Conference Speakers
PLEASE NOTE: Speakers subject to change without notice.

Honourable Joseph (Joe) Handley Premier, Northwest Territories MLA, Weledeh Joseph (Joe) Handley is the ninth Premier of the Northwest Territories. Mr. Handley was first elected as the Member for Weledeh in the 14th Legislative Assembly on December 6th, 1999 after serving as a Deputy Minister for the Government of the Northwest Territories for more than 14 years. In January 2000, Mr. Handley was appointed Minister of Finance, Chairman of the Financial Management Board and Minister Responsible for the Workers' Compensation Board. In November 2001, Mr. Handley was appointed Minister of Transportation and Minister Responsible for the NWT Power Corporation. Born on August 9, 1943 in Meadowlake, Saskatchewan, Mr. Handley moved to the Northwest Territories in 1985 to assume the position of Deputy Minister of Education with the Government of the Northwest Territories. He has also served as the Deputy Minister for the Departments of Renewable Resources, Transportation and Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development as well as the President of the NWT Housing Corporation. Prior to moving north, Mr. Handley was the official trustee and superintendent of the Frontier School Division in Manitoba for nine years. He was an Assistant Professor at both the University of British Columbia and the University of Manitoba. He served for two years as a lecturer at the Cape Coast University and Winneba Teacher Training College in Ghana, West Africa and was a teacher and vice-principal at schools in Saskatchewan. Mr. Handley and his wife Theresa have two children Michael and Michelle and four grandchildren who all live in Yellowknife.

Hon. Dennis Fentie Premier, Yukon Territory Dennis Fentie was first elected as the MLA for Watson Lake in the general election of September 30, 1996, and was most recently elected as Premier in the general election of November 4, 2002. Mr. Fentie was born in Edmonton, Alberta and moved to Watson Lake at the age of 12. As a business person, Mr. Fentie has a long history of involvement in a variety of economic activities, including logging, tourism, mining, trucking and fuel distribution. Most recently, he was owner and manager of Francis River Construction Ltd. in Watson Lake. Until his election as an MLA, he was director of the Association for Yukon Forests. He is also former director for the Watson Lake Chamber of Commerce. In his community of Watson Lake, Mr. Fentie has been an active participant in baseball and senior hockey, and is a former minor hockey coach. He also maintains a keen interest in history and current affairs. Mr. Fentie lives in Watson lake with his partner Lorraine.

Hon. Paul Okalik Premier, Nunavut MLA Iqaluit West After being re-elected to a second term as MLA for Iqaluit West on February 16, 2004, the Honourable Paul Okalik was chosen by his peers to continue serving as Nunavut’s Premier. His selection at the March 5, 2004 leadership forum in the Nunavut Legislature is the first time that a sitting Premier has received a second term in the non-partisan consensus government system that is in place in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories. Mr. Okalik was first elected to the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut on March 5, 1999 and was subsequently voted in by his caucus colleagues to become the first Premier of Nunavut. Mr. Okalik holds the portfolios of Justice, Aboriginal Affairs and Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs. His responsibilities as premier have a tremendous impact on Nunavummiut and the growth of Nunavut. During his second term, the Premier intends to meet his campaign commitments of economic prosperity and the promotion of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit in government Mr. Okalik is a person who cares deeply about Nunavut, its people and the role Nunavut plays within the rest of Canada and the circumpolar world. He strongly believes that lifelong learning and enhanced skills are the key to individual and national prosperity. As an advocate for innovation and the development of Nunavut’s economy he is committed to seeing Nunavummiut develop the skills needed to build their territory. He is also developing means of bringing government closer to the people it serves. Built on a consensus model of government, Nunavut operates within the principles of Canadian parliamentary democracy. All Members of the Legislative Assembly are elected as independent members. This type of government is a key to Nunavut’s development. The system unifies the principles of parliamentary democracy with Aboriginal values. In the early 1980s, Mr. Okalik worked as Deputy Chief Negotiator and Special Assistant to the President of Tunngavik Federation of Nunavut; which pushed for a settlement agreement that had been evolving for generations. Signed in 1993, the Nunavut Land Claim Agreement became the largest land claim in Canadian history. Mr. Okalik went on to lay the groundwork for the creation of the Inuit Heritage Trust, Nunavut Wildlife Management Board, Nunavut Implementation Training Committee and Nunavut Social Development Council. Returning to school during the early 1990s, Mr. Okalik graduated from Carleton University with a degree in political science and Canadian studies. Eager to continue his post-secondary studies, Mr. Okalik completed his law degree at the University of Ottawa in 1997 and on February 12, 1999 was called to the Bar. In 2005 he was awarded a Doctor of Laws from Carleton University. Mr. Okalik has three children, Shasta, Jordan and Béatrice. In his spare time, Mr. Okalik enjoys hunting, fishing and golfing. He is fluent in Inuktitut, English and is studying French.

