Life Style

Re-Thinking Technical Trades

Re-Thinking The Identity of Technical Trades

The first few months of my training in North West, Alberta (Grande Prairie) I conformed to every stereotype of what I perceived the trades where all about. The western lifestyle and way of doing things is night and day compared to Eastern Canada. When I make this distinction I am specifically talking about the emphasis on work life balance and to be more precise the lifestyle and occupational health/safety standards of those who work in the Oil & Gas sector. The government of Alberta is very aware of the stress toll this sector experiences; the reality of drug, alcohol abuse and aggressive domestic violence leading to broken homes due to long periods of time away is a huge productivity and societal health problem.

Beyond The Stereotypes

Stereotypical view points like the one above are not static but instead very fluid and the situation in the west is changing rapidly. There is currently a surge of strong responsible well educated young professional talent from the east that is moving west. Fundamentally competition for Human Capital from a Supply & Demand level leads west but there is also competition for talent in occupational sectors and it is my personal opinion that in the next 10-25 years the jobs of the future will continue to be in the technical trades. We all know of the Lawyer, Doctor, Engineering route which is a universal societal occupation of status, power and talent however in the same breath Carpenter, Electrician and Pipefitter are equally in the same category under “High Skilled” occupations. The only difference is in the tools required to do the job and the need for workforce mobility the 9 to 5 lifestyle, North American dream that was sold to a generation of millennial’s is something of the past. There is no such thing as job security, the only security is in an individuals ability to adapt, and to be the best at what they do in order to keep a competitive advantage over their peers.

Tools Required To Do The Job

I’ve recently been listening to Earl Nightingale a 1950’s motivational speaker who’s simple viewpoints on life, success and living have resonated with me.

Something that I think is forgotten sometimes because Canada is such a strong a stable country politically and economically is that we are competing on a global level in business. Our academic institutions are generally highly regarded as the best in the world, howeve

In order to make my point as clear as possible, it was

, however moving west and living is not necessarily the ideal circumstance for a majority of people in the population.

This is especially alarming when you look at the fact that from my estimate of working a year in the north that 80% of the population working in these fields is . Now this is something that is an issue throughout the world and in every region of the country, however I will

matter where in the world status is a huge motivation for individuals who want to enhance their quality of life.

Cutting cost and austirty is not always the best opition, sometimes what is requried instead of cost cutting is changing in the mind the perception of what it means to be in a certin occupation andth

in the sector not for the enjoyment but to cover cost,

Overtime as I have matured in my understanding of the trades and where the future is leading things I am more convinced than ever that the synergy between the East and West is slowly fusing together. What I mean by this is that the academic/technical expertise

not just from a cultural stand point as inter-provincial mobility enhances but from a technical and business standpoint also.

Living Mountie Pride

Time Reflecting

As I stop and think quickly about the time that has passed and on the impact of cretin decisions I have made in life looking back it is wonderful to remember the great memories and hardwork that went into laying the foundation of a Turnaround in football faith for Mount Allison University. When I was a football player there we went through some difficult times, the program had been rocked my controversy, the funding was dismal, and the on field results were less than inspiring. I know what it is like to loose a football game 70-0, or even 63-3 courtesy of Saint FX and Acadia University, the mid 2000’s football teams of Mount Allison University was built on heart, courage, perseverance, determination and willpower.

3 Years Without Victory

I use those words to describe a team that suffered 34 straight losses, 3 straight seasons in a row without a victory just thinking about it makes me quiver however I never stopped living or being proud to be a Mountie. In those seasons we sustained and held on when everyone wrote us up, laughed and or just plain felt sorry for us. Sports commentators such as Alex J Walling of TSN at the time was calling for our program to be axed, and respected regional sports writers like Montey Mosher for the Chronicle Herald would sometimes try to find a silver lining of hope, as here remembered the success of the past but even than would sometimes echo a similar message it was hard for some many, overwhelming for some many quit the team and or just stopped showing up.

Blake Nill’s Dominating Teams

The Mount Allison University Varsity Football program took a deep step down from grace on the field. Achievements of teams from the mid 80’s and 90’s became a distant memory there was a big void left in the 1999 and 2000 seasons as the program was shaken up by coaching changes, a management overhaul and quick collapse in institutional support. At the same time the arrival of Blake Nill and the Saint Mary’s University Football Huskies became the story of the decade early on, they were the big bad boys of east in Canadian university football, they successfully compiled a roster that was CFL worthy in size, age and athletic dominance. Many of the changes made to the academic/athletic varsity eligibility requirements in the CIS were made because of those teams formed I am confident and sure. They had a dynasty winning several AUS championships and wining multiple National CIS Vanier Cup titles.

