Zoom Café Guest Speakers

Zoom Café – 2020-11-02

Guest – François LeBlanc (232)

François LeBlanc is a specialist in heritage conservation. A graduate in Architecture from Montreal University, Mr. LeBlanc specialized in heritage conservation at the University of York in England and in Ottawa, Canada. He was a registered architect with the OAQ from 1976 to 2007.

He is currently retired. From 2001 to 2007, he was Head of Field Projects at the Getty Conservation Institute in Los Angeles, USA directing projects in more than 24 countries. He is the former Chief Architect of the National Capital Commission in Ottawa (1992-2001); he was Vice-President of the Heritage Canada Foundation (1983-1992), Director of the International Council on Monuments and Sites' Secretariat in Paris, France (1979-1983); Chief Architect of historic sites from the French Period at Parks Canada in Ottawa (1971-1975) and Quebec City (1975-1979). He has served on the Executive of ICOMOS, as President of ICOMOS Canada and on the Board of the Association for Preservation Technology International (APTi). He was inducted in the APT College of Fellows (2003) and the ICOMOS Academy (2009).

During the Zoom Café session, he presented the Getty Conservation Institute in Los Angeles, and a few projects carried on by the GCI such as the First Photo scientific investigation, training of field staff in Tunisia for maintaining Greco-Roman mosaics and research for the consolidation of earthen constructions in Peru.

For more information about F. LeBlanc: http://ip51.icomos.org/~fleblanc/

Zoom Café – 2020-11-16

Guests – Joan Johnston, Joanna Crilly (302)

Joan and Joanna moved to Sussex Square from their farm in Kars where, for 25 years, they ran a riding school and training center. Both trained horses and riders up to the advanced level in dressage and training level in eventing (an equestrian sport that involves dressage, show jumping and mad dashes across the countryside leaping over logs and such). Joan and Joanna specialized in competing in the freestyle classes (dressage ridden to music). Both qualified as dressage judges; Joanna attained the highest national judging license in Canada and the US. Joan also gave regular dressage clinics in Manitoba before retiring. Joanna chaired the Dressage Canada Rules Committee for many years and both Joan and Joanna spearheaded the campaign to make safety helmets mandatory at all levels of dressage competition beginning in the early 2000’s. Canada was the first country in the world to make safety helmets in dressage mandatory. Finally, in 2020, the FEI (International Equestrian Federation), has followed Canada’s example.

They did have previous careers. Joan had worked in the investment business in Toronto and Joanna ran the Canadian Press Clipping Service (now that’s a quaint business to look back on).

In 2012, Joan and Joanna hung up their spurs and in 2018 finally retired from judging and teaching as well. Nowadays, Joan concentrates on painting water colours and Joanna is able to devote as many hours as possible to photography. They spend their winters in Florida where, as Joanna says, the birds are huge and they pose willingly, so are fairly easy to photograph.

Zoom Café – 2021-01-04

Guest – Matt Slowikowski (129)

Matt is a registered professional engineer in Ontario, having completed a master's in mechanical engineering. He has worked in the reliability and construction of building systems at various locations: General Motors in Oshawa, AECL in Chalk River, as well as for various buildings during the construction of a gold mine in Armenia. Matt also has completed an MBA and is a PMP project manager. He is presently employed by the Keller Engineering firm in Ottawa.

Matt Slowikowski currently serves on the Sussex Square Board (2020-2021)

Zoom Café –2021-01-18

Guest – Dr. Claude Pilette (208)

Dr. Pilette is a professional engineer who has specialized in Structural and Forensic Engineering since 1991. He completed his Bachelors Degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Ottawa in 1985, followed by a Masters Degree completed in 1987. He then enrolled at McGill University where he completed a Doctorate Degree in 1991. During his graduate studies, Claude focused his area of expertise on structural modelling and behaviour, and reconstruction of failures. He designed and conducted large scale experiments, where structures were loaded to failure. The behaviour of the structures under extreme loading conditions were predicted using analytical tools developed in the course of his graduate studies.

