Speaker Biographies

Margaret Bloodworth
(Security Advisor to the Prime Minister and Associate Secretary to the Cabinet)

Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Margaret Bloodworth received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Winnipeg and a Bachelor of Law from the University of Ottawa. She was called to the Bar in 1979.

Mrs. Bloodworth began her professional career in 1979 with the former Canadian Transport Commission, now the Canadian Transportation Agency. During her time there, she served as General Counsel and Director General of the Dispute Resolution Branch.

In 1989, Mrs. Bloodworth was appointed to the Privy Council Office as Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet (Legislation and House Planning, and Counsel). In 1994, she was promoted to Deputy Clerk (Security and Intelligence, and Counsel).

Mrs Bloodworth left the Privy Council Office in October 1996 to accept an Order-in-Council appointment as Associate Deputy Minister of Transport. In January 1997, she was appointed Deputy Minister of Transport, then Deputy Minister of National Defence in May 2002.

When Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada was created on December 12, 2003, Mrs. Bloodworth became the Department’s first Deputy Minister.

In May 2006, Mrs. Bloodworth was appointed to the position of Associate Secretary to the Cabinet, Privy Council Office and on October 10, 2006, she assumed responsibilities as National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister.

As Associate Secretary to the Cabinet she can act on the Clerk’s behalf on any of the policy and operational issues that come before the Privy Council Office.

As National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister she ensures the effective coordination of Canada’s security and intelligence community and, together with the Deputy Minister of National Defence, is responsible for the Communications Security Establishment. The National Security Advisor also oversees the provision of intelligence assessments to the Prime Minister, other ministers and senior government officials.

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Ezra Levant
(Conservative Pundit)

For fifteen years, Ezra Levant has been an insider with the Conservative Party, working closely with many of its senior decision-makers, right up to the Prime Minister's Office. And, as the publisher of the conservative-leaning Western Standard magazine -- considered bed-time reading by most of the Conservative cabinet – no one has a better read on Ottawa's pulse, or better access to what the new government is really thinking. Where other journalists and lobbyists are shut out, Levant has the inside track.

When not advocating for the Nation’s ring-wing conservative movement, he works as a columnist for Canadian Lawyer magazine and various newspapers, including the Calgary Sun.

Levant has always been known for his lively and entertaining presentations. With his unparalleled access since the last election, Ezra is a "must-have" sherpa for anyone trying to climb Parliament Hill!

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Richard Worzel
(Canada’s Leading Futurist)

Leading forecaster and futurist Richard Worzel challenges organizations to examine the future and plan for it. Changes in politics, technology, leadership, demographics and economics are altering the face and pace of business. Those who are prepared will prosper, while most organizations will flounder or fall by the wayside.  Richard Worzel can equip your organization with the ability to understand the changes to be faced in the years ahead, and the tools to leverage those changes to revolutionize and dominate your industry.

When it comes to his presentations, Kent is known for his professionalism, enthusiasm and versatility. He works with conference planners to develop a customized presentation that is useful, thought provoking, and entertaining, regardless of the type of industry. Whether it is in a major keynote speech to an audience of two thousand, or an intimate workshop for five, he has proven that he is a speaker who is versatile enough for any audience.

A Chartered Financial Analyst, Worzel is also a best-selling author of Who Owns Tomorrow? and frequent media commentator on business and economic trends.

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Terry Kelly
C.M., BA, DCL (Hon.), DFA (Hon.)

Terry Kelly does not consider his blindness a handicap. But the challenges presented to him and the path of life this Newfoundland native has chosen are by no means ordinary. Terry’s attitude has definitely determined his altitude. His ability to share his ups and downs while attacking all that life has to offer is one of the most moving experiences shared with audiences today.

Terry Kelly has given his "The Power of the Dream” presentation to tens of thousands of teachers, government employees and business people across Canada and the United States.

"The Power of the Dream" explores the importance of communication; confronting our fears, dreams, goals, challenges, choices and responsibilities; understanding and celebrating our differences; balancing our business and personal lives; team building and collegiality; the value of enthusiasm.

Using personal anecdotes peppered with humour, songs and audience participation, Terry addresses these issues and encourages individuals to develop their own values and strategies for living and working happily and healthily.

Terry Kelly has performed around the world, produced six full-length recordings, won seven East Coast Music Awards, and has been nominated for four CCMA Music Awards and a JUNO.

Terry was a member of the Canadian Track Team that competed in the 1980 Para Olympics and has distinguished himself as the third blind person in the world to run the mile in under five minutes.

In recognition of his significant achievements, Terry Kelly has received the prestigious King Clancy Award; honourary doctorates in Civil Laws and in Fine Arts from the University of King’s College and Saint Mary’s University, respectively; and has been invested into the Order of Canada.

www.terry-kelly.com

Highlights

2007 - Visited and performed for our troops in Afghanistan as part of Team Canada
2005 - Received the CCMA Humanitarian Award

2003 - Was inducted into the Order of Canada

2002 - Received an Honourary Doctorate in Fine Arts from Saint Mary’s University

2002 – Made history by releasing the first music CD in the world with Braille liner notes

2001 - Received Honourary Doctorate in Civil Laws from University of Kings College

2000 - Received the King Clancy Award

1995 - Was nominated for a JUNO Award

1993 - “In My Father’s House”, the first single from Terry’s “Divided Highway” recording, earned two nominations on the final ballot of the Canadian Country Music Awards in the categories of “Single” and “SOCAN Song of the Year”. “We Can Do Anything”; another original from “Divided Highway” was also nominated in the “Vocal Collaboration” category.

1993 - Set an East Coast Music Awards record by winning in every category in which he was nominated. His tally included “Album of The Year” for his “Divided Highway” project; “SOCAN Song Of The Year” for the first single, “In My Father’s House”; “Male Vocalist”; “Country Artist”; and “Live Act (Entertainer of the Year)”.

1988 – Carried the Olympic Torch as part of the cross Canada Torch Relay

1980 - Competed at the Paralympics in Arnhem, Holland

1979 - Attained the distinction of becoming the third Blind person in the world to run a sub five-minute mile

1961 - When Terry was seven years of age, his parents made the emotionally difficult decision to send him from his home in St. John’s, Newfoundland to the Halifax School for the Blind. It was not easy for either Terry or his parents, but the difficulties initiated Terry’s quest for challenge, developed his love of life and nurtured his musical talent. Terry learned to play the accordion, clarinet, guitar and piano; was a founding member of a very successful high school band, The Stringbusters; and was an active student. Terry joined everything going; Boy Scouts, hockey, track and field, karate and the student council. Always busy, he worked his way through Saint Mary’s University performing in clubs and bars with the popular rock group Janus, while studying for a degree in psychology.

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