As a young teenager and football player I had a front row seat to those incredible teams Blake Nill put together from the top down it was a well runned organization with the complete support of the city of Halifax behind them Saint Mary’s University football became the best of the best in the country at the time their only real competition was the Laval Rouge Or. During my senior year with success I had on the field and in the classroom I was recruited early by Saint Mary’s University as a top Nova Scotia recruit. In my conversations with Blake Nill, he said he wanted me to develop and eventually fill the role Sabsitan Clovis an All-Canadian at the time he was a Strong Side linebacker, with great athletic ability I knew I going into that program I would do well. I verbally committed to Saint Mary’s University, in January 2003 it was an easy decision however things would eventually change.

Embracing The Struggle

Meanwhile Mount Allison was in a struggle to simply put a team on the field. A coach was hired named Scott Fawcett, he had CFL experience was a great manager, and knew how to organize and control a team, his arrival and recruitment ability saved Mount Allison University. He sold the opportunity to turn around a program, went after all the top players in the country and landed several of them. Although the teams did not have on field success, I believe those teams endured the struggle and kept the ship a float while bigger and better things where coming ahead the arrival of Kelly Huges, Bradley Daye and Gary Ross under the Steve Lalonde administration in 2007 paved the path for the success the team currently is having this I am also very confident and sure.
The Foundation Is Made

I strongly bewasn’t for Doctor Kenith Ozman former president of Saint Mary’s University and Halifax City Councillor coming into the fold, there is a strong chance that the 2004 and 2005 seasons might have never of happened. Together with the alumni, community and a handful of impact high quality football players the Mounties

Why Mount Allison

When I decided to go to Mount Allison University I turned down a verbal commitment to attend Saint Mary’s University, at the time the countries best football program, and home to one of Canada’s best business programs, The Sobey’s School of Business. I decided to attend Mount Allison with the support and encouragement of my Grandmother who wanted me to leave Nova Scotia for post secondary school. Mount Allison was also a well respected top liberal arts school and I knew I would get a great education. I was actively recruited to play University Football, I finished my senior as the Defensive MVP of the province, started at Linebacker for the Nova Scotia provincial team

so followed my High School Coach and Football mentor Alan Wetmore who was the Defensive Coordinator at the time. It was a

Understanding Anger

Understanding Anger

Anger is an emotion that tells us when something is wrong. We can feel angry when something is beyond our control or feels unfair, when we feel we can’t reach a goal, or when someone is hurt or threatened under too much stress. Anger can involve a wide range of feelings. Sometimes the results of these feelings end in violence, the repercussion of these acts have a grave impact not only on the individual who commits the crime but on society a whole. Not all these acts are trialed, passing the homeless man on the street, or the beggar downt

I know the emotion of anger very well, we all do, the difference is some of us grow and learn from it versus allowing the emotion to control us.Within my community there is a lot of anger, however at the same time an amazing amount of love, support and compassion. I’m proud of my Halifax, Nova Scotia (former city) roots but I’m a nationalist and always dreamed of exploring the word,

Ontario Central Focused

Ontario has always been my home and remains. I’ve been fortunate to also have deep Atlantic Canadian roots and Western Canada experiences. I’ve been exposed to various cultures and environments in Canada for so long it has no doubt shaped my adventurous spirit. In 1995 passing the welcome to Mississauga sign when moving from Toronto with my brothers and mother I recall seeing the population sign say 350,000. As of this year in 2018 Mississauga is peaking towards 1 million. The GTHA has grown significantly the last 20 years with no change of pace expected, this extends to the Waterloo Region as well, a place I equally feel and call home.

I’m not an economist, politician or public policy professional however I’m an aware engaged private citizen. This upcoming Ontario provincial election will have a lasting impact on the policy direction on not only where Ontario is headed in the future but potentially Canada as a whole with the federal election coming up in 2019. All eyes will be on Ontario the next few weeks as the new government forms and people take to the polls. Some will care, many will not, however the results will make an impact direct or indirect on everyone’s wallets.

Debt when properly used as a financial instrument of leverage allows our country and economy to expand at great lengths. Financing student, vehicle, consumer purchases, and housing. Debt is a tool of financial freedom and flexibility, however when mismanaged or abused it can have extreme negative consequences and become a prison. I think it is very prudent and responsible that before leveraging our future cost anymore collectively as a province and country we don’t abandon our principals of fiscal responsibility. The same responsibility that is placed on every home and individuals budget should be shared for those who govern. If Ontario’s Auditor General’s calculations are accurate we really do need to reflect and re-consider the direction we’re going and how will get back to balance or if that is something that is even valued anymore.

A Healthy Creative Mind

Napoleon Hill’s book Think and Grow Rich has been a blue print of success for countless generations. I recall being introduced to it several years ago by my mentor Issac Goodine the same person who introduced me to the author James Allen and his book As A Man Thinkith, a publication I specifically give a lot of credit for helping me to overcome an intense emotional and personal setback while training working alone in Alberta in 2014.

