JIBC 2011-2012 Annual Report

Making Communities Safe
The theme of this 2011-2012 annual report – making communities safe – reflects the dedicated
work of our graduates. Whether on patrol in downtown Vancouver, building bridges of
reconciliation in remote Yukon communities, or delivering critical medical support in
Afghanistan, JIBC graduates are ready and committed to helping individuals and communities
around the world prepare for, respond to, and recover from critical incidents and disasters.

Executive Message.

Retired JIBC President Jack McGee & Past Chair, JIBC Board of Governors, Mary Manning.

Committed to educational excellence.
More than ever, today’s justice, public and community safety professionals require education and
training that is relevant, timely and responsive to the needs of individuals, businesses and
communities here in British Columbia, nationally and internationally.

Executive Message
JIBC remains committed to preparing students to meet real-world challenges by offering
innovative courses and programs that meet labour market needs and lead to certificates,
diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, as well as graduate credentials in a range of justice and public
safety disciplines.

This Annual Report, in a new digital format, highlights some of the Institute’s significant
accomplishments, and illustrates the concrete steps being taken to ensure that our
communities are served by the finest justice and public safety professionals and volunteers.
The stories and successes chronicled in this report are only made possible through the
continued support and contribution of students, partners, faculty, staff and other stakeholders.
We look forward to the continued spirit of collaboration, contribution and collegiality that
drive us to deliver on our mission to provide “Innovative education for those who make
communities safe”.
On a more personal note, this Annual Report also represents a significant point of transition
for both of us as well as the Institute, as our tenures as President and Chair come to a close in
2012. As this chapter closes in our lives, we look forward to the yet-to-be-written chapters in
the unfolding story of this invaluable asset to the safety and security of our community.

Program Expansion.

Offering a choice of 29 undergraduate certificates, 6 diplomas and 2 degrees.

Responding to evolving education needs.
JIBC is committed to serving the justice and public safety needs of communities across BC.
Innovative new programs have been launched that will help ensure public safety professionals
and volunteers have access to the most current theory and practice in their fields.

JIBC Academic Plan
JIBC’s Board of Governors approved the Institute’s Academic Plan 2010-2013, which outlines
the Institute’s educational philosophy and learning model, goals, and priorities. The Plan
expands upon the vision, mission, values, trends, and strategic directions outlined in JIBC’s
2010-2015 Strategic Plan, as they apply to teaching and learning initiatives, and focuses on
ensuring those efforts are:
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Grounded in the needs of the professions served by JIBC.
Aligned across the Institute.
Enhanced by an externally focused, cross-institutional foundation.

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Aligned with government service plans.

The Academic Plan outlines four thematic goals:
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JIBC will work toward increasing student access to programs regionally, provincially, nationally
and internationally.
JIBC will expand academic programs to include both undergraduate and graduate studies and
applied research.
JIBC will focus on inter-professional education programming that is flexible and response to
future labour market needs.
JIBC will focus on enhanced learning technology in all program areas.

The Academic Plan also outlines how JIBC’s Schools of Community & Social Justice, Health
Sciences, and Public Safety & Security, and the Institute’s Offices of Applied Research &
Graduate Studies, will address the thematic goals.

Traffic Safety & Injury Prevention Centre

Emergency vehicle drivers require highly developed decision-making skills and quick reactions
and must balance the pressure to respond quickly, with the need to maintain safety. Thanks to
$917,000 in funding from the Ministry of Advanced Education, British Columbia now has a
permanent facility to learn and practice vehicle control skills, proper stopping, and skid-control
techniques: the JIBC Traffic Safety & Injury Prevention Centre, at Pitt Meadows Regional
Airport.
The April 12, 2012 launch of the Traffic Safety & Injury Prevention Centre – a driver education
and research facility that is the first of its kind in Canada – provided an opportunity to showcase
JIBC’s role in preparing emergency vehicle drivers and its vision to improve road safety and
prevent traffic injuries. The Centre represents a significant step towards developing a
comprehensive traffic safety and injury prevention educational facility that will encompass four
pillars: education, engineering, investigation and enforcement, and applied research.
“The Justice Institute has an exceptional reputation as an emergency response trainer and is seen
as a leader in public safety training,” said then Advanced Education Minister Naomi Yamamoto
at the launch. “This new Traffic Safety & Injury Prevention Centre is an example of our
government’s ongoing commitment to excellence in education and training right here in BC.”

