James Blair
Pickering Ward 1
Professional Experience and Community Leadership
Education, Youth Development & School Leadership
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Assistant Coach/Manager, Pickering baseball (Dodgers) Pee Wee Division (2026–Present)
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Community Council Staff Representative, Dunbarton High School, Durham District School Board (2018–Present)
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Lead Teacher, Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) – Health & Wellness Program, Durham District School Board (2012–Present)
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Teacher of Politics, Economics, Civics and Law, Durham District School Board (2000–Present)
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Rugby and Wrestling Coach
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Pine Ridge Secondary School (2000–2005)
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Dunbarton High School Rugby (2004–2017)
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Dunbarton High School Wrestling (2004–Present)
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Community Leadership & Governance
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Board Member, Mount Horeb United Church Cemetery (2019–Present)
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National Advisory Committee Member, Mental Health Commission of Canada (2021–2023)
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Community Engagement Representative, Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences (2011–2012)
Agriculture, Food Security & Environmental Stewardship
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Community Farmers' Market Co-Organizer, University of Toronto Scarborough (2011)
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Dunbarton High School Community Farmers Market (2010)
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Public Awareness Committee Member, Durham Food Policy Council (2010–2012)
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Durham Culinary Association (2010-2011)
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Board of Directors, Land Over Landings (2010–2012)
Public Service & Political Involvement
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Past Board Member, Nomination Candidate (2004), and Long-Time Volunteer, Conservative Party of Canada (2002–2023)
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Board Member and Former Secretary, Pickering–Uxbridge Electoral District Association, Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario (2016–2023)
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Active supporter of a local community Food Bank & advocate of regionally supported initiatives that serve our underhoused neighbours and provide employment training opportunities.
Athletics & Coaching
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Level II Rugby Referee, World Rugby (2005–2014)
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Athlete, Coach and Board Member, Lindsay RFC (1985–2007)
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Pickering Legionnaires RFC coach / co-founder (2006 to 2008)
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Athlete, Coach and Mini volunteer, Ajax Wanderers RFC
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Pickering Baseball Association Assistant Coach (Peewee)
Royal Canadian Army Cadets & Youth Leadership
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Cadet, Hastings & Prince Edward Regiment (1983–1989)
Parent & School Volunteer
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School Community Council Member, Highbush Public School (2025–Present)




Education
Edinburgh Napier University
Master of Business Administration (MBA), Leadership & Innovation
2016–2019
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Research focused on the effects of transformational leadership styles on organizational productivity and their relationship to innovation and long-term organizational profitability.
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Examined how effective leadership, employee engagement, and professional training contribute to improved organizational performance and return on investment (ROI).
D'Youville University
New York State Professional Teacher Certification – Politics
1998–1999
Brock University
Bachelor of Arts, Political Science and Government
1995–1998
l'Université Canadienne en France (UCF) Nice, France
Bachelor's Degree, European Economic Politics
1994
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Studies focused on European economic policies, international agreements, and treaty development.
Lakehead University
Bachelor of Arts, Political Studies & Canadian Federalism
1992–1994
Mount Allison University
French Studies (Sackville N. B)
1993
Western University
French Studies (Trois Pistoles P.Q)
1990