Thanks have been expressed to the organizers, but our team should also thank our chair, Gillian Davidson and co-chair Jeff Horvath. Being a chair could not have been easy and they did a fantastic job! Annette and Your Excellency, you two are so amazing. We were blessed to have you lead this ship!! You were inspiring and demonstrated your values at every turn. Thank you.

So, at the end of the day, we hope we represented Newfoundland and Labrador, through recitation, stories and song, fairly. The hospitality extended to us was second to none and if the communities are to sustain themselves as we are confident they will, it will be because of the leadership shown by the bus drivers, pilots, mayors, cooks, tour guides, students, teachers, students and definitely the alumni of this conference. Newfoundlanders and those from Labrador are a source of pride and love for all Canadians. It is no surprise that this tour is selected by over 50% of conference delegates.

Our goal leaving the conference and following the presentation was to end as strongly as we started. I think we surpassed that goal tenfold.

Thanks to all of you on this 2012 Newfoundland and Labrador study group and for those of you who joined us through this blog – ‘long may your big jib draw”…

and yes, we still like each other.

Although it was difficult to leave the comfort of Ghost River, the early start to Day 9 was softened by the much needed coffee and muffins provided by our hosts.  After a relatively brief bus ride (if there is such a thing in Alberta) we arrived at First Energy in Calgary to meeting with CEO, Jim Davidson.

First Energy has turned a profit in every quarter since the company started in 1993 which is impressive given the volatile economic circumstances over this period.  Since inception the firm has conducted 1,158 financings representing 91 billion dollars in transactions.  First Energy is the leading underwriter of oil and gas ventures in Canada and in 2008 the company opened a second branch in London taking advantage of available talent and the opportunity to reduce costs while accessing new markets.  An example of the innovation that characterizes First Energy can been seen in the strategy that they pioneered which included hiring technical experts and teaching them the brokerage business; thereby creating an instantly credible basis for relationships within the oil and gas industry.  

The western basin is providing fewer new discoveries; however, this has been offset by better extraction technologies which allow previously inaccessible reservoirs to be tapped.  The improved technologies combined with the quality of Canadian human capital ensure that oil and gas ventures remain sustainable despite the increasing challenges associated with extraction.

First Energy has taken the lead in the industry in creating alignment through community donations.  2.5% of profit from each venture is donated to local charity thereby contributing to sustainability within the NP sector of Calgary while cementing the relationship between First Energy and their clients.  This practice is now endemic in Calgary.

In addition to the enhanced relationship developed via the donation strategy, First Energy has leveraged its human capital in a way that allows them to be experts, essentially the brokers are analysts that can answer questions that brokers at other firms cannot.  This strategy is supported by a flat and open management model conducive to collaboration and it serves as testimony to quality leadership in action.

Upon leaving the corporate environment at First Energy AB group moved on to the Aakram Jomaa Islamic Centre, a beautiful facility serving many of the 70,000 Muslims who call Calgary home.  Imam Fayaz Tilly provided an introduction to Islam as he outlined the five pillars of faith: God; Angels; Holy Books; Pilgrimage; and Ramadan.  The Muslim notion that the best way to preserve faith and traditions is through oral presentation is interesting when viewed through the sustainability lens.   Imam Tilly also pointed out that the Muslim faith has 1.4 billion followers worldwide and is growing at a greater rate than the general population largely due to the fact that Muslim families are traditionally larger.  Also, Imam Fayaz outlined his personal opinion concerning the rights of women stating that women and men are equal before God.  His leadership within the Muslim community is obvious and is reinforced in the fundamental constructs that characterize Islam.  The group noted that vibrant school located a short distance from the Mosque.  Imam Fayaz noted that he is Canadian and that a key way to move forward with other communities is to have more interaction similar to that of the visit from the GGCLC Alberta study group.