From 1991 to 1997, Dr. Pilette joined a federal government agency where he conducted investigations of structural related failures at nuclear power plants in Canada. From 1997 to 2009, Claude joined several consulting firms where he expanded his experience of reconstruction of structural failures to fire investigation and accident reconstruction. Dr. Pilette completed hundreds of forensic investigations related to building damage, fire incidents, and accidents involving personal injuries. His clientele included insurance companies, legal firms and government agencies.

In 2009, Dr. Pilette formed Pilette Forensic Engineering, a company specializing in engineering investigations for those requiring forensic assessment of failures and incidents resulting in personal injuries. Pilette Forensic Engineering's area of expertise covers building failures and personal injury accident reconstruction. Dr. Pilette's clientele includes primarily insurance companies and legal firms.

Dr. Pilette has testified in Ontario and Quebec Superior Courts on several occasions, providing expert testimony to the courts on the findings of his forensic engineering work.

Dr. Pilette currently serves on the Sussex Square Board (2020-2021). For more information about Dr. Pilette: Pilette Forensic Engineering, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada - Structural & Forensic Investigations.

Zoom Café –2021-02-01

Guest – Dan Fried (Property Manager)

When Capital Concierge was founded in 2000, the high performance standards set for the company became deeply rooted. After establishing a reputation as one of the most popular independent property management companies in the furnished market industry, in 2004, the focus switched to management of Condominium Corporations, where an enviable service record has since been developed, contributing to the company’s continued growth. An Ottawa native, Dan is marriedwith 2 young daughters, and currently lives with his family in Barrhaven.

Outside of work, he is active in the community and currently Chair of Capital Integral Charitable Foundation and CEO of the Angels of Hope, a CHEO Foundation affiliated charity. Dan is one of the original PM's in Ottawa to hold the Registered Condominium Managers (RCM) designation and is a member in good standing with Association of Condominium Managers of Ontario (ACMO) and the Canadian Condominium Institute (CCI). Dan is also currently on the CMRAO Discipline Appeals Committee, and the ACMO Social Committee.

During the Zoom Café session he discussed the various challenges faced by property management firms in Ottawa at this time, particularly the difficulty of recruiting and keeping competent property management staff.

Zoom Café –2021-02-15

Guest–Anne-Marie Clysdale (202)

Anne-Marie, her husband, Don, and daughter, Callie, have lived at Sussex Square for 2 years. She also has 2 adult sons who visit regularly. Anne-Marie is retired from her work as a management consultant and adult trainer. She and her husband own a number of other properties, so they have grown to understand the responsibilities of a landlord.

They have been active in our community here at Sussex Square and Anne-Marie is currently serving on the Board here at Sussex Square. Anne-Marie has numerous other volunteer commitments through her church at both a local and provincial level, through her daughter’s school, and with refugee sponsorship. She has recently retired from the board of directors for Cultural Interpretation Services for Our Communities (CISOC).

Anne-Marie shared with the audience the challenges that her family faced to champion an Iraqi refugee family.

Zoom Café – 2021-03-01

Guest – Marta Mulkins (105)

In her 30 years of service as a Naval reservist, Commodore Marta Mulkins was the first Canadian woman to command a Maritime Coastal Defence Vessel, serving as the Commanding Officer of Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Kingston, as well as Naval Reserve Division HMCS Carleton. She also deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan, for a six-month tour with Operation ARGUS, the Canadian Forces' Strategic Advisory Team - Afghanistan.

Marta is also a professional landscape architect who worked as a senior project manager for Public Works and Government Services Canada. She is a member of our Sussex Square landscape committee and advises every year on how best to maintain our property’s landscape.

Zoom Café – 2021-04-05

Guest – Wendy Zatylny (204)

Wendy Zatylny is a writer, strategist, sailor, adventurer, and current President of the Association of Canadian Port Authorities. Wendy is yet another member of our Sussex Square community with an interesting career path.

