Rex Murphy
Journalist, Author

Born and raised in Newfoundland, Rex Murphy is one of Canada's most recognized commentators, having established himself as a quick-witted and accomplished writer, broadcaster and teacher.

Revered for his linguistic skills, Rex's primary interest is in language and English literature, but he also has a strong link with politics. He gained an insider's view of the political world when he worked as executive assistant to the Newfoundland Liberal Party leader. He also ran twice as a Liberal candidate.

Rex contributes extensively to CBC on many current affairs issues. For The National Magazine he created several documentaries from Newfoundland, including the highly acclaimed Unpeopled Shores, about the collapse of the Newfoundland fisheries.

He contributes a regular essay to The National Magazine, dealing with topics as diverse as the Royal Family, smoking, and Quebec politics, and writes a weekly column for the Globe and Mail. Rex is also the author of the book, Points of View, a collection of his columns and commentaries.

A graduate of Memorial University, Rex also attended Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar.

Michael Annable
Executive Vice President, Administration, Linamar Corporation

Graduating from Sheridan College Michael began his career with Canada Employment & Immigration Commission, a department of the Federal Government. In 1987 he accepted a transfer to the Guelph Office where he spent his next four years.

In June of 1991 Michael was offered an opportunity with Linamar Machine Limited as their Human Resources Manager. At that time Linamar had been a public company for four years, had 900 employees with sales of approximately 170 million dollars per year.

Michael has since taken on additional roles within the company including Information Technology and Administration. His current capacity with Linamar Corporation is Vice President Human Resources, Information Technology, & Administration and he serves as the General Manager of Linamar Transportation.

In addition to his role with Linamar he is currently active with several community organizations including serving on the Board of Directors of Skills Canada Ontario Division, the Chamber of Commerce, and serving as a Governor for Conestoga College.

David Pincott
Head of Media Relations, Edge(UK)

David Pincott brings many years of public-relations experience to directing media relations at Edge, a UK-based educational foundation dedicated to promoting practical and vocational learning. As well as encouraging the education system to adopt more learning-by-doing opportunities, it wants to see vocational-learning opportunities achieve parity with academic routes.

David has held senior PR roles in the telecommunications, cable TV and new media industries in the UK. He also founded a media-relations agency, working with a range of organisations and personalities. David did not attend university but instead qualified as a telecommunications technician, attending Bromley and Lewisham technical colleges in London, before deciding on a career in PR.

Away from PR, David performs as a comedian in a number of London comedy clubs, a pursuit that he is still only learning by doing.