SEPTEMBER 2015
NEWS/POLITICS/FOOD/ARTS/SPORTS/FASHION/LIFESTYLE $3.95
Top 25 People
IN THE CAPITAL 2015
Meet the People Who Made Ottawa Life’s Annual List
Prancing
IN THE PARK
Wesley Clover Parks — Meet Three Riders and Their Horses
SERIES
www.ottawalife.com
John's Reno Tips * Canada China Friendship Series * Rock ’n Roll in the Riviera Maya * New Hampshire
Fall Exhibitions
Truth of the Matter October 2, 2015 – February 7, 2016 Rachel Kalpana James Cindy Stelmackowicz Norman Takeuchi Howie Tsui Howie Tsui, Mount Abundance and the Tip Toe People I, 2010, (detail) acrylic, ink and Chinese paint pigment on mulberry paper, 94 x 190.5 cm. Collection of the Ottawa Art Gallery: Purchased with the support of the Canada Council for the Arts Acquisition Assistance Program and OAG’s Acquisitions Endowment Fund, 2012.
nichola feldman-kiss witness October 2, 2015 – February 7, 2015 nichola feldman-kiss, childish objects \ the camera eye (aka Witness), 1970 and 2006-2015, (detail), machine object, variable dimensions. ©nichola feldman-kiss and CARCC, 2015.
Painting a Life Together: Kathleen Daly and George Pepper October 2, 2015 – February 7, 2016 George Pepper, Old Barn, Québec, 1937, oil on canvas, 62 cm x 75 cm, Firestone Collection of Canadian Art, Ottawa Art Gallery: Donated to the City of Ottawa by the Ontario Heritage Foundation, 1974.
Ottawa Art Gallery 2 Daly, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6E2 | 613-233-8699 |
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 VOLUME 17 • NUMBER 5
PHOTO: VALERIE KEELER, VALBERG IMAGING INC.
contents
Top 25
50 49
NHDTTD/CHERYL BARNHART
PHOTO : PAUL COUVRETTE.
12
Wesley Clover Parks has brought competition back to the region. We visit with three local riders.
21
Meet Ottawa Life’s 2015 Top 25 People in the Capital.
The Future of Teeth
30
Designing and building crowns, dentures and bridges, Robert Milligan R.D.T. is at the cutting edge of his craft. An accomplished Dental Technician, Milligan makes replacement teeth that are identical to the originals. Each tooth requires an engineer’s know-how and an artist’s steady hand.
The Great Sports Stories
37
Athletes have the power to unite us all, and Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame has been telling their stories for 60 years. They’re celebrating the ‘Year of Sport’ with some amazing new additions to their collection that will be inspiring us for years to come.
Métis Series
36
The Métis contribution to Canada’s military history has often gone unnoticed. To raise awareness and bring home the spirits of those who died overseas, National Métis Veterans Association President Ed Borchert set out to take a group of Métis, Inuit and First Nations veterans to those sacred European sites.
Uniting for Equality
38
Every workplace should have gender equality, but sadly that is not always the case. OPSEU has the Provincial Women’s Committee to ensure fairness and equal pay in the union’s workplaces. Rhonda Ferguson provides an inside look at this ‘big family.’
columns
Publisher’s Message ..................... 4 Best Picks .................................... 5 Savvy Selections .......................... 9 In Search of Style .........................11 Feature: Wesley Clover Parks .......12 John's Reno Tips .........................15 Homes .......................................17 Opinion: Michael Coren.............. 41 Travel: New Hampshire............... 49 Travel: Hard Rock Mexico............ 50 Saint Paul University .................. 54
series
Reaching Higher: Algonquin.......... 19 Reason to Smile............................. 30 Women, Wages & The Workplace..40 Métis............................................ 39 Canada/Kazakhstan Friends ......... 42 Building a Better Canada ............. 45 Canada/China Friends................... 46
publisher’s message by dan donovan
publisher/managing editor
Dan Donovan copy editor/features writer
Marion’s Way One of my favourite quotes is from U.S. President John Kennedy. He said: “One person can make a difference, and everyone should try.” That is a question every person in Canada should reflect upon as we watch the disastrous human tragedy unfolding before our eyes in Europe as millions of innocent people flee the wrath and pure evil of both ISIL and the despotic regime in Syria. As the chaos unfolds and world politicians sit by dimwittedly, wringing their hands and passing the buck, thousands die tragic and horrible deaths. To complicate matters, the United Nations and other world “leaders” have shown no stomach or courage to use all the tools at their disposal to combat and destroy ISIL and the Syrian regime and to bring them to justice at the International Court in The Hague. The Saudi, Egyptian, Turkish and Jordanian governments are allowing the carnage to continue while the Western countries, including Canada, have shown little appetite to do anything significant to help. The victims, of course, are the innocents. Consider the heartbreaking case of three-year-old Aylan Kurdi, whose lifeless body washed up on a Turkish beach on September 2. He died along with his brother, Ghalib 5, and mother Rehan as they were trying to escape the civil war in Syria by paying smugglers for a dangerous boat trip from Turkey to the Greek Island of Kos.The boys’ Canadian aunt, Fatima Kurdi, who lives in Coquitlam, B.C., was heartbroken as she described how their father tried to save Aylan and Ghalib when the rickety ship they were on flipped in the Mediterranean, plummeting everyone into the water and his family to their deaths. Kurdi had been desperately trying to sponsor other members of the Kurdi family to come to Canada. Canadians are angry that Canada is not showing more compassion as this tragedy unfolds. We can and must do more. Immigration Minister Chris Alexander has proven in spades that he is a bureaucrat and not a leader. When there is war and death and genocide and families are fleeing in terror, the most important focus should be on doing the right thing and not focusing obsessively like Alexander does on doing the right paperwork....Agh. Alexander has the full authority and discretion under the Immigration Act as the Immigration Minister to allow anyone into Canada on compassionate and humanitarian grounds. In years past, this instrument has been used to allow over 10,000 people into Canada per year. Yet he dithers. Mulcair and Trudeau both would pull Canada out of supporting the military mission against ISIL and the Assad regime. They are Chamberlain-esque in their desire to appease rather than confront and defeat pure evil. Canada needs to show its spirit of generosity and accept more migrants and get them here quickly while meeting our military commitment to work with coalition forces to repell ISIL and the Assad regime. These are not incompatible objectives. The only way to stop the migrant crisis is to stop ISIL and Assad. If only Canada had an Immigration Minister who had some of the talent, skill, compassion and leadership qualities of Ottawa’s great former Mayor, Marion Dewar. In 1979, Dewar led Project 4000, in which Ottawa residents sponsored 4,000 Vietnamese, Cambodian and Laotian refugees. Ottawans overwhelmingly opened their doors, wallets and hearts to the “boat people.” If Ottawa could take 4000 people, surely Canada can take 40,000. Marion Dewar simply did it and people followed. People will follow if someone trustworthy will lead. As a nation of immigrants, we should all remember when seeing the suffering of those migrants that there but for the grace of God, go I n
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Jennifer Hartley director of operations
Alessandra Gerebizza
art director Karen Temple web graphics manager Alissa Dicaire web copy editor/features writer Eric Murphy cover
Various photographers photographers
Andrew Alexander, Jon Babulic Photography, Andrew Balfour, Cheryl Barnhart, Kristin Burchsted, Tawna Callahan, Fred Cattroll, Eugene Choi, Paul Couvrette, Freestyle Photography, Andrew Geddes/Union Eleven, Craig Harrison, Miguel Jacob,Valerie Keeler, Julie Laurin, Ronald Maisonneuve, Miv Photography Inc., Dave Shafer, Michael Swift, West Pointe Photography fashion editor Alexandra Gunn accounts Joe Colas C.G.A web developer Ben Chung contributing writers
Michael Coren, Dan Donovan, Ron Donovan, Lorraine Farkas, Alessandra Gerebizza, John Gordon, Alexandra Gunn, Katie Hartai, Jennifer Hartley, Madelaine Manson, Yvan Mathieu, Dr. Hassan G. Moghadam , Eric Murphy, Kate Tenenhouse, Debbie Trenholm, Candice Vetter, Marie Waine corporate advisor J. Paul Harquail, Charles Franklin corporate counsel Paul Champagne editor emeritus Harvey F. Chartrand student intern Kate Tenenhouse advertising information
For information on advertising rates, visit www.ottawalife.com call (613) 688-LIFE (5433) or e-mail info@ottawalife.com Canadian Publication Mail Product Sales Agreement #1199056. Ottawa Life Magazine, 301 Metcalfe St. Lower Level, Ottawa. Ontario K2P 1R9 tel: (613) 688-5433 fax: (613) 688 -1994 e-mail: info@ottawalife.com Web site: www.ottawalife.com Follow us on Twitter @ottawalifers Like us at www.Facebook.com/OttawaLifeMagazine Ottawa Life is listed in Canadian Advertising Rates & Data (CARD). Ottawa Life subscription rates: one year $30.00, includes postage, plus HST (six issues). Two years $50.00, includes postage, plus HST (12 issues). Add $20 per year for postage outside Canada. Subscriber service is 613-688-LIFE (5433) Ottawa Life Magazine is printed in Canada on recycled paper.
best picks
A Gift of Creativity Artful Cases Fully customize your phone case with photos or artwork. Blending functionality, durability and style, get personalized protection for your phone. thecasestudio.com
Keep your kids happily creating with a subscription to The Doodle Post. Designed for children from five to ten years of age, monthly kits arrive at your doorstep with all the supplies to complete at least one project. thedoodlepost.com
Plastic Porter Is lugging around a bulky purse or wallet weighing you down? Lighten up with CardNinja. Streamline what you carry by safely storing cash and cards in one compact spot on the back of your smartphone. cardninja.com
The Take-It-All Tote Keep your laptop safe and your look stylish with the chic and functional OGIO Tote Bag. Fleece-lined and padded, it comes in a variety of colours and features a removable belt for added flair. ogio.com
Say Cheese Capture those special moments with PureGear’s compact Bluetooth Selfie Stick. Compatible with most devices, the lightweight design and built-in rechargeable battery will have you snapping the perfect selfie everywhere you go. pure-gear.com
Style Watch When you rock a Rumba, you're wearing a watch that’s as unique as you are. rumbatime.com
Cocktail Time Celebrate cocktail hour with a splash of Aperol. The bright orange hue and distinctive flavour of this iconic Italian aperitif never goes out of style. aperol.com 5 OTTAWALIFE SEPTEMBER 2015
best picks
Listen Featuring a snug fit and functional design, the Pulse Earphones by SOUL Electronics are built for your most intense workouts. soulelectronics.com
Extend Your Range Maximize your WiFi experience. The Netgear Nighthawk WiFi Range Extender boosts your connection in hard-to-reach areas. netgear.com
Beauty Meet the newest product in your skincare regime. The BioAffinity Tonic from Pai Skincare calms, hydrates and refreshes skin all in one. Formulated with natural, organic ingredients, this multifunctional product gives your skin a wake-up call. usa.paiskincare.com
Original Skin Developed specifically for 20-something skin, the revolutionary Original Skin™ Renewal Serum with Willowherb from Origins helps restore clarity and luminosity. Get your glow back. origins.com
Walk In Style Make the sidewalk your runway. Specializing in sophisticated and versatile designs for every season, channel everyday glamour with FBF by Checka. fbfbychecka.com
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savvy selections by Debbie Trenholm
Fill Your Glass With Greatness
W
hile it may be a bold move to call your wine amazing, Amazing Wine by Château des Charmes Estates Winery lives up to the claim. Not only is it reasonably priced quality wine that pleases your palate, Château des Charmes is making a difference in the community and abroad by donating a dollar from every purchased bottle to charities that send young people from Ottawa to help build schools around the world. There is also quite a story behind the wine. During her 25-year career at CTV Ottawa as anchor of the Weekend News and reporter for News at 6, Kimothy Walker was continuously interviewing incredible people in the city. “I wanted to create a way to share the positive stories about the generous work that these inspirational people were doing – right here in Ottawa.” From that idea, Amazing People a special segment every Thursday evening profiling a different person and their amazing story was born.
organized the first Amazing People Gala in 2011. It was was intended to be a small event to support SchoolBOX, but the Amazing People Gala exploded to 550 people and raised over $50,000. The money goes towards Ottawa-area teenagers who learn about their power and ability to make a difference. Over the past few years, two groups have travelled to Nicaragua where they helped build schools and interacted with communities. They learned to be leaders and experience first-hand their impact on the world.
Jonathan Tam was one of the first Amazing People profiled. A successful businessman, he changed the course of his life by selling everything to devote his time to SchoolBOX, a not-forprofit organization based in Almonte that builds schools in Nicaragua.
“Amazing People is a celebration of the human spirit,” explains Walker. “People want to be part of something – a movement – that is positive. Thousands of CTV viewers vote for the Amazing People to be honoured at the Gala.” Now in its fourth year, this year's Amazing People Gala will take place on Saturday, October 24, at the Delta Ottawa Hotel.The goal is to raise $150,000 this year for SchoolBOX as well as for other charities associated with Amazing People who have been profiled.
The story inspired Eric Collard, a friend of Walker's. “People like Jon deserve more than just eight minutes of airtime for the hours that they devote to their community,” he says. So he teamed up with Walker and they formed the Ottawa Media Group. “I wanted to extend the brightness of the spotlight with a gala and celebrate them.” With the help of friends, they
Breaking away from the normal process of contacting wineries for donated wine, the Amazing People Gala organizing team took the approach of creating the Amazing Wine product line. Château des Charmes, located in Niagara-on-the-Lake was thrilled to be asked to participate. “We liked the positive vibe of all those involved in Amazing People and wanted to be a
Tickets for the Amazing People Gala are available at schoolbox.ca/gala Amazing Wine can be purchased at Château des Charmes Wines located at 407 Laurier Ave West, online at www.amazingwine.ca or by calling Savvy Company at 613-SAVVYCO (728-8926) Learn more about Hera Mission of Canada at www.heramission.org and SchoolBOX at www.schoolbox.ca
part of this Ottawa event,” explained Michele Bosc, Marketing Director at Château des Charmes. “Selling the Amazing Wine at our Ottawa store is a natural fit as it makes it easy for anyone to pick up a bottle or a case of the special wine any day of the week.” The winery will donate $1 for every bottle of the white and red wines to the Amazing People charities. “Amazing Wine is now my house wine. Clients, family, friends and neighbours will be getting bottles for their birthday and Christmas,” says Peggy Taillon, founder of the Hera Mission of Canada. Taillon was named the 2011 Amazing People and her charity is a recipient of this year’s fundraising efforts. The Hera Mission supports orphans in Kenya. Other charities that have benefited from Amazing People funds are Ryan’s Well, Miracle League and Project North. Amazing Wines Tasting Notes 2013 Chardonnay Delicious tastes of apple, pear and warm spices fill the glass. Aged in French oak barrels to create a medium-bodied, smooth and crisp wine that will complement many foods from roasted chicken to a seafood feast or simply enjoyed with friends. 2012 Cabernet Franc Stunning red in colour with juicy tastes of red plums, raspberry and blackberry laced with a hint of smoke and ground pepper. This is a medium-bodied wine ready for anything off the BBQ, gourmet pizza, hearty stew or open when friends drop by n Debbie Trenholm is a Sommelier and the Founder of Savvy Company. 7 OTTAWALIFE SEPTEMBER 2013
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in search of style by Alexandra Gunn
Fall for Fringe
Follow Alex on Twitter: @AlexandraGunn
Seen on virtually every runway this season, including the Burberry, Valentino, Pucci, Ralph Lauren, and Chloe runways, fringe is back and will continue to remain on trend well into 2016. Today’s fringe provides texture and interest to any outfit. This season it’s hanging off the hemlines of pencil skirts, showing up as an embellishment on sweaters and is creating a high-impact look when added to accessories. As with any trend with this much wow factor, it can be intimidating to take on. Here’s how to capture the look in a completely modern way. For those who are more daring with their style, opt for a bold, fringed skirt that really moves when you walk. Pair it with your favourite t-shirt and add a pair of heels to bring the look together. If this trend is too tangled or tasselled for you, then stick with accessories. A clutch or handbag can add the perfect amount of modernity to any outfit.
