Politics

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

The Best Of Me

I haven’t been very active sharing my thoughts the last few years, I’ve been in the field with my head down working embodying the mantra “less talk, and more action” . That level of laser focus has brought forward many positive results but as the saying goes “great achievement is usually followed by great sacrifice” and my situation is no different, it’s not easy being away from the ones you love, the opportunity cost of time is real.

The magnitude of events which have transpired throughout 2020 has left me somewhat speechless. Seeing people I love and care for hurt and struggle hasn’t been easy, I’ve taken great inspiration from the strength showed by so many. As the leaves fall and we prepare for winter I’m reminded of the beauty that comes from letting things go, somethings are better left not carried.

Fear, doubt, indecision, stress, worry… are all very human emotions that we have within us, coming to grips with a global climate shift, social injustice, war, the Covid-19 pandemic all these things must be acknowledged.

It’s been a constant reminder all year to not take any day for granted and to live with gratitude. I wanted to take this moment to write this post to thank my friends, mentors and family who through the years have believed in the best of me. I definitely have many shortcomings, to many to list although I know there are many who wouldn’t mind naming them I’m sure.

I’m constantly learning, trying to find ways to improve, to get better and be a credit, not a debt to society. I’ve loved, loss, and have truly tried to live life to its fullest. I’ve embraced challenges and overcame obstacles I thought were once insurmountable. We never know what the future has around the corner, sudden change and the unknown can cause great distress and worry however for me the discomfort and power of those emotions has dissipated. I’m not wishing 2020 away, the chaos of life is an opportunity to get better, the opportunity to rise even if we fall.

I truly believe everything good in me is the result of the good influence, love and support of my friends, mentors and family. I’m grateful for you all more then you can imagine, this post is just a small thank you. The gifts you’ve already given me are life long, to many names to list you all already know who you are.

My love and gratitude always.

Best,

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.

DMF Energy – 2018 Developments

April 8th, 2018

Each year brings forward new opportunity and promise however it is only through our actions that we are able to realize our potential. At the end of the first quarter of 2018 collectively with the support and encouragement of numerous friends, family and business associates I’ve completed the 5 year goal of building a sustainable business operations framework; with coverage across Canada secured we now have with the ability to scale into the United States and Caribbean markets.

DMF Energy is a Alberta incorporated company that is extra-provincially registered in Ontario and Nova Scotia.

Business Verticals

DMF Energy Inc. has 3 core business verticals General Contracting, Training Development and Piping Infrastructure. As a general contractor the company is responsible for the day-to-day operations and site management of building projects. Training development it is the retail distribution of online, print and in-class educational programs.

Piping infrastructure is the apprenticeship and journeyman certificate in the Steamfitter-Pipefitter trade held by me as Director DMF Energy Inc. it is the backbone of our business. The occupation of Pipefitting Supervisor according to Canadian Business Magazine in 2017 was ranked the 4th best occupation in the country that’s an increase from the 26th ranking in 2013.

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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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.