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Canadian Supreme Court Chief Justice: Beverly McLachlin, PC

Beverly McLachlin, PC is the 17th Chief Justice of Canada has served our country with great honor and distinction for over three decades. Born and raised in Pincher Creek, Alberta her story is one of hard-work, perseverance and exceptional intellect. Graduating with a Bachelors in Philosophy then continuing into Law School at the University of Alberta where she was recognized as the top student during her studies she was called to the Bar of Alberta in 1969. After practicing law until 1975 she perused academia as an Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia until she was then appointed Chief Justice of the British Columbia Supreme Court in 1988. However her career acceleration didn’t stop as just a year later she was nominated to serve as a judge for the Supreme Court of Canada in 1989 by Prime Minister, Brian Mulroney and then appointed Chief Justice in 2000 by Prime Minister, Jean Chrétien. Throughout her life she’s been a transcendent formative figure in her profession with over 27 honorary degrees from universities across Canada and other countries throughout the world.

(Canadian Supreme Court Chief Justice Beverly McLachlin PC, Alana Sharpe BA, JD, Human Rights Lawyer, Jerome Downey, BA, Principal, DMF Energy.)

It was a real and sincere honor to meet Justice McLachlin at an Ottawa reception back in 2012 at the University of Ottawa just before leaving to Alberta to continue on my own journey of professional development and growth.I wanted to personally acknowledge Justice McLachlin and wish her well as she retires from the Queen’s Bench. Beverley is a trailblazer for more than her gender, the work she’s done throughout the years has helped shape and make our country what it is today, for me her life long integrity is what’s been most impressive. Yes, she’s Canada’s first female Chief Justice however her decisions, diplomatic and respected judgment will be the legacy that she is remembered for along with the ceiling her appointment broke and the merit of which it was earned.

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DMF Energy 2016: Canadian Developments

It’s been 3 years, 80,000 kilometers flying in the air, 30,000 driving on the ground and 7,000 hours working in the field but DMF Energy Inc. (DMF) is now ready to be of service to Canada and the World, what started as a dream is now a reality and it wouldn’t be possible without teamwork, family, sacrifice and perseverance. For more background details on DMF’s origins you can click here, for program details you click here.

More information will be coming this fall regarding how the public can be involved in the companies projects on a private equity level or as volunteer with Canadian Human Capital Development Initiative (CHCDI). Currently our team has began the process of direct communications with elected officials at all three levels of Canadian government but most importantly we are going to be working with individuals and communities within our core Canadian municipalities of service:

http://dmfenergy.com/contact-us

As we position ourselves to offer bilingual services in the next year the additional regions of Greater Moncton and Greater Montreal will be added as well. For 2018 we plan on servicing Prairie capitals in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and British Columbia respectfully. DMF Energy Inc will be hosting information sessions and events late Fall 2016 and all of 2017 with major funding goals to be secured and reached by Summer 2017.

www.dmfenergy.com/management-team

The Canadian-Jamaican Invitation & Energy Management training partnership is ahead of schedule and will be making announcements soon regarding paid and volunteer opportunities with that exciting initiative. Thank you to everyone along the way who inspired, shared and stood by our vision of working with a determined, motivated and focused mindset to be the change and build a better tomorrow today.

My best,

Halifax Citadel: Historic Site of Canada

With the outbreak of WW1, few blacks were serving in the Canadian military because of the racial attitudes prevalent at the time. Initially, some blacks attempted to enlist in the Canadian Expeditionary Force, but most were rejected. The Department of Militia and Defense’s policy towards recruitment was to defer to the judgement of the individual commanding officer, and since many held deeply ingrained beliefs about the inferiority of blacks, very few were accepted.

via Parks Canada. http://bit.ly/24LSVEF

via Wikipediai http://bit.ly/2agvrBv

J. Cole – Be Free

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The Political Minority: In His Words

Before The Internet

Before social media and the 24 hour TV news cycle there was just News Papers. The following interview below was published for the Halifax Metro Weekly November 13 to 19th, 1992. My grandfather influence many in the community in a positive way, he was everyone’s representative not just the black communities I grew up in a house hold were meritrocity was preached and no special privileges were given.

At my grandfathers funeral in-front of a packed Church congregation I stood up and within my statement honoring him I recall saying, “It is as though he was meticulously molding and shaping my character from the moment I could first remember”, that’s a fact.

(Left: Graham L. Downey, Halifax Downtown City Councilor & Hon. John Manley, Former Deputy Prime Minister, current CEO of Canadian Council of Chief Executives and Officer of the Order of Canada Middle: Bridge Walk 1987 Natal Day Celebration, Me and my grandfather, Right: Dr. Robert Campbell, President Mount Allison University, Officer of the Order of Canada, Jerome L. Downey)

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The Future of Personal Development

With every negative so comes a positive, this is the universal law of nature and can’t be thwarted. Coming to terms with this reality is extremely important and something that I’ve taken a great deal of time to research, understand and implement within my own life a system and lifestyle that embodies this sort of balance.

Having vision without purpose you are just a boat tossing in the sea however with Determination, Motivation and Focus you can create and cast your sail to discover wherever your heart leads. The case load of work I have is extensive and only recently have had the time to work through many of the files because of my travels the last 3-5 years however with a more solid foundation and credibility behind me I’m looking forward to getting through and addressing each one. I’ve categorized my GTD (Get Things Done) list into 5 categories for simplicity (Legal, Business, Non-Profit, Personal, and Government). When these files are updated the real fun and adventure can start, however until then I’ll make my way through each one. Before you can explore the world, you must first build your wings with personal development so that you may fly safely to your destination.

