The Fresh Voice We Need
Excerpt
Martin has dedicated more than 40 years to serving others. A nationally recognized leader in protecting seniors from fraud, abuse, and financial exploitation, Martin spent 27 years with Durham Regional Police, served as an engineering officer in the regular component of the Canadian Army, represented Canada on NATO missions, and has educated thousands of residents while training police, financial institutions, and community organizations across Ontario.
Now, Martin is ready to bring that same proven leadership home to Ward 1.
He believes residents deserve a councillor who listens first, makes informed decisions, spends tax dollars responsibly, and delivers results with integrity and accountability. After a lifetime of protecting communities, solving complex problems, and serving the public, Martin is ready to put that experience to work for Oshawa and Durham Region.
Main Bio
Martin has dedicated more than 40 years to serving others. A nationally recognized leader in protecting seniors from fraud, abuse, and financial exploitation, Martin spent 27 years with Durham Regional Police, served as an engineering officer in the regular component of the Canadian Army, represented Canada on NATO missions, and has educated thousands of residents while training police, financial institutions, and community organizations across Ontario.
Now, Martin is ready to bring that same proven leadership home to Ward 1.
He believes residents deserve a councillor who listens first, makes informed decisions, spends tax dollars responsibly, and delivers results with integrity and accountability. After a lifetime of protecting communities, solving complex problems, and serving the public, Martin is ready to put that experience to work for Oshawa and Durham Region.
A Lifetime of Service
Martin's commitment to service began long before his professional career. Born in Port Perry and raised in Oshawa from the age of seven, he grew up in a family where giving back was simply a way of life. His mother was a nurse trained at Oshawa General Hospital, while his father, a Dutch immigrant, chef, and contractor, became widely known for helping establish organizations including Oshawa Handi-Transit, Meals on Wheels Oshawa, the Harold McNeil House, and the Lorine McKinnon House. Those values of compassion, hard work, and community service shaped Martin from an early age.
Following graduation from O'Neill Collegiate and Vocational Institute, Martin joined the Canadian Army and served as an engineering officer. Over the next decade, he led teams across Canada, managed complex engineering and operational projects, and developed the leadership skills that would define the rest of his career. He retired from the CAF at the rank of Captain in 199X.
In 1999, Martin joined the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS), where he served for 27 years in frontline policing, homicide investigations, complex fraud investigations, and specialized investigations involving vulnerable persons and older adults. Throughout his career, he earned a reputation for professionalism, integrity, and compassionate service to victims and families.
His service with the DRPS and commitment to public safety also took him overseas. He served on NATO missions in Jordan and Afghanistan where he trained police officers and correctional professionals, helping rebuild public safety institutions after conflict. Those experiences strengthened his belief that strong communities are built through leadership, accountability, and collaboration.
Protecting Seniors
Martin became one of Canada's leading voices on protecting older adults from fraud, abuse, and financial exploitation. Believing that education is one of the most effective forms of crime prevention, he has delivered more than 300 public presentations reaching thousands of residents across Ontario on fraud prevention, powers of attorney, wills, estate planning, and recognizing elder abuse.
His expertise has made him a trusted educator and advisor. Martin has taught in Durham College's post-graduate Victimology program, developed specialized training for police services, retirement homes, financial institutions, and community organizations, hosted Seniors Talk with DRPS on Rogers TV, and regularly appeared in the media helping local residents recognize emerging scams. His work has been recognized across Ontario, including an invitation to present at Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario's provincial conference on strengthening police and community partnerships.
As Chair of Ontario's Law Enforcement Agencies and Partners Protecting Seniors (LEAPPS), Martin expanded the organization into one of the province's largest collaborative networks dedicated to protecting vulnerable older adults, bringing together police services, banks, provincial ministries, health organizations, and community partners from across Ontario.
Community Leadership
Service has always extended beyond Martin's professional life. He has been an active member of the Rotary Club of Oshawa, served on its Board of Directors and Charitable Foundation, volunteered with numerous community organizations, and worked alongside local partners to improve the lives of seniors, families, and vulnerable residents throughout Durham Region.
His dedication has earned numerous honours, including:
- Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal
- DRPS Mike Ewles Community Builder Award
- Alzheimer Society of Durham Ambassador Award
- Durham Deaf Services Community Partner Award
- Intercultural Dialogue Institute Public Heroes Award
- Recognition as an Oshawa Generals Community Hero
Ready to Serve Ward 1
Martin believes local government works best when it is accountable, transparent, and focused on delivering results for residents.
As your new Regional and City Councillor for Ward 1, he will bring decades of experience leading teams, managing complex challenges, protecting vulnerable people, and building partnerships that deliver meaningful outcomes.
Martin will be a strong advocate for safe neighbourhoods, responsible financial management, reliable infrastructure, quality public services, and ensuring every tax dollar is spent wisely.
For Martin, this is about continuing a lifetime of service to the community that has given so much to him and his family.
We should also put these links in somewhere:
Durham’s finest take their knowledge to troubled lands
Opening Remarks and Session 1: After the Initial Call to Police: Response and Partnerships
https://eapon.ca/aiovg_videos/march-conference-2025-session_1/
‘Don’t answer the phone’: How to avoid scams in Durham