Motivational Speaking

Barry Canning…BA, BA (Hons), B. Ed, MA
Motivational Speaker /Performer/ Singer/Songwriter / Producer

East Coast musician, Barry Canning, is a dedicated student of life and tutor for its crossing. His humble manner and gentle presence speak an astonishing message of simple eloquence. He walks a path of his own design, and encourages students to conceive a journey concluding in the realization of their own dreams.

Barry has been involved with motivational speaking for over a decade. He has inspired young minds alongside several of Canada’s top motivational speakers, including: Terry Kelly, Stu Saunders, Alvin Law, Cara Johnston, and Andy Thibodeau. The Canadian National, the Newfoundland & Labrador Provincial, and the Ontario Student Leadership Conferences have already secured his presence for 2003. He is a regular “morning motivator” and speaker at student leadership venues, including most recently, the 2002 OSLC in London, Ontario.

The most poignant message Barry delivers is best conveyed with his own words: "Live life to the fullest, accept a good challenge, and don’t take life too seriously". In his address, Barry covers topics such as, the importance of music and culture, life as journey, songwriting, making a living in the arts, and surviving the personal commitment & sacrifice it requires to realize your fullest potential.

Barry's professional musical career permits him to speak to these issues from a position of experience. Some recent highlights include:

Recipient of MIANL's Male Artist of the Year and Best Pop & Rock Artist for 2001.

Performed with: Shaggy, Our Lady Peace, David Usher, Colin James, Dr Hook, America, Great Big Sea, David Wilcox, Crush, The Ennis Sisters, The Irish Descendents, and The Fables in 2001/2002

East Coast Music Awards Songwriter's Circle with Bruce Guthro and Jimmy Rankin

Juno Awards Songwriter's Circle with Daniel Lanois (producer of U2 & Peter Gabriel) and Ron Sexsmith

Nominated for 2003 East Coast Music Award “Pop Artist of the Year”

Release of his second CD “Last Man Standing” in fall of 2003.

While completing his Master's Degree in Religious Studies, Barry embarked upon a pilgrimage across an 800km stretch of Spain known as the Camino de Santiago. It is journeys such as this that give shape to his life experience, and significance around the message he has for students. Barry has completed four university degrees: BA (English), BA Honors (Religious Studies), B.Ed, MA (Religious Studies). When questioned on his education, Barry has this to say: "Many people ask me why I have so much education but am still pursuing a life as a musician and songwriter; I simply state that it is what I've wanted, to gain knowledge and be educated. I still have a lot more to do."

One of Barry's greatest passions is working with students to inspire a positive use of the unique gifts each of them possess. Barry has a fundamental belief in the power of youth and the enormous potential inside each young mind. This is a rare opportunity for students of all walks to be inspired and empowered.

Barry’s Breakout Session Topics for Conferences

• Expanding your horizon: Educating Me
• Life as journey: The journey is the reward
• Making music and living a life through the arts
• The Camino de Santiago: 800 klm pilgrimage through northern Spain
• Finding, exploring, living a dream: Happiness lives here
• Be yourself: Leadership’s first step
• The power of self expression: I write the songs

What Students are Saying

"Mr. Canning
Thank you for taking time to attend our Leadership conference in St. Bernard's this past weekend. Surely you have made a difference in the lives of today's future leaders, and you have certainly made an impact on my own life. I have heard no better message for today's youth than the one you brought to our school. Thank you for inspiring us to go where there is no path and leave our own trail. Thank you for encouraging us to follow our dreams, and for telling us that our dreams can come true if we want it enough. Thank you for talking 'to' us and not 'at' us as so many speakers do. Too often have I seen speakers who get up infront of these kids and preach the same messages, without relating to us, and without considering that what is really needed is encouragement, praise, and inspiration."

Student, Fortune Bay Academy, NL
"Best assembly ever!"
Student, Queen Elizabeth High School