Gordon Slade is a leader in the sustainable economic development of Newfoundland and Labrador. After an early career in fisheries conservation, in 1975, he was appointed the provincial Deputy Minister of Fisheries. In 1982, he was appointed the Federal Economic Development Coordinator, Newfoundland Region. In 1987, Mr Slade became Vice-President, Newfoundland Division, for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). He also served as Co-Chair of the $300 million dollar (CAD) Canada-Newfoundland Offshore Development Fund. In 1988, Mr Slade established The Battle Harbour Historic Trust to protect the history and culture of the intact salt-fishing village of Battle Harbour. Mr Slade has been awarded the Order of Canada for his community work. The Battle Harbour initiative has earned numerous awards, including the Royal Canadian Geographical Society’s Gold Medal. He has received an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Memorial University, and the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador. Mr Slade’s latest project is the renaissance of the remote region of Fogo Island and Change Islands with the Shorefast Foundation. He is developing partnerships with governments, communities, and local residents to preserve local traditions, while developing a model for the sustainable management of rural communities internationally.