The groups next stop in Calgary was the Canadian Red Cross where we met with Tom Sampson who is the Deputy Chief of the Calgary Emergency Management Agency.  Deputy Chief Sampson was one of the first responders to Slave Lake in May 2011 where he served as the Commander of the Emergency Operation Centre.  Members of AB group were shaken by the video from Slave Lake which showed scenes of people fleeing their homes as they raced from flames driven by 100 km/h winds.  The video also showed the aftermath which was somewhat limited by the extraordinary efforts of the fire fighters and other emergency responders. Volunteers from surrounding communities provided support and accommodations for the evacuees and resources from across the Province were mobilized.  

The NGO’s involved in the response, notably the Red Cross, were instrumental in providing relief to the victims but also to serving the logistical requirements associated with a large recovery effort.  The response to this disaster, which occurred faster than anyone could have predicted, is credited with the fact that there were no fatalities resulting from the fire.  The one fatality was a helicopter pilot who encountered difficulty during a water pick up.  Deputy Chief Sampson went on to say that there was much to learn from the experience in Slave Lake, which will contribute to the improvement of planning for disasters.  He also commented on the closure of the federal program, which previously allowed for the collaboration of emergency response professionals.

The group next moved on to the Calgary Urban Project Society (CUPS).  This non-profit agency has been in existence for 20 years serving the low income population of Calgary.  The sustainability of a community can be gauged by how it serves its most vulnerable citizens.  CUPS provides services in 3 key areas: child development and education; affordable housing; and health care.  Recently, CUPS took a leap forward in securing its future by leveraging the influential human capital of the Board of Directors via a fundraising campaign.  CUPS raised enough money to move to a larger renovated space which will allow for enhanced service delivery and program expansion.  The AB group noted that as in many provinces the effectiveness of the public money in the system in Alberta is limited by disconnected public policies.

Finally, the group enjoyed a leisurely stroll on a beautiful Albertan afternoon as they made their way to the Glencoe Club to meet with Dan Brown, COO for Surge Energy Inc and Murray Smith, former Energy Minister of Alberta.  The food was extraordinary, matched only by the surroundings.  The discussion revolved around the more technical aspects of the oil and gas industry and the implications on development and sustainability as the group took advantage of the expertise in the room.  Our guests also dispelled some of the myths that we hear whenever energy or oil sands are mentioned, giving us plentiful talking points that we can use in future discussions.  In addition to the need to resolve land claim issues where resource development is concerned two key points emanating from the discussion were: 1) the need to balance the energy sources in Canada to limit risk and 2) the notion that what happens in Alberta’s energy industry has national implications.  For example, labour recruitment practices in Alberta have economic consequences in other parts of the country as skilled labour follows the money.  In the end, the following quote from Mr. Smith summed up the discussion:

“The resource belongs to Alberta.  The opportunity belongs to Canada.”

Stay tuned. We’re not done yet….

Our hosts were quite passionate about China Town and their cultural centre which added to our appreciation of their history.  Some of the key points included:

• 55% of China town population are seniors and the centre helps to preserve their knowledge and experiences for future generations
• The centre is celebrating it’s 20th anniversary with the mission to promote the Chinese culture and cultural exchange through education.
• The centre is linked to 115 community partners and together these partners deliver 60 programs
• The Chinese community in Calgary overcame language issues between Cantonese and Mandarin to represent as a common group
• Challenges endured over the past 150 years have contributed to a commitment to move forward with an aligned purpose which was supported by an apology from the PM’s office in 2006.

China Town in Calgary can be seen as a microcosm of the age demgraphic in parts of Canada with a large aging population.  Through committed governance and sound management they are ensuring the sustainability of the centre which in turn sustains the community through service and the preservation of Chinese heritage.

Spruce Meadows

Leaving the heart of Calgary the AB Group travelled to Spruce Meadows, a world class show jumping facility.  We were treated to a luxury suite at British House overlooking the international ring which included jumps such as the Devil’s Dyke and a 3 metre slope.  This facility matches world class jumping, elegance, and affordability.  Additional details are:

• Facility has been in existence for 37 years
• Started on a small scale by the Southern family as a way to give something back to the community
• Has grown in scale and purpose to become the only horse jumping facility of its kind in the world
• Despite the scope the price has remained $5 per person with children and seniors free, to allow for access to what was once an exclusive activity
• Spruce Meadows hosts 5 weeks of competition and for the rest of the year it is available for multiple uses (conferences, banquets, parties, etc)
• Currently there are 10 stables that can accommodate up to 1,000 horses

Spruce Meadows is an example of the commitment that Calgarians have to their community as seen through the Southern families generosity and passion and those who attend and volunteer at the events as well as those who make use of the facility.  This reinvestment and philanthropy is endemic in Alberta and results in a level of community sustainability across sectors and cultures by building relationships and aligning purpose.

