Grand River Métis Council Members

Pat comes to the Grand River Métis Council with a background in Broadcasting, Marketing, Management and Education.

Born in Brantford, next to the Gretsky family, Pat began his career as an on air personality at CHAM in Hamilton and CHUM in Toronto, progressing into management coast to coast with CHUM Limited and Power Corporation as a Program Director, General Manager, Regional Vice President, President and finally an owner.

Closer to home, Pat was a senior manager with CHYM and CKGL Kitchener and later Vice President and General Manager with CJOY and Magic 106 in Guelph.

Moving into education Pat was a Vice President with Conestoga College where he was responsible for the Media & Design Programs, Continuing Education, Training & Development and Marketing. During Pat’s time at Conestoga College he was on loan to the Ministry of Education and was also selected to help Poland move from state controlled media to a public and private system similar to Canada. He launched 5 networks and trained the journalists to ask the tough questions. This was most rewarding.

After Conestoga College Pat moved to President and CEO of Shad Canada (Waterloo), an award winning enrichment and entrepreneurship program for exceptional High School students.

Next it was back to broadcasting to purchase radio stations in Niagara, GIANT FM and Country 89. As the President and owner he also opened a film production company in Toronto and produced two international documentaries. With concern for the environment he also became the founding president of Tesla University in Aruba. The private university with a focus on the generation, transportation and storage of renewable green energy.

Recently Pat sold his broadcasting business and became the past president of Tesla University.

His Métis family roots include St. Luc Cardinal, Josephet Cardinal, Marguerite Desjarlais and Lizette Frobisher.

Pat is very proud to serve with such a talented group on the Grand River Métis Council.

Diane has an extensive decades-long background as a community and union activist; most particularly for Métis, 2SLGBTQ+, women’s and disability rights.

During her paid working career, Diane was a senior policy officer with the federal government which involved being able to read and interpret legislation, a senior union business agent and a licensed real estate salesperson.

Diane is a proud citizen of the Métis Nation of Ontario; she first learned about their heritage through the storytelling of her grandfather, Louis Napoléon Labatte. She was born and raised in Orillia and is a verified descendant from the Métis of the NW Great Lakes, Michilimackinac, Drummond Island and Killarney.

Diane has been on Council since November 2016, serving in various capacities. She is currently Council Senator and the Elder on the MNO’s 2Spirit Advisory Council.

Bio coming soon.

Vacant Community Council postings are available here.

Vacant Community Council postings are available here.

Vacant Community Council postings are available here.