"I'm Eating My Cookie" boss fired

Alberta Health Services CEO Dr Stephen Duckett has been fired over his exceptionally poor dealing with reporters. Video, which went viral, showed Ducket shoving a cookie into the face of one reporter while repeating "I'm eating my cookie" in response to questions from the reporters.

This was an example on how disrespect for the media can become a career disaster and create challenges for the organization in maintaining the public's confidence.

For more information go to: http://www.metronews.ca/calgary/life/article/701034--cookie-crumbles-for-alberta-health-boss

Five Canadians Killed at Mexican Resort

An explosion at a Mexican Resort has reportedly killed 5 Canadians including a 9 year old boy as well as two Mexican resort staff. Dozens have been injured.

Vacationers must always be alert and prepared to deal with emergencies where ever they may be... resorts, cruise ships, hotels, bus tours, etc.

Always be aware of your surroundings, know the emergency exits, participate in drills (e.g. cruise ship drills), ensure you have health insurance, etc.

For more information on this terrible explosion:
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/World/2010/11/14/16136781.html

November 6-9, 2011

Mark November 6-9, 2011 in your calendars! The 2011 Provincial Emergency Management Conference has been scheduled for next year and will be in Kingston ON.

Today was the last day of this year's great conference. Again, well done to the organizers and volunteers who made the conference a success.

Look forward to seeing you at the conference next year.

Red Cross Scores Top Marks - Again!!!

The Provincial Emergency Management Conference is currently taking place in Niagara on the Lake, Ontario. Emergency Management & Training has the privilege of being part of the trade show and today I had opportunity to speak at one of the sessions. But apart from that giving me a bias towards the conference I must say that the conference is extremely well organized with a great slate of speakers.

My congratulations to John Saunders, Annie Burke and the entire Red Cross team, both staff and volunteers. Well done!

One of the highlights for me today was a presentation by Jean-Pierre Taschereau, Senior Manager, International Emergency Response, Canadian Red Cross. Not only a very articulate and captivating speaker, Jean-Pierre walked us through the trials, challenges and creative solutions implemented by the international Red Cross organizations to the earthquake in Haiti. His deployment, starting the day after the earthquake, was one of true humanitarianism, placing the lives of others before yourself.

It was also a reminder that you cannot rebuild a city that took centuries to grow in a matter of months. It is a long term commitment that continues to require our support financially.

Next year the Provincial Emergency Management Conference will be in Kingston. It is one, based on the past two years, that I would highly recommend. Hope to see you there next year.