Premier's premiere at Strathcona Rotary 2007
.JPG)
One of the amazing benefits of Rotary membership is the opportunity to hear and learn from visiting speakers and leaders who come to share their talents and insights.
Our club's recent fund-raiser event/meeting for Youth Emergency Shelter with Premier Stelmach as a guest speaker was uniquely introduced by one of Edmonton's next generation of public speakers , perched on her own custom made soapbox !
Before the formal presentation , my tablemates and I turned our discussion to political issues and the royalty review panel. The ideas shared and the critical thinking
will undoubtedly be helpful in future work with boards and committees.
Premier Stelmach , in his speech, was most gracious in acknowledging our club's commitment to community support and how it makes a difference both locally and globally . He commented on how Albertans lead the country in per capita charitable donations. ( Note the new improved 2008 tax credit allowances )
He touched on the trend of " matching dollar grants " ( eg Wild Rose Fdn ) where organizations can leverage their fund-raising efforts. Watch for more news of these initiatives soon.
The premier spoke to three areas of priority for the current leadership : building communities , providing for infrastructure needs, and taking action on achieving sustainable growth in the environmental sector.
1.
Building communities - a goal of eliminating homelessness over 10 years.
If one can equate an economic cost of a homeless person , it is estimated
at $150,000 , if intervention ( physical, mental health , social worker,
addictions counseling and police services) resources are factored in.
2. Infrastructure needs
3. Environment factors - land use, water management and air quality
A wider perspective model is now being adopted which incorporates the
"cumulative effects" . Noted was an oil refinery project in India involving
75,000 workers over 10 years - $ 160 billion.
He referenced the European Economic Union in his reference to harmonized traffic regulations and pointed to the "Industrial Heartland" as a hub of future growth. 25 years planning was lauded, which immediately triggered a question to this listener. ( "Why not 50 and 100 year plans, in particular urban and inter-urban transportation corridors?" )
His appreciated but all too brief, presentation generously concluded with an un- expected question and answer period. What a fantastic occasion to start the day, thanks to all the hours of effort by the entire organizing team. They deserve a standing ovation!
------------------- Submitted by Len Gierach
| 
Club Web Site
RI link: 
