JUNE 9, 2021
DR. ROB HUEBERT - "Militarization of the Arctic."
As an expert of maritime and arctic security, Dr. Rob Huebert titles his speech “The Militarization of the Arctic”. Dr. Huebert is a current Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Calgary and holds a Master of Arts (MA) in International Relations from Carleton University. Dr. Huebert also taught at Memorial University, Dalhousie University, and the University of Manitoba. He is a leading Canadian commentator on Arctic security and defence issues in media, academic, and policy circles and continues to monitor and analyze Arctic defence and international security trends. His primary focus is on strategic policy and military capabilities and how developments impact on Canadian Arctic security.
In 2010 he was appointed as a director to the Canadian Polar Commission. Dr. Huebert specializes in Canadian Arctic Security, Maritime Security and Canadian Defence. He has had his work appear in the International Journal, Canadian Foreign Policy, Isuma-Canadian Journal of Policy and the Canadian Military Journal. He was co-editor of Commercial Satellite Imagery and United Nations Peacekeeping and Breaking Ice: Canadian Integrated Ocean Management in the Canadian North. Dr. Huebert also co-authored Canada and the Changing Arctic: Sovereignty, Security and Stewardship and (Re)Conceptualizing Arctic Security: Selected Articles from the Journal of Military and Security Studies
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Review Dr. Huebert's slides here. |
MAY 19, 2021
HEATHER CAMPBELL - “Are we really in this together? A racialized reckoning of Canadian unity.”
Titling her speech “Are we really in this together? A racialized reckoning of Canadian unity.” Heather Campbell aims to create a discourse that benefits Canadians in creating a sense of interconnectedness within our national community.
Heather Campbell employs a plethora of educational achievements to her resume. She holds a Bachelor of Engineering Science degree in Biochemical and Chemical Engineering from the University of Western Ontario, a Master of Law in Energy Law and Policy from the University of Dundee, and is a licensed Professional Engineer Practicing in Alberta. In addition to her education, she has enjoyed an illustrious career involving many different disciplines. These roles involve technical, policy, and business roles in a full range of energy industries.
Currently, Heather has taken on a wide array of responsibilities. She is the Executive Director, Clean Technology with Alberta Innovates, a board director with Calgary’s performing arts centre Arts Commons, a member of the Advisory Council for Western Engineering, the People’s Warden at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church in Calgary, and most recently, a Commissioner with the Calgary Police. In addition to all of the above she is a lifelong, and passionate volunteer; along with being the former co-chair of Alberta’s Anti-Racism Advisory Council.
APRIL 15, 2021
TOM SAMPSON - FORMER CHIEF OF THE CALGARY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
Former Chief of the Emergency Management Agency, Tom Sampson enjoyed an illustrious 35-year career in public service. Sampson joined the City of Calgary as a paramedic and spent 24 years in Emergency Medical Service; his final 10 years were spent as the Chief of the EMS. Regarding education, he holds a President’s Honour Diploma as an Advanced Care Paramedic. He has received numerous awards such as the Alberta Award, the Dickson’s Bursary for Paramedicine, and most recently, the Meritorious Service Medal.
Sampson is quoted as stating: “The two great loves in my life are my family and public service.” which was clearly illustrated through his decision to delay his retirement until after the State of Local Emergency had subsided within the city, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sampson is no stranger to adversity within the city as he spearheaded the creation of the Emergency Operations Centre which opened 6 months before the 2013 floods. Spreading his knowledge and experience, he has also led campaigns to support those in need due to disasters across the province. These campaigns include catastrophic events such as the 2016 Fort McMurray and the 2011 Slave Lake wildfires.
As the former Chief of the Calgary Emergency Management Agency and one of three Commanders of Canada Task Force 2, Tom Sampson pulled all the strings for planning, preparedness and response in the case of major emergencies. That means collaborating with heads of 60 agencies including Police, Fire, EMS, ENMAX, ATCO Gas, Alberta Health Services and many more. That translates to over 100,000 people whose talents and efforts can be brought to bear in the event of a disaster. Sampson remains licensed as an Advanced Care Paramedic and a Certified Emergency Manager.