Wendy is President of the Association of Canadian Port Authorities.

Maritime trade underpins the global economy. Today, 90% of the world's cargo is carried by ships, most of it in containers. Take a good look around you: chances are, most of what you see came in by ship, offloaded at a Canadian port. ACPA represents Canada's 18 federal port authorities that make up the National Ports System. Taken together, the Canada Port Authorities are responsible for shipping $30 billion worth of goods annually and creating some 250,000 direct and indirect jobs. For more information on this exciting sector, see our website at www.acpa-ports.net

Zoom Café –2021-05-03

Guest–Kirby Kranabetter (402)

Kirby participated in the Atlanta 1996 Summer Paralympics as a member of the Canadian Wheelchair Rugby Team. They won the Silver medal against the Americans.

Wheelchair rugby at the 1996 Summer Paralympics consisted of a mixed team event. Wheelchair rugby was being contested as a demonstration sport, and not an official part of the Paralympic program, but medals were awarded and added to the total Canadian Paralympics medal count. Six teams took part in the sport; Sweden and Australia were eliminated after the preliminary round. Canada won the Silver medal.

Bruyère

TOGETHER. Making each life better. Hospital & Health Care, Ottawa, Ontario.

Driven by learning, research and innovation, our mission is to lead an integrated system of care that maximizes your quality of life and health potential.

We are an academic health care organization committed to providing compassionate and holistic care, respecting the dignity and diversity of all. As a Catholic organization, we are inspired by the values and legacy of Mother ÉlisabethBruyère. Our services in aging and rehabilitation, medically complex, palliative, residential and primary care respond to your needs throughout your life.

Zoom Café –2021-05-17

Guest–Ann Laidlaw (208)

Ann is an experienced and highly qualified senior leadership coach. She has worked as a counselor in the health care sector, as a director of employee development in the high tech sector and has 20 years of experience as a independent business person leading and growing Laidlaw Coaching.

Ann’s executive business coaching experience spans sectors such as high technology, banking, research and development, pharmaceutical, charities, not for profit, government, NGO’s and simply with individuals looking to make a change in their lives or their work. This has made her a valued asset to her many clients who consider her a trusted advisor. She is comfortable and experienced working with all levels in an organization from CEO to independent contributor.

Ann has developed a deep level of experience using 360 degree feedback models and has delivered feedback to hundreds of individuals, senior managers and executives. Ann has received extensive training in four different 360 models and is excited about the depth of insight that is possible using these tools..

Ann has a Master’s in Education (M.Ed.) from the University of Ottawa and holds a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) certification with the International Coach federation.

Zoom Cafe – 2021-06-07

Guest – Jim Over (123)

Jim is currently a senior Sales Operations leader for Trend Micro, a global leader in cyber security, with over 20 years’ experience in various Sales Operations, Business Operations and project management roles. He has helped both startup companies (Third Brigade) as well as mature organizations (ZixCorp, Trend Micro) to develop business practices to manage their international sales.

He discussed the various techniques used by computer hackers to steal personal data from individuals and corporations and how to protect against this threat. He also discussed the support Trend Micro’s foundation offers to children surviving in natural disaster areas in Asia and Africa. To view the video, copy the link and paste it in a web browser.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/vui2ay44kdqgzlh/2020_SKO_Service_Project_Online.mp4?dl=0

Trend also runs a program called Internet Safety for Kids & Families which has some good information and is as applicable to adults as it is to kids. In a lot of cases our kids are more internet savvy than we are. 😊

https://www.trendmicro.com/en_us/initiative-education/internet-safety-kids-families.html

Here is a link that has a little quiz for folks to see how security savvy they are.

https://www.protectseniorsonline.com/resources/cybersecurity-best-practices/

Zoom Cafe – 2021-07-05

Guest – Mariette Henderson (425)

Mariette Henderson is a geology and mining expert who, at one time, dabbled in one of the extreme sports for recreation, the Ottawa Marathon.

