Keynote Speakers

Dr. Alvin Curling

Dr. Alvin Curling, a prominent Canadian, was born in Kingston, Jamaica. He attended the College of Science and Technology in Kingston and subsequently enjoyed an extensive career in Jamaica’s industry housing management and land settlement. Upon immigrating to Canada, Curling received his formal education at Seneca College of Arts and Technology and York University’s Atkinson College in Toronto. He began working as an educator in 1972, and has served on numerous advisory boards and committees including Chair of the Advisory Board to the Caribana Cultural Committee, member of the Board of Directors of the World Hunger Project, President of World Literacy of Canada, and member of the Advisory Board to the Chinese Cultural Centre, as well as working in the Jamaican Canadian Association.

He was first elected to the Ontario Legislature in 1985 in the riding of Scarborough North, now Scarborough-Rouge River. After the election, he was appointed Minister of Housing. He was the first Black Canadian to hold a cabinet-level position in Ontario; he also served as the Minister of Skills Development and as a Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs. Honourable Alvin Curling also served as Deputy House Leader for the Liberals. From 2005 to 2006, he was Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Canada to the Dominican Republic. Most recently, Dr. Curling was appointed together with former Ontario Chief Justice Roy McMurtry to lead a Commission to Investigate the Roots of Youth Violence.

Dr. Curling gained notoriety over his response to the Government of the day’s attempt to pass an Omnibus Bill, designed to reformat over 40 laws without allowing for public debate. He initiated, what turned out to be an 18 hour protest which sparked fresh enthusiasm for tackling controversial issues. His dedication to the Canadian democratic process is unquestionable and his commitment to inclusiveness and the protection of rights for all Ontarians are his hallmark. Throughout his career, he has displayed a strong commitment to public service, race relations, youth, and adult literacy.

He was honoured by the Government of Jamaica with the Order of Distinction, in the Rank of Commander. He has also been awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree, Doctor of Letters from the University of Technology in Jamaica, and recently an Honorary Doctorate Degree from York University. Dr. Curling is a Senior Research Fellow with the Centre for International Governance Innovation.

Dr. John-Paul Hatala

Dr. John-Paul Hatala is currently an Assistant Professor at Louisiana State University in the School of Human Resource Education and Workforce Development, Baton Rouge. Additionally, Dr. Hatala is a Director at the Social Capital Development firm Flowork International. His academic research focuses on social networking behaviors, social capital, human resource development, career development and the transition to the labour market.

John-Paul has a book, recently released entitled “The Strategic Networker: A Learner’s Guide to Effective Networking” and has been featured in such media outlets as the Globe and Mail, CBC Radio and Global TV.

His keynote presentation will examine the reality that not all networkers are created equal. In fact, research suggests that the majority of individuals don’t even feel comfortable networking. Yet, the link to success is often determined by our ability to effectively connect with others. John-Paul will share with you some of his own experiences networking, the research demonstrating the importance of networking and reinforce the fact that it’s never too late to become an effective networker.