ABOUT ME
Hi, I'm Mike
WHERE I COME FROM
I was born and raised in Iroquois Falls, Ontario. I’ve had a true Northern Ontario upbringing having spent much time on our lakes, hiking trails enjoying time on ATVs and snow machines with my friends. My parents raised us with strong values and morals and I was very close to my grandparents who lived in the house next to ours. I always appreciated how hard my grandparents worked throughout their lives. They greatly influenced my views on how we must take care of our seniors who gave so much so we can have the many great things we enjoy today.
In 1994 I moved to Sudbury in my first apartment at the Bonik Towers on Arthur Street. My goal was to graduate from Cambrian in the Ambulance and Emergency Care program and return to my hometown and work and live there for the rest of my life. About two weeks after I moved to Sudbury, my roommates and I were hiking and climbing the rocks between Arthur Street and the Kinsgway and I remember the exact moment I decided that I would be making this city my home. There were so many great things about Greater Sudbury that resonated with me that I knew I was meant to live here.
In 1997 I moved to the Valley and I have been here since.
I love and genuinely care for this City and all residents and this is foundational to my motivation to serve on City Council.
A THRIVING CAREER
I started my first job when I was 10 years old. I took on a paper route for The Timmins Press and by the time I turned 11 I had taken on a second route. At 13 I started to work at “The Bay” assembling bikes and Barbecues. The store Manager was so fond of my work ethic and customer service that by the time I was 14 he put me on the floor as a sales representative.
At only 16 I was hired as a student to work weekends and throughout the summer at Abitibi Price pulp and paper mill. I also worked as a tree planter for Abitibi for one summer which was one of the most challenging and rewarding jobs I’ve had. I continued to work for Abitibi on weekends while attending college.
After I graduated from Cambrian College I was hired to work as a Paramedic here in Sudbury. I was also hired by Falconbridge to work as a First Aid and Security Officer at their mining operations. I worked both jobs and occasionally taught First Aid and CPR courses in the community. In 2002, I requested a transfer to work underground at Falconbridge so I could become a miner. I worked underground from 2002 until late 2005.
In 2005 I was offered a Health and Safety position with a large mining contractor and I resigned from my positions as a Paramedic with the city of Sudbury and underground miner with Falconbridge. I grew in roles in the mining industry from front line to manager to corporate manager for an International Mining company where I also Chaired the HSE Committee which reported to our board.
While employed by the international mining company, I was honored to be selected to attend a Top 100 event in a company with > 24 000 employees. A year later I was one of only 40 selected to complete 6 weeks of executive training at the IMD Institute in Switzerland and Colorado School of Mines in the United States.
In 2015 I started with a government funded not-for-profit health and safety association as a Director. In 2018 I was promoted to President and in this role I am required to work with government on a number of initiatives, directly support a leadership group and indirectly a number of frontline staff to ensure we meet the needs of our clients, manage a multi-million-dollar budget and foster teamwork and a positive workplace culture.
I will bring my experience as a Leader, a team player, in working with governments and boards of directors and successfully managing multi-million-dollar budgets to ensure we steer this city in a better direction. It’s Time.
COMMUNITY
I have volunteered and supported a number or organizations since I moved to Sudbury and below I have highlighted a few of these:
As a paramedic I began giving back to our community. I organized a CPR blitz in which we trained a number of persons in CPR at no charge. I volunteered for the Special Olympics when they were hosted in Sudbury.
I volunteered for a number of years with the Valley East Soccer Club, Valley East Minor Hockey Association and Sudbury and District Girls Hockey Association.
I served on a parish council for 6 years, with 2 years as President and one year on a school’s parent and teacher committee.
This past year, in preparation to serve on city council I have served on the Valley East Community Action Network and the Chamber of Commerce Municipal Advocacy Committee.
This volunteer experience has helped me learn more about our community and our businesses. This volunteer experience has prepared me to be you Councilor in Ward 5. It’s Time.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Be Honest – As residents and taxpayers we deserve nothing less than the truth and transparency.
Be Positive – We want hope and something to look forward to. These past two years have been challenging and divisive. In the coming years we have an opportunity to heal and accomplish greater things together.
I am not nor will I ever be perfect, but I know that by following these simple but important guiding principles, with consultation from you, I will do better and make the best decisions on behalf of the residents of Ward 5. It’s Time.
EDUCATION, TRAINING AND DESIGNATIONS
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Cambrian College – General Arts and Science
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Cambrian College – Ambulance and Emergency Care
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Cambrian College – Occupational Health and Safety
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Royal Roads University – Environmental Management Certificate
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IMD Institute and Colorado School of Mines – Executive training for the Mining Executive
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Queen’s University – Executive Leadership development training
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Canadian Society of Association Executives – Association Leadership, Change, Strategy & Structure
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Tecker International - Board of Directors Governance training
Designations
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Canadian Registered Safety Professional (Canadian designation)
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Certified Safety Professional (Internationally recognized designation)
My life has prepared me for this role. I have the knowledge, experience and most importantly, the right values and principles to be successful as your Councilor for Ward 5.