Brampton - Harold M. Brathwaite Secondary School will host its annual Life and Times—A Distinguished Speaker Series. James K. Bartleman, lieutenant-governor of Ontario, will be the featured guest speaker on May 30.

"Lt.-Gov. Bartleman has overcome diversity and has ultimately shaped his career based on his life experiences. He has become a successful and distinguished man by championing issues he is passionate about and pursuing a career that he believes in, " says Linda Galen, principal at Harold M. Brathwaite Secondary School. "The series features guest speakers who inspire and encourage students to follow their dreams in pursuit of a career and life after high school."

Lt.-Gov. Bartleman is a member of the Mnjikaning First Nations community. He graduated from the University of Western Ontario and built a career based in Canada's foreign service. Over the past 35 years, he has represented Canada as ambassador for various countries and international institutions like NATO and the European Union. Sworn in as lieutenant-governor in 2002, Bartleman has identified issues such as racism, social stigmas surrounding mental health and literacy as political, and priorities that deserve attention. He has also authored four best-selling books, including his most recent, Raisin Wine: A Boyhood in a Different Muskoka.

In 2006, the lieutenant-governor launched Club Amick, a book program for 5,000 Aboriginal youth in Ontario's fly-in First Nations communities in the Far North. Several times a year each child member receives a reading-level and age-appropriate book, a newsletter and suggestions for fun reading related activities. The children can build their home own libraries and share their gifts with their schools and communities.

The visit will take place at 10 a.m. in the cafetorium, followed by a book signing. Harold M. Brathwaite Secondary School is located at 415 Great Lakes Drive in Brampton.