Originally trained in Belgium, she graduated from McGill University in Montreal as a geologist. She began working for the Geological Survey of Canada in 1970. At that time there were only two women in the Department. She was the third women hired. She said that their presence changed the men’s behaviour.

The Geological Survey of Canada is part of the Earth Sciences Sector of Natural Resources Canada. Today, it is the National organization for geoscientific information and research; it focuses on the sustainable development of Canada’s mineral, energy and water resources, the management of natural geological and related hazards, and technology innovation.

The GSC is the country's oldest scientific organization and one of Canada’s first government

organizations. In 1842, the Geological Survey of Canada was formed and William Edmond Logan was appointed as the Survey’s the first Director on April 14, 1842.

Most of Mariette’s work was in the Canadian North where she particularly appreciated the extraordinary scenery. She prepared geological maps, built a general information database, identified different rock types as well as geological faults. She retired from the GSC in 1997.

She then offered professional consultant expertise primarily in Brazil (diamonds) and in Morocco (copper mining).

Mariette began jogging in 1975 and participated to her first Ottawa Marathon in 1977. Since then she has been running in marathons twice per year.

Zoom Cafe – 2021-08-02

Guest – Jose Antonio Gomez Velez (411)

Jose Antonio Gomez Velez co-founded a local start up, spoonity.com.

The company runs loyalty programs for brands across 22 countries. Jose: “Our story began in Ottawa with a local Coffee Shop chain called Bridgehead, if you have ever been to their stores and used their loyalty program, we were their providers from 2013 until late last year. Since then, we have expanded all over the world.”

Jose now rents unit 311 but used to rent unit 225. Jose was originally from Ecuador. He has lived in Canada during the past 18 years. He studied telecommunications at Queens University in Kingston, Ontario. Hired by BlackBerry Limited (formerly known as Research in Motion, or RIM) he eventually created Spoonity that has since become a tremendous success with employees in Canada, Mexico and Ecuador.

Zoom Cafe – 2021-09-13

Guest – Alan Minz (306)

Former Canadian diplomat with management experience in trade and investment, advocacy, environmental issues,

As a diplomat and Senior Trade Commissioner (STC) in the Canadian government’s department of Global Affairs, I managed teams of experienced trade and investment professionals who provided strategic market information and market access solutions for Canadian companies looking to export, invest abroad, or develop innovation and R&D partnerships. I also assisted companies planning to invest in Canada or to expand their operations in Canada. The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service has offices in Canadian embassies and Consulates in more than 150 cities worldwide and regional offices across Canada.

Overseas and regional assignments included; STC and Director of Global Affairs Canada’s Vancouver office; Consul and head of post, Canadian Consulate, Munich; STC and Counsellor for Investment and Corporate Affairs, Canadian Consulate General New York; STC and Counsellor, Canadian High Commission in London; Counsellor and Deputy Director, Economic and Trade Policy Section, Canadian Embassy, Washington, D.C... I also served as a Trade Commissioner in Cuba and Brazil. At Global Affairs HQ in Ottawa have held a variety of trade policy and international business development positions including Director, Trade Commissioner Service Operations and Deputy Director EU commercial relations where I headed a team which managed trade negotiations between Canada and the E.U.

Alan has a B.A. in political science from the University of Windsor and an M.B.A. From McGill. Proficient in French, Spanish, Portuguese, German and Polish.

He is now retired from the Public Service of Canada. He was born in 1965 in Outremont (Montreal). Already fluent in several languages, his interest in international affairs and travels began at the age of 19 when he was hired by Air Canada as a steward on the Montreal/Moscow route with a stopover in Paris. He shared with us highlights of his diplomatic career at the Department of Foreign Affairs and his work with Canadian icons such as Prime Ministers Joe Clark and Jean Chrétien, Minister Eugene Whelan, Herb Grey and Pamela Wallin.

