Sackville native named one of Canada's most powerful women

A Sackville native has been honoured as one of the country's most influential women.

Pamela (Brooks) Hine was recognized Monday night during an awards summit and gala in Toronto as one of Canada's Top 100 Most Powerful Women.

"It is certainly an honour and a very humbling experience to be recognized by the Women's Executive Network as one of 2009 Canada's Most Powerful Women, in the public sector leaders category," she says.

Daughter of local town councillor Joyce O'Neil and the late Ora Brooks, Hine grew up and received her education here in Sackville.

"I'm quite proud of her; she's worked hard to get where she's at and she's covered a lot of ground," says O'Neil.

Hine got her start in a public sector career back in 1981 as a clerk typist for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation in both Saint John and Halifax.

From there, she has worked diligently to move up the ladder, progressing from that entry-level position 28 years ago to her current role as Deputy Minister of Education in the Yukon.

Hine says she's always felt it was important to be in a position that "encouraged meaningful partnership engagement, innovative thinking and opportunities to empower and mentor employees to reach their career aspirations."

Over the years, she has held a number of deputy-level positions with the Nunavut government and the Yukon government, including president of Nunavut Housing Corporation (2000-2003), Deputy Minister of Education for Nunavut (2003-2006), Deputy Minister of Community and Government Services for Nunavut (2006-2007) and Deputy Minister of Education, Yukon (2007- present).

Hine believes her desire and determination to reach an executive-level position was a direct result of starting at an entry-level position, her involvement on status-of-women committees, the support she's received from supervisors to take on new responsibilities, and the experience she's gained from working in Canada's north for the last 14 years.

"Working in the Territories has provided me with a wonderful opportunity to experience the cultural richness of our aboriginal communities," she says, noting that Nunavut and most of the Yukon First Nations have settled land claims and have jurisdiction over their citizens, lands, resources, programs and services.

She says it's important for a public sector leader to be willing to find innovative ways to ensure all levels of governments work together effectively, while incorporating traditional knowledge with public sector-mandated programs and services.

"Building capacity within your department and at the community level is an essential component to achieving success and requires strong leadership and vision; an environment that has allowed me and my career to flourish."

Hine has also volunteered extensively over the years for a variety of organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, and says this has contributed to her self-development.

"The opportunity to become involved in your community and to assist people in need is a rewarding experience," she says.

This experience has been further enhanced as she extended her volunteer efforts to the national and international level.

"This not only provided professional growth but also provided me with an opportunity to showcase Canada's diversity by speaking on northern and aboriginal issues."

Hine has met a number of people over the years that she says have been a tremendous influence on her. But none more so than her mother.

"She has been my inspiration as she has never been afraid to take on a challenge or step outside the "traditional role." Mom has always been there to provide a helping hand or words of encouragement, while always placing her needs last - thanks Mom," says Hine.

She says it's also important to acknowledge how growing up in Sackville has largely influenced who she has become.

"Being raised in Sackville taught me first hand the values of family, community and the warmth extended by Maritimers; traits that made the transition to Canada's north one of the most exciting times in my life."

Hine hopes she can influence other women who are just beginning their careers by imparting some advice: never be afraid to follow your passion and to reach beyond your comfort zone.

"Life is full of amazing opportunities just waiting for you; don't let them pass you by," she says.