MARCH 18, 2021
DR. MEGAN MCELHERAN & KELLY BLACKSHAW: MENTAL HEALTH IN THE TIME OF COVID."
Join the Canadian Club of Calgary for our March speaker. Dr. McElheran is a Clinical Psychologist and the Chief Executive Officer of Wayfound Mental Health Group (formerly WGM Psychology), practicing in Calgary, AB. Her work over the last 16 years has been exclusively in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of Operational Stress Injuries (OSI) in active-duty military, Veterans, and public safety personnel (e.g., police, firefighters, paramedics, corrections, etc.). She will be speaking to our club on the subject of "Mental Health in the time of COVID: How to Find Meaning in the Midst of Adversity."
She is particularly interested in the prevention of OSI’s and how to enhance resiliency factors in public safety personnel. She has developed the Before Operational Stress (BOS) program which is a group-based resiliency program for PSP. Dr. McElheran has a developing interest in the use of psychedelic medicine to treat psychological injuries. She is regularly called on to participate in civic and national speaking and teaching events. She has most recently published an article in the European Journal of Psychotraumatology called “Functional Disconnection and Reconnection: An Alternative Strategy to Stoicism in Public Safety Personnel”.
Also joining us for this luncheon is Kelly Blackshaw, BFE, CEP. Kelly is a Virtual Healthcare Expert and brings over 40 years experience in healthcare innovation to Wayfound Mental Health Group as their VP of Business Development. She was co-owner and President of Foothills Health Consultants until 2008 when Foothills Health was acquired by Coril Holdings. Kelly retired in 2019 as Director of Business Development for Wello, a division of INLIV. Kelly has always followed her passion of helping people live their healthiest life. She believes that healthy people, working in healthy organizations build healthier communities. In 2014 she was the recipient of the Conference Board of Canada’s Canadian Pioneer Award for Workplace Health and in 2006 was inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame as co-founder of KidSport Alberta - so all kids can play!
FEBRUARY 18, 2021
JEROMY FARKAS: "CALGARY'S COMEBACK!"
Titling his speech “Calgary’s Comeback”, Jeromy Farkas aims to engage Calgarians in what the future of the city looks like. His primary commitments are that of financial responsibility, accountability, transparency and integrity. He believes that a vital avenue in which Calgarians can succeed is through advocating for entrepreneurs.
Jeromy Farkas was born and raised in the Calgary community of Dover. He began his post-secondary career at the University of Calgary where he held various positions. These positions include roles within the areas of: New Media Researcher, Communications Database, Special Projects, Research Team Lead and Executive Administrator. Jeromy would conclude his studies with a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Political Science and Government. He remains a consistent figure within the university as a Volunteer Mentor for the Scholars Academy.
Jeromy’s professional career began in 2013 when he held the position of Senior Fellow at the Manning Foundation for Democratic Education until 2016. Since 2017, he has been serving his first term as City Councillor of Ward 11 in Calgary. Within City Hall, Jeromy hopes to increase the level of responsible spending, lower taxes through innovation and reduce regulations for entrepreneurs. Recently, he has championed ending the transition allowance, retirement bonuses and mayor’s double pension and the freezing property taxes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Building off his experience at the University of Calgary, Jeromy is also a small business owner which focuses on finance and data analysis.
Jeromy also boasts five publications in the Calgary Herald in the years 2015 and 2016. In his spare time, he enjoys all things outdoors, is an avid cyclist and Ironman competitor.
JANUARY 20, 2021
PREMIER JASON KENNEY: "ALBERTA - STATE OF THE PROVINCE"
Premier Kenney committed himself to public life in the early 1990s as President of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, where he fought hard for lower taxes and fiscal responsibility.
Kenney discovered conservatism whilst studying at the University of San Francisco (USF). In 1987, he began his studies with a focus on philosophy. Throughout his time spent at USF, he led the charge in various activism efforts. Through this, he would catch the attention of Kevin Avram, founder of the Association of Saskatchewan Taxpayers. This led to Kenney becoming the head of the Alberta chapter of a new, national organization titled the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF). Three years later, through a proven work ethic and success, he would obtain the title of President of the CTF at a national scale.