Centre for Court Administration
Minister of Justice and Attorney General Shirley Bond, members of the judiciary, more than 40
court administration staff, and JIBC leaders participated in the official opening of the Centre for
Court Administration (CCA) on April 3, 2012 at JIBC.
The CCA – a partnership between the Ministry of Justice and JIBC – will provide training for
approximately 700 court administration staff, through individual online study and virtual
classroom work, and at JIBC campuses. The BC Government has committed $240,000 to assist
with establishing the Centre and curriculum development. Court administration employees
include court clerks, registry clerks and technicians, senior registry technicians, and managers.
“As we work together to deal with capacity issues in our justice system, it is investments and
partnerships like these that will make a difference,” said Minister Bond. “Well-trained court
administration staff is critical to an efficient and effective court process.”
“JIBC appreciates the significant opportunity to expand our role with the Ministry of Justice to
provide court administration staff with the highest level of education and training possible,” said
President Jack McGee. “We look forward to commencing classes in this important program and
contributing to the quality of services delivered in courtrooms across the province.”

Student Success.

384 certificates, diplomas and degrees awarded to graduates in 2011/12.

Earning community trust.

Learning Life Lessons By JIBC graduate Jay Dunbar
I registered for JIBC’s Certificate Program in Conflict Resolution in 1990. I thought I would like
to work in the field of intervention and figured conflict resolution would be a most helpful skill
set.
I grew up in a family where conflict was viewed in about the same light as pain – something to
be avoided at all costs! I remember driving from Abbotsford to the old JIBC site at Jericho Hill
basically shaking the whole way, wondering what I had got myself into.
The first day was quite overwhelming; having to talk to more than three people at a time was
public speaking to me in those days. I survived day one and fought rush hour traffic back to
Abbotsford and when I arrived home, found myself in a challenging situation with my daughter
Sonya.
As I watched the situation spiralling downward into a very unhappy experience for both of us, a
little voice in my head said, “What did you learn today about conflict? So, I said something like,
“So what I hear you saying is you’re feeling upset because I’m always on your case about …?”
She looked at me and said, “Dad, that’s exactly how I feel!” All defensiveness and rebellion

disappeared, and we had a wonderful time connecting over a difficult situation unlike any we had
ever experienced before. I was sold on this conflict resolution stuff from that point forward!
I completed the Certificate Program in Conflict Resolution in 1993 and never looked back. I
believe this set the stage for my progression through the ranks and over the years I received
many promotions and eventually retired as Regional Manager of the Project Delivery group with
the Ministry of Transportation. More important were the benefits that accrued to our family life.
I doubt we would have made it through nearly as well without the valuable lessons learned at
JIBC.
My daughter, Sonya Swift, is employed in a management position with Sechelt Nation. It is
exciting to see her using all the ‘home schooling’ she received in her youth and taking it to the
next level by taking JIBC’s Foundations of Effective Management & Leadership Certificate
program. I can’t say enough about how much I and my family have benefitted from the life
changing experience of my JIBC education and training. I have recommended it over the years to
all my colleagues and staff and will continue to do so.

Making the world a better place
At two Convocation ceremonies at JIBC’s New Westminster campus on May 31, 2012, close to
300 students graduated with well-earned diplomas and certificates.
Actor, producer, and Parkinson’s activist Michael J. Fox, and retired Canadian Major General
and former JIBC Board of Governors Chair Val Pattee received honorary degrees at the
ceremonies.
Geoffrey Wilson, who graduated with a Foundations of Effective Management & Leadership
Certificate from the School of Community & Social Justice, said he chose JIBC to support his
transition from a technical engineering to a management role. Geoffrey said he wanted to
enhance his skills in self-improvement and fostering team development. “I have better leadership
skills at work, and it has also helped inter-personal relationships with friends and family,” said
Geoffrey.
Jesse Sheridan, a graduate of the Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) program in the School of Health
Sciences, said a lesson he learned early in his preceptorship was the importance of non-medical
support that paramedics provide. “We can be so focused on treating patients that we forget we’re
treating people,” he said. “It’s important to remember that we can go beyond the fancy
equipment and medications by providing compassion and understanding, and being somebody
they can talk to.”
Peter Majer, a graduate of the Law Enforcement Studies Diploma (LESD) in the School of
Public Safety & Security, noted the bond between all of the graduates at Convocation. “While
not all of us here graduating today are pursuing the same career, there is one common interest
among us all. And that is the safety and security of the public, whether it is controlling hazards,
preventing crime, or assisting in the rehabilitation of offenders.”

