Thursday, October 15
Breakfast 7:30 am – 8:45 am
BC Climate Action Plan
James Mack - A/Head, BC Climate Action Secreteriat
Global warming is the challenge of our generation. How we respond will shape the future of not just our environment, but also our economy, our society, our communities, and our way of life. British Columbia is perfectly positioned to seize the opportunities that come along with this challenge. We have a diverse economy, talented well-educated people, a thriving clean technology sector, and a growing list of eco-friendly businesses in every sector. We also have some of the world’s leading climate change scientists and innovators turning their minds to new solutions.
James Mack, the current Acting Head of the BC Climate Action Secretariat, will present an overview of the BC government’s Climate Action Plan and will review what the government hopes to achieve, and how professional engineers and geoscientists can continue meeting the challenges ahead.
The BC Climate Action Secretariat works to provide a whole of government approach to delivering on the Government of British Columbia's Climate Action Plan, and supports the Premier's Cabinet Committee on Climate Action.
Luncheon: 12:00 - 1:30pm
Innovation Through Adversity
Adam Kreek - 2008 Olympic Gold Medallist
Adam Kreek captured the hearts of Canadians as he proudly sang the national anthem on the medal podium at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Adam won Gold as a member of the 2008 Men's 8 rowing team, just four years after the heartache of placing fifth at the Athens Games - where they were widely expected to win a medal. After their 2004 defeat, the team went back to the drawing board, and repositioned themselves as favourites once again for Beijing. Adam will share the beauty in the sport of rowing, and all that he has learned from it - goal setting, perseverance, and the power of teamwork.
Friday, October 16
Breakfast 7:30 am – 8:45 am
BC Wood First Initiative
Dana Hayden - Deputy Minister, BC Ministry of Forests and Range
Forest products have long been Canada’s single most important export. As world leaders in forestry technology, and as responsible stewards of forest ecosystems, Canada’s economic fabric is strengthened – and greened – through our forest economy.
As a responsible world population grapples with climate change – and embraces the twin concepts of sustainability and building green – we are poised for continued prosperity as the global leader in forestry and wood. Dana Hayden, Deputy Minister of Forests and Range, will review the BC government’s plan to stimulate the domestic market by promoting the structural use of wood for commercial, institutional and mid-rise residential buildings. This includes maximizing the use of wood in construction, encouraging the use of wood as a design element, and showcasing new and innovative wood building products and techniques.
Luncheon: 12:00 - 1:30pm
Canada’s Economic and Political Future
Andrew Coyne - National Editor, Maclean's
As the national editor of Maclean's, Andrew Coyne holds one of Canadian journalism's most prestigious and influential positions. An original member of The National Post, where he was their national affairs columnist, Mr. Coyne has established himself over the last two decades as one of this country's most thoughtful, passionate and articulate commentators on political and economic issues. Presenting Canada’s Economic and Political Future, Mr. Coyne will translate the energy and cross-country insight of the new Maclean's to the stage, commenting and bringing clarity to the social, political, media and economic issues shaping the country today.
View the 2009 Annual Conference Brochure, featuring a comprehensive listing of conference streams and events.
Interested in becoming a Sponsor or Exhibitor? View the 2009 Annual Conference Sponsor/Exhibitor Brochure.
