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plugged in to decision makers across industry and governments at all levels and she was always gracious to share her insights to ensure unity to the benefit of industry.” Gibson is quick to add that although Slater proved formidable in the business world, she was also caring at heart. “My strongest impression of Diane was her absolute fierce commitment to her family, to her members and to her community of Fort McMurray and the RM of Wood Buffalo,” he says. “Diane wore on her sleeve her desire to protect and reward the contractors and suppliers who had put stakes down and risked their businesses making a go of it in her isolated community. She was very astute at developing partnerships to enhance business prospects for her members and their voice at the local, provincial and national levels.” Friendly foe Slater is fondly remembered by all who knew her, although many of these people are quick to note that they did have their “run-ins” with the lady. “You didn’t want to get on her bad side,” Gazzard says jokingly. “We butted heads so many times over

the years but we loved each other nonetheless. She was the type of person who always got in the last word. But she was also highly respected.” Gazzard is quick to add that Slater was a very knowledgeable person. “She knew what the region was all about and was very concerned about growing it and making sure that it became self-sustainable,” he says. “She was not egotistical in the least. For Diane, it was all about the community.” “A lot of people referred to Diane as a bull in a china shop,” she says. “She didn’t have a filter. She said what she thought. Was blunt and to the point. But everything she did, she did for the local business community and for the community as a whole.” Maloney describes her mother as an “adrenalin junkie.” But one who was selfless at all times. “She would weigh the pros and cons of everything before deciding to take it to the board,” she explains. “She always wanted to make sure that whatever it was would be helping the community, not hindering it.” Maloney agrees.

It also won her many awards and recognition, including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, a commemorative award served to honour significant contributions and achievements made by Canadians. “Every time she won an award, we had to fight with her to go and accept it,” says Maloney. “That just wasn’t her. She didn’t want the recognition. She never bragged about her successes. Even after RedLink proved to be such a huge success, she didn’t want a pat on the back. She just said, ‘It was what needed to be done and we got it done.’” On the political scene Wearing two hats as CAO for the Chamber of Commerce and the FMCA didn’t slow Slater down. She remained a political animal throughout that time — she even considered entering the race for the upcoming mayoral election in October 2017 if her health had prevailed. Sadly, she wasn’t able to make a run for it. Slater’s two terms as councillor served her well. Her 1992 political campaign for councillor noted, even back then, her commitment to community. She promised to maintain the current cost of municipal government to taxpayers, encourage cost-effective administration, encourage community involvement in the decision-making

The commitment to community served Slater well over the years.

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