Date: April 16, 2010
Interviewer: Pierre G Boissé
Featured: Dale Eisler
Consul General of Canada, Denver CO
at Department of Foreign Affairs, Government of Canada
Where is your place of birth?
Regina, Saskatchewan
Describe your family growing up.
When I was born, my father managed the local Co-Op store in the small town of Mankota, in southwest Saskatchewan. He briefly managed a hardware store in Shaunavon before buying a small, corner grocery store in Moose Jaw, Sask., which was where I grew up until my second year of high school. My mother was a mother/housewife who helped in the family store, which really was a family effort. My older sister and brother and I would help out, stocking shelves and making deliveries.
Did you have a particular lifestyle growing up?
We were a pretty typical family that sometimes had to struggle to make ends meet. I remember the first new car my parents got wasn't until I was 14 years old. As a family, we were regular churchgoers.
Do you have any siblings?
I was the youngest of three kids. My sister Marilyn is the oldest. My older brother Terry died three years ago.
What are/were your favorite activities/hobbies?
Growing up I was quite active in sports, playing hockey, baseball and football. Now, in terms of sports, I really enjoy playing golf and watching hockey and football whenever I get a chance. I also like to read and given the 24 years I spent in journalism before joining the Government of Canada, I still like to write. In fact, I've just finished a novel that I hope will be released this June. It's a novel, set in Russia from 1919-1925 that ends in Saskatchewan.
What is your fondest memory?
I would say the birth of my daughter Paula and my two granddaughters, Madeline and Genevieve. Nothing can match it.
What are your family traditions?
Birthdays are important, especially now with grandkids. So my wife Louise and I make it a point to be there for their birthdays. We always spend Christmas together as a family.
What are your favorite foods?
I hate to admit it because I eat too much of it, but thick-crust pizza is likely my favorite. I also like Thai food.
Where did you attend school?
I went to St. Agnes elementary school in Moose Jaw, then one year at St. Louis College High School before finishing the last three years of high school at Campion College in Regina. I then went to the University of Saskatchewan, Regina Campus (now University of Regina), the University of Toronto and Vermont College, Union Institute and University.
How did you meet your wife?
Louise and I met on a blind date in high school. I was in Grade 12 and she was in Grade 10, my high school sweetheart.
Do you have children?
Yes, one daughter, Paula. She grew up in Regina and lives there now. After finishing university she married.
Describe your professional career history.
I spent 24 years in journalism, mostly in Saskatchewan, with daily newspapers and Maclean's Magazine. I was briefly in Calgary for Maclean's before joining the federal government in 1998 as Assistant Deputy Minister of Communications at the Department of Finance. I later became Assistant Secretary to Cabinet in the Privy Council Office before coming to Denver as Consul General in late 2007.
Tell me about the Consulate.
The Consulate General in Denver was established in 2004 and covers the four-state region of Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and Montana. We have a staff of 21.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
In order, my marriage, birth of our daughter, birth of our granddaughters and the release of my last book in 2006.
What is/was your biggest adaptation to the U.S.?
There really hasn't been any major adjustment. As Consul General the personal transition has been pretty smooth and Louise and I have been warmly welcomed, especially by the folks at the Canada-Colorado Association.
What do you miss most about Canada?
Tim Horton's, family and friends.
What are you looking for in the future?
I guess like most people, health and happiness.
What do you like most about the CCA?
The people. They are truly great to be with. When we get together it makes you feel like you're back home in Canada.
Official Gov Bio:
Dale Eisler (BA in Political Science, the University of Saskatchewan, Regina Campus; MA in Political Science, Vermont College, Union Institute & University).
Prior to joining the Canadian Federal Government, Mr. Eisler had an extensive career in journalism, including daily newspapers, weekly newsmagazines, syndicated opinion columns, radio and television. He was also a sessional lecturer in journalism at the University of Regina.
In addition, Mr. Eisler was involved, at an ownership level, in private business for 13 years.
In 1998, he was appointed Assistant Deputy Minister for Consultations and Communications with the Department of Finance in the Government of Canada. In 2004, he was appointed Assistant Secretary to Cabinet (Communications and Consultations) at the Privy Council Office, which was the most senior communications position in the Canadian Government.
In 2006, Mr. Eisler was the recipient of the Saskatchewan Commemorative Medal in recognition of his contributions to the province and society. He is the author of two books, most recently False Expectations: Politics and the Pursuit of the Saskatchewan Myth, published by the University of Regina in 2006. In 2007, he was awarded the University of Regina's distinguished alumni award for professional achievement
Dale and his wife Louise took up residence in Denver in November 2007. They have one daughter and one granddaughter.
http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/denver/offices-bureaux/dale_eisler.aspx?lang=eng&menu_id=252&menu=L
Biographie (Français):
Dale Eisler est diplomé en sciences politiques de l'université de Saskatchewan, campus de Regina; il possède une maîtrise en sciences politiques de l'université du Vermont, Union Institute & University.
Avant de joindre le gouvernement fédéral canadien, Mr Eisler a fait carrière dans le journalisme. Il a travaillé pour la presse écrite quotidienne et hebdomadaire; il a été éditorialiste et à également œuvré pour la radio et la télévision.
Il a été chargé d'enseignement en journalisme à l'Université de Régina.
Mr Eisler a travaillé pour son propre compte durant 13 années dans le secteur privé.
En 1998, il fut nommé sous-ministre de la communication et des consultations au sein du ministère des finances dans le gouvernement canadien. En 2004, il devint secrétaire adjoint du Cabinet, chargé de la communication et des consultations au Conseil privé en occupant la fonction la plus importante en termes de communication au sein du gouvernement canadien.
En 2006, Mr Eisler a reçu la médaille commémorative de Saskatchewan en reconnaissance de sa contribution à la province et pour ses activités sociales.
Il est l'auteur de deux livres, dont le plus récent est False Expectations : Politics and the Pursuit of the Saskatchewan Myth publié par l'Université de Regina en 2006.
En 2007, Dale Eisler a reçu le prix du lauréat remarquable de l`université de Régina pour sa réussite professionnelle.
Dale et son épouse Louise ont éli domicile à Denver en novembre 2007. Ils ont une fille et une petite-fille.
http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/denver/offices-bureaux/dale_eisler.aspx?lang=fra&menu_id=263&menu=L