Adding fringe to this outfit made it playful while still maintaining a modern femininity. You can’t help but have fun with the movement — especially on a pair of heels.
Kate Spade Fringe Sweater Daleress $428 St. John Fringe Wrap Sweater $1,255 Sam Edelman Belinda Fringe Booties $295 Kendra Scott Necklace $80 Milly Fringe Purse $305 p
Winners Fringe Tunic $29.99 t Winners Fringe shoulder
t H&M Fringe detailed bag
bag $39.99
q
Street Style
Chloe
Burberry
Burberry
Winners Fringe skirt $29.99
p
La Reine $98 from Simons 9 OTTAWALIFE SEPTEMBER 2015
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Kate Spade Blue Slit Neck A-Line Dress $348 Monolo Blahnik Patent Nude Pumps $839 Kendra Scott Periwinkle Earrings $75
Fringe… Street Style!
Alex’s Fall
FAVOURITES Nothing says luxe like a sweep of posh, plush fur when the temperature drops. With so many faux fur options available, this look will continue to remain a style staple for decades to come. t BB Dakota faux fur sweater vest from Simons $125
Threadbare POLITICS I always purchase a new fragrance with the change of seasons. Right now, I am loving the warm and spicy scent of ‘Mimosa and Cardamom’ by Jo Malone. u
Jo Malone Mimosa and Cardamom $145
Hiking in Gatineau Park is on the top of my fall mustdo list. I’ll be wearing my brightest pair of runners to take in the beautiful leaves. t Skechers $100
PHOTOS OF ALEXANDRA BY: Valerie Keeler, Valbergh Imaging Inc. HAIR STYLING: Stephania Copvilla
Q
Alex, I’m a new political staffer and I’m still trying to figure out how important it is to wear your party colours during election season. Do I really need to stick to the political colour scheme? How partisan is your clothing? Like it or not, what you wear may indicate which party you will be voting for on October 19th. With the election looming, each political party is working on getting its message out and many staffers are using their political colour (blue, red, orange or green) as part of their identity. If you’re on the campaign trail, you’ll notice that posters, propaganda as well as backdrops will follow this branding strategy. As any party faithful will tell you, partisan style is the easiest way to express your loyalty and strengthen the image of your team. I’m not suggesting that you only wear one colour for the next few weeks, but rather, try to incorporate your hue as often as possible. A simple way to accomplish this is by wearing a brightly coloured skirt, blazer or bold accessories. Express blue pencil skirt u 11 OTTAWALIFE SEPTEMBER 2015
feature by Eric Murphy photography by Paul Couvrette
Wesley Clover Parks For thousands of years, horses have made our lives easier. They’ve gone from being utilitarian to something more akin to friends. Their deep eyes seem to resonate an incredible emotional intelligence and calmness. Even after spending only a few minutes with a horse, it’s easy to understand how so many people form lifelong bonds with these majestic animals. On a warm afternoon in late August, Ottawa Life Magazine set out to capture this bond. Shooting in the gorgeous Wesley Clover Parks with experienced photographer Paul Couvrette behind the camera, we looked at how horses and riding has shaped the lives of three local women. The photo shoot was a unique experience for just about everyone involved. “It’s my first time taking portraits of horses, and I’ve been doing this for about 40 years,” says Couvrette, who runs the oldest standing photography studio in Ottawa. “There’s not much I haven’t taken a crack at,” he says. Of course, each horse requires a different approach. Like their owners, the horses have their own distinct personalities and fascinating histories. Wesley Clover Parks is a new and versatile outdoor hub where visitors can go to camp, learn, or ride. The park is open to campers, and most sites have access to amenities. You can also watch or take part in equestrian training and events.You can learn to ride at the Ian Millar School of Horsemanship or watch high-level hunter, jumper or dressage competitions. Find out more about this expanding outdoor asset, just 15 minutes away from the downtown core, at wesleycloverparks.com n 12 OTTAWALIFE SEPTEMBER 2015
Pamela Coulston It all started at pony camp when she was a child. Since then, Pamela Coulston has found ways to be around horses. She has worked as barn help, as an instructor and she even worked at a grand prix stable in Germany. It was not until she moved to Rwanda to work in international development for UNICEF that she finally bought her own horse. “I think it was one of 17 horses in the whole country,” she laughs. Coulston has owned four horses since moving back to Canada, and here you can see her standing with Maude, a dark bay Hanoverian she’s been with for four-and-a-half years.
In the photo she and Maude are dressed for jumping, a demanding sport that tests the horse’s agility and speed while grading the rider’s form. After working in international development and as a freelance journalist for years, Coulston left both to follow her dream of designing jewellery and opened her first boutique 2008. Today she owns Disegno Jewellery in the ByWard Market, and designed most of the brilliant jewellery in this photo shoot. You can find more of her work at disegnojewellery.ca n
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Lea Wouters Lea Wouters can remember just about any time she met a horse growing up, and from the moment she first saw one when she was in kindergarten, she was hooked. “I don’t know where I got the addiction from,” Wouters says, “but I just love horses”. She convinced her father to sign her up for horseback riding when she was eight. After that, she delivered newspapers and helped an elderly man during school lunch breaks to earn and save money. “I bought my first horse when I was 13,” she says, and you can tell from her voice that the well-earned feeling of pride hasn’t quite worn off. Wouters bought her third horse when she was 17, and finally bought her first farm when she was 21. Today she owns Serenity Hanoverians, where she and her family breed, raise and sell Hanoverian horses, a German breed known for its athleticism. The horse she took to Wesley Clover is Strawinskij. Together, they competed in dressage for years before the 22-year-old Hanoverian gelding had to retire because of his age. In this photo, Wouters is dressed in dressage clothes, although in most competitions today, the rider would wear a helmet instead of the more traditional top hat. In dressage, the horse and rider need to have a strong connection. In competitions, they work together to perform a series of precise and elegant movements to show off their strength and discipline. “The best way to explain it is like ballet on horseback,” Wouters says. “You’re pretty much one with the horse.” You can find out more about Lea Wouters’ work with Hanoverians at serenityhanoverians.ca n
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Guin Carter Although all three featured equestrian enthusiasts have been working with horses for more than a decade, only one can say that the decade has been most of their life. Guin Carter started riding horses at the age of four.
MAKEUP ARTIST Hair and makeup by Melanie Albert, owner and master stylist of MelaStyles in Orleans. She specializes in formal updos and has honed her skills all over North America, including a training period in New York City where she worked with celebrity hairstylist Nick Arrojo. Albert is experienced in styling for weddings and fitness competitions.
COORDINATOR OLM’s Alessandra Gerebizza made sure that everything ran smoothly for the shoot.
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“My grandmother brought all of the grandchildren into this day camp, and I guess I just stuck with it,” she says. Now 14, Carter is just starting her second year of high school, and now rides horses in international tournaments. During busy seasons, she has to train at least three times per week for the competitions, but Carter still finds horseback riding relaxing. “I’ve been doing it so long, it’s really calming,” she says. Carter competes in hunter tournaments, where horses clear jumps while trying to look as graceful as possible. She’s currently in Canadian hunting’s gold division, which has brought her to tournaments as far south as Florida. Carter plans to continue competing in hunting championships, but her career goal is to become a photographer. With Carter is a ‘fiery’ polo pony from Jeremy Monette, a member of the Ottawa Polo Club n
homes by Katie Hartai
JOHN’S RENO TIPS
B
y the end of any home renovation process, you may be sick of the hassles it has entailed. However, make sure you’re not walking away from an unfinished project with these practical tips from John Gordon, owner of Your Reno Guys contracting business in Ottawa. Here are a few tips to ensure any space looks polished and welcoming.
Tip One: Maximize Efficiency by Organizing
An organized home makes life more manageable. Reducing clutter will help lower stress levels and allow full use of your renovated area. A few simple principles can be applied to each room. Firstly, group items by function to ease accessibility. For example, in the kitchen, keep plates, bowls and cups in the same area or in the bathroom, store all hair products on the same shelf. Also, try using labeled containers for small, similar objects. For example, store electronic chargers in the same bin or put remotes in a single basket. To avoid wasting space, keep things out of the way but still close at hand. Hang hooks behind closet doors, use under-bed storage boxes or pot racks in the kitchen to save precious room and time.
Adding the Finishing Touches
John encourages home renovators to look at the work of others for organizational inspiration. “Ideas cost nothing, they are cheap. Once you see an idea you like in a picture it is easy to go on and duplicate it.”
new. It is nice to keep a hard surface because they are sealed against dust and allergens and are easy to clean with a Swiffer or vacuum.”
Tip Two: Flooring with Personality and Practicality
Painting the interior walls of a home can dramatically change its look and feel. When choosing a colour, be certain it will fit an area’s decorating scheme. The trend is to use a single hue in various layers, warm, dark and light, throughout an entire house. This monochromatic theme will help balance and increase natural flow from one room to the next. Try making your bold colour statement with an accent wall. It can be the perfect way to break up a large room or emphasize a certain architectural feature. A fresh coat of paint can also give new life to home furniture like bathroom vanities.
Deciding on flooring can be daunting. The surface under your feet needs to be comfortable, resistant and compatible with its surrounding space. It also needs to be within budget. As a relatively inexpensive and durable material, linoleum makes an excellent choice for kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms. This type of flooring is nearly maintenance-free and available in a wide array of colours and patterns to suit any style. Ceramic tiles and hardwood are also reliable and attractive choices but might not be an option for those working with a limited budget. If a hardwood floor is what you hope to replace, remember simply cleaning and refinishing can do the trick. It is an affordable, fashionable and hygienic way to complete a room renovation. “You can refinish floors for anywhere between $2-$2.50 a square foot and they are as good as
Tip Three: Splashes of Colour
Gordon points out it is also a great doit-yourself project. “It is the simplest and cheapest way to change a space and anybody can do it because there are no harsh consequences in doing a bad job. If you do it and it doesn’t look good, then it has only cost you a brush and a gallon of paint.” n Visit YourRenoGuys.com for more information about John and the services he offers. 17 OTTAWALIFE SEPTEMBER 2015
Solid Hardwood • Exotic Hardwood Flooring Engineered Flooring • Laminate• Tile • Vinyl • Cork Railing & Staircases • Recapping Staircase • Refacing Staircase
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reaching higher/education by OLM Staff
Algonquin College
Is Making Waves and Winning Awards
C
heryl Jensen is making an impact. Jensen became Algonquin College’s eighth President just over one year ago in August, 2014. She brought 31 years of experience as a professor, dean and vice president and a reputation for creating strategies that responded to both industry trends and to the needs of students, employees, alumni, and the community. She is a scientist and a Masters of Education and has a Certificate in the Metallurgy of Iron and Steel. Her vision and message to Algonquin faculty, students and the national capital region was about entrepreneurialism. In a speech last March in downtown Ottawa Jensen said that “becoming entrepreneurially minded is about embracing creativity, resilience, and resourcefulness and said that the entrepreneurial spirit is needed beyond the business world, in areas like government, health care, social services and education”. She noted that innovators take calculated risks and embrace change, all things needed to build business and an innovative economy. Jensen said that Algonquin is an example of how the entrepreneurial spirit can work. She said it’s getting harder to get provincial funding for programs, which puts the onus on colleges like Algonquin to figure out alternate ways to make money.“We are in the process of turning each school and department into its own business, with each unit leader having primary responsibility for profit and loss,” says Jensen. “Within this model, each dean
and director is able to keep the profits they make annually so they can reinvest them in equipment and infrastructure they and their faculty deem critical to the success of their students.” Algonquin has also created an internal professional development institute to help its leaders learn how to become entrepreneurs in their field and is looking at ways to further monetize its areas of strength. Jensen notes that the college’s use of e-textbooks is an example of this practice in motion. She says that “by 2017, all Algonquin students will be using e-textbooks saving 50 per cent the cost of printed books”.This program is a collaborative
Becoming entrepreneurially minded is about embracing creativity, resilience, and resourcefulness. one with the University of Ottawa, Kivuto and leading textbook publishers Pearson and Nelson and has caught the attention of The Canadian Federation of Students, who said this month that textbook costs have risen by 2.44 times the rate of inflation since 2008 across Canada as students grapple with the crisis of the cost of books. In keeping with the entrepreneur and partnership theme, The College’s Faculty of Arts, Media, and Design has
partnered with Algonquin’s School of Business, to launch a new Brand Management program which industry experts say “Canada needs”. The one-year Ontario College Graduate Certificate focuses on the intricacies of brand development and management from the industry and ad agency perspectives and teaches branding as distinct profession requiring specific skills. Students will interact with private sector brand managers and creative agencies through guest lecturers, site visits, and must submit a final brand consulting project for a real client.This new program comes on the heels of Algonquin College’s School of Media and Design winning the Top Award as the Outstanding Campus Newspaper by the Canadian Community Newspapers Association (CCNA).The Algonquin Times is entirely produced by the students of the Journalism and Advertising programs and financed through advertising sales with limited support from the Algonquin Students Association. Journalism students write the articles and take photos, while design student make the ads, produce the layout and the advertising students sell the ads. Cheryl Jensen noted that “The School of Media and Design award is a testament to our belief in hands-on applied education. The national award is the pinnacle of achievement in student journalism and advertising. We at Algonquin College are truly proud of the students and professors in this program.”n 19 OTTAWALIFE SEPTEMBER 2015
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cover by Kate Tenenhouse
The Top Among Us This year marks the 15th anniversary of Ottawa Life Magazine’s TOP 25 People in the Capital. Over the last decade and a half, OLM has shined the spotlight on some of Ottawa’s newsmakers, leaders, and most interesting people. Our 2015 list touches on the themes of innovation, inspiration and involvement. Ambassador Kevin Vickers, our number one pick, is a Canadian hero who needs no introduction. Ottawa Senators’ General Manager Bryan Murray made headlines this year not just for winning games but for raising awareness about colon cancer after his diagnosis. Catherine Cullen is captivating the Capital with her talent and passion for storytelling. Councillor Jody Mitic has overcome every challenge that has come his way. Wallis Giunta’s opera career is thriving, as she heads to Germany to join Oper Leipzig. Justice Murray Sinclair is fighting to draw attention to Canada’s history of residential schools. Janice Payne is one of the Capital’s top employment and labour lawyers. You can read about these amazing individuals (and 18 more) in this year’s issue. From athletes to artists, politicians to performers, and everything in between, this diverse group is chock-full of talented, creative, entrepreneurial and brave honourees.