Our turn to be the future
JIBC graduates assembled at Burnaby’s Michael J. Fox Theatre on January 18 for the 2012
Winter Convocation celebrating the completion of their studies. They shared the stage with
honorary degree recipients Dr. Irving K. Barber, business leader and philanthropist, and Dr.
Mike Harcourt, former BC Premier, and speaker, author, and advisor internationally on
sustainable cities.
Ron Dean Harris, speaking on behalf of graduates from JIBC’s School of Community & Social
Justice, said his perspectives broadened after completing the Aboriginal Leadership Certificate
program. “I can admit that when I first joined the Aboriginal Leadership program, my ideas on
Aboriginal leadership were different than they are today. In this program, I have been given the
opportunity to learn more than a few different ways and avenues for finding my own excellence
within leadership.”
Daniel Leighton a graduate of the School of Public Safety & Security, said: “The Justice Institute
has been my lifeline to education because of the high quality educational programs they offer.”
Daniel, Fire Chief and Emergency Coordinator for the District of Logan Lake in BC’s southern
interior, graduated with an Emergency Management Exercise Design Certificate.
Advanced Care Paramedic graduate John Merrett, speaking on behalf of School of Health
Sciences graduates, said: “As much as we’ve studied some of the latest in paramedicine, now is
the time that our real learning starts. It is our turn to be the future.”

Law Enforcement Studies graduate working in surveillance
When Scott Sutherland learned about JIBC’s Law Enforcement Studies Diploma (LESD), he
knew it was the right program for him. Just one month after graduating from the program, Scott
landed his first job in law enforcement as a surveillance operator with a casino. There, he has
used skills learned at JIBC, such as how to communicate effectively, resolve ethical dilemmas,
interact with the RCMP and municipal police, and work in computer investigations.
Scott was drawn to JIBC and the LESD program because the Institute trains municipal police
recruits, offers a tight-knit environment and maintains smaller class sizes. “I never felt like a
small fish in a large pond,” says Scott. “The smaller classes were ideal to learn in, connect with
instructors and get the support students need to become successful.”
Faculty in the LESD program includes current and retired police officers and other instructors
with law enforcement backgrounds. “The faculty in the LESD program were extremely
enthusiastic and devoted to every topic they were teaching. They lived what they taught. Instead
of just teaching out of a textbook, instructors brought in their experiences through stories, photos
and videos.”
Scott graduated from the program in May 2011, and received the Ingrid Pipke Memorial Award
for maintaining the highest academic standing in his LESD cohort.

Earning community trust.
The success of JIBC is driven by the work of its graduates in the community. JIBC graduates
enter professions that traditionally enjoy high degrees of public trust and they are challenged to
maintain the high levels of trust earned by their predecessors. Many return to JIBC to enhance
their knowledge, skills and competencies and advance their careers.

Applied Research.

$8 million secured research grants, contracts, and proposal commitments.

Promoting social change and social justice.
JIBC-led applied research projects lead to improvements in public policy, community awareness,
field practice, and education and training for those who keep our communities safe.

