The Conrad Black I Know

Twenty years ago, I was a humble illustrator who immigrated to Canada -- a move that would not have been possible without the help of Conrad Black.

I have my own story that adds to the portrait of Conrad Black: Twenty years ago, I was a humble illustrator trying to move to Canada from England.

I went through the immigration application process and had dozens of letters of recommendation from Canadian companies wishing to utilize my skills. At my interview, the Canadian immigration authorities in the UK, while acknowledging my references, rejected me. To qualify as an immigrant, I needed to show I had held a full time job in the UK. I'd spent my life as a freelancer. So I was stuck - destined to never move to Canada!

I had just finished a double page illustration for the then, Black-owned, Saturday Night magazine. I thought to call Mr. Black at the Telegraph in London to ask for some advice. His secretary politely screened me, suggesting I put my request in writing, adding my references and history of work. Soon afterward, I was surprised to have a call from Black's secretary telling me that he was headed back to Canada that week and would look into the matter for me.

A long story short, he contacted on my behalf the then Minister for Immigration, Barbara McDougal who promptly issued me with a ministerial permit allowing me to then be processed within Canada.

Twenty or so years later, my company, Cuppa Coffee Studios is one of the largest animation studios of its kind in the world. A true Canadian business success story that in some ways exists because of Conrad's original and generous efforts to help me.

It’s a story I wish more people knew as it reflects for me the kind and generous person he is - and as you know, certain aspects of the press prefer to forget.

I would hope that if in any way a story of this kind could help Mr. Black’s quest to return to Canada, I certainly would be keen to help and contribute.

The fact that I was at one time unable to come to Canada would surely be ironic justice if I could now help Conrad return to his home in Toronto!