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PHOTO: ANDREW BALFOUR
Ambassador Kevin Vickers THE HERO ON THE HILL
Everyone remembers where they were on October 22, 2014. What started out as a beautiful, sunny morning turned into a fearful, surreal day when Michael Zehaf-Bibeau fatally shot Cpl. Nathan Cirillo at the National War Memorial and then stormed Parliament Hill. On that day, Kevin Vickers, then Sergeant-at-Arms of the House of Commons, became a household name and a Canadian hero for his actions in ending the attack. Prime Minister Stephen Harper, politicians from all parties and Ottawans alike displayed their gratitude for his bravery and valour on that day. However, his respected and decorated career began long before that. Vickers served for 29 years with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), taking on a series of high-profile cases, important roles and positions, including the rank of Chief Superintendent. During his time as the RCMP Incident Commander, Vickers was integral to the diffusion of the 1999-2000 Burnt Church Native fishing crisis. He also served as an Aide-de-Camp for the Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick. He acted as the Director General for the Aboriginal Police Services Branch and Director General for the National Contract Policing Branch of the RCMP. Among many important causes, Vickers spearheaded the development of a National Strategy for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation on the Internet, resulting in $45 million in funding and the establishment of the National Centre of Expertise. He was appointed Director of Security Operations for the 21 OTTAWALIFE SEPTEMBER 2015
House of Commons before taking on the position of Sergeant-at-Arms of the House of Commons. Vickers acted as Sergeant-at-Arms from August 2006 to January 2015, when he was appointed as the Ambassador of Canada to Ireland. Throughout his career, Vickers has received a multitude of recognitions, including the Queen's Jubilee Medal, the Canada 125 Medal, and the RCMP Long Service Medal.
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PHOTO: ANDREW BALFOUR
Bryan Murray THE LEGENDARY LEADER The Ottawa Senators’ General Manager (GM) and former coach has led a remarkable career over the past 36 years. Murray became the Senator’s fifth head coach in 2004, after working with the Washington Capitals, the Detroit Red Wings, the Florida Panthers, and the Anaheim Ducks—to name just a few. He later led the Senators to their first Stanley Cup Final series in 2007. In more than 18 years of coaching in the NHL for various teams, Murray ranks ninth in the league in all-time games coached (1,239) and eighth in wins (620). Murray became the Senators’ GM in June 2007 and has been an integral part of the team, to say the least. In 2012, he was honoured in his hometown for his success as an inaugural inductee in Shawville’s Hockey Wall of Fame. He currently is Executive Vice-President, General Manager, President of Hockey Operations and Alternate Governor for the Ottawa Senators. Throughout his career, Murray’s commitment to community has never wavered, but this legendary leader kept a relatively low profile until last November, when he announced that he had been diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer. Since then, Murray has become extremely vocal about the disease and early detection. For his efforts to raise awareness about his condition, the United Way named Murray the 2015 Community Builder of the Year. With the challenges he currently faces, many wonder what he will do when his contract with the Senators expires after the 20152016 season. Whether he leaves, stays as GM or takes on an advisory role, Murray will always have a special place in our hearts, here in Ottawa n
Catherine Cullen CAPTIVATING CAPITAL HILL
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As the CBC’s senior reporter on Parliament Hill, Catherine Cullen’s days are jampacked. It’s a challenging job with long hours and lots of thinking on your feet but Cullen is up to the task. “It’s really hard work and so you have to know why you are doing it.” For Cullen, it is all about the human moments. “I think that we are all so interesting and we have such incredible stories to tell and even with the most complicated political story, there are people behind it.” She files mostly for The National, but you might have also heard her on the radio or read her stories on the web. She has covered all kinds of topics over the years from the Lac Mégantic explosion to the student tuition protests to the milkman working for more than six 22 OTTAWALIFE SEPTEMBER 2015
PHOTO: PAUL COUVRETTE
decades. Working predominantly in Montreal before coming to Ottawa a little over a year ago, Cullen said being in the Capital is like a “homecoming.” Born in Montreal, her family moved to Ottawa when she was eight-years-old. She later attended the University of Western Ontario for an undergraduate degree in communications studies and then completed Concordia University’s graduate diploma in journalism. In the decade since graduating from Concordia, Cullen has built up a thriving career with the CBC. Although she says political reporting can be drastically different from some of her other experiences, at the end of the day, it is the same basic instinct. “It’s the same thing that everybody does when they go home at night. You call your friend or you turn to your partner or your parent and you say, ‘Oh my gosh: you wouldn’t believe what happened today. This was incredible.’ And you tell the best parts of the story.” Cullen said it is an exciting time to be a political reporter in Ottawa especially with the federal election and all of its excitement n
Jody Mitic THE NEVER QUIT COUNCILLOR Never quit. Those two words pushed Councillor Jody Mitic to recovery after losing both his legs below the knees while on tour in Afghanistan. It’s also the mantra that led him and his brother, Cory, to second place on the Amazing Race Canada and the name of his foundation, devoted to raising awareness of injured Canadian heroes and helping them along their road to recovery. Councillor Mitic’s story is a true and touching tale of perseverance and dedication. After 20 years in the Canadian military, Mitic had to take off his uniform after being wounded in action. “It was a bittersweet moment because I didn’t want to leave the military but my injuries forced me to leave. The sweet part was that I found this new way to serve Canadians,” he said. That new way was through municipal politics. “It’s an honour to serve the people of Innis Ward.” Furthermore, as a strong advocate for injured veterans, he wanted to get involved in politics. “We need more veterans in politics,” he said. Among his many recognitions, Mitic and his wife, Alannah, received the General Sir Arthur Currie Award this year. “We just look at it as more motivation to keep doing what we’re doing,” he said. Mitic is also extremely active in the Ottawa community. He is Ottawa’s first sports commissioner and serves on the community protective services, environmental and transportation committees as well as the Ottawa community housing board. “Those are all different jobs all in themselves on top of being councillor and dad and husband,” he said. Looking ahead to 2015/2016, Mitic's priorities in his ward are on infrastructure and the redevelopment of a hockey arena. He is also looking to “open new doors” as sports commissioner, exploring the the possibilities of UFC and cross-fit games in Ottawa. Mitic said he is really looking forward to the future, with the relaunch of the Never Quit Foundation and the release of his new memoir, Unflinching: The Making of a Canadian Sniper, coming up on the horizon. “I feel really good about the future. I feel really positive,” he said. “This is such an exciting time in my life.” n
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PHOTO: PAUL COUVRETTE
23 OTTAWALIFE SEPTEMBER 2015
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Justice Murray Sinclair WORKING TOWARDS RECONCILIATION
PHOTO: FRED CATTROLL
Although Justice Murray Sinclair does not live in Ottawa, Manitoba’s first Aboriginal judge made an extremely important impact on the Capital this year as Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The closing ceremony for the Commission took place in Ottawa this summer, when the final report and recommendations were presented. Sinclair said it was significant that the ceremony was in Ottawa because the city has a special connection for all Canadians. “When the people of Ottawa and those who came to Ottawa for the closing event stepped forward…it was like the voice of government, the people of Canada were standing up and saying it is now time for us to do something. It is time for a change.” He emphasized that recognizing the history of residential schools is important for all Canadians. “This is not an Aboriginal history. It’s not an Aboriginal problem. It’s a Canadian history. It’s a Canadian problem.” After six years of research and thousands of testimonies from coast to coast, Sinclair and his fellow commissioners brought the history of residential schools into the public discourse like never before. “It was really to remind people that they already knew what to do,” he said. “It was really to inspire them to take the next step that they were hesitating to take.” What is the next step? Of the 94 recommendations, Sinclair highlights the need to change the educational curriculum. “I think that’s probably the element of our recommendations that’s going to have the best and most significant long-term benefit,” he said. “Also finding a way for the [political] parties at the leadership level, nationally and provincially, to begin to engage in a dialogue is very important.” Sinclair said no one will be able to ignore this issue anymore and he is hopeful that progress will be made in the coming years. “Now the real question is: how can we come to terms with our past and still develop a very positive future between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people?” There is more work to be done n
Denise Siele THE EQUAL VOICE ADVOCATE
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Denise Siele said politics is in her blood. Born in Nairobi, Kenya, Siele moved to Ottawa as a young teenager when her mother, a diplomat, was posted here. When her term was over, Siele’s mother moved back to Kenya to run for public office, the first woman in her community to do so. “I think she ran twice in total and while she didn’t win either time, she inspired others. When she retired from politics, a young woman in the constituency said: ‘Well, if she can do it, I can do it.’ And she subsequently ran and won,” Siele described. Watching her mother’s campaign, Siele too was inspired to get involved. She discovered Equal Voice, an organization that advocates for women in all levels of politics in Canada. As the Director of Strategic Initiatives and Operations, Siele works to engage young women from across the country to consider the role that they can play in politics. She said she loves the cooperative nature of the organization. “What I love most is when women from all political stripes are gathered within the Equal Voice umbrella…the stereotypical view of politics is thrown out the window,” she said. Over the years, Siele said she has worked on upwards of 10 political campaigns, but she has many additional interests and responsibilities. She is also managing partner of the strategic events and public affairs company, SEMgroup, as well as an active philanthropist and mother. Focusing on youth, Siele has been extremely involved in many charitable organizations; she is the Chair of the Board for a Fund for a New Generation, founder and Chair of the Black Women's Civic Engagement Network and a past Director of the Youth Services Bureau Charitable Foundation—to name just a few. “The joy that you get from giving back is incredible, such a good feeling and I don’t want to deny myself that,” she said. “I just love my community and I want to do what I can to give back.” n 24 OTTAWALIFE SEPTEMBER 2015
The Honourable Pierre Poilievre A POLITICAL POWERHOUSE The Honourable Pierre Poilievre is a man of many titles. Only 36-years-old, Poilievre has served as a Member of Parliament, Minister of Employment and Social Development, Minister for Democratic Reform and Minister Responsible for the National Capital Commission. Poilievre said his broad objective is to expand people’s freedoms to take responsibility for their own lives, so that they may strive for success and own their destinies. Poilievre said his vision focuses on the private sector. “I want to continue to expand private sector employment through trade, training and tax cuts,” he said. He is dedicated to the development of a strong local economy. Poilievre has been the MP for Nepean-Carleton for more than a decade. Over the course of his career, he said he has learned an important lesson: “I’ve learned that you have to set a small number of important goals and focus relentlessly on them until they are done.” By staying focused, Poilievre has achieved a great deal for the community and for the City of Ottawa, such as the Strandherd-Armstrong Bridge. “Through relentless focus, we were able to get that bridge built and everyone who uses it will agree that it has been a precious addition to our community.” This kind of accomplishment is what Poilievre loves about his job. “I love the opportunity to deliver real, tangible results that make people’s lives better,” he said n
Wallis Giunta MESMERIZING MEZZO SOPRANO
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PHOTO: MIGUEL JACOB
PHOTO: PAUL COUVRETTE
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Growing up in the Capital, Wallis Giunta first started singing in the Ottawa Central Children’s Choir (now the Ottawa Children’s Choir). It was through this choir that Giunta was introduced to opera. The National Arts Centre recruited the choir for a production of La Bohème and Giunta was awestruck. “It was really incredible. It totally opened my mind to what classical music could be.” The following year, she came back to the NAC as part of the adult chorus for Madame Butterfly and fell in love with the art form. “I wanted to move people the way that singing actress was able to move me at that time,” she said. Giunta went on to complete undergraduate and postgraduate programs at the Glenn Gould School as well as an artist diploma at Juilliard. She also attended apprenticeship programs with the Canadian Opera Company in Toronto and the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Giunta loves performing and feeling that unique connection with the audience. “The feeling that you get when you are creating something in the moment, and you have this whole group of people that is there with you, and you’re breathing the same air and you’re on the same wave length, emotionally it’s really incredible.” Working professionally for about nine years, Giunta has travelled all over, from Texas to Taiwan, but she still feels at home in the Capital. “I like everything about Ottawa better than anywhere I go,” she said. What’s next for this mesmerizing mezzo soprano? Giunta’s career is skyrocketing as she makes the move to Germany this fall to join Oper Leipzig. “I’m looking to basically build the kind of career in Europe that I’ve started to build here,” she said. Giunta will also be making her debut in Rome this fall. There is no stopping this Ottawa opera superstar n 25 OTTAWALIFE SEPTEMBER 2015
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Janice Payne A LEGAL MENTOR AND ROLE MODEL
PHOTO : MIV PHOTOGRAPHY INC
Janice Payne joined Nelligan O'Brien Payne LLP as an articling student in 1975 and hasn’t left since. Then called Nelligan Power, Payne was the first female lawyer hired among six men at the firm. “This was at a time when women were just beginning to make inroads into private practice,” Payne explained. “So, it was a very different time. It was exciting to be at the forefront of that wave of women moving into the practice of law.” In October 2000, Payne made further progress for women in the field when she became a name partner at the firm. “It was a time when very few women had their name in the firm name, and so again I felt like I was making inroads that were supportive both of women in our practice in the firm—because we have a much larger proportion of women now—and more broadly in the profession,” she said. Focusing on employment and labour law, Payne has been widely recognized for her commitment to the practice and to her clients. She was selected by her legal colleagues for the 2006 and 2008-2015 editions of The Best Lawyers in Canada in Labour and Employment Law. She was also named one of the Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada in the 2008-2011 and 2014-2015 Lexpert®/American Lawyer Guide and in the 2013-2015 Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory for employment law. Add on the honour of “Lawyer of the Year” in the 2014 edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada for Ottawa employment and labour law to the list of accolades. Payne is a recipient of the Diamond Jubilee medal and was inducted into the Wall of Honour, by the University of Ottawa Common Law Society. Payne said one of her proudest achievements has been her role in helping women succeed in the practice of law and she has acted a mentor to both men and women in the field. Outside of her work at the firm, Payne is also very involved in the community. She is a former member of the Board of Directors and past President of the Ottawa Chamber Music Society, a former member of the Board of the National Youth Orchestra and is currently a member of the Board of Governors for the Community Foundation of Ottawa and the Board of Directors for the GCTC n
Susan St. Amand FOCUSING ON FINANCE, PHILANTHROPY & FAMILY
Susan St. Amand is an accomplished Ottawa businesswoman who strives to share her success with the community. As the founder and president of Sirius Financial Services, St. Amand specializes in continuity planning, such as life insurance and risk management, for families, individuals and entrepreneurs. “I really wanted to develop a practice that focused on people and providing them with continuity planning and outside-the-box thinking that really adhered to what their goals and directions were,” she said. Philanthropy and community involvement are equally important as her business, St. Amand said. “I look at my community as my extended family.” St. Amand estimates she has been involved in close to 20 community organizations over the years. She is currently the secretary on the board of the Community Foundation of Ottawa, a past chair of the Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health and one of the 20 founders of the Women for Mental Health campaign—to name just a few. St. Amand has also been active in professional organizations such as the Conference for Advanced Life Underwriting (CALU) and Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). “I think it’s important as advisors for us to work together as a team for our 26 OTTAWALIFE SEPTEMBER 2015
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PHOTO : MICHELLE VALBERG
clients to make sure that we understand how each piece of the client’s puzzle works together,” she said. This spring, St. Amand was named the first female Chair of the Ottawa International Airport Authority board, a body she said is also extremely important for the community. “It’s a really integral part of our connection to the rest of the world,” she said. “The vision is to be the gateway to the world and to have a safe, secure environment and to be an economic engine for the region.”