Kenney began his career in politics in 1997 when Reform Party leader, Preston Manning pushed his campaign manager to speak to Kenney about entering politics. He would accept the challenge and win a seat in Calgary’s Southeast Reform Party. Due to his experience in the CTF, he was appointed Revenue Critic. In 2003, the Alliance and Progressive Conservative parties would unite to create the Conservative Party. Kenney was a vital individual and an important voice amongst Albertans’ in bringing Stephen Harper to power in 2006.
Following the Conservative Party victory in 2006, Kenney was named Parliamentary Secretary. The following year he became Secretary of State for Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity in which he continued his efforts to expand the Conservative Party base. In 2013, Kenney became the Minister of Employment and Social Development, whilst also maintaining his position as Minister of Multiculturalism. Rapidly gaining recognition from across the country, he became the Minister of National Defence in 2015. After the Conservative defeat in 2015, Kenney was reelected in his riding, which was renamed Calgary Midnapore. At this time, he was considered a serious contender as party leader. In 2017, he was elected Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Alberta. Several months later, the party merged with the Wildrose Party to create the United Conservative Party (UCP). On April 30th, 2019, Kenney was sworn in as Premier of Alberta.
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The Premier's speech and following Q&A were uploaded to our podcast, which you can listen to below or on your preferred podcasting provider. |
DECEMBER 17, 2020
LINDA COADY AND GORD LAMBERT: "HOW DOES ALBERTA FIT INTO THE CHANGING GLOBAL CONVERSATION ON CLIMATE AND ENERGY ISSUES?
Joining our club for the last speaker of 2020 were Linda Coady (Executive Director at the Pembina Institute) and Gord Lambert (Suncor Sustainability Executive in Residence at the Ivey Business School of Western University). They discussed the topic of "How does Alberta fit into the changing global conversation on climate and energy issues?
The pandemic, a price collapse, and the election of a US Administration that, alongside Canada, is embracing net zero GHG emissions by 2050, are combining to reshape local and global conversations on climate and energy issues. What are the new risks -- and opportunities -- for Alberta in this rapidly changing conversation?
Linda Coady - Pembina Institute
Early on in her career, Linda Coady was the vice-president of environmental affairs and enterprise for a B.C coastal group of forest companies - Weyerhaeuser and MacMillan Bloedel. Attempting to bridge the gap between environmentalists and forestry companies, Linda played a key role in ending the “war in the woods,” an event in which the two groups clashed over clear-cutting in Clayoquot Sound on Vancouver Island. Tzeporah Berman, an environmentalist, was quoted as stating “I think [Coady] was the first person I met from a logging company who really talked to us, and about the issues instead of trying to spin them.”
After spending six years in her role at Enbridge, Coady assumed the role of executive director at the Pembina Institute in March of 2020. The Pembina Institute is considered Canada’s foremost think tank leader on energy and environmental issues. She brings extensive experience in multiple sectors including forestry, mining, oil and gas, as well as with environmental organizations, local communities and financial institutions. Her background in creating thriving relationships across diverse groups makes her a vital individual in organizations across Canada.These events eventually led to Coady accepting a position with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) of Canada as the organization's western Vice-President. Her efforts then expanded to leading sustainability efforts with the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and in 2013 joining Enbridge as the Chief Sustainability Officer. In 2015 she served as a member of the Advisory Panel on Climate Leadership for Alberta, and in 2017 co-chaired the Government of Canada’s Generation Energy Council. More recently in 2019, Coady served as chair of the Advisory Committee to the Government of Canada on Indigenous Economic Participation in the Trans Mountain Pipeline.
As a multi-talented individual, Coady boasts a broad range of skills. As a Distinguished Fellow in the Liu Institute for Global Issues at the University of British Columbia, she conducted research, wrote and lectured on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and served as a sessional adjunct professor at the Sauder School of Business in the MBA program.
