President Rob Rakochey opened the meeting at 12:02 pm. The indigenous fact for today came via Faird Bedwany. The Blackfoot tribe is composed of three closely related bands, the Peigan, the blood or Kainai and the Siksika. The three groups, often called the Blackfoot confederacy now live in Alberta and Montana, USA. There is one reservation and three reserves in Canada; one for each band. Robyn Braley led us in the singing of our national anthem. As is customary we had 10-15 minutes of fellowship at our tables.

The room was packed as many came to hear our guest speaker, Gary Mar. So good to see some Rotarians we haven’t seen for awhile. Garfield Ganong welcomed our eleven guests.

Bill Quinney introduced our well known guest speaker. Gary Mar.

Gary Mar was named President and CEO of the Canada West Foundation in April 2020. An accomplished and respected leader, Gary brings deep experience in government and business, and established expertise in CWF’s key policy areas in natural resources, trade and investment and human capital.

Guest Speaker: Gary Mar

Prior to joining the CWF, Gary served as President and CEO of the Petroleum Services Association of Canada (PSAC), the national trade association representing the service, supply, and manufacturing sectors within the upstream petroleum industry.

Gary has broad experience in government having served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly in the Province of Alberta from 1993-2007. During his time as an elected official, Gary held several Cabinet portfolios – Community Development; Health and Wellness; Education; Environment; and International and Intergovernmental Relations.

Gary then served as the Official Representative (Minister-Counsellor) of the Province of Alberta at the Canadian Embassy in Washington D.C., from 2007 – 2011. He worked extensively with the Alberta energy sector on advocacy issues in Washington DC and many U.S. States. Gary next served as the Province of Alberta’s Representative in Asia from 2011 to 2015. He led the province’s strategic outreach efforts from his post in Hong Kong and worked with Alberta’s offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Tokyo, Seoul, and Taipei.

Following his government service, Gary was an independent consultant working for both Chinese and Canadian companies seeking assistance with trans Pacific trade and investment. In 2016, he co-founded Canadian Advantage Petroleum Corporation which has successfully purchased heavy oil in Alberta and sold it directly to refineries in China.

Gary has been appointed as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Alberta School of Business in Marketing, Business Economics and Law beginning July 1, 2020. He is also an Adjunct Professor at the University of Calgary’s Haskayne Business School and is a public speaker at energy related conferences. In 2022, he was appointed as a member and chair of the Council of the Alberta Order of Excellence.

Gary completed a Law degree at the University of Alberta and practiced criminal, civil, corporate, commercial, and real estate law in Calgary prior to entering politics.

Gary knew many of the Rotarians in the room. He even knows Hubert, one of our regular wait staff. Gary introduced his lovely wife, Nancy.

Gary wanted an open dialogue. Some of the topics for discussion he offered included wicked problems where the policy issue defining the problem is as complex as the solution :

In 2024 more than half the world’s population will be going to the polls to vote for a new leader in their country
The rise of auto thefts up 300% in last five years for GTO.
Mr. Donald Trump who handles his politics like a hero pro wrestler. He doesn’t have to be charismatic as no one cares about the lying and cheating.
The war in Ukraine is yet to be determined. Likely Ukraine will have to give up something. Putin will not be put in a cage.
Washington - Chinese relations. China has a larger naval fleet than US but the boats are not as well equipped as those in US. China holds the second largest economy in the world. Should China falter this would have a global impact.
The energy sector includes energy, the environment, and the economy. Access to affordable energy affects the environment. Where will we get lithium to power electric vehicles to meet federal targets. It takes 16 years to get a mine approval.
We need to work on trade infrastructure defined as anything that allows you to have transportation means to move your product to market.
Two thirds of Canada’s GDP depends on trade. Canada has fallen from #10 in the world to #32. There are inter provincial barriers to trade with almost everything from margarine, to furnaces, to dairy products. Every premier agrees as long as no one in their jurisdiction objects! Mexico and the USA are talking protectionism of their respective economies so can NAFTA work?
Skills and innovation strive to have the workforce employed to the full context of their abilities. The doors are open wide here in Canada for immigrants but the walls are high.
The solution to 24 Sussex is to tear it down as it is a disgrace. Ask every province what they would offer then rebuild with the building supplies at hand.
Marlene Doherty thanked Mr. Mar for his solutions and insights to wicked problems – a new nickname, Gary Wikipedia.

Announcements:

Rob announced Duncan Stanners will not be able to fulfill his role as President in 2024-2025. We desperately need members to step up to take on roles as Directors, Officers and Presidents.

Registration for DISCON is now open. The early bird price now open until March 1 is $225 – discounted $50.

Marlene made three announcements:

SuperBowl Sunday was a success with the “Lucky Turnbulls” winning the pool yet again.

The Coldest Night of the Year will be held on Saturday, Feb 24. The link has been sent to register for our tem – Rotary People of Action. Thanks to those who donated, surpassing the goal of $2,560. Paul Harris made the first donation of $25.60 to start the Rotary Endowment Fund. If you have questions contact Dan Doherty.

Brunch and Board Games will be held on Sunday March 3, 2024 from 11 am – 2 pm. There is room for 6 people. Contact Marlene if interested.

Thai Dinner will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 6 pm. There is still room for 5 guests. Contact Sue Newton to register.

Bob Pearson announced golfing at Trickle Creek June 12-13. Contact Bob if you want to be part of this fun event.

Rod McMahon tells us we are in a new calendar year so please donate to CRCF and support Mr. President in his quest to lose 75 pounds. Secondly buy your Stampede Parade and Breakfast tickets early. There are only 600 seats this year.

Rob, as in traditional fashion ended with a joke – a groaner! Meeting was adjourned at 1:07pm. No meeting on Family Day Monday, February 19, 2024.