Aditya Mohan
PHOTO: PAUL COUVRETTE
Aditya Mohan loves to play basketball and hang out with friends, like any other teenager. But this 18-year-old stands apart for his passion for science, research and innovation. After all, not all teenagers can boast receiving awards from the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) and the Sanofi Biogenius Challenge for their work in cancer-virus therapy—but Mohan can. Mohan’s love of science started when he was very young and once he reached high school, he wrote countless emails in search of a mentor until he came across Dr. Angela Crawley of the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, who focuses on HIV immunology. His interest in viruses and immunology later led him to modify a common cold virus to target cancer cells. For this research, he received regional, national and international recognition. Mohan just started in McGill’s Microbiology and Immunology program where he will continue to pursue research projects. For the young, aspiring scientists out there, Mohan tells them to follow their hunch: “If a young person has an idea, which they truly feel can make a difference then they shouldn’t wait until they are older to pursue it.” n
Christopher Griffin
THE CONCRETE CRAFTSMAN
PHOTO: PAUL COUVRETTE
Christopher Griffin’s artwork transforms the everyday urban concrete jungle into something beautiful. Although he also paints and draws, Griffin is known for his concrete creations, having worked on about a dozen projects in the Capital. His signature style plays with the simplicity of primitive designs and children’s art. You may have noticed his turtles at the Beaverbrook branch of the Ottawa Public Library, the raccoons by the Glebe Community Centre, or the falcons over the Bronson-Riverside Bridge. Even though concrete structures can be drab and harsh, Griffin sees the potential beauty. “It’s an ugliness that we kind of accept in the city—not just our city, any city. By decorating them like this, it brings back the human aspect,” he said. This year, Griffin is working on a project for the Glebe parking garage, adding his artistic touch to the supporting columns. Creating large-scale pieces, racing against the clock of drying concrete and working on scaffolding can prove challenging, but that is what Griffin loves about the job. “It’s a balancing act that I really enjoy,” he said. By beautifying the city with his work, Griffin has become an important member of the growing arts community in Ottawa. “There are amazing artists in this city and I am so proud to be part of it.” n
Cory Carlick
PHOTO: JULIE LAURIN
INNOVATION AT AN EARLY AGE
MEDIA WITH A MESSAGE As the founder, chief creative officer and CEO of Skycron, Cory Carlick has created a name for himself in the production industry and he is quickly expanding his reach. Skycron is a video production company that makes everything from TV commercials to music videos to corporate videos and has worked with high profile clients including CTV, Cineplex, and Baskin Robbins. The Undersigned, a modern-day twist on Robin Hood, is one of Carlick’s most recent projects. An American broadcaster recently picked up the female-driven action drama with an Ottawa-based cast. The show will air on ABC-TV affiliate WSYR-TV in Upstate New York this fall. But The Undersigned is more than just a cool story. Carlick partnered with Vera House, a domestic and sexual violence agency, for the project. “We worked closely with Vera House when writing the show. It's a great show that's lots of fun, but it has a dark undertone and can be very raw.” Carlick hopes the show will raise awareness and bring the issue of domestic violence more into the mainstream. The show premieres this September at the Landmark Theatre in Syracuse and proceeds from the gala screening will go to Vera House n 27 OTTAWALIFE SEPTEMBER 2015
PHOTO: ANDRE RINGUETTE-FREESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY
Erik Karlsson
THE CAPITAL’S CAPTAIN Erik Karlsson is known as one of the best defencemen in the league. Receiving the James Norris Memorial Trophy not once, but twice, he has been recognized by the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association as the defenceman showing “the greatest all-around ability in the position.” He is one of only two active players to receive this award twice. The 25-year-old superstar reached career highs on the ice this year. In the regular season, he played 82 games with 21 goals and 45 assists, leading all defencemen with 66 points. Karlsson also reached an amazing milestone in April 2015 when he reached 300 career NHL points in only 393 games—making him the fastest defenceman in 17 years to do so. The newly appointed Ottawa Senators Captain is an athletic hero in the Capital. Originally from Landsbro, Sweden, Karlsson was the Senators’ first-round pick (15th overall) in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft and was named Captain in October 2014 n
Garry Brownrigg
QUICKSILK CREATOR AND COMMUNITY LEADER
PHOTO : WEST POINTE PHOTOGRAPHY
Garry Brownrigg is the CEO and founder of QuickSilk, the Capital company that helps you or your business build a website with ease and efficiency. Originally called SohoPortal, Brownrigg founded the business in 2001 for Small Office Home Office (SOHO) websites, after losing his ability to speak; he was diagnosed with Laryngeal Dystonia. “The Internet provided me with a means to communicate, share and collaborate with others using non-verbal means,” he said. And the business grew from there. “Our reputation for doing quality work grew and with it so did the type and size of clients we worked with,” he said. Now, QuickSilk works with clients of all sizes including Canadian Geographic and the University of Ottawa. Brownrigg is taking his company to the next level, currently raising funds to expand internationally. Ottawa’s tech industry is growing and gaining attention. “Our goal is to become one of next local companies to shine and contribute back to the community,” he said. In addition to being a Capital entrepreneur, Brownrigg is also a community leader, acting as Chairperson of the Cameron Smith Memorial Fund and a mentor with Imerman Angels n
Jen Grant
THE ACCOMPLISHED COMEDIAN
PHOTO : EUGENE CHOI
Since starting her stand-up career in Ottawa in 1998, Jen Grant has become one of Canada’s top comics. Comedy comes naturally to Grant—her style is honest, relatable and, of course, hilarious. She has performed at every major comedy festival in the country, including the Just for Laughs Festival, the Ha!ifax and the Winnipeg Comedy Festival. You might also recognize her wit and charm from her frequent appearances on CBC’s The Debaters or her CD titled Nobody Likes Your Homemade Wine. Of her many achievements, Grant said she is very proud of the time she spent entertaining Canadian troops in the Middle East. “It was really emotional, an eye-opening, life-changing experience,” she said. But Grant’s talent sometimes hits a nerve. This year, Grant made headlines when she spoke out about sexual harassment at a gig. Heckling is part of the job now and then, Grant said, but there is a difference between heckling and harassment. “I just want to be respected for who I am, not through the lens of what gender I am. I work hard at my job and I’ve done it for a long time and I just want to be considered a comic, not a female comic or a female trying to do a job,” she said. There is no doubt Grant is extremely talented and should be recognized for her accomplishments. OLM is proud to have her on the Top 25 n
Dr. John Bell
COMBATING CANCER Dr. John Bell is bringing Canadians closer to a cure for cancer, and he is trying to find a way to do it without the side effects that cause so many patients to suffer. By asking the question: ‘How can we use viruses to treat cancers?’, Bell pioneered research on virus therapy as a form of cancer treatment. While traditional therapies tend to attack both the cancer and the person, resulting in terrible side effects, Bell said his work finds ways to attack the cancer while leaving the human tissue alone. “Current cancer therapies are just not good enough,” he said. “We are not curing enough people.” For about two decades, Bell has been working to change that. The new head of Biotherapeutics for Cancer Treatment (BioCanRX for short) and world-renowned scientist at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute is combating cancer with a goal in mind. “Our dream is that these viruses could replace many kinds of current therapies that are out there and will be more effective and safer,” he said. With more trials planned for the coming year, Bell is working towards making this dream a reality n 29 OTTAWALIFE SEPTEMBER 2015
Kailena Van de Nes
DANCE STUDIO DREAMS COME TRUE
PHOTO : VALERIE KEELER, VALBERG IMAGING
Kailena Van de Nes didn’t always want to be a dance teacher or a business owner. For as long as she can remember, she wanted to be a pilot, just like her dad. But Van de Nes always had a passion for dance, and worked part-time teaching classes while she was in school. Soon enough, seven classes turned into 70 and before she knew it, she was running a full-time dance program at a local community centre. “When I started teaching dance, I got so much from the kids—their love for not only me as their instructor, but the love of dance itself,” she said. After nine years as the Dance Program Coordinator at the community centre, Van de Nes decided to make a change. She took a brave next step and opened her own studio. “This past year has been life-changing,” she said. “There was a huge transition from being just a dance instructor to a business owner, but I have always felt that this was my destiny that I have been training for my entire life.” After just one year of business, KV Dance Studio’s classes are packed. It has already become a community hub, a second home for dancers and their families. Van de Nes had to add a fourth dance space to the Third Street studio this summer to meet demand and dreams of expanding to multiple locations n
Kimothy Walker
THE MEDIA MAVEN When Kimothy Walker saw her first story air on CTV, at the age of 21, she knew she had chosen the right career. “I pretty much danced out to the parking lot, just so incredibly thrilled with television. It felt like a perfect fit for me.” And for 25 years, this award-winning journalist thrived at the network, eventually reporting from the Philippines, Tanzania and Kenya. She said her travels contributed in part to her decision to leave CTV in 2014. “I had spent a fantastic 25 years in a dream job but I wanted to do some new things,” she said. She wanted to explore international development, make documentaries and work in communications, so she and Eric Collard launched Ottawa Media Group. Working with nearly 20 experts in their fields, Ottawa Media Group provides a wide range of communications services to its clients while also emphasizing philanthropy (i.e. building schools in Nicaragua) and making documentaries. Walker’s investigative documentary premieres this fall. She couldn’t tell us too much about it, but she did say this: “In the fall, I think the single most important piece of journalism I have ever done will be released to the public and I’m very excited.” Walker also noted that although her relationship with CTV has changed, the network is still very much a part of her life, as she continues her involvement with the Amazing People Gala and other projects n
Linda Babulic
ZEST EXPERT
PHOTO : JON BABULIC PHOTOGRAPHY
Linda Babulic is a motivational speaker, momondays Ottawa host, and author but she likes to describe herself as a ZEST Expert. “What I do is help people find a new perspective and see the joy in their life. I provide people with a different way of looking at things, a different attitude. Instead of the glass being half empty it could be half full,” she said. As the momondays Ottawa host, the lively and vibrant Babulic brings together six speakers every month to “tell a story from the heart.” She said she loves how the show connects people and changes lives. She wants people to walk away from a momondays show feeling like they are in control of their own lives; there is hope, love and a sense of community. “What I want them to walk away with from momondays is also what I want them to walk away with when my new book is published,” she said. Babulic’s new book ZEST Your Life: A Taste of Inner Wisdom hits shelves this fall. With the goal of impacting one million women, Babulic’s inspirational work compiles research, anecdotes and personal wisdom. She said she is looking forward to getting on more stages and speaking to larger audiences in the coming year n
Marc Lepine
THE CULINARY MASTER
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Marc Lepine, owner and head chef of Atelier, is one of Ottawa’s most talented chefs. The Canadian Culinary Champion has spent time in Toronto, France, Italy and Algonquin Park but decided to establish his fine-dining restaurant in the Capital. “I quickly realized that Ottawa is the best city in Canada to live in. This city, to me, strikes the perfect balance of being big enough to support the type of restaurant I operate, yet small enough to comfortably raise a family.” Lepine said his food is all about “detail, subtlety, fun, balance and beauty.” Atelier’s 12-course tasting menu is a combination of all of these qualities. The critically acclaimed chef is always on the lookout for inspiration and loves the creative atmosphere of the kitchen. “There's nothing I love more than when that creative energy buzz takes over the kitchen, and ideas keep building on each other,” he said. That kitchen is expanding, in fact it will nearly triple in size and Atelier will hold double the capacity after renovations to the restaurant this year. Lepine said there are weekends when the restaurant turns away more than 100 people, so it is time for a change. He said he is also planning a new six-seat restaurant called 'THRU' to open this fall. So, keep an eye out for this innovative Ottawa chef this year n 30 OTTAWALIFE SEPTEMBER 2015
Mylcha Kerr-Faucher THE VETERAN VOLUNTEER Mylcha Kerr-Faucher has been volunteering for upwards of 30 years. In that time she has been a passionate and dedicated asset to so many groups, including the Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization (OCISO), Ottawa Police Services and Jamaican (Ottawa) Community Association. “To me, volunteering is very fulfilling. You just help people and you get to know people,” Kerr-Faucher said. Even years later, people still fondly remember Kerr-Faucher and come up to her to express thanks for her help. In her work with OCISO, Kerr-Faucher spent time with women who were new to Canada, helping them acclimatize to life in an unfamiliar culture. She is also an influential leader in the Jamaican community. Kerr-Faucher was born in Jamaica, but raised in London, England. Soon after moving to the Capital in the mid-70s, Kerr-Faucher became an integral part of the Jamaican (Ottawa) Community Association, helping with everything from the Jamday Festival to the annual brunch. Notably, Kerr-Faucher helped launch the Adopt-A-Gran program in Jamaica with HelpAge Canada and the Salvation Army to raise funds for seniors living in Jamaica and provides financial support. In March 2015, Kerr-Faucher was one of the inductees into Ottawa’s Wall of Inspiration at City Hall. She said she was honoured to have been included and hopes her family will follow her example. “My parents were both volunteers and if I continue the process, hopefully my grandkids will do the same.” n
Scott Florence
PHOTO: ANDREW GEDDES , UNION ELEVEN.TIF
PHOTO : ANDREW ALEXANDER
Scott Florence is the ‘Big Fool,’ also known as the Artistic Director, at a Company of Fools, Ottawa’s beloved Shakespeare theatre company. Florence joined the Fools in 1991, became the ‘Big Fool’ in 1999 and has been making us laugh ever since. “There is no greater high than a room full of people who are all barking enthusiastically at whatever bit of nonsense is happening,” he said. A Company of Fools celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. “I still haven't quite wrapped my head around it. Twenty-five years!” He said he is proud of what the Fools have accomplished so far: “We engage artists under professional agreements, provide emerging artists with their first Equity credits, and pair emerging and established artists together. We do all that and perform to over 10,000 people every year, which may not sound like a lot, but in the world of small, indie theatre, (it) is pretty darn impressive.” By working in schools and various community groups, performing all around the city, the Fools make Shakespeare fun, accessible and entertaining for all. OLM wishes Florence and the Fools another successful 25 years n
Tobias Lütke
A DIGITAL GENIUS Tobias Lütke, the visionary behind the Ottawa-based tech company, Shopify, has built an empire from the ground up. What started out as five guys with a small online store selling snowboards in 2006 has evolved into an extremely successful business with more than 500 employees—400 of them in Ottawa. Shopify became a publicly traded company this year and wowed observers with its stock market success. “Going public this year was an amazing experience,” he said. “…It was part of the evolution of Shopify and the next stage in our growth. I want Shopify to be a company that sees the next century.” Shopify also made headlines this year with the launch of “Buyable Pins.” Now Shopify users can sell their products directly off of Pinterest—another easy and accessible way Shopify is connecting the consumer. As Chief Executive Officer, Lütke is at the helm of this unique business, which now has more than 165,000 stores involved from all over the world. Thanks to Lütke and his team, Shopify has emerged as a flourishing Capital tech company with an extremely bright future n
