Gordon Slade

CM ONL LLD FRCGS

Gordon Slade is recognized as a Canadian leader for his innovative expertise in the sustainable economic development of some of the world’s most unique and economically significant regions. Mr Slade has been awarded the highest recognitions nationally and internationally for his work in preserving the unique cultural heritage of North America’s oldest region – the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Mr Slade is particularly successful in delivering multi-disciplinary projects that have significant and positive national and international outcomes from economic, cultural, environmentally sustainable and heritage perspectives.

Mr Slade’s early career began with the Canadian Federal Government, serving in a number of roles in the areas of fisheries conservation and protection. In 1975, he was appointed the provincial Deputy Minister of Fisheries with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. In 1982, he was appointed the Federal Economic Development Coordinator, Newfoundland Region.

In 1987, Mr Slade became Vice-President, Newfoundland Division, for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). In this capacity he also served as Co-Chair of the $300 million dollar (CAD) Canada-Newfoundland Offshore Development Fund.

After leaving the federal public service in 1996, he was appointed to the joint roles of Executive Director of the International Centre and Executive Director of the Opportunity Fund at Memorial University of Newfoundland. His leadership in these roles was pivotal to securing of over $60 million dollars (CAD) in philanthropic and sponsorship funding, ensuring the institution’s financial sustainability, and educational opportunities for students for generations to come. He later went on to become Chief Executive Officer of One Ocean, the liaison organization between Fishing Industry and the Oil and Gas Industry for Newfoundland and Labrador.

In 1988, Mr Slade initiated a ground-breaking heritage initiative by establishing The Battle Harbour Historic Trust in order to protect the culturally and historically significant region of Battle Harbour. An irreplaceable and historically intact salt-fishing village in Newfoundland and Labrador – and one of the last of its kind in the world – the Royal Canadian Geographical Society recognised the effort through its highest honour – a Gold Medal, citing, “Without […] Mr Slade’s creative leadership and passionate dedication […] to saving Battle Harbour, the mercantile complex would likely have perished, like many fishing communities that once dotted the coasts of Newfoundland and Labrador.” Since preservation work began in 1991, stores, warehouses, homes, church and wharves have been refurbished.

In 2003, when National Geographic Traveller Magazine and Conservation International announced their first World Legacy Award in Heritage Tourism, Battle Harbour was named one of six short-listed international sites and was the only North American site to receive this honourable nomination. The village also earned National Historic Site and District designations from the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada in 1996 and 1998.

Cementing these accomplishments, in 2005 Mr Slade was awarded the Order of Canada in recognition for his remarkable achievements in spearheading the preservation of Newfoundland and Labrador’s heritage.

Mr Slade’s latest project is the renaissance of the remote northern region of Fogo Island with the Shorefast Foundation in Newfoundland. He is developing partnerships with governments, communities, and local residents to preserve local traditions and knowledge, while developing a model for the sustainable management of rural communities internationally. As such, Mr Slade is breaking new ground by identifying vital issues of global significance that through his vision and expertise will provide solutions in the 21st century and beyond. In 2020 Mr Slade was awarded The Order of Newfoundland and Labrador.

 

Current Roles

Chair Emeritus. Board Member

Shorefast Foundation

Chair Quinton Trust

 

Awards

  • The Order of Newfoundland and Labrador (2020)
  • The Order of Canada (2005)
  • Honorary Doctor of Laws, Memorial University (2014)
  • The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2013) and Golden Jubilee Medal (2003)
  • The Tourism Association of Canada Award of Excellence ‘Volunteer of the Year for Canada’ (2003)
  • Royal Canadian Geographical Association Gold Medal (2002)
  • The German-Canadian Friendship Award (2002)
  • The Department of Canadian Heritage Certificate for Preservation of Natural and Cultural Heritage (1998)
  • The Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in Public Service Administration (1997)
  • The Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada (1992)
  • Finalist for the prestigious Traveller’s Conservation Foundation Award by Smithsonian Magazine and the United States Tour Operators Association (2001)
  • President’s Award  for Economic Development

Boards

  • The National Institute of Governance
  • Royal Canadian Geographical Society
  • President of the Rotary Club of St John’s
  • The Sir William Coaker Heritage Foundation
  • Red Bay National Historic Site, recently acclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Ryan Premises National Historic Site

 

Where Every Story Begins a Journey

Unwind in Yesterday's Comfort
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