Zoom Cafe – 2021-10-04

Guest – Kevin Sampson (420)

Kevin Sampson is a deeply experienced Certified Financial Planner with IG Wealth Management since 1980. Kevin specializes in Retirement Income Distribution Planning with Intergenerational Estate Planning. He recently married Hélène Bourdon and moved into Sussex Square in June 2019. They met at Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica on Sussex Drive, and enjoy being able to walk to church. They enjoy getting to know their neighbours and neighbourhood, as well as the outlying area.

Kevin has a Bachelor degree in Psychology from Carleton University. He initially wanted to become a social worker and early on realized that he was good at sales in business. He did well with his own investments and learned how to 'talk the talk’ on financial planning. He learned how to help people using these skills and created his own business.

Here are some of the points he made during the Zoom session

• Life is constantly changing, which is why you need a financial plan, and a pro-active advisor, that can adapt with your evolving needs and goals. Kevin’s company helps to create such a financial plan.

• “Our goal? To improve your financial well-being and help you make decisions for today and tomorrow that allow you to embrace all of life’s possibilities. We also believe in building long-term relationships with clients so that we can help you and your family explore all your options at every stage of your life.”

• In preparing a financial plan, start by writing down all your expenses.

• Canadians have more wealth than what they need to maintain the style of living they presently enjoy.

• There are three important numbers that determine it all: 1) the rate of return 2) the level of risk you are willing to take and 3) how much are you paying to get it done. Most people do not know these numbers but they should.

• Asked if he gives investment planning advice to students he said that he has a book and a program specifically targeting students. This is why he holds family meetings and discusses intergenerational legacy planning strategies. Students and younger family members are not so much interested in how much they will inherit but how the inheritance will be handled.

Zoom Cafe – 2021-11-01

Guest – Hilary Allan (208)

Hilary: "After graduating university, I began my teaching career overseas in Bangladesh. Fourteen years later I’ve worked in five countries (Bangladesh, the Philippines, Uzbekistan, China, and Azerbaijan) teaching mathematics in international schools. Now I’m back in Canada, taking courses online and trying to brace myself for my first full Canadian winter in over a decade."

Hilary studied at Queen’s University that is associated with recruiting agencies that offer international teaching opportunities especially in international schools. This appealed to her and after graduating, she decided to go international. She took a post in Bangladesh, one of the poorest countries in the world. What would be considered a small salary in Canada for a teacher was actually quite a lot in that country. Part of her salary was paid in the local currency and the rest in US dollars.

She explained how the international recruiting agencies and local authorities help the new teachers to integrate socially and physically in their new environment and they offer plenty of advice and support to ensure their security and well being. New comers are quickly integrated in this new family.

Hilary enjoyed the opportunity to work and travel in several different Asian countries. After 14 years of service abroad, she is back in Canada. She said that it is a bit of a shock to come back to her native country where she could read every sign and understand everyone speaking around her.

Zoom Café –2021-12-06

Guest–Kirby Kranabetter (402)

Kirby talked about the origins of wheelchair rugby which in the 1980s was originally called ‘murder ball’. The only sport for paraplegic persons at that time was basketball but there were no competitive sports for quadriplegic persons, which is Kirby’s condition. Paraplegic rugby developed during those years and Canadian provincial teams began to form. By 1995, a Canadian team was put together and participated to the first World Wheelchair Championship in Nottvil, Switzerland.

The following year’s major event was held in Atlanta GA, USA. It was the World Summer Paralympics. Wheelchair rugby was being contested as a ‘demonstration sport’ but in the end medals were awarded. Kirby was a member of the Canadian Team that went all the way to the finals where it lost to the USA Team. This is why Kirby possesses an Olympic Silver medal, a rare trophy that he proudly cherishes.

At the 2000 Summer Paralympics held in Sydney, Australia, Wheelchair Rugby was officially a mixed sport; however, no women participated. This was the first year that the sport was an official part of the Paralympics program. Kirby was again a member of the Canadian Team that finished in fourth place.