Telus Spark

This science centre is less than 2 years old and it represents a significant change in how science and learning have been combined and delivered in a manner that satisfies and generates curiosity.  The individuals responsible for the management of Telus Spark and the development of the exhibits have become a team that clearly recognizes that the ability to adapt to deliver relevant and appropriate learning experiences through science cannot be sacrificed to satisfy an economic bottom line.  Some additional information includes:

• The first science centre built in Canada in 30 years
• There are approx 5,000 since centres world wide, the original creation of which was spurred by the space race of the 60′s
• Telus Spark opened in 2011
• The centre offers a strong school program with the curriculum tied to the exhibits
• Strong management and the alignment of the exhibits with the space layout combined with innovative marketing have resulted in sustainable model well positioned to compete with other activities.
• 1,300 visitors per day visit the centre and the goal is to provoke more questions.
• There are a number of corporate sponsors for exhibits and spaces within the facility.

Day 8 followed a hectic pace tempered by extremely interesting subject matter.  AB group ended the day at the Ghost River Crossing, joined by our Alberta alumni friends.  The perfect ending to a great day.

www.sprucemeadows.com

www.crossingexperience.ca

www.sparkscience.ca

www.culturalcentre.ca/index.php?page=dr-henry-fok-culture-hall

No, we didn’t do “New Brunswick: The Musical” – we provided a little bit of “misinformation” so that people wouldn’t know what to expect. Our creative team did an amazing job. They set up the scene so that it would look as close as possible to our talking circle while working around stage constraints. We had a chance to paint our “talking stick” in the four traditional colours – Matt (our MLO) did an amazing job. For costumes, we wore just the regular clothes that we would have worn on the bus. The sole addition was that of our unifying symbol, the fiddlehead pins that had been created by Margaret Hache, the spouse of one of our members.

The setup was sparse by design. We had a 1.5 minute powerpoint slide show, but did not have any accompanying music. It appeared that there was some confused murmuring from the crowd – what’s going on? It’s interesting to see how long 90 seconds can be – even some members of our team just wanted to get up to the stage!

Matt set the scene for the talking circle, stating that we only had 20 minutes to debrief before our next commitment, then launching immediately into the “Rolls’ call” that we have come to know so well. All members answered, then proceeded to their pre-assigned seat in the circle. By previous arrangement, we also invited the Governor General into the circle using the roll call – there were some surprised comments by audience members that we would even think to bring him in.

The main points of our presentation have been captured in another post; it should be remembered that these were not the exact words since folks continued to tweak to make it more personal. We made it through the Mental and Physical sections well, but there were more than a few people close to tears when we talked about the Emotional side – so many memories. The emotions made it that much harder for the final speakers in the Spiritual section, especially when we presented him with our talking stick at the end. This piece of driftwood, obtained in Bathurst, is a powerful symbol of our journey together. The Governor General indicated that he would be taking the stick back to Rideau Hall, where it would serve as another precious artifact in a special First Peoples room.

The only slides used during the presentation were just simple slides indicating where we were in the circle – just the colour and the word – and then cutting back to the live feed. By creating such a simple presentation, our intent was that the message would be the prime focus. There have been very few other occasions that we can recall a crowd being this silent – we believe that we achieved our aim. We presented the good and the bad, the highs and the lows – we wanted our report to do justice to New Brunswick, a province that we have come to love over the past nine days. What made us most nervous was that Robert Moreau, our Provincial Chair, was in the audience. We really wanted to make him proud by showing how much we have learned on the trip that he and his colleagues had spent much time preparing. Thank you.

