Report writing

Paul M. LeBel

Stakeholder Communications Specialist

Paul LeBel has more than 25 years of experience as a writer, editor, and communications planner for a wide variety of government, corporate, and agency clients. His specialities include research and reports, speech and presentation writing, and plain language writing and editing. Before establishing his own communications consultancy, he was Manager, Public Affairs, at Magna International Inc. His previous experience includes staff and management positions with the Government of Ontario, Southam Communications, and Manulife Financial.

Principal, Parallax Communications 1989-present

Paul has an extensive background in writing and editing, with a focus on bringing clarity to his clients’ communications. He has a rich variety of direct experience working with government, large corporations, small business, and public relations and advertising agencies. All of his independent work has included strategic communications planning, project management, and final responsibility for delivery. Recent clients include: the Ontario ministries of Education, Community and Social Services, Children and Youth Services, Economic Development and Employment, International Trade, Research and Innovation, and Tourism; Canadian Commercial Corporation; Hydro One.

Paul is a plain language expert. Working closely with senior government officials and consultants, he has written, edited, or rewritten numerous high-level reports and Cabinet submissions. In most cases, this includes managing the entire report process, from research, writing and editing to approvals and delivery. Recent examples of his work are linked here:

Shaping Land Use in the Greater Golden Horseshoe

Report of the Ontario Building Safety Technical Advisory Panel

Report of the Student Transportation Competitive Procurement Task Force

Report to the Ontario Minister of Education regarding the Toronto District School Board

Guide to Green Schools, Ontario Ministry of Education

 

Manager Public Affairs, Magna International Inc.

  • Managed public relations programs of international automotive company
  • Supervised staff of four providing internal and external communications services
  • Fielded all media enquiries for Magna and five subsidiaries
  • Arranged plant tours and public information programs
  • Worked directly with agencies in London, England and Detroit on the launch of concept vehicle
  • Oversaw corporate advertising program
  • Reported directly to president and vice-chairman

Media Relations Officer, Ontario Ministry of Economic Development

  • Publicized ministry programs and policies through special events, press releases, advisories
  • Wrote daily briefing papers on contentious issues for the Minister
  • Wrote speeches for the Minister and Deputy Minister
  • Handled media enquiries on business developments, programs, policies
  • Edited ministry publications for internal and external audiences

Education and interests       

  • B.A. (English), University of Manitoba
  • Journalism A, Red River Community College
  • Editorial Excellence Program, Southam Communications
  • Public Relations Diploma, Canadian Public Relations Society
  • Introduction to Advertising, Ryerson University
  • Photography I & II, Toronto Adult Education
  • French Intermediate I & II, Ryerson
  • Intermediate French, U of T Continuing Studies
  • Effective Public Speaking, Mica Management
  • Spanish, English Spanish House
  • Mini-Med School, University of Toronto
  • Improvisation, Levels A through E, Second City Training Centre
  • Improvisation, Long form, Bad Dog Theatre Company
  • Three’s Company II: the reality: a play written, directed and produced for the Toronto Fringe Festival

Work samples and project information      

Available at www.parallax.ca


References

Available on request: plebel@parallax.ca, 416-364-4332