Kirby went on to describe the living and participating conditions at both the Atlanta (not so good) and Sydney (very good) Paralympics. He also talked about the thrill of participating to the opening and closing ceremonies of these events attended by more than 60 000 spectators, something he will never forget.

Zoom Cafe – 2022-03-07

Guest – Kevin Sampson (420)

Kevin was our Guest Speaker in October of 2021 and was back on March 7, 2022 to further discuss various aspects of financial planning and wealth management for seniors.

Here are some of the points that he made during the Zoom session:

• Longevity has increased since the 1980s. Current retirement income after taxes will need to support our way of life for a longer period of time.

• In 2015, the over 65 population became bigger than the under 15 one and by 2030, it is forecasted that two thirds of Canada’s population will be over 65 while the centenarian population will continue to grow.

• The current assumption that older people are not healthy is wrong.

• Older people should have three priorities: 1) exercise 2) shift funding from hospitals to home care and 3) improve security.

• Older people should plan to build their financial security with the retirement income they now have. New sources of income will most probably not materialize.

• Seniors get confused easily and are more subject to risky investment proposals; having the support of a financial planner may help to make sound decisions.

• Seniors should discuss their long term financial plans with their children and grandchildren i.e. who the money is for and what is it for.

• From their financial planner, seniors should know 1) the current rate of return of their investments 2) the level of risk they are taking and 3) how much they are paying for these services.

Zoom Café – 2022-04-04
Guest – Lori Marchand (424)

Lori Marchand is the first Managing Director of the NAC’s Indigenous Theatre. Ms Marchand took up her role at the NAC in April 2018, where she is ensuring First Nations, Métis and Inuit stories are brought to the national stage.

Ms Marchand is a nationally recognized leader within the professional theatre community who made a significant impact as executive director of Western Canada Theatre for over 18 years prior to joining the NAC. A member of the Syilx First Nation, she has played a key role in the encouragement, development, and production of Indigenous work. Ms. Marchand spent much of her early years in Ottawa when her late father, the Honourable Leonard S. Marchand, was elected as Member of Parliament for the riding of Kamloops-Cariboo. During her time at Western Canada Theatre, Ms. Marchand used her considerable leadership skills to make live theatre accessible, innovative, powerful, and financially sustainable, and has helped make WCT the southern Interior’s largest professional theatre company. She was also an active member of the BC Arts Council from 2010 to 2017.

Nommée au poste de directrice administrative du Théâtre autochtone du CNA en avril 2018, Lori Marchand est l’une des professionnelles du monde du théâtre les plus respectées au Canada. Elle a fait sa marque à titre de directrice générale du Western Canada Theatre (WCT) pendant plus de 18 ans. Membre de la Première Nation Syilx, elle joue un rôle clé dans le soutien, le développement et la production d’œuvres autochtones. Durant son mandat au WCT, elle a travaillé d’arrache-pied pour rendre le théâtre accessible, novateur, inspirant et rentable et a contribué à faire du WCT la plus importante compagnie théâtrale professionnelle de l’Intérieur sud de la Colombie-Britannique. Elle a aussi servi au Conseil des arts de la province de 2010 à 2017. Mme Marchand a passé une partie de sa jeunesse à Ottawa alors que son regretté père, Leonard S. Marchand, siégeait à la Chambre des communes comme député de la circonscription de Kamloops-Cariboo.

Some points shared by Ms Marchand with the participants:

• Lori directed/organized indigenous plays during 20 years in Kamloops BC before returning to Ottawa.

• She gained much experience in directing plays and managing a theater while working at the Ottawa Little Theater.

• The first indigenous experience at the NAC was in 1969. The first wholly indigenous play at the NAC was in 2009. The play was written by an indigenous writer; the director and the actors and all other aspects of the play were by indigenous persons.

• The difference between 'traditional' theater and 'indigenous' theater lies with who the play writer, director and actors are. The cultural differences are expressed through a team's shared understanding of behaviour patterns.

• For Indigenous arts at the NAC, upcoming plays and events, visit: nac-cna.ca/en/discover/indigenous