We were the last presentation, so after a touching slideshow summarizing the entire Conference, it was time to head back to the hotel to change for the closing gala. Gathering in the main lobby, there were many stunning ladies and handsome gentlemen. After a short bus ride, we found ourselves back at Rideau Hall for the official conference photograph. It was rather hot and we were looking into the sun, so the photograph may look rather interesting.

Another short bus ride (our last one!) and we found ourselves at the National Arts Centre. We had a few cocktails, and then it was time for supper. We had the opportunity to listen, for the last time of the conference, to the Governor General and Annette Verschuren. They provided an excellent summation of the conference, including much sage advice. We were called to take this “drop” of knowledge, and spread it throughout our country. We were informed that leaders are risk-takers, and that we must gather and act upon our “20 seconds of courage” if we wish to make a difference.

Many folks were surprised when the band came out for the dance – it was Clam Chowder! The opportunity to have the same amazing band that performed at John Risley’s (it seems so long ago now) was perfect – it felt as if we had come full circle. There was much merriment, and few wanted the night to end. There were few dry eyes as we said farewell to people that had been strangers two weeks ago, but whom we now consider close friends. It was truly an experience that will last with us for a long, long time.

So – how do we conclude this experience? It has been a powerful and intense 15 days, but we would not have liked it any other way. For those following the blog, we hope that we have, in some small way, taken you along with us on our voyage of discovery. We are so thankful to everyone concerned for arranging this trip, giving us access to amazing people, giving us their precious time, and for taking us into their workplaces and homes. We believe that the time you have spent on or with us has made us better leaders, and we anticipate “paying it forward” in the future. Our Leadership Conference may have ended, but our journey of promulgating leadership in sustainable communities has just begun…

