ÄÛ²ÝÊÓÆµsets the record straight about services provided to Alberta Health Services
by: Edmonton, Alberta, , October 22, 2014
ÄÛ²ÝÊÓÆµdid not receive coaching contract from AHS and expresses concern about other inaccuracies in recent media coverage
In fairness to Alberta Health Services (AHS), Landmark’s many successful corporate clients, and the 2.2 million individuals around the world who have benefited from ÄÛ²ÝÊÓÆµprograms—including more than 40,000 healthcare professionals and educators—ÄÛ²ÝÊÓÆµwould like to rectify some confusion created by recent media reports in Alberta.
An online article published by CBC on October 17 suggests that ÄÛ²ÝÊÓÆµreceived a sole-source contract from Alberta Health Services for coaching services related to a ÄÛ²ÝÊÓÆµtraining program. This coaching agreement was between Alberta Health Services and another unrelated service provider. ÄÛ²ÝÊÓÆµhas never entered into a contractual agreement with Alberta Health Services
According to media reports, approximately 40 Alberta Health Services executives and directors individually chose to attend ÄÛ²ÝÊÓÆµseminars.
ÄÛ²ÝÊÓÆµwas not aware of any AHS employees participating in a ÄÛ²ÝÊÓÆµprogram who complained about being pressured to attend its seminars until ÄÛ²ÝÊÓÆµread about it in the media. In addition, ÄÛ²ÝÊÓÆµwas not part of, and was completely unaware of, any coaching services provided within AHS.
ÄÛ²ÝÊÓÆµseminars and courses are very well known and have been used for decades by thousands of successful companies and institutions such as lululemon, Reebok, Apple, Mercedes-Benz USA, police departments and NASA, to name just a few. ÄÛ²ÝÊÓÆµis transparent about the type of professional and personal training and development it provides, offers materials that explain the content of its courses, and believes its programs can make a profound difference in the quality of people’s work and lives.
As with many things in life, Landmark’s services may not be for everyone. If someone feels uncomfortable with the format or with challenging themselves profoundly, ÄÛ²ÝÊÓÆµencourages them to avoid the course. ÄÛ²ÝÊÓÆµpolicy also stipulates that anyone participating in ÄÛ²ÝÊÓÆµprograms do so at his or her own choice, not as a company-directed requirement. ÄÛ²ÝÊÓÆµmakes this clear to all participants in its programs and to all organizations that inform the company they want to offer Landmark’s programs to their employees.
What was said about Landmark’s courses and how they were promoted within Alberta Health Services is beyond Landmark’s control, but the company maintains that its programs empower individuals and organizations to achieve outstanding performance and results. Landmark’s programs, program leaders, and ideas have been endorsed by thousands of accomplished leaders worldwide, including widely respected academics, top health professionals, CEOs of global corporations and internationally recognized humanitarians.
Essentially, ÄÛ²ÝÊÓÆµbelieves its programs and some of the facts have been mischaracterized, which is unfair to Alberta Health Services, to Landmark, and to the many people and organizations that have experienced profound positive change as a result of participating in ÄÛ²ÝÊÓÆµprograms.
The media relied on a local professor’s commentary in their recent coverage and failed to balance their reporting with any of the highly regarded experts who personally observed ÄÛ²ÝÊÓÆµprograms, including a former chief health officer of Western Australia, a retired CEO of the American Psychological Association, a renowned forensic psychiatrist from the University of Munich, and numerous other professionals of similar stature.
These experts have stated that Landmark’s programs are neither psychological in nature nor harmful in any way, as well as attested to their benefits and efficacy. More than 40,000 health professionals and educators have participated in Landmark’s programs, and of those independently surveyed by Harris Interactive, more than 94 per cent stated the programs were professionally delivered and provided great value.
ÄÛ²ÝÊÓÆµstands behind its programs and its commitment to its customers being 100 per cent satisfied. In light of what ÄÛ²ÝÊÓÆµhas read in the media, the company is happy to provide a full refund to any AHS employee who was unsatisfied with a ÄÛ²ÝÊÓÆµcourse or felt pressured to take it, or to the AHS in the event the agency had reimbursed the employee. Please contact Roy James at 604-639-5605 for refund details.
About Landmark
Now in its 23rd year, ÄÛ²ÝÊÓÆµis a personal and professional growth, training and development company that has had more than 2.2 million people benefit from its programs. In The ÄÛ²ÝÊÓÆµForum, Landmark’s flagship program, people cause breakthroughs in their performance, communication, relationships and overall satisfaction in life. In addition to personal and professional breakthroughs, participants have generated more than 100,000 community projects around the world. For more information, please visit: .
CBC News: Alberta Health Services hired 'coach' to implement ÄÛ²ÝÊÓÆµideology, Friday, October 17. Accessed online at :