CTV Ottawa - Amazing People

Hi Friends,

Yesterday evening and earlier today I had the distinct honour of being profiled on CTV Ottawa’s Amazing People series.  It was a whirlwind week of shooting an outdoor interview both around our home in Manotick (south of Ottawa) and on the banks of the Rideau River in close proximity.  Suggesting a location which is usually a deserted and quiet "off the beaten path" trail leading to the water's edge didn't exactly pan out.  We were all continuously swarmed by an infestation of insects, an unusual amount of pleasure boat traffic and a mix of sun and cloud which drove Mark the camerman rather mad due to the infrequent background noise, the constantly changing lighting condition while swatting away bugs.  My dear friend and new host of the TV series Ms. Leanne Cusack kept joking that for a man with many good ideas, my choice of shoot locations was not one of the better ones!  In any event we all persevered and although almost bitten alive managed to get most of our points across.

The main interview was broadcast yesterday evening at 6:30 pm on our local news channel and I've received plenty of positive feedback from family, friends and viewers.  I was quite impressed that Leanne and her editor were able to tell my life's story in a powerful and succinct 4 minute segment.  Earlier this afternoon we then followed up with another live interview at the CTV studio in the heart of Ottawa's busy Byward Market whereby we had the opportunity to expand upon the original broadcast over a 15 minute time slot.  My gratitude goes out to my partner Mary Anne McPhee and good friend Larry McClosky for taking time out of their day to join me in the studio and talk about their own perspectives on our relationship, disability issues and what the future has in store. 

For your information the Amazing People series has been running since 2012 and every February there is a large gala evening held at the Ottawa Convention Centre celebrating all of the individuals profiled throughout the year with one person being voted as the most amazing person of all.  To view the broadcast, please click on the following link.

           Stay tuned for my next Quadrant which will be posted at the end of June.  If you liked what you’ve read and watched, please send me your comments and “likes” while sharing this story with your network of friends.  I hope to see you on the sunny side of the mountain!

My "Amazing People" Profile on CTV Ottawa