Author: David Hanslip
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Canada’s Federal Leaders: A Comparative Review of Strengths, Challenges, and Public Perception
Canada’s political future hinges on leadership. As the country faces economic uncertainty, social division, and global instability, how do our federal party leaders measure up? Here’s a comprehensive look at Mark Carney, Pierre Poilievre, Yves-François Blanchet, and Don Davies—and what the numbers reveal. Key Insights from the Infographic Polling Snapshot (Nov 2025) Analysis Leadership matters—not…
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One Nation, Many Voices: Building Bridges for a Better Canada
In the trenches of war, on the streets of our cities, and across the sacred lands of Indigenous nations, Canadians have always found strength in unity. Whether defending freedom abroad or rebuilding communities at home, we’ve shown that when we come together—across cultures, faiths, and political beliefs—we are unstoppable. But today, we face a different…
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Canada Deserves Better: A Call to End Divisive Politics
Politics in Canada has become increasingly divisive—and it’s hurting us. Our four major political parties—Liberal, Conservative, NDP, and Bloc Québécois—spend more time pointing fingers than solving problems. Instead of working together to address the real issues facing Canadians—homelessness, the rising cost of living, affordability, and increasing crime—they engage in a never-ending blame game. The House…
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Leadership Is Not a Title—It’s a Responsibility
Leadership is often misunderstood. Too many associate it with rank, status, or authority. But real leadership isn’t about being in charge—it’s about being accountable, being present, and being willing to serve. After more than 36 years of experience in military policing, security, and youth mentorship, I’ve come to understand leadership as a daily practice rooted…
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From Naïve Beginnings to Lifelong Lessons: My Early Days in Healthcare Security
“You never forget the first time you see the raw reality of mental illness—not in a textbook, but in a hospital corridor at 3 a.m.” Introduction Early in my security career, I worked at Humber River Regional Hospital’s Finch Avenue site. This was my first real exposure to the realities of mental illness. While I…
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🕯️ Kristallnacht: A Warning Echoing Through Time
On this night in 1938, the world watched as synagogues burned, Jewish businesses were shattered, and thousands of Jews were arrested. Kristallnacht, the “Night of Broken Glass,” was not the beginning of antisemitism—it was the moment it turned violent, public, and undeniable. But it didn’t start there. The Holocaust began with words, with laws, with…
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🧭 Leadership Starts With You: Understanding, Supporting, and Leading by Example
What is leadership? It’s more than a title or a position. True leadership is about responsibility, empathy, and example. It’s not just about doing the job—it’s about knowing the job, understanding your people, and being willing to walk beside them, especially when the work gets tough. Leadership is influence. Done well, it uplifts, motivates, and…
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🧭 NorthStar Perspectives | November Leadership Update
From the Desk of David Hanslip, Founder Shalom friends, As we move deeper into the fall season, I’ve been reflecting on the state of leadership in our communities—especially among our youth. In a world dominated by 30-second clips and poll-driven politics, we’re seeing a troubling trend: a lack of strong, principled leadership. Our young people…
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Where Have All the Leaders Gone? A Call to Cultivate Leadership in the Next Generation
In my years of working in security, mentoring youth, and serving within the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet program, one truth has become increasingly clear: leadership is not a title—it’s a responsibility. It’s a calling to serve, to guide, and to inspire. And yet, as I look around at the world today, I see a troubling…
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⚓️ Flashback to my non-security days aboard HMCS Haida at Ontario Place…
One summer, our tight-knit museum crew decided to spice up a slow afternoon with a bit of naval mischief. We “commandeered” a colleague’s roast beef sandwich from the galley and launched a full-scale scavenger hunt across the ship—complete with riddles, clues, and a dramatic ransom call from the gift shop. Disguised voice: “We have your…
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