Hon. Gary Lunn Minister, Natural Resources Canada Gary Lunn was first elected to the House of Commons in 1997 and re-elected in 2000, 2004 and 2006. Most recently, he served as Critic for Public Works and Government Services and for the Privy Council. Prior to this, he was Critic for Northern Development, for Métis and Non-Status Indians, for Human Resources Development, for International Trade, for National Revenue and for Fisheries and Oceans. Mr. Lunn served as Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans and was a member of numerous standing committees. Mr. Lunn has practised law in Victoria and resides in Sidney, British Columbia. He is a member of the British Columbia Law Society. He has worked as a construction superintendent in mines in British Columbia and the Northwest Territories and as a safety officer in the forestry industry. Mr. Lunn has taught first aid for St. John’s Ambulance and CPR for the Canadian Heart Foundation and was a member of the Canadian Ski Patrol. He is an active member of the Knights of Columbus and sits on the Sidney/North Saanich Detachment Executive Police Advisory Committee. Mr. Lunn was born in 1957. He attended the University of Victoria where he completed a Bachelor of Law. He is married to Alexandra and they have two children.

Hon. Ralph Klein Premier, Alberta Ralph Klein was elected leader of the Progressive Conservative Party on December 5, 1992 and was sworn in as Alberta's 12th Premier on December 14 of that year. Several months later, in June 1993, he was elected to his first term as Premier. Albertans returned Mr. Klein and his government to office for a second term in March 1997 with an increased majority, and he won again in March 2001 with the second-largest majority government in Alberta's history. In November 2004, Mr. Klein secured a fourth mandate from the people of Alberta, winning a 62-seat majority government. As Premier, and now into his fourth term, Mr. Klein has listened to Albertans by revamping and opening up the government's decision-making process, balancing the budget, and eliminating the debt. He continues to listen to Albertans by developing a climate for creating the strongest economy, the lowest taxes, and a high quality of life. Ralph Philip Klein was born in Calgary November 1, 1942. Educated in Calgary, he interrupted his high school studies to enlist in the Canadian Air Force. Upon leaving the service, Mr. Klein completed his high school education, eventually becoming principal of the Calgary Business College. From 1963 to 1969 Mr. Klein pursued a public relations career with the Alberta Division of the Red Cross and the United Way of Calgary and District. For the next 11 years, he was the Senior Civic Affairs reporter with CFCN Television and Radio. On October 15, 1980 Ralph Klein was elected Calgary's 32nd Mayor, one of only two mayors born in the city. He was re-elected in 1983 and 1986. Mr. Klein's major accomplishments include the 1988 Olympic Winter Games, Calgary's Light Rail Transit System and protection of the Bow River. Ralph Klein was elected MLA for Calgary-Elbow March 20, 1989 and on April 14, 1989 was appointed Minister of Environment. In that portfolio, Mr. Klein oversaw the development of the Alberta Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act, acknowledged as one of the most progressive environmental laws in Canada. Over the years, Mr. Klein has received a number of honours and awards including the Order of St. John in 1986. In 1988, he received the Alberta Achievement Award, the Lion's Club Medal of Distinction for Service to Humanity, and was inducted into the Olympic Order. In 1989, he was selected as Calgarian of the Decade by the Calgary Herald. In 1992, he received a Governor General's Award and in 1993 he became the second white person in history to be adopted into the Siksika (Blackfoot) Nation and was given the name Otskoipiiksi (Bluebird). In 1994 Premier Klein was named Man of the Year by the International Young Entrepreneurs Organization over Boris Yeltsin, also nominated that year; was awarded the Colin M. Brown Freedom Medal by the National Citizens' Coalition; and was named B'nai B'rith's Citizen of the Year. In 1995 he was named Calgary's Outstanding Citizen of the Century, and the first recipient of the Fraser Institute's International Fiscal Performance Award. In 1996, the Blood Tribe made Ralph Klein an honorary chief in the Kainai Chieftainship. In 1998, Premier Klein was distinguished with an Honourary Bachelor of Applied Technology Degree from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). In June 2000, the Premier became an honourary degree recipient at Olds College, receiving the Agriculture Technology and Entrepreneurship Applied Degree. During a trip to China and Korea in June 2004, he received an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy in Political Science from Kangwon National University in Korea. Mr. Klein lives in southwest Calgary with his wife, Colleen.

