In this episode Ken talks with Chantal Vallerand the Executive Director of Drug Free Kids Canada, a national, registered charity whose mission is to reduce the prevalence of problematic substance use by youth. Her work engages parents and youth to have ongoing, non-judgemental dialogue about substance use to promote healthy decision-making and reduce cannabis and other substances related harms.

Chantal has worked in a number of senior management roles in the private, public, and NGO sectors where she developed and implemented organizational strategic plans and developed a strong interest in social issues. She worked with Jack Layton as the National Deputy Director with the New Democratic Party of Canada and oversaw the organization during a phase of transition.

Earlier in her career, Chantal spent 15 years working for advertising agencies, leading strategic communications for a number of national and local organizations, developing award-winning campaigns.

Chantal, who is fluently bilingual in French and English, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from the University of Ottawa and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Laurentian University.

www.drugfreekidscanada.org

www.jeunessesansdroguecanada.org

If you have any suggestions for Ken regarding what you would like to see on the show, email him at aparenttalks@nslive.tv.

Ken's Autograph of Heros book.