Canadian Rights and Running

Some of us struggle to survive day to day, others struggle to be treated fairly or to have their voices heard. With runners, the struggle is more often how to fit in our passion into a fast-paced and busy world or how to get motivated to head out the door.

There are all kinds of people and all kinds of jobs but once we take off our business day disguises and meet as runners there is a commonality that brings people together.

One executive who works hard but still finds time to put on the running shoes works at one of Canada’s organizations that watch out for Canadians.

Ian Fine

Ian Fine is the executive director for the Canadian Human Rights Commisson (CHRC) and is responsible for the day to day management of the organization. Ian is a lean, fit man who works from a corner office overlooking downtown Ottawa. We bump into each other and he asks about my running. He mentions he was once a smoker but, after quitting a number of years ago, he decided to take up a healthier obsession. He now runs twenty minutes every morning. He also walks at lunch and after work.

The CHRC’s vision is of an inclusive society where everyone is valued and respected. Created by Parliament through the Canadian Human Rights Act in 1977, the organization was created to administer the act. The Commission operates independently from the government. The Commission’s mandate is to protect the core principle of equal opportunity and promotes a vision of an inclusive society free from discrimination by promoting human rights through research and policy development, protecting human rights through a fair and effective complaints process and representing the public interest to advance human rights for all Canadians.

Taking time from his busy job and life, Ian took a few moments to take about his running.

How do you fit running into a busy life?

“It’s a priority. If I don’t do it I can’t do my job.”

Why do you make the time to run each day and what do you get out of it?

“I do it to take care of my physical and mental health. I get the energy to deal with almost anything that comes up during the day.”

What advice would you have for those in busy jobs who say they don’t have time?

“Just do it!”

Running is an open and friendly sport that I believe allows Canadians to shed their other identities and roles to come together in love of a sport. I am all for any group or organizations that help our country become more open and inclusive. I am also always impressed to see those in leadership roles as advocates for active, healthy lifestyles.

Run on Ian and fellow Canadian runners.

See you on the roads or in the blogosphere.

Do you have a running story to tell?

runningwriter@hotmail.com

You can also catch me on Twitter @NoelPaine or on my personal blog.