Landmark report on domestic violence
Between January 2003 and August 2008, 73 of the 605 homicides committed in BC were the
result of domestic violence. In a report titled “Domestic Violence Prevention and Reduction in
British Columbia”, Katherine Rossiter reviews domestic violence prevention and reduction
initiatives in BC, from 2000-2010, and makes the case for primary prevention strategies that
address the root causes of crime and promote strategic investments in children and families.
The review was undertaken to support the work of the Violence Reduction Circle, a collaborative
group of researchers, policy makers, clinicians, and service providers, hosted by the Centre for
the Prevention & Reduction of Violence (CPRV) within JIBC’s Office of Applied Research.
Funding for the study was provided by CPRV through generous donations from the R. Howard
Webster Foundation and the British Columbia Institute for Family Violence.
“This study will serve as a stimulus for ongoing, coordinated efforts to improve frontline
practice, curriculum and program development, professional development, policy development,
and public education in the area of domestic violence” says Dr. Greg Anderson, JIBC Dean of
Applied Research & Graduate Studies. “It is another significant step towards our goal of making
a substantive contribution to the prevention and reduction of violence, supporting those who are
called to respond to the suffering of the victims and their families.”

Intimate partner violence in the South Asian community
The perspectives of 17 front-line practitioners, who share more than 200 years of experience
working with South Asian male perpetrators of intimate partner violence, are chronicled in a
research report co-authored by Gary Thandi and Bethan Lloyd: “This is a man’s problem:
Strategies for working with South Asian male perpetrators of intimate partner violence”.
“There is very little research concerning intimate partner violence grounded in the experience of
Punjabi Sikh and other South Asian men who are first generation Canadian immigrants,” says
Thandi, lead researcher on the report and a sessional researcher in JIBC’s Centre for Applied
Research. “As a consequence, education and training programs for frontline practitioners –
police officers, probation officers, social workers, counsellors, and psychologists – do not
include the information they need when working with these communities.”
To help bridge this gap, Thandi created a composite case study – “The Singh Family” – based on
the research and outlined what counsellors – and other frontline practitioners – require to deliver
effective, culturally appropriate services to those, like the Singh family, who come to their
offices.

According to Greg Anderson, JIBC’s Dean of Applied Research & Graduate Studies: “The
recommendations put forward in this report focus on very concrete actions that will help
perpetrators, the community, and frontline practitioners to break the cycle of intimate partner
violence.”

Researching support for disaster victims and first
responders
“They may put on a brave face, but often emergency response personnel are impacted by disaster
themselves,” says Colleen Vaughan, Director, JIBC Emergency Management Division. “They
focus their efforts on assisting others, while ignoring their own psychological and social needs.”
Through a $3.6 million project funded by the CBRNE Research and Technology Initiative
(CRTI), JIBC, working with Health Canada’s Emergency Preparedness and Occupational Health
Directorate (EPOHD), will develop a web-based “Simulation and Training Exercise
Collaboratory” (SIMTEC). The Collaboratory – an environment that makes use of computing
and communication technologies to access shared instruments and data, as well as to
communicate with others – will enhance psychosocial capacity and capability management
relating to CBRNE incidents and other hazards.
“SIMTEC will provide a virtual laboratory of information, research, and expert dialogue focused
on training and exercise for emergency responders and leadership, with a specific emphasis on
the psychosocial implications of disasters for responders and civilians,” says JIBC Research
Chair Dr. Laurie Pearce, one of the project’s Co-Principal Investigators.
Deliverables over the four-year project include a suite of exercises and psychosocial protocols,
guidelines, and training for a range of emergency operations centre (EOC) personnel. The
exercises, protocols, and guidelines developed during the project will be of interest and
applicable to any jurisdiction with emergency management protocols that include an EOC.

JIBC achieves SSHRC and NSERC funding eligibility
JIBC is now eligible to administer funding from both the Social Sciences and Humanities
Research Council (SSHRC) and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of
Canada (NSERC), greatly expanding its access to research funding and partnership options.
“Adding SSHRC eligibility to our existing NSERC eligibility further strengthens our capacity for
applied research,” says JIBC President Jack McGee. “It provides researchers based at the
Institute the opportunity to partner with a vast number of community-based organizations, and to
strengthen relationships with existing collaborators.”
SSHRC is a federal agency that supports research and training in the humanities and social
sciences based at Canadian post-secondary institutions and non-profit organizations. As a
SSHRC-eligible institution, JIBC researchers can apply for funding from the more than $300
million in grants and scholarships awarded annually by the agency.