Tracey Clark
PHOTO : RONALD MAISONNEUVE
THE BIG FOOL
BRIDGEHEAD BUSINESS BOOMING Tracey Clark has transformed Bridgehead coffee shops into a thriving chain and iconic Ottawa brand since founding the company in 2000. She’s the name behind that perfect cup of Ottawa coffee. Over the last 15 years, Bridgehead has become a noteworthy name for its coffee, support of small farmers, and delicious health food, thanks to Clark. “With a focus on quality and differentiation, farmers can earn premiums that permit them a sustainable livelihood for future generations,” she said. “It’s meaningful to connect these farmers to customers.” Since opening its first location on Richmond Street, the business has opened 15 more. Clark has set the goal of putting a Bridgehead in every old City of Ottawa neighbourhood, with only one left to go (Sandy Hill)! She shows no sign of slowing down now, opening the 16th shop at Iris and Greenbank over the summer with plans for more additions in 2016 and 2017. “We strive to do our best and to get better and better all the time. With our growth, we have been able to create career positions for young people; and we have been able to support coffee communities particularly with quality initiatives. These two things are gratifying. There’s always more to do,” she said n
31 OTTAWALIFE SEPTEMBER 2015
reason to smile by Eric Murphy
Robert Milligan: The Secret Behind The Smile here are plenty of ways to lose T teeth. You can fall off your bike, grind your teeth at night, or lose them from something more drastic. No matter how it may happen, you’d probably go to the dentist to get them replaced. What we rarely wonder though, is where the dentist gets those replacements. In Ottawa, there’s a good chance your crown would come from a dental technician like Robert K. Milligan R.D.T. “We’re sort of behind the scenes,” says Milligan, who owns a small dental lab in Ottawa called Cadcrowns.ca. In the lab, Milligan designs and finetunes replacement teeth. Dentures, crowns, bridges and even implants, he shapes them all to fit perfectly in patients’ mouths and look as much like their original teeth as possible. A crown has to be the right shape and colour before Milligan lets it leave his lab, and finding that combination is harder than it sounds. “Teeth are like snowflakes,” he says, “no two are alike.” The process for creating these teeth is exacting and always changing with technology. Until about three years ago, Milligan based his creation on photographs or moulds. Today most DTs use a scanner that they keep in their lab, but Milligan takes it a step further. He has a portable scanner that he can actually bring into the dentist’s office. The scanner looks like a science fiction laser, and Milligan uses it to create digital models of the patient’s entire jaw with unprecedented accuracy. Once there’s a digital copy of the tooth, Milligan sends it off to be milled. The milled teeth are made of zirconia, a tooth-coloured metal that’s 32 OTTAWALIFE SEPTEMBER 2015
Dental Technician (DT), Robert Milligan is the proprietor of Cadcrowns.ca.
light and durable. Porcelain is also applied to create the specific look for each patient.These tooth replacements are a huge advancement from older, metal-supported teeth that can often show black lines at the gums and are susceptible to fracture. When the zirconia teeth arrive at Milligan’s lab, he and his team begin finely adjusting the crowns to make
A crown has to be the right shape and colour before Milligan lets it leave his lab, and finding that combination is harder than it sounds. “Teeth are like snowflakes,” he says, “no two are alike.”
them more lifelike. This meticulous process is what sets Cadcrowns apart from larger labs. “We’re all artists here,” Milligan says. “We’re not in a factory.” With some desks holding paintbrushes and others carrying slick machines, the office looks like a combination biology lab and artists’ studio. Brightly coloured nature paintings practically jump off the grey and white surfaces all around us. The art comes from Milligan’s wife and business partner Angela, who works as a ceramist in the lab. “When she came to Ottawa she was artistic, so I trained her,” Milligan recalls. “We built our business together and raised our family.” Cadcrowns ceramists work their magic to make the teeth look as real as possible. For example, ceramist Roxanne Dennis may add a bit of
colouring to make a tooth look more natural. After she is done painting, she puts the tooth into a small kiln to bake in the colour for good.
Perhaps Milligan’s best-known patient is Dany Heatley, the Ottawa Senators’ former left winger. Heatley lost one of his front teeth when he was still a rookie, and that gap became a trademark, at least until Milligan provided the tooth that filled it in 2006.
All of these steps ensure that the teeth don’t just look great, they work well too. In fact, because of their cuttingedge materials, many crowns are more durable than the patients’ original teeth.
Typically, the newspapers that wrote about Dany Heatley’s new tooth only mentioned the dentist that inserted the crown, Milligan’s name never came up. Missing out on the spotlight isn’t unusual for DTs. In fact, many people who have crowns and dentures don’t know where they came from.
Learning to make these solid, lifelike crowns has been a lifelong process for Milligan. He started working in the industry in 1978 and got his RDT license in Toronto at George Brown, the only Ontario college that offers the program. Like most great artists, he also apprenticed for years. Today, Milligan is at the top of his game. DTs from around the world ask how his portable scanner helps business, and he’s made teeth for a number of high-profile patients, including some well-known athletes.
Milligan hopes his outreach and public lab will eventually shine a bit of light on dental technicians’ work. “Hockey’s good for dental technology, (so are) bicycles, little sisters…” Milligan says with a laugh. “Skiing too,” Dennis adds.
“I’d like people to know that it’s not just a dentist reaching into a drawer and pulling out a tooth for them,” he says. “There’s a lot of good people behind the scenes.” n
33 OTTAWALIFE SEPTEMBER 2015
Presenting:
5 Glenbrook Placey Briargreen
Vera Gajdicar 4-3101 Strandherd Dr. Ottawa, ON K2G 4P1 Bus: (613) 825-7653 Fax: (613) 825-8762 34 OTTAWALIFE SEPTEMBER 2015
Top 3% Nationally Royal LePage 2005-2013
reason to smile by Dr. Hassan G. Moghadam DDS, M.Sc, FRCD(C)
Introducing Digital Dentistry D
igital dentistry may be defined as any dental technology or device that incorporates digital or computer-controlled components in contrast to that of mechanical or electrical alone. This broad definition can range from the most commonly thought area of digital radiographs to the complex field of CAD/ CAM (computer aided design/ computer aided manufacturing). The introduction of digital imaging led to the development of three-dimensional (3D) models and manufacturing of dental prosthesis. Medical modeling started about 15 years ago and has now exploded with the advent of 3D printers. In the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery, this has revolutionized our specialty. The medical modeling has benefited the patients and the surgeon. Surgery can now be planned on the computer, visualizing the changes that it will bring and identifying challenges that may arise during the procedure. The process starts by taking a CT scan of the patient. Dental CT scans, or Cone beam CT scans, provide a high level of detail with much lower radiation than a medical CT. The digital images are then sent to a medical modeling company that will use CAD-CAM technology with a 3D printer to produce a plastic guide. The guide is then used by the surgeon to precisely position the dental implants or the jaws (for jaw surgery) in the planned location based on the CT scan. The surgical procedure is faster, more accurate and often less painful due to less exposure of the tissue is required with dental implants. However, there are limitations. There can be minor inaccuracies in positioning the guide during the surgery mainly for dental implants if there are no teeth to act as a guide. However, this is in the
range of 1.00-1.65 mm (Turbush et al, 2012), considered acceptable for the procedure. FIGURE 1
Complex jaw surgery and dental implants can now be planned and executed entirely digitally with just a CT scan. The case presented here is a complex three-dimensional disfigurement of the jaws (figure 1). The upper jaw and lower jaw do not align and are asymmetrical. Using CT scans and computer-guided 3D surgical planning, the exact amount of rotation in three planes of space was visible. The segments were then manipulated on the computer to make them perfectly align from which a surgical guide was created. This was taken to the operating room, the jaws mobilized with bony cuts and positioned in the planned, corrected position. FIGURE 2
The second image is of a computerguided implant placement (figure 2). The implants are planned first on the 3D CT scan, then this information is sent out for a fabrication of a plastic guide. This is made to the specifications provided, based on the imaging and where the final teeth were to be placed and their desired look. This helped to prevent damage to important structures (nerves and blood vessels) and to choose the proper size and angulation of dental implants.
Medical modeling has revolutionized the surgical field for all specialties. The technology is now printing artificial body parts and metallic medical devices that are implanted in the patient such as custom joint replacements. Tissue engineers at Harvard University have now used a biomaterial to 3D print a network of capillaries. This was the rate-limiting step for organ fabrication.That brings the process one step closer to reality. In dentistry, the future is here and today, thanks to technology, problemsolving and helping patients is much easier. Digital solutions are paving the way to improved dental health n
www.argyleassociates.com 35 OTTAWALIFE SEPTEMBER 2015
reason to smile by Katie Hartai
‘GumDocs’
Securing Smiles with Dental Implants
Even with dramatic improvements in dentistry, circumstances like tooth decay, gingivitis and injury continue to rob Canadians of their natural teeth. For many years, the only options to fill the gaps of a toothless smile were with bridges and dentures. While these treatments continue to be an important option, they are not always the best solution. GumDocs periodontal care restores mouths throughout the Ottawa region with today’s highly successful dental implants. Offering expertise in planning and surgical placement, the team of specialists works with general dentists and dental labs, to ensure full and natural-looking smiles are returned to their patients. A dental implant is the artificial replacement of a tooth’s natural root. First, metal posts are anchored into the bone socket of a missing tooth, becoming invisible once surgically placed. Individual synthetic teeth, or a bridge, are then securely attached onto each post. Over the course of a few months, these metal posts fuse with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration. Titanium is used specifically to initiate this merging process. Its unique biocompatibility allows the posts to adhere with the jaw and not be rejected as a foreign object. This reaction prevents the bone from losing its shape and density as it would naturally with tooth loss. Ultimately, this means dental implants also support the facial skeleton and important soft tissue structures like gums. Dr. Ghaly, one of the periodontists at GumDocs, explains how dental implants have revolutionized the replacement of one, several or entire sets of teeth.“With implants the biggest advantage is twofold. You are able to maintain bone that would otherwise be lost if implants weren’t used. You are also not cutting down healthy teeth to replace a tooth that is missing like when we do a bridge. Implants are really addressing a one-tooth problem with a one-tooth solution.” 36 OTTAWALIFE SEPTEMBER 2015
Other benefits connected to dental implants include their permanency in terms of movement and lifespan. Integrated into the bone structure, implants are securely fixed and won’t loosen unexpectedly. This prevents the embarrassing slips and sounds removable dentures can create. They also last significantly longer than bridges and removable dentures which on average need to be changed every eight to ten years. Patients most often have their implants for life, but from natural wear and tear, they may choose to replace the crown.
Implants don’t require special cleaning supplies or techniques, regular dental checkups continue to remain important. Dental implants can considerably improve the overall lifestyle of those suffering from tooth loss, according to Dr. Ghaly. She especially sees the relief in patients transitioning from a removable appliance to one that is fixed. “The people who have the biggest change in lifestyle are those who originally had dentures because
they are going from something that is mobile and not well supported to something very stable. You have patients who have been avoiding certain foods for years and even sometimes certain social situations because they are afraid their dentures are going to be uncomfortable or move. Dental implants allow patients to be confident and enjoy time spent with other people.” Care for fixed replacement teeth is similar to actual teeth. They need to be flossed and brushed daily. Although implants don’t require special cleaning supplies or techniques, regular dental check-ups continue to remain important. Typically anyone in good general and oral health is suitable for dental implants. There are some conditions and diseases, however, that may affect whether the titanium will fuse with bone. Some of these include uncontrolled diabetes, gum disease and smoking. . Implants are known to cost more than other kinds of replacement teeth. GumDocs, however, doesn’t want the price of any treatment to stand in the way of patients accessing proper care. The clinic is open to working around payment plans or flexible financing options to make implants an affordable option for anyone. “Both from a workflow point of view and a proficiency point of view,” says Dr. Ghaly, “we strive to meet our patient’s expectations, and to complete the treatment in a timely manner.” n gumdocs.com
profile by Madelaine Manson
Uniting the Nation Through Sport The collective experience of cheering on our Canadian athletes and rejoicing in their achievements cultivates a distinct sense of unity. Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, the award-winning national museum based in Calgary, exemplifies the importance of sport in Canada. It has 12 galleries representing 65 sports and more than 50 hands-on interactive visitor experiences dedicated to celebrating inspirational Canadian athletes and sport builders. “It’s not just about that podium moment, it’s about the story behind how he or she got there,” says Mario Siciliano, president and CEO of Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame. “It’s important to continue sharing those stories with future generations.” This year, Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame has a lot to celebrate. 2015 marks its 60th anniversary of sharing the extraordinary stories that make up Canada’s sports history, and in the process, highlighting the core values that define our country. “Over the generations, sports have brought us together as a country,” says Siciliano. “It has been one of the dominant ways we have formed our national identity and position in the global environment. That is its legacy.” Additionally, David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, proclaimed 2015 as theYear of Sport in Canada. If there was ever a time to commemorate Canadian athletes, 2015 is the year to do it. PHOTO: COURTESY CSHF
In celebration of its anniversary, Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame inducted a second group called the Canadian Sport Legends Class. These diverse athletes and sport builders include: war heroes who gave their lives for our country; Aboriginal and black athletes who broke down racial barriers; women who overcame gender inequality; and, remarkable pioneers of Canadian sport from the late 1800s and early 1900s who illustrate the deep roots of Canadian sports history. “There is a tremendous opportunity for Canadians of all ages to benefit personally and professionally from understanding the journey of these amazing Canadian sports heroes. They set an example of perseverance, self-esteem and dreaming big,” says Siciliano. “None of these athletes were handed medals. None of them bought their success. Hard work and persistence made them successful.” With Canada’s 150th anniversary approaching in 2017, Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame will be involved in the celebration in an exciting way. It received a federal grant from the Virtual Museum of Canada (VMC) to work on a research project entitled Canadian History and Society: Through the Lens of Sport. The project aims to tell Canada’s 150-year sports history.
Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame will develop exhibits centred on women in sports, major sporting events held in Canada, cultural diversity in sports, military and sports and Canadian innovation in sports. “It’s a project we’ll be working on over the next 18 months or so leading up to 2017,” Siciliano explains. “We’re excited to have the opportunity on behalf of the country to tell Canada’s story through sports.” A major part of the research will be pulled from the Hall of Fame’s extensive archives. Over the past 60 years, it has collected over 95,000 artefacts including photos, video footage and original documentation. Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame is overflowing with fascinating evidence of Canada’s rich sports history. “When it comes to sports, we’re not talking about east and west or French and English,” he says. “It’s about Canada as a whole.” We can all learn a little something about determination, passion and hard work from our national athletes and sports builders. Celebrating their inspiring stories, Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame is leading the way in uniting the nation through sport n For more information, visit sportshall.ca 37 OTTAWALIFE SEPTEMBER 2015
ONE OF A KIND
Painted Paddles jo-mann.com
38 OTTAWALIFE SEPTEMBER 2015
métis series by Candice Vetter
Honouring Our Veterans While members of the Métis Nation fought alongside other Canadians in wars and peacekeeping initiatives, their contribution has rarely been recognized. That is starting to change. Métis fought in both World Wars, the Korean War and other conflicts such as Afghanistan, and have also served as peacekeepers in the Canadian Forces. In 2005, the National Métis Veterans Association (NMVA), honouring the Canadian “Year of the Veteran”, went to work on the vision of Ed Borchert, the NMVA president.
the Métis Nation, and was also an honour long deserved.
He believed it was important to bring home the spirits of the soldiers who had died overseas, so he set out to take a group of Métis, Inuit and First Nations veterans to Europe. They paid tribute to their fallen comrades and, more importantly, held a Calling Home Ceremony, so that the spirits of lost comrades could be reunited with their ancestors.
Part of the original vision for the pilgrimage was to involve the youth of today.
At the time David Chartrand, President of the Manitoba Métis Federation, said the historic and important time “provides closure for our Métis soldiers whose blood was spilled protecting our country.”
Saskatchewan in 2011, but many practical problems have yet to be solved. In the past, Métis veterans, like Aboriginal, Inuit or Black veterans, were often not welcomed into Royal Canadian Legion halls, were not told of their rights to compensation for injury, were not supported—and often did not even know about—help through Veterans’ Affairs, and were generally discriminated against. It has only been in the new millennium that the disgraceful treatment of these veterans has been acknowledged. While progress has been made, some key problems remain. Some Métis veterans do not write English or French well enough to fill out the forms required by those running the programs, and for those who live with little support, have health issues, have retained the Métis hunter-harvester lifestyle, or live in remote communities, the problems can be insurmountable.
In association with the Government of Canada, about 20 veterans, caregivers, Aboriginal and Métis spiritual leaders, CF and RCMP members, elders, and youth all took a pilgrimage to war cemeteries and battlegrounds, including Vimy Ridge and Juno Beach.
Métis veterans…were often not welcomed into Royal Canadian Legion halls, were not told of their rights to compensation for injury, were not supported—and often did not even know about—help through Veterans’ Affairs.
Before the delegation left, a ceremony to prepare participants was conducted on Algonquin sacred land at Victoria Island near Parliament Hill.The Calling Home Ceremony was conducted in Belgium, and later the pilgrims visited many crucial European sites.
“It is hoped that through the eyes of our youth taking part in the Calling Home Ceremony, the sacrifices will never be forgotten,” said Métis National Council President Clément Chartier. Since then, other ceremonies have taken place, such as in Batoche,
This recognition and assistance by government was a further step forward in reconciliation between Canada and
A website specifically for Métis veterans has been set up by the Métis National Council at www.Métisveterans.ca. For help contact info@MetisNation.ca, call 613-232-3216, toll free 1-800-928-6330, or fax 613-232-4262.
PHOTO: OLM STAFF
Recognition of Métis culture is slowly being incorporated into the Forces. There are also spokespersons and leaders demanding fair treatment. However, what is also needed is assistance in finding and serving the people who served so well and with such sacrifice. Veterans Affairs Canada offers services and benefits to all qualified veterans; CF members, serving and discharged RCMP, and certain civilians and families and Métis veterans are definitely part of that group n
39 OTTAWALIFE SEPTEMBER 2015
by Kate Tenenhouse
Women, Wages The Workplace
&
OPSEU Unites for Equity The role and responsibility of OPSEU’s ProvincialWomen’s Committee is to advocate for women within the union, supporting their workplace needs and rights. The committee members often take on roles as mediators, advisors and investigators under OPSEU’s Harassment and Discrimination Prevention policy. They can also help with equity language in contracts. Through this organization, as well as Local Women’s Committees (LWC), OPSEU strives to combat the issue of inequity in the workplace. Rhonda Ferguson is a relatively new member of the Provincial Women’s Committee. She has been an OPSEU unit steward for three years and is the longest-standing labour management member in her composite. She is also a working mother of three. For the past 17 years, Ferguson has been working as an RPN in long-term home care in the Leeds and Grenville area. She is also a councillor for one of the local municipalities. OLM: How long ago did you become involved with OPSEU?
I’ve been part of labour management in the union since 2010 but I just became really actively involved about four years ago. Every time I say I’m going to step back, I kind of step forward and say, ‘I think I would like that.’ In fact, a couple years ago, I decided to be a steward and I absolutely love it. It’s a position that needs to be filled and I enjoy helping people. OLM: What has your experience been like with OPSEU?
It’s a big family. Any time you need help, any time you get down or discouraged, your family picks you up. OLM: As a member of the Provincial Women’s Committee, have you seen cases of gender inequity or discrimination?
The Provincial Women’s Committee is something that I’m new to this year, and I decided to do it because of what I do and where I work. I’m very fortunate in the sense I have an employer who gives equal wages, but I’ve seen it in the community and I’ve seen it in private homes where workers are not getting equal pay for what they do. I just don’t understand
how in today’s day and age we still have those inequalities. OLM: And so, how is the Provincial Women’s Committee striving to change that?
The Committee is trying to unite us. It is trying to influence policy making by advocating for legislative changes in terms of wage equality and child care. If you make it easier on women to work, especially with day care and child care, then they feel better. Their work is better; they have a sense of purpose and know that their child is in good hands, all the while knowing that they are bringing home a living wage. The Provincial Women’s Committee is at the forefront and that is kind of why I got into that, to help bring that even farther ahead. OLM: How does OPSEU help to mitigate the issue of inequality and discrimination?
I have to say OPSEU is an extremely tolerant corporation. It brings in minorities and supports a variety of projects. It’s not just the Women’s Committee. It’s not just the Human Rights Committee. It’s not just Disability Committee. We are uniting to bring forward the issues faced by all of these inequalities together. OLM: Why do you think inequality in the workplace still exists to this day?
There are so many factors; it is hard to determine. Sometimes it is just easier not to make it an issue. Sometimes it’s just a matter of: ‘That’s the way we’ve always done it.’ And it’s so hard to break done that stereotype, right? Education and talking about it— having a conversation at the kitchen table goes a long way n opseu.org
40 OTTAWALIFE SEPTEMBER 2015
building a better canada/ op-ed by Michael Coren
THE POLITICS OF
Love Thy Neighbour W
hen did Christianity in Canada become so linked to political and social conservatism? When did so many Christians, especially the loudest and most organized, embrace censorship, resistance to gay equality, denial of climate change, opposition to vaccinations and an angry obsession with abortion? There are, of course, myriad believers in Christ who do not think and act thus but ask most Canadians what comes to mind when they think of Christian activists and these issues will form the bulk of their answer. In Ontario at the moment, conservative Catholics and evangelicals, aided by orthodox Muslims, are campaigning against the provincial government’s new sex education curriculum. From reporting on their demonstrations, I can assure you that most of them have not read the document and are even protesting parts of it that are entirely fabricated. It’s mostly sheer hysteria, infected by lumps of homophobia and personal dislike of openly gay premier Kathleen Wynne. On a federal level the anti-abortion movement has launched a wellfunded and nationwide campaign under the banner NO2Trudeau. His policies on poverty, foreign aid, military intervention or health care, for example, are apparently irrelevant. Abortion has become one of the sacraments of the faith and if someone is not zealous on this subject and not similarly opposed to marriage equality they are considered heretical. What is so profoundly surprising about all this is that while Christianity has always been linked to moral behaviour, the churches of the nineteenth and early twentieth century were far more committed
to social welfare, workers’ rights, anti-slavery and progressive legislation than to a theology of sexual puritanism. Witness the social gospel movement in Canada, Tommy Douglas in Saskatchewan and the Labour Party in Britain that owed far more to Methodism than to Marx.
...while Christianity has always been linked to moral behaviour, the churches of the nineteenth and early twentieth century were far more committed to social welfare, workers’ rights, anti-slavery and progressive legislation than to a theology of sexual puritanism. The great shift came about to a large extent in the 1960s with The Second Vatican Council in the Catholic Church and the powerful emergence of liberal protestantism. All this took place within the backstory of the new openness and liberation of the so-called permissive society and to every action there is a reaction, to every reform is a roar of opposition. Far from gluing their lives to The New Testament, many Christians looked to a quintessentially North American and conservative past; a warped spiritual nostalgia rather than genuine commitment to what is in fact a genuinely revolutionary way of life. The bumper slogan became What
Would Jesus Do?, and to the Christian right it was an entirely rhetorical question. He would speak a great deal about gay people, the unborn and pornography. But Jesus hardly ever speaks about sexuality and never at all about homosexuality. In the 200,000 words of The New Testament, only 40 deal directly with samesex attraction and many modern theologians see them as condemning rape and the sexual abuse of young men rather than mutual, adult gay love. Abortion is not a major theme of Scripture either and, again, something Christ doesn’t discuss. Censorship is irrelevant within the Bible and there is no “Blessed are those who Refuse Vaccinations” passages in Paul’s Letter to the Climate Change Deniers. From commitment to social justice and a preferential commitment to the poor to what one Canadian priest referred to as “Taliban Catholics” and from Protestants demanding a welfare state, minimum wage and shorter working hours to the horribly misnamed Moral Majority types blaming every tragedy on pride parades, abortion clinics and even Disney movies. The quintessence of Christianity is love of God and love of neighbour yet the sectarian angst of the Christian right has become shocking. Rather than trying to extend the circle of love they guard the corners of a tight little battle square. The doors are not held wide open but kept resolutely shut. And in Canada it’s getting worse and not better. What would Jesus do? Probably give them a good shake and demand to know why they didn’t pay attention to what He said and how He lived! n Michael Coren can be contacted at mcoren@sympatico.ca 41 OTTAWALIFE SEPTEMBER 2015
kazakhstan/canada friends by OLM staff
100 Steps for Kazakhstan
I
n May 2015, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev announced one hundred concrete steps to further reform the country’s political, economic and social spheres. The new state Action Plan, 100 Concrete Steps, was designed against the background of worsening geopolitical and financial conditions around the world, including falling oil prices on world markets. The Plan demonstrates an understanding that for sustainable growth and transition of Kazakhstan to the group of 30 most-developed nations, it must implement deeper reforms that will enhance the political, economic and social environment. 100 Concrete Steps focuses on five directions of institutional reforms. They are: improving public services, ensuring the rule of law, promoting economic growth, strengthening Kazakhstan’s identity and increasing transparency and accountability of the government. Many of the identified reforms were proposed based on the experience of the world’s most developed states. In January 2015, Kazakhstan signed a country program with the Organization for Economic Co42 OTTAWALIFE SEPTEMBER 2015
operation and Development (OECD). A number of Canadian consultants were included in the group of international experts who traveled to Astana to discuss the issues of improving the competitiveness of the mining sector of Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan is going to increase transparency and predictability of the subsoil use sector by introducing the Committee for Mineral Reserves International Reporting Standards and will also introduce a facilitated contracting method for all mineral resources by using the best international practices.
In the Americas, it (Canada) is also a leading partner with more than seven billion dollars in bilateral trade between 2012-2014. The most advanced tools and standards of public services that are applied in Canada are going to be introduced within the framework of the 100 Concrete Steps. Open recruitment, enhanced training, salaries and promotions
ABOVE: President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev and WTO Director-General Roberto Azevêdo at the ceremony of the signing of the Protocol on the Accession of Kazakhstan to the WTO in Geneva on July 27, 2015.
linked to work performance will be introduced. According to the plan, Kazakhstan is going to establish a national corporation, “Government for the Citizens,” that will become the provider of public services to the country’s growing population, similar to Canada’s public service. In order to study the Canadian experience in these areas, two official delegations from Kazakhstan came to Canada in July. One was led by Member of the Mazhilis (the Kazakhstan Parliament), Maira Aisina and Vice-Minister of the Ministry of Investments and Development, Saken Sarsenov. The second was led by Chair of the Committee of Geology and Subsoil Use of the Ministry of Investments and Development, Bazarbay Nurabayev. In Ottawa, Kazakhstan representatives met with officials from the Treasury Board Secretariat, the Department of Employment and Social Development and were briefed on the operations of Service Canada and Shared Services
Canada. They also had an opportunity to visit one of the Service Canada Centres. Meetings with representatives of the Department of Natural Resources Canada and Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum, and Export Development Canada allowed an exchange of views on the best practices in geological survey, resource exploration and development as well as application of international standards in this area.