I often repeat “Self Control is Strength, Right Thought is Mastery, Calmness is Power”. That is the ending passage of As A Man Thinkith that resonates deeply within me, such a simple passage with deep meaning. Internal Strength, Mastery and Power comes from Self Control, Right Thought and Calmness these are characteristics I pride myself on having but at times with anything in life, sometimes waiver.

Sometimes during challenging or difficult life scenarios we often use our rational minds instead of feeling our way through the situation. However this strategy can lead to a betrayal of ones internal truth because the thinking is centered around the ego. The more you use your analytical mind to try and overcome situations or rationalize a decision the more fear based and negative emotions have a feeding ground to fester.

As a creative I’m constantly influenced by my environment I’m inspired by many things however nature, people and enlightened conversations always light a spark. Kayne West recent interview with “Charlamagne Tha God” was very interesting because it was an inside look at a creative during a time of transition. Although most media outlets have focused on his political position and comments about slavery I was more interested in his mental health rehabilitation and recovery and how it’s rejuvenated his prospective. The quote below I think was one of the most important and personally relevant so I thought it would be worth sharing.

Kayne West Quote – Interview With “Charlamagne Tha God”

“When you want to express yourself sometimes words can get in the way. Just this innate feeling that we have, when someone’s trying to talk you into something, and you’re like look, this just don’t feel right. Get out of your head, go from your gut, that’s what I’m big on, stop strategizing so much and stop setting so many plays. Stop doing so many things based on fear, the universe will assist you when you’re acting in love. When you’re acting out of love it’s as if one drop of water and the ocean is your army, when you act out of fear it’s just you alone and your money.”

“Bravery is more important than perfection.”

– Kayne West

Finding a Way: 10 Years Later

Jerome Downey (St. FX vs. MTA Homecoming , 2007)

Arriving At Mount Allison

In September of 2003 my life changed forever it was the first time I arrived at Mount Allison University officially as a student athlete. I remember it just like yesterday it was a hot clear sunny afternoon my grandparents drove me from Halifax, NS to the small town of Sackville, NB just a 10 minute drive from the provincial border far enough to be away close enough to visit home.

Along with many new rookies and experienced veterans we all arrived on campus a few days before the rest of the students because training camp was starting and we had to prepare for the season ahead. Earlier in July that summer I suffered a season ending injury tearing my left Achilles in the bronze medal game vs. Team Ontario while playing for Team Nova Scotia at the Canadian 19-Under National Football Championships in Ottawa, ON. Arriving on campus in a walking boot knowing I wouldn’t’ be able to play my first year was difficult as a scholarship athlete recipient I wanted to prove myself worthy.

The Recruitment

When being recruited to Mount Alison the Head Coach at the time was Scott Fawcett, during a home visit he brought a legendary player with him named Derrick Furry a Linebacker who played the same position as me. He was tough as nails and could hit hard as a hammer a CFL draft pick I respected him a lot. The motto going into the 2003 season was “Find A Way”, coach was perfectly aware of the challenge Mount Allison faced when competing for talent with other bigger schools across Canada. With limited resources and recent success on the field the biggest highlight emphasized during his home recruitment visit was the academic excellence Mount Allison has always maintained. It was that high standard of accountability and academic excellence that swayed my decision to become a Mountie.

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.

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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An Indigenous Canadian Journey

The Stage

I’ve lived in 7 cities in the last 6 years pushing to discover and become the best version of myself. Looking inside my new Canadian Passports it shows the place of my birth as Toronto, ON however in my heart and mind it could simply just read Canada. As a child my heart came alive exploring the commons of Halifax playing baseball at the local YMCA, summer day camp trips at the George Dixon Community Center and great memories on the football gridiron. The thrill of learning and challenging myself academically and athletically in the town of Sackville, New Brunswick as an adolescence forever changed my life for the better. Then I moved back to Toronto before my passion took me to Ottawa, where I then embarked on a great journey west stopping in Grande Prairie, Edmonton and Fort McMurray Alberta to secure my future and seek opportunity like thousands of other Canadians in the energy sector.

Presently

Now as a young man at the age of 30 without an immediate family or independent of my own reflecting back on these travels from east to west, the people that have come in and out of my life the moments of pride, shame, glory and sadness one thing has never faded, the desire to keep learning and becoming better, they say to know where your going you need to know where your from and understanding Canada and what grew from the former Dominion of Canada has been a great motivation of mine, and reason why I’ve enrolled in Cape Brenton University’s innovative new online Mi’kmaq course, to learn more, as Plato told Socrates “Know Theyself”. As an indigenous Mi’kmaq Canadian, who is also a direct decent of a slave, French Canadian and indigenous Jamaican I’ve come full-circle in some respects by landing in the town of St. Catherine’s Ontario. A historic and famous town for many reasons, for me knowing that it was the central hub of Canadian operations for Harriet Tubman during the time of the underground rail road is enough to give me a sense of pride and belonging, the same pride and belonging feeling as Canadians we should be extending to Syrian Refugees fleeing a devastating in humane conflict.

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