NSERC eligibility will help to attract researchers and projects from across the country that will
inform public policy, increase public awareness, enhance justice and public safety curriculum,
and leverage learning technologies and methodologies.
“Obtaining both SSHRC and NSERC eligibility is a significant accomplishment for JIBC,” says
Dr. Greg Anderson, JIBC Dean of Applied Research & Graduate Studies. “It’s a testament to the
strength of the research team we have built and will help develop the Institute as a centre for
applied social science, humanities, and natural sciences research, which will enhance the safety
and security of BC residents and communities.”

International Education.

245
international students from 29 different countries registered in 2011/12.

Sharing our expertise globally.
The quality of education delivered by JIBC in communities across BC, and the vital work of our
graduates in the field, have led to the Institute’s programs being delivered nationally and
internationally. Students from Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and China are among the
international learners who have benefited from JIBC education and training.

Prepared to serve: UAE Fire graduates
On June 27, 2012 the JIBC proudly welcomed its newest alumni, when a group of students from
the United Arab Emirates (UAE) received their Fire Service Leadership Diplomas. This occasion
marked the culmination of years of hard work for the graduates, who have been studying in
Canada since 2008. “We have finished something today,” said valedictorian Ahmed Almessabi.
“It took us a lot of time and effort to achieve this goal and this is not the end, but just the
beginning.”
These students are 14 of approximately 40 students from the UAE who have graduated from
JIBC program since 2003. JIBC President Jack McGee thanked the graduates and noted that they
“help us extend our international reputation for excellence well beyond the confines of Western
Canada.”
This long road may not be over for these students, who are waiting to hear if they will continue
their studies with JIBC. Until then, these JIBC alumni have returned to the UAE and put their
knowledge and skills to work, making an immediate contribution to the safety of their
communities.

Beijing Emergency Medical Centre strategic alliance
JIBC and Beijing Emergency Medical Center (BEMC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding
that will establish a strategic alliance between the two organizations. BEMC, established in 1983,
operates Beijing’s 120 emergency network dispatch and command system; provides emergency
medical care, first aid, and emergency medical rescue; and provides training on emergency
medical care and first aid. The MOU, signed at JIBC’s New Westminster campus on July 9 by
JIBC President Jack McGee and BEMC Director Mr. Li Wei, outlines an agreement to:
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Cooperate on pre-hospital Emergency Medical Services (EMS) education, such as the
introduction of advanced paramedic courses and development of paramedic instructor
education.
Actively carry out discussion, organize seminars, and develop cooperation on scientific
research related to pre-hospital emergency medical care.
Jointly promote exchanges and cooperation between China and Canada’s pre-hospital
emergency medical care systems, focusing on medical assistance for large-scale disaster
and Critical Care Transport care.

JIBC visited BEMC in November 2011 as part of Premier Christy Clark’s BC Jobs and Trade
Mission to China and India. JIBC also provided resuscitation training to BEMC emergency care
personnel in the early 2000s.
“We are extremely pleased to be visiting the Justice Institute of British Columbia to learn about
their paramedic programs as well as their emergency management curriculum,” said Mr. Li Wei,
President of the Emergency Medical Centre (First Aid Station) Branch of the Chinese Hospital
Association and Director of the Beijing Emergency Medical Centre.

Building bridges to Asia
JIBC participated in a very productive BC Jobs and Trade Mission to Asia, led by Premier
Christy Clark. JIBC initiated new partnerships and extended a number of existing arrangements
with institutions in Asia.
“Having the Premier lead such a strong delegation, focused on both business and education and
including JIBC, sent a powerful message to our partners that the Government of BC supports the
Institute and welcomes students,” said JIBC President Jack McGee.
Just prior to the trade mission, JIBC signed a multi-year agreement with the Singapore Armed
Forces to deliver a Diploma in Health Sciences (Emergency Medical Services). The Institute also
met with the Hong Kong Fire Services Department Ambulance Command to review and
committed to maintaining its partnership, which is now entering its 20th year.
In China, it was confirmed that JIBC will conduct a strategic analysis for Beijing Emergency
Medical Services and plans were confirmed to host several study tours from justice bureaus and
police organizations from four cities.