Kazakhstan is one of Canada’s major trading partners among the post-Soviet and the Eastern European countries. In the Americas, it is also a leading partner with more than seven billion dollars in bilateral trade between 20122014. According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development of Canada, the volume of Canadian investments in Kazakhstan amounted to nearly $16 billion during 1994-2013. There is no doubt that the successful implementation of the 100 Concrete Steps will contribute to
RIGHT: Member of Parliament of Kazakhstan Maira Aisina, Vice-Minister of the Ministry of Investments and Development of Kazakhstan Saken Sarsenov with Senior Assistant Deputy Minister of Employment and Social Development Canada Benoit Long BELOW: Chair of the Committee of Geology and Subsoil Use of the Ministry of Investments and Development of Kazakhstan Bazarbay Nurabayev with Assistant Deputy Minister of the Department of Natural Resources of Canada Marian Campbell Jarvis.
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Upgrade your Career! The 100 Concrete Steps outlines measures to improve Kazakhstan’s economic performance by strengthening investors’ protection, eliminating red tape, ensuring tax transparency and additional support for entrepreneurs. Kazakhstan’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), at the end of July, after almost 20 years of negotiations, was a great achievement. According to Kazakhstan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Erlan Idrissov, full membership of Kazakhstan in the WTO “underlines the country’s commitment to building a world class and diversified economy”.
further broadening and strengthening of Kazakhstan-Canadian trade and economic ties.
Spanish
In 2013, Kazakhstan achieved its goal to enter the top 50 most competitive countries according to the World Economic Forum rating. The country maintained this position in 2014. By outlining a goal of joining the ranks of world’s top 30 most developed countries through implementing major institutional reforms, the leadership of Kazakhstan remains committed to improving the wellbeing of its citizens and strengthening cooperation with its international partners n
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building a better canada series by Eric Murphy
The Burning Question In Canada’s Infrastructure
D
on’t let the name fool you. Unlike the fiery ring in the Johnny Cash song, from which it is named, Northern Ontario’s Ring of Fire isn’t something you can just fall into. A vast, expansive swath of land with incredible mining potential, the Ring of Fire sits North of Thunder Bay, Hearst, and Timmins. Vast deposits of chromite, nickel, copper, zinc, platinum, palladium, and gold lay hidden beneath the land’s surface. These minerals, worth billions of dollars, could support jobs for Canadians and the nearby First Nations communities for generations to come. A 2014 study by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce estimates that within the first 10 years alone, the Ring of Fire could contribute $9.2 billion to Ontario’s GDP. And that’s only in Ontario. From lumber and gas, to power and gold, region after region in Canada is sitting on a wealth of resources, and no big plan to harness it to develop our future. The vision is missing, and that vision could turn Canada’s financial troubles around. Arguably the biggest obstacle facing companies trying to access and develop our resources are the regions’ lack of infrastructure. This should not be a problem that the private sector faces alone. Our country is facing an economic downturn, and we have the recipe to bolster our economy and solve that problem. “Power and transportation infrastructure are the oxygen for the Ring of Fire in Ontario, and for all resource development,” says Ellis Kirkland of Kirkland Capital Corporation. An internationally recognized, awardwinning Harvard infrastructure expert, Kirkland has extensive experience working with global governments and First Nations communities.
“Could we ever even imagine a Canada without the Trans-Canada Highway or the national railroads that connect us east to west?” Ellis asks. “The infrastructure, resource, environment trio is the key to delivering opportunities and jobs to Canadians, while showcasing our high environmental stewardship standards and infrastructure capabilities.”
Power and transportation infrastructure are the oxygen for the ring of fire in Ontario, and for all resource development.
ELLIS KIRKLAND, Kirkland Capital Corporation ellis@kirklandcapital.com
Large-scale infrastructure demands large-scale vision – which is the responsibility of both the federal and provincial governments, Kirkland argues. That is the formula that German Chancellor Angela Merkel used to buffer Germany from the financial troubles of 2008. She initiated projects that led to new infrastructure and bolstered the economy. It worked. Once there is provincial and federal commitment to the big vision, the private sector can then develop an ‘incremental approach,’ where it focuses on one area of the resource development and use that as the launching pad for the rest of a project.
You can find a great example of this approach in Ontario right now, through the largest Ring of Fire stakeholder, Canadian mining company Noront Resources. Earlier this year, Noront paid $20 million to buy chromite deposits from an American company called Cliffs Natural Resources. Cliffs’ mining attempts stalled in the face of delays and issues dealing with the province, federal government and First Nations. Now Noront owns more land in the Ring of Fire than any other mining company and it has announced a sustainable, incremental approach to the project. According to Kirkland, if we back development like this with commitments for large-scale infrastructure, new jobs in Ontario would follow. More so, all of Canada would have more jobs at a time when we all really need it. The Ring of Fire needs what all of the resources in Canada need.Infrastructure, new roads, transportation and cheap power supply are critical to the Ring’s success. These projects hire workers from the surrounding populations, in many cases, from the nearby First Nations. It’s a win-win situation. “We owe the people of this country jobs. I see a remarkable opportunity for Canada to bolster itself up against the recession,” Kirkland says. “We can do this by developing Canada’s wealth of resources, in an environmentally sustainable manner, through the building of infrastructure.” The last century saw us develop the Trans-Canada highway, and the national railways, and the St. Lawrence seaways. Today we have state-of-theart technologies, world-class standards and great resource opportunities in so many regions across our country. We just need a vision to go along with those opportunities to allow them to succeed and flourish n 45 OTTAWALIFE SEPTEMBER 2015
PHOTO: COURTESY PM.GC.CA
canada-china friendship series by Lorraine Farkas
Learning about the Middle Kingdom
with the Canada-China Friendship Society of Ottawa
T
he relationship between China and Canada is complex. For starters, China is Canada’s second largest trading partner. Over 80,000 Chinese students are studying in Canada. Chinese visitors are the third largest group of tourists in Canada and more Canadians than ever are going to China to do business, work, study and to sightsee. As the ties between the two countries grow, so does our interest in better understanding one another. The Canada-China Friendship Society of Ottawa (CCFSO), formed in 1976, offers a variety of ways for Ottawans to learn about China. It hosts a monthly speaker series, inviting influential and well-informed speakers to discuss various aspects of China. Some have them have included: • Former Ambassadors David Mulroney, Howard Balloch and Robert Wright, who looked at Canada-China relations; • Mayor Jim Watson spoke on the relationship between sister cities Ottawa and Beijing; • Victor Rabinovitch (former CEO of the Canadian Museum of Civilization (now the Canadian Museum of History) discussed 46 OTTAWALIFE SEPTEMBER 2015
China’s new Beijing Museum; and, • Professor Richard French, gave a comparison of economic development in China and India.
ABOVE:Former Prime Minister Joe Clark talks about the history of Canada’s engagement with China at a Canada-China Friendship Society of Ottawa panel discussion.
The CCFSO also shows films. Last May, it screened the documentary film Nowhere to Call Home, about the challenges of the Tibetan minority in China. After the screening, there was a Skype interview with the film’s director, American journalist Jocelyn Ford.
are chosen to attend a Summer Youth Camp organized by the Shanghai People’s Friendship Association. The students explore Shanghai and its surroundings, learn about China and interact with students from other countries at the camp.
The Society is an independent, volunteer organization, funded through its members who now number about 250. It maintains good relations with the Chinese Embassy, which hosts a very popular annual reception where society members can meet the Chinese Ambassador and hear about the latest developments in Canada-China relations. Besides the speaker series, the CCFSO organizes other activities, including a book club. For the Chinese New Year in early February, over 200 members and non-members attend the CCFSO’s banquet celebration, enjoying a ten-course feast along with entertainment and a silent auction. Every other year, two local students
The CCFSO recently invited professionals from the Ottawa area to attend conferences in China, one in Jiangsu province on seniors’ care and one on urban affairs in Beijing. Those who wish to learn more about China are welcome to join or simply attend one of the CCFSO’s upcoming events. On October 2, Canadian professor Daniel Bell, who teaches in Beijing, will speak about China’s political system. Full information on this and other events is available at www.ccfso. org and www.facebook.com/ccfs. ottawa n Lorraine Farkas is the Past President of the Canada-China Friendship Society of Ottawa
canada-china friendship series by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China
Remembering the Past to Look to the Future his year holds special significance T for the world, as it marks the 70th anniversary of the end of World
War II and the creation of the United Nations as well as the 70th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. In May, a special plenary meeting of the United Nations General Assembly was held to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. More UN-sponsored events will take place in the coming weeks. In September, China will also hold a series of themed events, including a grand rally and a military parade, to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World War II. The purpose is to remember the past, honour the fallen, cherish the peace and create the future. More than seventy years ago, the fascists and militarists launched a full-scale brutal war against humanity, bringing unprecedented catastrophes to human civilization. The flames of the Second World War engulfed over 60 countries and regions in Asia, Europe, Africa and Oceania, wreaking havoc on nearly two billion people, or 80 per cent of the world’s total population at the time. Villages and cities were shattered and reduced to ruins, families were torn apart and millions of people were made homeless. Total casualties of the war are estimated between 80 and 120
million. The direct economic losses exceeded USD 1,385 billion. China was an important member of the world anti-fascist allied coalition and was the main battlefield in Asia during World War II. The Chinese were the first nation to confront and fight Japanese military aggression, at a tremendous human cost. Chinese military and civilian casualties were over 35 million, including 21 million fatalities. China suffered direct economic losses of over USD100 billion, and another 500 billion in indirect losses at the 1937 exchange rate.
Canada, as a member of the Allies of World War II, sent troops across the Pacific to fight shoulder to shoulder with China against the Japanese onslaught. World War II ended with a triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. Against all odds, the Chinese people waged an extremely hard and bitter struggle in resisting the Japanese militarist aggression, opening up a main theatre on the eastern front of the World Anti-Fascist War and tying down most of the Japanese militarist forces. China’s tough resistance also served to support the Allies’ operations in the European and Pacific fronts.
ABOVE: Mr. George S. MacDonell, Ambassador Luo Zhaohui and Senator Joseph Day. ABOVE LEFT: Ambassador Luo Zhaohui spoke at the commemoration ceremony for the 70th anniversary of the victory against fascism and Japanese aggression.
The Chinese people made historic contribution to the final victory and world peace. In the course of its war of resistance against the Japanese aggression, China received sympathy and support from all the peace-loving forces in the world. The justice-upholding nations in the international community firmly stood with China. The United States, Canada, the Soviet Union and Great Britain provided China with valuable moral and material support. Canada, as a member of the Allies of World War II, sent troops across the Pacific to fight shoulder to shoulder with China against the Japanese onslaught, contributing to the final victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. On the bank of the Rideau River in Ottawa stands a Memorial Wall. It is etched with the names of young Canadian soldiers who fought to defend Hong Kong. In November 1941, nearly 2,000 Canadian infantrymen joined the defence of Hong Kong, and 290 of them perished in the battle. After Hong Kong fell to the Japanese invasion on what was later 47 OTTAWALIFE SEPTEMBER 2015
named “Black Christmas”, Canadian servicemen were forced to work in labour camps. Over 300 of them were tortured to death. They never made their way home.
peaceful settlement of disputes, and work together to foster a new type of international relations with win-win cooperation as the core. To achieve a lasting peace, it is important that the nations of the world transcend stereotyped views, follow the global trend of peace and development, strengthen exchanges and cooperation, respect the diversity of civilisations, and seek common development by expanding common ground while shelving differences.
On 18 June this year, the Chinese Embassy in Canada held a ceremony in front of the Memorial Wall to pay tribute to the Canadian heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for peace and justice. We will never forget them. We will always remember them. We also cherish the memory of Canadian surgeon Norman Bethune. Seventyseven years ago, he led a medical team of Canadians and Americans to China and joined the Chinese people in the war against the Japanese militarist aggression. He bravely worked at the forefront of battles and saved the lives of countless Chinese soldiers with his remarkable medical skills and expertise. Unfortunately, he contracted blood poisoning while operating on wounded soldiers in a makeshift field hospital in Hebei Province and died on 12 November 1939. Dr. Norman Bethune is a household name in China and stands as a symbol of SinoCanadian friendship. The traumas of war are hard to heal, and are likely to leave scars of hatred. The late British Prime Minister Winston Churchill once said, “Nothing is more costly, nothing is more sterile, than vengeance.” For those who have gone through the wars, they are keenly aware of the importance of peace and cooperation. The creation of the United Nations in the wake of World War II was primarily to secure world peace and prevent a repeat of the tragedies of the two world wars. Peace does not come easily or lightly and should therefore be more dearly cherished. In contemporary history, China suffered immensely from the scourge of wars and foreign invasions and the Chinese people’s most pressing desire was to eliminate wars and achieve peace. As a major victor nation of World War II, China took an active part in the historical process of establishing a post-war international order. In fact, China was the first country to sign the Charter of the United Nations. 48 OTTAWALIFE SEPTEMBER 2015
ABOVE Mr. George S. MacDonell at the Hong Kong Memorial Wall.
The post-war international order, with the United Nations at its core and the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations as its cornerstone, remains an anchor for world peace and stability. The order is one of the outcomes of the victory of the World Anti-fascist War and reflects the international consensus on the issues of history. Seventy years on, China, while focusing on developing itself, has never failed to honour its international commitments. China has played a constructive role at the international and regional levels to maintain world peace and stability, and safeguard and improve the postwar international order and system. Seventy years on, the world is still far from being tranquil in spite of the United Nations and its Charter. Peace and development of humanity are still confronted with many challenges that cannot be ignored. Traditional and non-traditional security issues are intertwined with one another. Non-traditional security issues, especially terrorism, are becoming more prominent. The incessant local wars, tensions and turmoil, the volatile global economy, and the widening North-South divide make the realisation of lasting peace a long and uphill journey. To achieve a lasting peace, it is essential that the nations of the world uphold the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, reject power politics and zero-sum game, oppose the use of force at will, seek
To achieve a lasting peace, it is vital that the nations of the world respect history. Forgetting history means betrayal. The atrocities and crimes of aggression committed by Japanese militarists in World War II cannot and should not be denied or covered up. The truth of history cannot and should not be distorted. In today’s Japan, however, some politicians still pay homage to the Yasukuni Shrine where the convicted Class A war criminals of World War II are honoured.They refuse to admit Japan’s crimes of aggression. They refuse to repent and apologize without reservation for the militarist aggression, and refuse to do serious soul-searching about Japan’s wartime past. Still worse, the lower house of the Japanese parliament has passed new security bills that overturn Japan’s longstanding prohibition of “collective selfdefence”. People cannot but question: Is Japan changing its post-war path of peaceful development? We have a saying in Chinese, which reads, “The past, if not forgotten, serves as a useful lesson for the future.” Remembering the past is for creating the future. Never forgetting the war is meant to safeguard the peace. China and Canada were allies fighting shoulder to shoulder in World War II to restore world peace and uphold justice, leaving an immortal chapter in history. Today, as the smoke and dust of World War II have long settled, it is all the more imperative for China and Canada to work more closely to safeguard the outcomes of the World War II victory and to contribute to world peace and development, and a better tomorrow of the world n
PHOTO: NHDTTD/KRISTIN BURCHSTED
PHOTO: NHDTTD/TAWNA CALLAHAN
travel by Ron Donovan
New Hampshire T
here is no better way to begin a tour of New Hampshire than in Portsmouth, an historic and quaint seaport. Portsmouth is a must-see destination for those who wish to explore the area’s history. Visit the numerous museums, art centres, stroll through Market Square, take in an outdoor concert at Prescott Park, follow the Peace Treaty Trail or savour the culinary experience of the many dining establishments. You won’t be disappointed. In 1905, Portsmouth hosted delegations from Russia and Japan with a view to negotiating an end to the Russo-Japanese War. Today, the Peace Treaty Trail identifies the important sites in and around Portsmouth and retraces the path of diplomacy, both formal and informal in the footsteps of the Russia-Japanese delegations, their attachés and hosts. You can see the homes and businesses that welcomed the delegations, including the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and the Wentworth by the Sea, where delegates were accommodated for the 30 days of the conference.
