Board Profile: Jean-Michel Blais, Halifax Advisory Board

Here in the Maritimes, The Salvation Army is guided by three advisory boards, in Halifax, Moncton and Saint John. These boards are comprised of business leaders and philanthropic supporters that offer support and strategic thinking from each member’s considerable experience and expertise. Today we present our latest entry in a series introducing you to members of our Advisory Boards, profiling Jean-Michel Blais of the Halifax Board.

Growing up in Montreal and Toronto, Jean-Michel’s work with the RCMP has brought him across the country and has allowed him to serve on several Salvation Army advisory boards since 2003. Currently the Chief Superintendent of the RCMP in Halifax, he will assume the role of Chief of Police of the Halifax Regional Police on October 10th, marking the most significant promotion of his career.

Halifax’s new top cop is a proud father of three, and is expecting to become a grandfather for the first time in the new year. An avid proponent of leadership, Jean-Michel has spoken to Salvation Army officers regarding the importance of leadership and is also a Level III Hockey Canada referee.

Why have you chosen to work with The Salvation Army?
Jean-Michel: It’s because of the commitment that these people have, the commitment to others, and the commitment to restoring dignity where dignity has been stripped. Obviously, the paramilitary approach, as opposed to being an army to destroy, they are an army of builders. Policing is very much like that, and that’s why I feel like this is my opportunity to help.

I was recently involved in writing up the business plan for the CRU (Community Response Unit) which recently obtained financing for $100,000. To see Andrew Wilson, who has been leading the CRU and see his commitment, it’s that type of inspiration that I’ve been looking for in my life, so The Salvation Army has given me infinitely more than I could ever return to it.

Have you learned any lessons, or had a specific valuable experience, during your time serving as a board member?
JM: Oh absolutely, the lesson is that leadership is something that comes from within, and it is something that is brought to the forefront through faith and commitment. You hear lots of people talking about leadership but they really don’t live it. You have to “be”, “know” and “do” to be a successful leader and I see that every time I deal with an officer of The Salvation Army.

Is there a particular aspect of the work we do that is especially important to you?
JM: Restoring the dignity that people have, especially helping young people make healthy choices for themselves and the community. They are the front line on this battle for their souls. Children will unfortunately grow up a result of their experiences to become a murderer, a drug addict or a prostitute. By the same token, this child can become a leader in their community, a doctor or even a volunteer in The Salvation Army. We have a great opportunity to help people to find their dignity, or if they aren’t too sure where it is, to be able to develop it so they can eventually become contributing members of our community.

If somebody came up to you and said, ‘Why should I give to The Salvation Army?’ what would you tell them?
JM: Because there is no better place to give.