The mission continued to India where JIBC delegates met with a number of post-secondary
institutions and agencies to explore future partnership opportunities, including the Tata Institute
of Social Sciences (TISS), which was invited to collaborate on JIBC’s Rural Disaster Resilience
applied research project.

Building disaster-resilient communities in Central and South
Asia
Central and South Asian countries (Afghanistan, Pakistan, India Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic,
Tajikistan) face significant risk arising from the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters, as
well as water, energy and food insecurity.
The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is committed to improving preparedness and
response abilities to natural disasters in Central and South Asia through a Disaster Risk
Management Initiative (DRMI). A significant component of the DRMI is developing Emergency
Management curricula to be delivered by the University of Central Asia and the Aga Khan
University.
JIBC had previously demonstrated its capability to adapt and contextualize curricula to the
Central and South Asian environment in its relationship with Focus Canada. So, when the
network started its search for a partner educational institution to undertake this initiative, JIBC
was well-positioned and deemed to be the right fit.
“This partnership is all about building global public safety capacity,” says Pete Learoyd, JIBC
Program Director. “It’s a very important initiative for JIBC to take on as a global citizen.”
Now that that the two cornerstone documents (a Strategic Plan and Concept of Operations)
produced by JIBC have been approved, the AKDN will be pursuing funding for future phases of
the project, including the development of curriculum.

Extending Our Reach.

JIBC instructors taught in 151 communities across BC.

Delivering education across Canada.
JIBC instructors travel to communities throughout BC to deliver courses and programs. This
focus on regional delivery is supplemented by partnerships and technology-enhanced learning,
which allow us to extend our reach to communities across Canada.

Keeping communities safe in Yukon
IBC negotiated a program delivery agreement with Yukon College to offer the Primary Care
Paramedic (PCP) certificate program that will allow emergency medical responders to complete
their studies closer to home.
“There is a keen interest from Yukon volunteer emergency medical responders to take this
training,” said Doug MacKay, chair of the Education Program Committee of the Volunteer
Ambulance Society. Very few of the 150 volunteers with rural Emergency Medical Services
have been able to complete advanced training due to the time, travel, and costs involved.
The program will be initially taught by JIBC instructors in Yukon, but JIBC also supports the
College’s plans to recruit and train local instructors.
“The JIBC’s PCP program is the only program in BC accredited by the Canadian Medical
Association and is recognized regionally, nationally, and internationally for providing students
the best paramedic education possible,” said Eddy Workhoven, Dean of JIBC’s School of Health
Sciences. “We are pleased to add Yukon College to the list of partners we are working with to
deliver this program.”
This represents the latest of several educational partnerships between JIBC and Yukon College.
Starting in September 2011, Yukon College students were able to register for courses that
comprise JIBC’s Associate Certificate in Workplace Conflict and a selection of foundational
conflict resolution core courses and electives from full certificate programs.

Primary Care Paramedic program in Port Alberni
Students in the Port Alberni region no longer have to leave home to pursue the path of becoming
a paramedic. Eddy Workhoven, Dean of JIBC’s School of Health Sciences, announced a new
partnership with the City of Port Alberni and North Island College (NIC) to deliver a full-time
Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) program at NIC’s Port Alberni campus, starting in September
2011.
This new initiative was the brainchild of Port Alberni Councillor John Douglas, a serving
paramedic, who recognized the potential of a partnership between the City, North Island College,
and JIBC, and the immediate benefits to students.
“The City’s economic development strategy includes a focus on the educational sector,” said
Douglas. “Given the importance of paramedics and other first responders to the safety and well-

being of our community, a partnership with JIBC seemed to be a great fit, from both an
economic and social perspective.”
The tremendous response to delivery of JIBC’s Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) program in Port
Alberni has created optimism regarding the potential for JIBC to expand its program offerings in
the community.
In addition to the program in Port Alberni, the BC government provided $685,000 in one-time
funding to expand delivery of the PCP program in Smithers, Dawson Creek, and Kamloops.