“an uncommon commitment to peace became a common virtue” resulting in the signing of the Treaty of Portsmouth at the US Navy Shipyard on September 5, 1905 at 3:47 p.m., thereby ending the conflict between the two protagonists. As you tour, you can’t help being drawn to Strawberry Banke, a village of 38 historic homes and buildings including elegant mansions, homes, a tavern, copper shop and corner store. All have been restored and remain on their original site. History comes alive at Strawberry Banke as you experience New England life from 1695 through to the early 1950s and you can be part of the fun as you step back into and experience one of Portsmouth's finest cultural and recreational attractions. Travel through time and talk with costumed role players, witness traditional craft demonstrations and visit the Family Discovery Centre,
In August and September 1905, with the support and encouragement of the people of Portsmouth,
James House, where children of all ages can listen to a picture book story that explores exciting moments in American history or have fun with toys through time at the hands on interactive play space.You can visit the buildings at your leisure or take part in a guided tour. A visit to Portsmouth would not be complete without a walking tour of Market Square. The heart and centre of this wonderful eco-friendly city has many original 17th-century buildings that are now interesting shops, art galleries, book stores, antique shops, eclectic restaurants and coffee stops. For a relaxing lunch, you will want to visit the Gas Light Pub. Built in1873, it was the home of the city's first utility, the Portsmouth Gas Light Co. Today's restaurant has been restored to reflect the role of gas lights in the city's history. The street-level pub serves traditional pub fare. Try a locallybrewed draft beer or a selection of boutique wines. The friendly staff and superb service make for a very memorable occasion. If dancing the night away is your thing, come back at night to find your groove at the Third Floor Night Club. Great memories start with a great night’s sleep. Set in a residential
PHOTO: COURTESY WENTWORTH BY THE SEA 49 OTTAWALIFE SEPTEMBER 2015
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Moxy’s is another great place to eat. Its ‘modern American tapas’ are one of its specialties. This award-winning restaurant has complex flavours and is unique in presentation. Wentworth by the Sea is a jewel in the crown of the Marriott Hotel Chain. One could imagine the many grand functions held in the magnificent ballrooms in this historic hotel over the years, not the least of which was the hosting by the Japanese of the ‘International Love Fest’ following the signing of the Armistice that ended the Russo-Japanese war in September, 1905. In 2003, after a 30-million dollar restoration, the hotel returned to its former grandeur with 21st century conveniences. The SALT Kitchen and Bar is one of the top-ranked New Hampshire restaurants and offers a gastronomic experience that is rarely seen today. The exotic menu includes fresh seafood, prime quality cut of meats, selected area grown produce, pasta, freshly baked breads and a vast array of desserts.
PHOTO: NHDTTD/CONVAY SCENIC RAILWAY/CRAIG HARRISON
A unique pub in the Portsmouth Restaurant Community is the Portsmouth Brewery. It is New Hampshire’s original brew pub. The pub produces an average of 300,000 pints a year and pride is very evident in the quality and production of the beer and their food preparation. The pub is environmentally friendly and the management is constantly looking for new ways to contribute to a sustainable environment. In addition to the brewery, the pub has a beer garden, dining room, lounge and souvenir shop. They have an extensive menu and amongst other items are famous for their mussels.
PHOTO: COURTESY THE WENTWORTH BY THE SEA
area of Portsmouth, the Premier B&B Martin Hill Inn is within walking distance from Market Square and is the ideal location for an overnight stay. The Inn embraces two early 19th Century buildings, both representing typical New England architectural styles. Each room is tastefully and individually decorated for comfort and convenience in styles that reflect the long history of the city. There is a beautiful garden where you can sit and enjoy a drink or just relax.
ABOVE: Conway’s scenic railroad’s Crawford Notch Train. Wentworth by the Sea’s SALT Kitchen and Bar is top ranked in New Hampshire.
Head north to explore the beautiful sites of New Hampshire in one of the most picturesque regions of the Granite State.The White Mountains with their unmatched natural beauty, rugged mountain peaks and rolling hills offer a series of unique views of the northeast. With an elevation of 6288 feet above sea level, Mount Washington towers over the surrounding countryside. Along with the amazing scenery the region provided a wide range of family attractions, theme parks, recreational activities and of course tax-free shopping. For those who have difficulty getting around, the beauty of the White Mountains is as evident along the highways as it is on the many trails allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the region in the comfort of your car. The State Parks, with thousands of miles of trails, provide a multitude of activities for all ages and interests with wonderful camping facilities,
hiking, biking, a day at the beach or a family picnic. US Rte 302 provides easy access to several parks. In the heart of the White Mountains, is the town of North Woodstock. The town embodies the essence of the region and is amongst the most visited destinations in the White Mountains. It is also the home of the famous Woodstock Inn Station and Brewery. The Inn, which is centuries old, was refurbished in 1982 and is situated in a gracious and relaxed setting. It has an incredible restaurant on its patio, surrounded by a beautiful garden. The brewery is fantastic. Premium hops from around the world are employed in the seven barrel system and are blended with English grain and pure deep well water to produce
continued >> page 53 51 OTTAWALIFE SEPTEMBER 2015
travel by Alessandra Gerebizza
Hard Rock it in Mexico B
ret Michaels, international rock star and front man for the popular band Poison has teamed up with the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya, Mexico to bring you the ultimate in rock n’ roll luxury travel. Located on the Caribbean Sea, the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya is a music lover’s paradise. As is the case with the Hard Rock franchise, the entire Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya is decorated with paraphernalia from iconic bands and blasts classic rock hits in various locations throughout the resort. Every detail is focused on music, from the guitar-shaped room key to the rock n’ roll-inspired spa treatments. Each guestroom is extravagantly designed to make you feel like a rock star and offers guests an all inclusive minibar that is restocked daily with premium rums, vodkas and whiskies. The list of amenities is long and the Hard Rock will pamper you.
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If you want to avoid children, stay on the adults only side of the resort appropriately named Heaven. Private balconies with hydro hot tubs and lounger hammock areas abound so you can soak up the sun in the privacy of your own space. Also located on the Heaven side is the Hard Rock signature Rock Spa that has up to 75 treatment rooms where one can experience the legendary rhythm and motion massage. The massage is based on a traditional Swedish style and begins with slower rock n’ roll songs playing gently in your ear while the massage therapists use the vibrations, pressures and patterns of the music in their technique. Heaven has a fullservice private beach, four fantastic restaurants and three lively bars and lounges, including a premium service nightclub with a giant indoor pool. If you want to live the rock star life and have a few dollars to spare, splurge or blow the budget on the Bret
Michaels Rock Star Suite, inspired and co-designed by Bret Michaels himself. It is the largest celebritybranded Rock Star Suite in the Hard Rock International collection (there are locations around the globe). Michaels worked directly with the Hard Rock Design Studio and Tandem Design Team to showcase his personal experience and musical accomplishments. As you enter the suite, you’re greeted with a full-size glass cut-out of Michaels leading a cheering concert crowd and a large display case showcasing the rock star’s Taxicab motorcycle and Rose guitar. The suite is 9,204 square feet and is decked out with a photo booth, private screening room, DJ booth and bar, raised dance floor, Camaroconverted billiard table, cowboy hat display, bandana-influenced ceiling décor, multiple lounge areas, a huge rock-inspired bathroom and a master bedroom with a luxurious bathtub that rests bedside. A roof-top terrace PHOTO: COURTESY HARD ROCK HOTEL
If you are an art lover and enjoy music, food and more you will want to visit the historic Town of Littleton. Situated on the edge of the White Mountains it is the home of Eleanor H Porter creator of the world’s most optimistic character Pollyanna. Stroll along the award- winning main street and historic river district. There are more than 14 art galleries and unique shops. Take a leisurely walk across the walking bridge or take time to play the piano on the sidewalk of the main street. Before leaving Littleton, you will want to drop into Chutters, an institution on the main street. It holds the Guinness World Record for the longest candy counter (112 feet). Indulge in its fudge.
runs the length of the suite with everything you need. The point is, this is a place of luxury for people from all walks of life, from the famously rich to those of us still working our way there. The Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya guarantees fun, rock ’n roll and a good time for everyone of all ages. Restaurants serving Asian fusion, South American, Mexican or even a pizzeria are there to fuel you up. Private beaches, party pools, family pools, music lessons, Temazcal (an intense Mexican heat therapy cleanse in the dark), children’s activities and a fully equipped gym are all there for your enjoyment and relaxation. Rock the night away or cuddle up in your suite and empty the minibar. Do whatever you want. The key is, the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya is hip, cool and there to please n To book an all-inclusive vacation at Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya, visit www.hrhrivieramaya.com.
The historic, elegant Adair Country Inn is located in an exceptional region near Bethlehem and the White Mountain National Forest. It is a picturesque setting with a spectacular view of the mountains. The long driveway winds through a quiet forest and you are struck by the sight of a beautiful stately Georgian Manor situated on a knoll in the midst of sweeping manicured lawns, flower gardens and ponds. The Inn has nine well-appointed unique guest rooms, each named after a mountain in the Presidential Range. Spacious rooms with a private bath, large cherry fourposter queen feather bed, comfortable reading chairs, antique desk, fireplace and a series of library books made for an atmosphere of quiet splendour await you. Awaken to a gourmet breakfast featuring the Innkeeper's homemade popovers, and quintessential New England breakfast, artfully presented. Dinner in the Adair Restaurant is another gastronomic delight featuring New England-style cuisine in a warm and friendly fireside atmosphere. A distinguishing characteristic of the Inn is the meticulous attention to detail. Innkeepers Barry and Kim
PHOTO: NHDTTD/MICHAEL SWIFT
a superior selection of seasonal ales. Another unique and very refreshing popular drink produced by the brewery is its root beer.
PHOTO: NHDTTD/DAVE SHAFER
New Hampshire >> from page 51
ABOVE: View of a Portsmouth neighbourhood from the water. A perfect setting for a lovely covered bridge in Littleton.
are the epitome of gracious hosts and every effort is made to ensure the comfort and enjoyment of their guests whether their stay is for an intimate and romantic retreat, a relaxing sojourn or elegant casual dining. North Conway is a year-round resort area and a popular destination for its recreation, attractions and tax-free shopping. Over 100 of the best shops, retail stores, art galleries and factory outlets are within walking distance of most major hotel chains, local motels and restaurants. Do not miss the chance for a ride on the Conway Scenic Railroad’s Dining Car Chocorua. Take a two-hour journey on historic 19-century routes through mountain ranges, river crossings, fields and woodlands. Chocorua takes you back to the golden age of railroading while enjoying a sumptuous dinner with excellent service and fine wine in the elegant oak-panelled dining car. Overall, there is something for everyone in New Hampshire. It’s close to home and yet far enough away you will feel like you are getting away from it all. You get to visit a different place, and in some cases era, thanks to the historically important events and general history of the State. Put it on your bucket list of places to see n 53 OTTAWALIFE SEPTEMBER 2015
education by Yvan Mathieu, Saint Paul University
Religion, Theology, and Tomorrow’s Society Religions in crisis
October 22, 2015, will mark the first anniversary of a tragic event that took place here in Ottawa: the shootings at the National War Memorial and on Parliament Hill. The attacker claimed he was acting on account of his religious beliefs. Since then, the media have reported that many young people from Canada have travelled abroad to join religious war movements. Must we conclude that religion is dangerous? Should we therefore do our best to “liberate” society from religion? These are serious questions that require adequate answers. First, let us remember that it is not religious beliefs as such that create the kind of violence we have been witnessing recently. Rather, such violence is the result of fanaticism and extremism. Religion is not going to disappear from our world—despite regular and premature obituaries. Instead of attempting to eradicate any kind of religion from our society, should we not aim to help people live their religious beliefs in a reasonable way? That is where theology can play an important role in constructing tomorrow’s society. Gnôthi seauton: “Know yourself”
This Greek maxim was engraved on the front wall of the temple at Delphi, and became Socrates’ motto. It should be the point of departure for building tomorrow’s society. In order to prepare the future, we must consider the world we live in right now, and its historical roots; we must discover our own
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identity in order to commit to building the future. In Canada, we must first acknowledge the importance of the First Nations. In a time when ecology and environment are such important issues, their spiritual heritage is an essential component of our society. In the Western world, the Judeo– Christian tradition has long played a fundamental role. Jews, Christians, Muslims, Hindus, those of other faith traditions and non–believers alike often share values of peace, justice,
Reality, the intention of our actions, or the wherewithal to understand the perspective of others, society, as we know it, would not exist. love, and ethics. In our country, these values originated in the faith our ancestors implanted in what was to become Canada. In today’s world, very important issues confronting humanity can only benefit from a dialogue with the Judeo–Christian tradition. Building a future full of hope, love, and justice
Christian theology allows for a (re) discovery of the values that shape our past, our present and our future. Through the study of Scripture
and tradition, theology helps its practitioners understand God’s true identity, the purpose of Creation, the possibility of living in a covenant with God, and the implications of this covenant on the individual, on the Church and on society. How does the risen Christ’s presence affect all sectors of human life? Through a better understanding of the relationship of the Jewish people with other peoples, and of the interchange between Christianity and different cultures over the past two millennia, theologians are able to find ways to contribute to harmony in our world in a context of respect in order to promote God’s love and justice throughout the planet. In today’s world, one cannot study theology in isolation. Catholics are in dialogue with Eastern Churches and other Christian denominations; Christians are in dialogue with Jews and Muslims. Collaboration and exchange with other world religions and with agnostic thinkers are increasing. Theology prepares ordained ministers for service in the Church and the world, and certainly we need pastors driven by a sound theological vision; but theology does much more than prepare for ministry. Anyone who takes faith seriously and is committed to constructing a better world can benefit from studying theology. “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15 NIV) n
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