MANITOULIN—Helping others is something that Janet Anning is known for, and her efforts working as a victim services worker with the Victim Witness Assistance Program is something that she has thoroughly enjoyed.
“I loved my job,” Ms. Anning told The Expositor after a retirement party held at a co-worker’s house on Wednesday of last week. “I was able to help people every day, as they were going through a terrible situation, to get through the court system.”
“I have been with the Victim Witness Assistance Program for 21 years and with the ministry of the Attorney General for the past 23 years (with her first two years on a part-time basis),” said Ms. Anning.
Kyla Nadorozny worked with Ms. Anning, “starting as a summer student. I worked with Janet every summer while I was going through university and then I came back working part-time. I am still working for the ministry (of Attorney General) on a project.”
“Janet taught me how to do this work on Manitoulin Island, and when I started working with her, she had already established a relationship with many community partners from every location on the Island. And when she was doing the work with the witness assistance program (on a part-time basis at the start) she was teaching all kids on Manitoulin Island how to drive (through her driving school), and working for CLM (Community Living Manitoulin). Once she was working full-time with the ministry she stopped working for CLM.”
“She was a great mentor and person to work with,” stated Ms. Nadorozny. “She was the go-to lady on Manitoulin knowing who to contact and had so many great working relationships because of her personality. She had so many contacts and knowledge of who and how to get things done.”
“I have worked with awesome people in this position over the years,” said Ms. Anning. “I’ve worked with several crowns, police officers and justice people, and co-workers. Many of those that I have worked with over the years are also retired or close to retirement.”
She started her career with the crown on a part time basis, and remained with CLM for 21 years, and gave up the driver education program in 2012, after 25 years. She and her husband Randy moved to the Island along with their two children in 1988.
Kyla Nadorozny made a presentation at the retirement party, “I would like to start by thanking you all for joining us here to celebrate this momentous occasion, and the start of the next adventure for our dear friend and colleague, Janet Anning. It’s my privilege to say a few words in her honour today as she begins her well-deserved retirement.”
“Janet was the very first person I worked with, when I started my career in the OPS as a summer student with the Victim/Witness Assistance Program many moons ago,” said Ms. Nadorozny. “From the very start, she was an incredible teacher; patient, caring, and incredibly generous with her time. She helped me to find my footing, and made a lasting impression, as she has on so many of us over the years.”
“For over 20 years, Janet has served the people of Ontario through her work with the provincial government, most importantly through her work supporting victims and witnesses of crime through the court process,” continued Ms. Nadorozny. “It’s work that demands empathy, resilience and compassion, and Janet brought all those qualities and more to every interaction, every single day. She has always worked closely and collaboratively with the Crown Attorney’s office to ensure that those navigating the criminal justice system felt informed, supported, prepared, and treated with dignity. She’s also been respected by her justice and police partners, with whom she has built strong, collaborative relationships grounded in professionalism, trust, and shared purpose. Janet has always been someone that others could count on to work with integrity and calm, even in intense, emotional, high-pressure situations.”
“She’s well known in every single community across Manitoulin Island, and far beyond for her warmth, her integrity, and her deep commitment to helping others,” continued Ms. Nadorozny. “In fact, you can’t go anywhere around here with Janet without her running into someone she knows, and of course, stopping for a chat. Those relationships aren’t casual, nor are they a coincidence, they are the product of years of connection, respect and care.”
“Janet’s ability to build strong relationships with the Indigenous communities in our area has been particularly meaningful,” said Ms. Nadorozny. “She approached this work and these relationships with humility and authenticity, and in doing so, earned the trust and support from her clients, her colleagues, and other stakeholders as well.”
“Somehow, throughout her career, Janet also managed to balance raising a family, and at one time, teaching driving school, working at community living, and still to this day volunteering with unwavering dedication to the Special Olympics teams across the Island. Her heart for community service goes well beyond the workplace, she’s always been someone who shows up, pitches in, and lifts others up,” said Ms. Nadorozny.
“Janet, your legacy is one of compassion, connection and commitment,” stated Ms. Nadorozny. “You’ve made a lasting impact, on your colleagues, your community, and the countless individuals whose lives were deeply affected for the better because of you.”
“We will miss your wisdom, your humour, and your steady presence, but we are so excited and happy for you as you begin this next chapter,” said Ms. Nadorozny. “Congratulations on your retirement and thank you from all of us and then some, for everything.”
“So please join me in raising a glass to Janet, for a happy, healthy, and truly prosperous retirement. You’ve more than earned it,” added Ms. Nadorozny.
As for retirement, Ms. Anning told The Expositor, “I still have lots to do. Our Manitoulin Special Olympics baseball team has qualified for the provincial championship so we have to get ready for that, and track and field practice is starting. We also have a house under renovations. Plus, I have gardening, and my sister moved close to Idyll Glen last year, so we are looking to get out golfing and swimming quite a bit this summer.”
