dedication, and support are making a lasting difference.
Schedule
- 7:30 a.m. – Doors Open
- 8:00 a.m. – Breakfast Served
- 8:30 a.m. – Awards Gala Begins, featuring the ceremonial piping in of dignitaries, followed by the awards presentation and keynote address by Sandra Perron
The Awards Gala will conclude at approximately 11:30 a.m., giving attendees time to return to their rooms, change, and prepare for the afternoon.
Join us back at the Hilton Garden Inn for Leadership Without Limits – Lessons from Women Who Led First, a general session featuring an inspiring panel of accomplished women leaders from diverse backgrounds. (12:00pm-1:00pm)
Lunch will be served as attendees hear stories of leadership, resilience, breaking barriers, and lessons learned from women who were often the first to step into their roles.
Beginning at 1:00 p.m., shuttle service will transport attendees to FESTI, where an exciting afternoon of Hands-On Training (HOT) and classroom sessions will run from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Keynote Speaker: Sandra Perron -- Sponsored by YCNU
We are honoured to welcome Sandra Perron, Canada’s first female infantry officer, as our keynote speaker.
Sandra knows what it means to lead under pressure, break barriers, and persevere in demanding environments. Drawing from her groundbreaking career in the Canadian Armed Forces and her work as founder and Executive Director of the Pepper Pod, Sandra will share powerful lessons on leadership, resilience, courage, and creating stronger, more inclusive teams.
Sandra also has a special connection to the fire service through her father, who served as a Fire Marshal with the Canadian Armed Forces for more than 40 years.
Sandra is the bestselling author of Out Standing in the Field: A Memoir by Canada’s First Female Infantry Officer, and her remarkable story inspired the feature film Out Standing.
Whether you’re a firefighter, company officer, chief officer, or aspiring leader, Sandra’s story and message will resonate across every level of the fire service.
Come celebrate with us, recognize those making an impact, and start the day inspired by an unforgettable story of leadership and perseverance.