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I really believe the following Jim Rohn quote below embodies the future of Personal Development and Mental Health, it strikes a great balance between self-reliance and mutual co-operation something we surely could use a lot more of.

Northern Alberta: Beyond Blood & Oil

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It’s approaching a year since returning from Northern Alberta, reflecting back to what impressed me the most about the province was the sheer vast amount of open space and land. There are no shortages of socio-economic challenges in the region but that is the case anywhere cities are not immune to homelessness, drug abuse and people living in shelters. I can’t help but smile reflecting on how great the experience was to be around so many honest and hardworking people, raising families, living life and doing whatever it takes to survive and thrive specially in what can be at times an unforgiving landscape. I had an old Truck, affectionately named “Old Red”, my dog, love a goal and purpose. This July 2016 will be the anniversary date and I’ll be eligible to complete my Red Seal had I gone the same route in Ontario it wouldn’t be possible until maybe July 2019.

Photo: Taken outside Reed Energy work shop,working as a safety watch because it was a confined space, the welder was fixing a flange inside the tank, pictured in the back and Old Red, 96 Single Cab Ford F-150 in the front.

It wasn’t until his passing that I learned why my grandfathers nickname as a young man was “Hank”, his friends called him that because of his secret love of Country Music, Hank Williams was a legend for many I don’t know his music but he’s in the Hall of Fame for a reason I suppose. Now don’t get my wrong, my grandfather loved good Soul, R&B, Blues and Jazz grew up with it, he also ran a night club that played it all the time however he did have a soft spot for country tunes. As a kid sitting in the passenger side of his car I can recall when News Talk Radio wasn’t playing he would be humming the melody to a country song., maybe it was at that time my affection and soft spot for the slow country lifestyle began. Although camping and cottaging was something I enjoyed, this type of country living of the north was blue collar hardworking and resonated with me and many others across Canada, and really throughout the world. Continue reading →

Supporting JaBig’s Journey

Since 2011 when I discovered DJ JaBig he’s been playing some of the soundtracks to my life. Mostly during the working hours of the day or deep into the evening his range of musical taste matches mine during the softer times when one’s imagination and writing flow needs space to grow. It wasn’t until recently that I learned just how cool and adventurous he really was. Currently he is riding his bike across Canada, playing DJ gigs and sharing his love of music. Recently Shia LaBeouf made the news for standing in an elevator for 24 hours, although I think he’s a legit good actor his “stunt” is no match in terms of Art & Life than this journey and Guinness World Record being attempt by Canadian JaBig. To learn more about him and his journey click map image below or visit www.jabigjourney.com.

Photo Credit: Magda M

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His Youtube channel has well over 300,000 subscribers, and his classical/house mixes at times range from 50,000 views to well over 2,000,000 in today’s digital age where contributions and connections are made through the web just as easily as in person I think JaBig is a tremendous asset to the world, the fact we share a flag as fellow Canadians is a bonus and should give us all a sense of pride. #JaBigJourney

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House of Cards

I like Suits, House of Lies, The Goodwife, eagerly anticipating my friends Sonja O’Hara & Jaspal Binning latest project Official: Doomsday and haven’t watched Blood & Oil yet but it’s high on the list. However House of Cards still remains my favorite show right now, next to Boss it is the best modern political drama of the last decade.

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Canadian-Jamaican Innovation & Energy Management Training Partnership

In an effort to enhance the quality, competitiveness, and professional development of Canada’s social and energy infrastructure, DMF Energy Inc, has signed a memorandum of understanding in agreement with the Health, Education and Counselling Institute (HECOIN) of Jamaica to develop and introduce a new 36 month pilot project program. The program is designed for professionals, mature students and youth seeking knowledge and employment opportunities in the fast modernizing global energy sector.

It is anticipated that 150 participants will be enrolled between Winter 2018 – Fall 2019. The key objectives and goals are to increase mental health and cross cultural awareness for Canadian and Jamaican youth, enhance skill development in relation to new emerging technology trends and to create employment opportunities within Canada, Jamaica and other international markets for program participants. Administered by the Canadian Human Capital Development Initiative the curriculum will focus on several key areas of interest including: international business development, modern political relations, solar engineering, environmental assessments and Canadian Red Seal Endorsement pathways for construction and service related trades.

Jerome L. Downey – Executive Director & Principal Consultant, CHCDI, DMF Energy Inc.

“Energy security is very important and Canada needs to affirm its place as a leader in conservation and renewable energy markets. We’re excited for the opportunity to launch our pilot project in the Caribbean. Our company supports the principals of the Vision 2030 Jamaica, National Energy Development Plan which align with our corporate values and Canada’s commitment to international diplomacy, health, education advancement and business innovation.”

Colin O Jarrett, – VP of Administration, Finance and International Marketing, HECOIN

“The HECOIN family welcomes this partnership where both Jamaicans and Canadians will be trained in Jamaica which is a welcomed change. Solar energy conservation is a priority for many governments and this training collaboration will further bring savings in the coffers of governments that take energy security seriously. Both Jamaica and Canada have made significant strides in the area of renewable energy which is commendable.”

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