JIBC Partners with Comox Fire Rescue
The JIBC Fire & Safety Division finalized an agreement with Comox Fire Rescue that enables
the department to deliver JIBC-accredited courses at its training centre. The Authorized Provider
Agreement allows for more affordable and accessible training for the department, as well as
expanded regional training in BC.
“Comox Fire Rescue is committed to excellence in delivery of all our services,” said Comox Fire
Chief Gord Schreiner. “Ensuring our members are appropriately trained is a significant
requirement for protecting life, property, and business from the effects of fire and disasters in our
community.”
The department comprises five full-time and 42 paid-on-call employees, who serve a population
of about 20,000. In addition to the training centre, which includes a live burn building, the
Comox fire station has six truck bays, two training towers, a classroom, offices, and a meeting
room.
The regional training centre is staffed by a combination of full and part-time members and is
regularly used by other departments, including some from Alberta. Instructors identified by
Comox Fire Rescue and vetted by the JIBC Fire & Safety Division deliver course curriculum
developed by the Institute.
Chief Schreiner’s commitment to education and training is one of the many attributes that earned
him the “National Fire Chief of the Year Award” and a JIBC Distinguished Alumnus Award in
2010.

Innovation in education
JIBC won an Award of Excellence from the Canadian Network for Innovation in Education
(CNIE), a national organization of professionals committed to excellence in innovative
education. JIBC’s ExPod virtual simulation learning tool (subsequently re-named Praxis) was
selected for “Excellence and Innovation in Overall Use of Technology for Learning and
Teaching.”

Praxis is a custom-built, virtual simulation learning tool used in JIBC’s Dr. Donald B. Rix Public
Safety Simulation Building. It helps to bring critical incidents to life by introducing real-world
simulations into training and exercise programs. Because participants can access Praxis via the
web, it provides the flexibility to deliver immersive, interactive, and scenario-based training
exercises anytime, anywhere.
“As someone who is well informed on the current state of public safety technologies, I can
confidently say Praxis stands well above the crowd,” says Timothy Collins, Managing Director
of Visual Analytics for Command, Control and Interoperability Environments (Vaccine) at
Purdue University. “Any time a tool can engage the participants to the point that they are fully
immersed and working to solve a situation, learning becomes ingrained and communities
become safer. Praxis does this time and again. An added, but huge benefit in this time of critical
fiscal management is its ability to provide training to responders anytime, anywhere, and on a
budget.”

Community Support.

JIBC Foundation provided students access to over $685K in bursaries in 2010/2011.

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Honouring contributions to public safety.

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JIBC students benefit from the generosity of many justice and public safety advocates in
the community. Many of these individuals provide philanthropic support but, as
importantly, many serve as role models for students through their work and action that
contribute to safe communities.

Michael J. Fox and Val Pattee awarded honorary degrees

JIBC graduates shared the spotlight with honorary Doctor of Laws degree recipients Dr. Michael
J. Fox and Dr. R.P. (Val) Pattee, at Convocation ceremonies held May 31, 2012.
Dr. Fox was recognized for his accomplishments as one of Canada’s most revered performers
and his commitment to raising research funding and awareness for Parkinson’s disease.

He recalled that early in his acting career, he showed up at JIBC’s Jericho campus for a training
exercise with police dogs. At the time he had a fear of dogs, but decided that he would “act” as if
he was not afraid. It was a key turning point in his career and life.
“If you show bravery, if you show a certain amount of grit, you can get through things. And
that’s served me well,” said Dr. Fox. “I know that you all have had experiences with that in your
lives, and I’m just happy and proud that your grit has brought you to a place in public service, in
careers in justice and public safety.”
Retired Royal Canadian Air Force pilot and Major General Val Pattee, was recognized for his
significant contribution to justice and public safety in the province, through leadership roles as
Assistant Deputy Minister of Police Services, Executive Director of BC Ambulance Service, and
Chair of the JIBC Board of Governors. President McGee acknowledged his accomplishments
nationally and internationally and “his leadership, innovation, insight, and vision in transforming
Police and EMS/Paramedic education and training.”
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Mike Harcourt and Irving K. Barber awarded honorary
degrees