Linda Coady’s work on sustainable development has become widely recognized in her field. She achieved awards from Canadian Business for Social Responsibility, the Ecological Society of America, the YWCA, and the Globe Foundation for Business and Environment. It is our pleasure and honour to host her at the Canadian Club of Calgary for our December 2020 speaker.
Gord Lambert
Mr. Gordon Lambert retired from Suncor Energy on Jan 1 2015. He recently completed a 16 month term as the interim CEO of the Alberta Energy Regulator during a period of significant organizational change and challenging regulatory issues. He has established GRL Collaboration for Sustainability as a consulting practice. He is an advisor and frequent speaker on energy, climate policy and innovation. He was instrumental in the creation of Canada's Oil Sands Innovation Alliance (COSIA) and in 2014 was a speaker on Innovation and Collaboration at the World Economic Forum in Tianjin China.
With Suncor Energy Gord served as the VP Sustainability and in 2013 he was appointed Executive Advisor Sustainability and Innovation where he supported the CEO, senior executive team and the Board of Directors on key strategic initiatives and sustainability strategy including climate change, energy transition, technology and innovation. He has developed a very diverse range of relationships in the environment ngo realm, academia, governments and organizations where solutions are being sought for energy and climate challenges.
He has 40 years of experience in the energy sector including 17 years with Suncor and 15 years with another major oil and gas company in a broad range of roles including Environment, Health and Safety, natural gas liquids marketing, production and refinery operations and strategy and planning.
He is a current Board member of Alberta Innovates which is Albertas largest research and innovation funding organization. He also serves on the CSR Advisory Committee to Export Development Canada. He served in 2015 as one of 5 members of the Alberta Climate Leadership Expert Panel to the Environment Minister and the Premier and in 2016 he Chaired the Alberta Climate Leadership Task Force on Technology and Innovation. He also holds the role of Suncor Sustainability Executive in Residence at the Ivey Business School of Western University.
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Review Linda Coady's slides here. |
Both Linda's and Gord's presentation and following Q&A were uploaded to our podcast, which you can listen to below or on your preferred podcasting provider.
NOVEMBER 17, 2020
LCOL JAIME PHILLIPS: "CALIBRE FOR COMMAND: LEADERSHIP FROM CANADA TO KANDAHAR AND BEYOND."
LCol Jaime Phillips was born in Fredericton, New Brunswick. She holds various educational achievements such as: Graduation from the Royal Canadian College of Canada (RMC), Bachelor of Arts in Military and Strategic Studies with a minor in Military Psychology and Leadership as well as a Master of Arts in War Studies from the Royal Military College of Canada. Continuing to pursue her education, she achieved a Master of Science in International Relations from Troy University and is currently pursuing a Doctoral program through RMC’s PhD War Studies program. She is also a graduate of the Field Instructor-in-Gunnery Course, the US Army Command and the General Staff College’s satellite course in Fort Benning, Georgia and the Combat Team Commander Course. To top it off, she speaks English, Spanish and French fluently.
The move to allow women into combat roles within the military began in 1971 but was still a controversial topic, especially in lead roles. Currently, women have been fully integrated into Canada’s military but are still in the vast minority. This is one of the aspects that makes LCol Phillip’s achievements exceptionally impressive.
LCol Phillips was 24 when she went to Afghanistan in 2007 where she became the first female Artillery Troop Commander in Kandahar as part of Task Force 1-07 of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).
LCol Phillips has served with the 2nd regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery and the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery School. She completed a number of tours of duty under the titles Troop Commander, Adjuvant and Battery Commander. Her staff assignments include Staff Officer to the Combat Training Centre Commander in 2005, Instructor at the RCAS from 2011-2013, Senior Instructor at the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC) in Fort Benning, USA from 2016-2018, and Staff Officer to the Commander of the Canadian Army 2019-2020. She deployed domestically to support the G-8 Summit in 2010 and on October. 23rd, 2015 she achieved the Member of Military Merit (M.M.M) Award.
