Michael McLaughlan

Diversity is cornerstone to Michael’s background and experience. While primarily grounded in the biological sciences as a forest ecosystem classification expert and registered professional forester (SK-Ret’d), he also has experience in project management and Lean facilitation. He has applied his various skills in his public sector work with two provincial governments (ON & SK) and various not-for-profit organizations, administrative tribunals, and corporations.

 

His leadership philosophy revolves around five key areas: (1) people orientation, (2) results-oriented excellence, (3) continuous learning, (4) vision, and (5) attitude.  Through focus in these areas he has led the development and passing of Saskatchewan legislation - The Forestry Professions Act, development of the Canadian Institute of Forestry’s 5-Year Strategic Plan and the development and primary authorship of Saskatchewan’s forest ecosystem classification system.

 

Michael’s education began with his Diplome D’études Collegiales in the pure and applied sciences from the Collège d'enseignement général et professionnel (CEGEP) de l’Outaouais (1984, Hull, Quebec) then continued with his Honours Bachelor of Science in Forestry with first-class standing from Lakehead University (1989, Thunder Bay, Ontario), and progressed to his   Masters in Public Administration from the University of Victoria (2012, Victoria, British Columbia). While completing his Masters, he was recognized by the faculty of the university and presented with the Ronald C. Corbeil award for merit in program evaluation.  This award was for achieving the highest GPA or a major paper in the courses pertaining to program evaluation, performance measurement, and performance management.

 

Michael’s leisure activities are usually centred around music and his role as piper with the Thunder Bay Police Pipe Band, the Lake Superior Scottish Regiment Pipe Band, and the Macgillivray Pipe Band.