We la’lin/Nakumik/Niawen/Merci
We give Thanks to you and to all for your time to have you understand our intentions.
The talking stick is a tool in what is called a ‘Talking Circle’ which is a derivative of the Medicine wheel. This natural tool was given to us from the waters and the trees of New Brunswick.
The object of the talking stick is to give each person validation so that they feel heard and it gives the others in the circle the responsibility to listen to who ever is speaking
It is a tool of consensus many of the First Nations throughout North America have historically used.
When we talk about the medicine wheel it is a circle divided into the 4 elements of the holistic geographic world. This is our version as told to me from a Kanienkeha:ka (Mohawk) Elder
The Yellow is the color of the south and with it comes the summer and gives us the power to grow our food – sustainability as humans
Yellow is also the color of the People of the Asian Continent and of the Mental element for us as humans to be able to think/speak etc. To deal with our Economical issues.
Red is the color of the West and it is the Spiritual element of the talking stick- It is the spiritual and Cultural element combined. It represents the First Peoples (the Red peoples) of the Americas.
Black is also the color of the African People, of Africa – And the color Emotional which is the Social element for us as humans. It is the colour of the East.
White is for the north it brings us cold and snow and makes life very Physically challenging for us as Humans, in that it makes us deal with our environment. It is the Physical element
Keeping these four elements in mind…is where the concept came to us as a way to keep discipline in the group so that all are heard and each has the responsibility to LISTEN to each other..
Hence we have integrated the talking circle as our way of presenting New Brunswick. The talking circle and this stick has kept us equal persons amongst each other and through the last two weeks. It brought this diverse group to a humble and respectful unity.
And now we will be going around the circle we will start with the Mental, Physical ,Emotional and Spiritual, and discuss how each of these components elements were presented in our trip.
MENTAL
Jason
As a team, we initially struggled with understanding each other’s perspective, listening and hearing from all. Through the talking stick, we have learned to actively listen and respect one another, our views and our differences. Our bus rides dramatically benefitted from the openness to new ideas from everywhere, including our new willingness to seek best practices and continually learn. We will go forward as leaders with the voices of First Peoples, labour, business, social sectors, military, people of different cultures and languages, as we continue our individual leadership journeys.
Chris
Les communautés du Nouveau-Brunswick sont résilientes et collaboratives. Nous avons rencontré beaucoup de gens qui visent à apporter du succès a la province. Ils ont travaillé ensemble et ont tenté d’impliquer autant de personnes que possible dans leurs communautés. Le Nouveau-Brunswick continue a travailler avec les défis comme la seule province avec le bilinguisme officiel. Anglophones and Francophones need to work together towards multiculturalism. Although there is a stated desire, there may not be readiness. Examples of this were seen in several cultural and business panels. We experienced first hand how some leaders appeared unprepared to follow-through on their stated commitment to diversity. Members of our diverse team were not treated equally by this panel. Comme Monique Leroux nous a conseillé deux semaines passée – “les bottines doivent suivre les babines”.
Angela
Premier Alward highlighted for us that the future of New Brunswick is about “Brains and Ideas.” We observed a lot of focus on technology and knowledge-based business, as well as innovative ways to bring more traditional businesses into the province. A great example of this is the windmill farm in Lameque. The community developed a co-op, met with all stakeholders (including 168 land owners) build support for opportunity, and put out requests for developers. The created a partnership with a Spanish Developer successfully deployed a sustainable energy source long term revenue for local communities all supported by the surrounding area, with future potential for growth.
John
Collaboratives such as this will be beneficial as NB looks to develop other natural resources and build new industries. The industrial park co-op model has brought together storage tank manufacturing, ice sculpting and a high-tech engineering firm, all under one roof with one common kitchen area in Caraquet; informal discussions leading to additional knowledge sharing. There is an approach by the government to build best practices for resource development by collaborating with and incorporating key lessons from other North American jurisdictions. We observed a wide-range of views from NB citizens with respect to innovations within knowledge and resource-based economies. There exists a fragmented population base of rural and urban, north and south, English and French, literate and illiterate, all factors which are creating complex hurdles for innovation to thrive.
PHYSICAL
Miles
Traveling New Brunswick by unreliable bus allowed us to appreciate its beauty, variety, coast lines, mines and forests. Our spirit and mental strength were challenged by gruelling, long days, and fighting physical and emotional fatigue defined our tour. We were able to continue on our journey through the spirit and generosity of the local host communities. We overcame physical obstacles, be they mechanical or bodily, thanks to our MLO, the local chairs, our team members and our self-determination.
We would like to thank the Canadian Armed Forces for sharing with us the leadership necessary to carry out this Conference. For the New Brunswick group the leadership provided by infantry captain Matt Rolls was essential in the logistical, disciplined and good-natured approach it took to carry out our mission. Similarly, we are indebted to the commitment shown by our local chair Robert Moreau, and his desire to see us have a complete and engaging visit of his home province.
Gouled
New Brunswick has been built on a strong physical foundation. The people, the natural resources, the earth, the landscape – all of these have combined to create the province and shape its strengths and challenges. With a population of 750,000, a third of which is French-speaking, including an Acadian population in the North, the province has an infrastructure designed for several million more. The aging population and the exodus of their youth threaten the true sustainability of their communities and services, while their First Peoples languish with a 95% unemployment rate and little connection to surrounding communities.