LCol Phillips continues to aid in breaking the notion that women cannot succeed in roles traditionally set for men. She is currently on her first deployment with the United Nations, working at the Canadian Army Headquarters in Ottawa and speaks on her experiences and insights regarding Afghanistan, women in the military and remembrance.
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Review LCol Phillips' slides here. |
LCol Phillip's Q&A was also uploaded to our podcast, which you can listen to below or on your preferred podcasting provider.
OCTOBER 14, 2020
RUBEN NELSON - "ACT LIKE AN OWNER: A CITIZEN'S GUIDE TO THE STRUGGLE FOR OUR FUTURE."
Labelling his speech "Act Like an Owner: A Citizen's Guide to the Struggle for Our Future," noted public speaker and author Ruben Nelson illustrated how we as Albertans have the ability to act as owners and shareholders of Alberta’s resource wealth. His valuable experience as a futurist through decades of research will surely offer a vast amount of insight into the question: “Where do we go from here?” regarding the future of Alberta.
Born and raised in Calgary, Mr. Nelson has taken a multidisciplinary approach to his education. He achieved his undergraduate and graduate degrees at Queen’s University, Queen’s Theological College, the University of Calgary as well as the United Theological College in Bangalore. Ruben specialized in various facets such as philosophy, political theory, theology and the history of religion.
Mr. Nelson’s long list of accomplishments began in 1960 as an undergraduate at Queen’s University, organizing Canada’s first formal conference regarding the future of our society. In the 1970’s, Mr. Nelson and a small team spearheaded Canada’s first multiculturalism policy. Continuing his research he worked with Environment Canada’s Advanced Concepts Centre, he and others on his team conducted research which would later result in what we know today as sustainable development. Building on this history of research and advocacy, Mr. Nelson took a role as an organizer for one of the world’s largest conferences regarding the future - the World Futures Society held in Toronto.
As of 2002, Mr. Nelson became the Executive Director for Foresight Canada, where he and a team develops the next generation of strategists and decision makers. Specializing in strategic foresight, the individuals working with Ruben manage a research centre focusing on strategic issues of the 21st century.
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Review Mr. Nelson's slides here. |
Mr. Nelson's remarks were also uploaded to our podcast, which you can listen to below or on your preferred podcasting provider.
SEPTEMBER 23, 2020
DR. TED MORTON - FORMER ALBERTA FINANCE MINISTER, PROFESSOR EMERITUS UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY
Joining the Canadian Club of Calgary for our inaugural lecture of the 2020-2021 season was Dr. Ted Morton, who delivered remarks on the subject of "Alberta at the Cross-roads: the Status Quo Must Go."
Dr. Morton has been a commentator, public policy analyst, and provincial politician throughout a several decade-long career. Long described as being part of the "Calgary School" at the University of Calgary, he has had a tremendous impact on the politics of the province and country. Before his entry in academia and politics, he graduated with a Bachelors at the University of Colorado, followed by a Masters at the University of Toronto where he also completed his doctorate.
In 2001 he championed a political agenda alongside several other notable Canadians, such as future Prime Minister Stephen Harper, to increase provincial powers inside of confederation. These included Alberta's withdrawal from the Canada Pension Plan, ending the provincial contract with the RCMP, and collecting revenue for the province from income tax. These policies were advocated for in order to highlight an ongoing conversation about the relationship between provinces and the federal government in terms of our shared confederation. Many of these ideas have come up again as part of the ongoing consultations by the current provincial government.
The ideas Dr. Morton brings to the table have a proven track record of sticking around. He has more to say, and we at the Canadian Club of Calgary are excited to provide a platform for his newest additions to the public discourse.
Dr. Morton is a co-editor and contributor to the forthcoming book, Moment of Truth: How to Think About Alberta’s Future (Sutherland House Publications) later this Fall.
He now serves as Professor Emeritus of Political Science at the University of Calgary.
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"Moment of Truth" - Edited by Dr. Jack Mintz, Dr. Ted Morton, and Dr. Tom Flanagan. |
Dr. Morton's remarks were also uploaded to our podcast, which you can listen to below or on your preferred podcasting provider.