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James Blair

Pickering Ward 1

Professional Experience and Community Leadership

Education, Youth Development & School Leadership​

  • Assistant Coach/Manager, Pickering baseball (Dodgers) Pee Wee Division (2026–Present)

  • Community Council Staff Representative, Dunbarton High School, Durham District School Board (2018–Present)

  • Lead Teacher, Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) – Health & Wellness Program, Durham District School Board (2012–Present)

  • Teacher of Politics, Economics, Civics and Law, Durham District School Board (2000–Present)

  • Rugby and Wrestling Coach

    • Pine Ridge Secondary School (2000–2005)

    • Dunbarton High School Rugby (2004–2017)

    • Dunbarton High School Wrestling (2004–Present)

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Community Leadership & Governance

  • Board Member, Mount Horeb United Church Cemetery (2019–Present)

  • National Advisory Committee Member, Mental Health Commission of Canada (2021–2023)

  • Community Engagement Representative, Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences (2011–2012)

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Agriculture, Food Security & Environmental Stewardship

  • Community Farmers' Market Co-Organizer, University of Toronto Scarborough (2011)

  • Dunbarton High School Community Farmers Market (2010)

  • Public Awareness Committee Member, Durham Food Policy Council (2010–2012)

  • Durham Culinary Association (2010-2011)

  • Board of Directors, Land Over Landings (2010–2012)

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Public Service & Political Involvement

  • Past Board Member, Nomination Candidate (2004), and Long-Time Volunteer, Conservative Party of Canada (2002–2023)

  • Board Member and Former Secretary, Pickering–Uxbridge Electoral District Association, Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario (2016–2023)

  • Active supporter of a local community Food Bank & advocate of regionally supported initiatives that serve our underhoused neighbours and provide employment training opportunities.  

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Athletics & Coaching

  • Level II Rugby Referee, World Rugby (2005–2014)

  • Athlete, Coach and Board Member, Lindsay RFC (1985–2007)

  • Pickering Legionnaires RFC coach / co-founder (2006 to 2008)

  • Athlete, Coach and Mini volunteer, Ajax Wanderers RFC

  • Pickering Baseball Association  Assistant Coach (Peewee)

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Royal Canadian Army Cadets & Youth Leadership

  • Cadet, Hastings & Prince Edward Regiment (1983–1989)

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 Parent & School Volunteer

  • School Community Council Member, Highbush Public School (2025–Present)

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Education

Edinburgh Napier University

Master of Business Administration (MBA), Leadership & Innovation
2016–2019

  • Research focused on the effects of transformational leadership styles on organizational productivity and their relationship to innovation and long-term organizational profitability.

  • Examined how effective leadership, employee engagement, and professional training contribute to improved organizational performance and return on investment (ROI).

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D'Youville University

New York State Professional Teacher Certification – Politics
1998–1999

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Brock University

Bachelor of Arts, Political Science and Government
1995–1998

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l'Université Canadienne en France (UCF) Nice, France

Bachelor's Degree, European Economic Politics
1994

  • Studies focused on European economic policies, international agreements, and treaty development.

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Lakehead University

Bachelor of Arts, Political Studies & Canadian Federalism
1992–1994

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Mount Allison University

French Studies (Sackville N. B)
1993

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Western University

French Studies (Trois Pistoles P.Q)
1990

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