Liz
Natural Resources have defined its successes of the past, but the province is at a crossroads to decide how best to use them now, under the shadow of a $10 Billion dollar provincial debt. Large family owned companies have benefited and grown wealthy from the province’s huge natural resource reserves and have participated in retaining talent and providing employment. New Brunswickers are encouraged to nurture leadership and consider innovative and same sector collaboration in light of dwindling natural resources, all with the responsibility of having to think at least seven generations ahead.
The tech industry is the manifestation of the strength that is derived by New Brunswick’s challenges. With complete broadband access across the province, the small pockets of population are interconnected through innovation and technology, despite a physical and often a cultural distance.
EMOTIONAL
Jeff
The example’s we found throughout New Brunswick of the emotional power that is derived through culture culminated for our group in an Acadian Kitchen party. The emotional influence the fiddle had on us fiddleheads enabled us to walk– or in this case, dance– in their shoes, sharing the laughter, passion and pride that helps sustain the communities of New Brunswick. There is also an economic value in that culture driven by the entrepreneurship we have experienced. There are creative people in New Brunswick that have managed to derive a way to party for a living, contributing to their local tourism sector.
Kimberly
In New Brunswick we saw passion and pride in all of the communities we visited. Every city, town, organization, every person had passion for a cause. In Sussex we met the Brown family on their farm. They were proud of their work, their children were proud of their community and they felt like contributors to their economy. In Fredericton we met seniors who are actively working to highlight the cultural heritage of their public buildings. We met entrepreneurs who are proud of their work, their people and are actively growing that spirit in practical ways. We met soldiers in Gagetown who safeguard our civil liberties in many different situations and give us the space to reflect the pride we feel in our nation. We traveled to the Acadian peninsula where the sense of community is so strong. They want to be a part of the change that is occurring, not content to let change happen to them. In Moncton we experienced many examples of passion for community issues like homelessness, people and wellness. We met people who are proud of whom they are and people who love their communities and their province.
Rikia
At the dairy farm in Sussex, the owners’ sixteen year old son had just created a Youtube video parody “I’m from Sussex and I know it”. It’s gone viral, and now has almost 400,000 views from all over the world. It captures the heart of youth and the emotional pride of a region. By accepting “what is”, they actually showed New Brunswick that change is OK. Youth are valued in New Brunswick, as a scarce resource. Facing very different realities than their parents, they go elsewhere for school, work and adventure. But many are choosing to come back. They are the secret to a sustainable future. We felt the power and love when they followed their heart. We have learned that what may not make sense to us as outsiders creates a chance to learn. We cannot make decisions for other people until we have walked in their shoes.
SPIRITUAL
Rebecca
While travelling through the province we heard from many people. We heard stories about the great deportation of the Acadian people and the effect it had on future generations. Even though people were spread through out the world, the Acadian spirit remained strong. The Acadian spirit would not be as strong as it is today if it weren’t for the protection of the aboriginal people. In the North, we experienced this spirit through a multi generational kitchen party, where we were welcomed as family. In Shippagan, Mrs Robichaud opened her door, while Mr Robichaud cooked a lobster supper. After dinner, their daughter and her friends sang a variety of contemporary and traditional songs while our group danced and sang along.
Sunil
Through our visits of the 3 campuses of the Université de Moncton it was clear to us that the University empowered the French in the South. It put into bricks and mortar their spirit and pride. Université de Moncton made it concrete that Francophone New Brunswickers have a right to learn and work and live in French. On a personal note having slept on the dorm mattresses for 2 nights, it was clear what the university’s spending priority is: education over sleep deprivation. Theses campuses are anchors in their communities, and key to their economic development as they connect people and ideas together for a sustainable future. Another cornerstone of reconnection between communities was laid down with the opening of the Community Peace Centre. It took 7 years and countless volunteer hours, including 2 petite women who hauled countless wheel-barrels of dirt to prepare an indoor garden in time for the grand opening. It is a centre that represent the diversity at work in this community– the United Way, Immigrants, a Language school, Social services, a day care, and faith.
Eric
9 days of Study tour cannot compare to 200 years of this province history, however, we as well had our own challenges to face. As our microcosm on wheels toured, our exposure to New Brunswick’s history, its people and challenges made us confront our own. This talking circle, introduced by Lieutenant Governor Graydon Nicholas, kept our spirit sane and our ideas challenged, something all of us cannot forget and we hope to bring back to our own communities. Our differences made us stronger and the talking stick made it easier for everyone to be listened to. Now, what we make out of it is up to us. If we stay present and respectful in a sustainable way, where all people are treated equally, we will then create a smarter, more caring Canadian nation.

After our wildly successful presentation, the Governor General joined us on stage, and asked questions.  We were well aware of his breadth and depth of knowledge, but it is a very different experience to be on the receiving end of such questions!

We completed at about 3:30. . . and we are exhilarated!  We did it!  8 days, 2500 km , uncountable cups of coffee, so many “lean-in” conversations on leadership and community, invaluable conversations about leadership values, what an amazing experience.  We are so proud of our team, and proud of our team leaders, Yves and Robin.