Hello and welcome to my municipal forum election page. My name is Guy Pelletier and I am very excited to be a candidate for Trustee for the Red Deer Regional Catholic School District.

I am a proud parent, husband, and Catholic and I have a strong desire to serve the learners of the Red Deer Catholic Regional School Division. Our education system is the most important public institution that we have in our community and it requires Trustees that are prepared to actively engage with parents, teachers, administrators, and politicians to ensure that the system has the resources it needs to produce excellent learning opportunities for our students.

I have been married to Lee Ann for 13 years and we have three children (Benjamin, Morgan, & Halle) who attend Ecole Camille J. Lerouge. I have worked for 14 years as the Vice President of the Red Deer Region for Melcor Developments Ltd. We are so grateful for the quality education they are receiving and appreciate the role that Catholic Schools play in bringing faith to our children. I believe I have the experience, skills, and energy to help our Catholic Division continue and build upon its tradition of excellence.

I have been an active community leader for many years in Red Deer and have been proud to be involved with the following organizations;

• Big Brothers & Sisters - Big Brother
• Youth & Volunteer Centre - Board Member
• David Thompson Health Region - Chair, Healing & Hope Project
• Mayor's Task Force to End Homelessness - Member
• Urban Development Institute, Red Deer - Chair
• Canadian Homebuilders Association, Central Alberta - President
• Red Deer College Alumni Association - Chair
• Red Deer College Foundation - Board Member
• Westerner Park - Member Board of Directors (current position)
• Red Deer College - Member Board of Governors (current position)

"All Albertans have a stake in the successful education of our young people. Youth are our future leaders, workforce, volunteers, friends, and neighbours. Their success will be ours."

Inspiring Education Report - Alberta Education, 2010

Thoughts on Education:

A successful, vibrant , and innovative education system is the key to the future of our community, our province, and our country. Youth that have the skills, abilities, values, and drive to create, innovate, and compete on the world stage will allow us to maintain and improve on the wonderful quality of life that we enjoy in Canada. We are very blessed to have a Catholic Education system that is functioning so well and is achieving these types of outcomes for us. Catholic Schools play a very important role in our community by making Christ known to our children. The Catholic Church has a long and proud tradition and the faith focus that permeates all aspects of our schools supports the development of our children and helps them to learn to love and respect each other and our community.

The success of our school system has led to tremendous growth in student numbers which has put pressure on school facilities. This success is a blessing but it will require a significant capital expenditure over the next several years to accomodate this growth. As Catholics we need to be proud of our past success and challenge the system to be innovative in the delivery of new programs and facilities to meet the needs of our learners into the future. One of the biggest challenges facing the division will be the implementation of an aggressive capital plan containing more than $100 million worth of projects. A plan of this scale will require significant work by the Trustees and Administration to execute. I believe that my background in the construction and development industry as well as experience working with all levels of government will be helpful in seeing this plan to fruition.

If elected as a Trustee I will:

• Ensure a focus on our division mission "Inspired by Christ and aspiring to excellence."
• Support the growth of the Red Deer Catholic School Foundation
• Work hard to implement the Division Capital Plan
• Be a strong advocate for Catholic Education
• Communicate with parents, students, and the community to ensure the Division priorities are aligned with expectations
• Assist in forming partnerships where required to achive our goal of excellence
• Lobby all levels of government to ensure that our Division has the resources it need to grow, innovate, and provide the great learning opportunities for all students

I would be honoured to serve the children and families of our Catholic School Division as a Trustee and I would ask for your vote of support on October 18th.

Endorsements:

"I have known Guy Pelletier for many years as a friend, through community involvement and as a business associate. He is a man of upstanding character, a respected leader and an intelligent businessman. I am very pleased that he has offered his time and talents to serve as a Catholic School Trustee; he will be an excellent leader of Catholic Education."

Gord Bontje, Former RDCRSD Chair & President of Laebon Homes

“Catholic education in our region needs level headed leaders. Leaders that will help promote the value of a Catholic Education. Leaders that will develop a strong permanent plan of sound education and Catholic values for our children and grandchildren…..the future leaders of our country. Guy Pelletier is one of the most sensible, compassionate, experienced leaders we have in this community. We need his skills on our Catholic education Board.”

Lyn Radford , Community Volunteer

"I have known Guy for many years and have had the pleasure of working with Guy on various community initiatives and boards, youth sports teams and in his professional capacity as Vice Presidentr of Melcor Developments.  Guy is a consummate professional who has a keen sense of business, community and governance.  Guy is a man of faith and will be a tremendous asset to our catholic education system.  Please join me and vote for Guy!" 

Jason Volk, CEO Chatters Canada Ltd.

“Over the past five years, I have the opportunity to work closely with Guy Pelletier on the Red Deer College Board of Governors. Through that work, I have found Guy to thoughtfully consider the future direction of RDC and post-secondary education as well as current realities impacting the College, its students, faculty and staff. He is a critical thinker, an ambassador for Red Deer, and a facilitator of community development.”

 Janice Wing, Chair RDC Board of Governors

My family and I have known Guy personally and professionally  as a dedicated community volunteer and leader.  Guy's faith, leadership, experience and integrity will be a valuable asset to the Red Deer Catholic School District.  Guy has the support of myself and my family and I would encourage you to support Guy as well!

Jeremy Jablonski, Businessman

I am very pleased to support Guy Pelletier as a candidate for Catholic School Board. I have had the pleasure to work with Guy over the last number of years as a fellow board member of Westerner Park. He has shown solid leadership as the Westerner has moved forward with an ambitious development plan. Guy always considers financial responsibility and a willingness to hear all sides when approached with a difficult issue. As long time supporter of the Festival of Trees fundraising project for the Red Deer Regional Hospital  he has shown a strong belief in community. He will be a great addition to the Catholic School Board.

Kathy Lacey, Community Volunteer
 

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