Former BC Premier Mike Harcourt and local entrepreneur and philanthropist, the late Irving K.
(Ike) Barber were awarded Honorary Doctor of Laws Degrees at JIBC’s January 18, 2012
Convocation.
“Both of these individuals have made profound and sustained contributions to the quality of life
enjoyed by residents of British Columbia,” said JIBC President Jack McGee. “In particular, their
shared belief in the power of education to effect positive change in our communities has been a
catalyst for the continued growth and development of the province.”
Mike Harcourt’s accomplishments as a former BC Premier, Vancouver Mayor, and City
Councillor, and more recently as a speaker, author, and advisor on sustainable cities, have earned
many plaudits. In 2002, he broke his neck after falling from a cliff on Pender Island. Left
partially paralyzed, his chances for recovery were remote, but he demonstrated determination,
overcame obstacles, and enjoyed a near full recovery. His wife Beckie was awarded a JIBC
Foundation Heroes & Rescue Award in 2003 for her role in his rescue. Dr. Harcourt paid tribute
to Becky and JIBC-trained paramedics, fire fighters, and other first responders for their quick
and courageous action in keeping him alive and transporting him to hospital
Dr. Irving Barber’s philanthropic support has been instrumental in helping establish programs to
promote education and research. The Irving K. Barber One World International scholarship
provides outstanding recent graduates of JIBC’s Career Fire Fighter Pre-Employment Certificate
with an opportunity to broaden their understanding of the cultural aspects of serving
communities through fire protection services.

Bill Bennett, Sergio Cocchia, and Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia
awarded Honorary Degrees

Former BC Premier Bill Bennett, OBC, and local entrepreneurs and philanthropists Sergio
Cocchia and Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia were awarded Honorary Doctor of Laws Degrees at JIBC’s
May 19, 2011 Convocation.
“Each of these worthy recipients has, in their own inimitable way, contributed to the quality of
life enjoyed by residents of British Columbia,” said JIBC President Jack McGee. Their vision,
perseverance, and unwavering commitment to making a difference in the community have
helped to enhance individual, social, and economic well-being.”
Bill Bennett became Premier of the province in 1975 and continued to serve in that role until
August 1986. During his tenure, decisions were made to invest in bringing the 1986 World
Exposition (Expo 86) to Vancouver; build the Coquihalla Highway, which enhanced
transportation between the Lower Mainland and the interior of the province; launch SkyTrain in
the Lower Mainland; and build BC Place stadium. He also played a significant role in the
establishment of JIBC, as in 1978 he signed an order-in-council that designated the Justice
Institute of British Columbia as a provincial post-secondary institution.
Entrepreneurs Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia and husband Sergio Cocchia are a formidable business
team that has dedicated significant time and effort supporting numerous charitable causes. Of
note, is their visionary quest to build a $34 million dollar Pacific Autism Family Centre, where
the families of those diagnosed with autism can access professional assistance, treatment plans,
and other resources required to prepare themselves for the challenges ahead.

Courage and leadership rewarded
The 10th JIBC Foundation Awards for Justice and Public Safety and fundraiser on November 30,
2011 was a resounding success, raising approximately $160,000 in financial support for JIBC
students, including awards, bursaries, and scholarships.
Among the recipients of a JIBC Foundation Heroes & Rescue Award was Canadian Forces
Captain (Retired) Trevor Greene, who was severely injured during an axe attack in
Afghanistan. He was recognized for bravery in the field of battle and inspiring courage in the
face of personal tragedy and adversity.
Also receiving Heroes & Rescue Award were Firefighters Without Borders Canada, for its
support of emergency service organizations in developing countries; and Robert Mackay, for
extraordinary courage and valour demonstrated during the 2011 Stanley Cup riot.
The Dr. Joseph H. Cohen Award was presented to The Honourable Mary Ellen TurpelLafond for her advocacy on behalf of children and youth, as British Columbia’s first
Representative of Children and Youth.
The Anthony P. Pantages, QC Medal was presented to Thomas Berger, OC, OBC, for years
of distinguished service to the legal profession and his contribution to maintaining the integrity
of Canada’s system of equitable justice.

The JIBC Foundation Community Leadership Award was presented to Allan De Genova for
establishing Honour House – a facility to temporarily house injured military personnel and first
responders, along with their families, while they receive treatment.
Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia and Sergio Cocchia, entrepreneurs and philanthropists, also announced
a donation of $10,000 to establish an annual award for JIBC students who work with people with
disabilities.
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