Dr. Paul Byrne President and CEO Grant MacEwan College Paul Byrne is the third president of Grant MacEwan College assuming the role in January 1997. Paul's thirty-seven year career has also seen him in leadership positions at three colleges in Canada as well as work in the private sector with General Motors. Dr. Byrne's academic credentials include a Ph.D in educational administration from the University of Alberta, a Masters of Education from the State University of New York and a Bachelor of Arts with Distinction from Brock University. He also holds certificates from Harvard Graduate School (Leadership in Organization), League for Innovation in the Community College (Leadership Program) and Ryerson University. Paul’s commitment to enhance access and barrier free transfer for learners is a key attribute that he brings to the presidency. He has a strong belief that the soul of a college is the staff and their commitment to serving the needs of students. Throughout his career he has participated on or chaired an extensive number of community and post-secondary organizations. Paul is a member of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Chair of the 2006 Meet the North Conference, The Edmonton Police Foundation, and the Leadership Academy-a US based organization for the development of leadership. He has served as Chair of the Alberta Council of Presidents, the Jobs for the Future Committee of Alberta Economic Development Authority, the Association of Canadian Community College Transfer and Mobility Task Force, Alberta Centre for International Education, and the Edmonton United Way Cabinet. Dr. Byrne was also a member of the external Audit Committee for Kwantlen University College. His Doctoral research was a comparison study of two British Columbia Colleges. Internationally, Paul has participated in several projects in South Africa, Uganda, India, Mexico, and Japan. In October 2002, he travelled with The Honourable Lyle Oberg, Minister of Alberta Learning on an educational mission to South East Asia (Japan, Thailand, China, and Vietnam). In 2000 and 2003, he facilitated a strategic planning workshop for education and training officials in Vietnam. In 1998, he participated on the Prime Minister's Team Canada Trade Mission to Latin America (Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Mexico). His career and interests reflect a personal and professional commitment to lifelong learning, development of partnerships and collaborations as well as a global focus. Grant MacEwan College in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada is the province's largest college with four campuses, over 78 diploma and university transfer programs, 2,200 part-time courses, a budget of $113 million (43 percent government funded) and serves more than 42,000 learners annually. Internationally, the College has offices in Ecuador, Ukraine and Russia. Grant MacEwan's mission statement: Grant MacEwan College inspires and enables individuals to succeed in life through career and university studies.

James (Jim) E. Carter President and Chief Operating Officer Syncrude Canada Limited Jim Carter was appointed President and Chief Operating Officer of Syncrude in October 1997. A mining industry veteran, Mr. Carter has contributed invaluable knowledge, experience and dedication to the achievement of Syncrude's goals. Since joining Syncrude in its first full year of operation, he has played a prominent role in a variety of initiatives aimed at enhancing safety, reliability, production, unit costs and product quality. Mr. Carter's leadership has led to the introduction of technologies and processes at the mine face and within the plant that have led to both incremental and revolutionary advances in productivity and environmental performance. Leading by example, he has also spearheaded and implemented innovative learning initiatives and skills upgrading opportunities within the company. In the community, he has actively engaged oil sands stakeholders to assure opportunity is appropriately shared and that Syncrude's operations proceed smoothly, responsibly and efficiently. Mr. Carter began his career with Syncrude in 1979 as Manager of Overburden Operations where he introduced the Syncrude-owned truck-and-shovel overburden removal fleet. In 1981, he was appointed Assistant General Manager of Mining. Mr. Carter was appointed General Manager of Maintenance and Operations Services in 1986 and was promoted the following year to Vice-President of Administration. Between 1989 and 1997, he served as Vice-President of Operations. Prior to joining Syncrude, Mr. Carter held progressively responsible management positions at McIntyre Mines Ltd. and the Iron Ore Company of Canada. Mr. Carter holds a Bachelor of Engineering Degree in Mining Engineering (1973), Technical University of Nova Scotia, and is a graduate of the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration. He is the recipient of two honorary Doctorates, from the University of Alberta (Science, 2004) and the Technical University of Nova Scotia (Engineering, 1995). In 2005, he was named Resource Person of the Year by the Alberta Chamber of Resources and also was inducted as a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering. In 1999, he was presented with the Centennial Award, the highest honour bestowed by the Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists and Geophysicists of Alberta. He is also a recipient of the CIM Past President's Award and the CIM Fellowship Award. Mr. Carter is an active supporter and advocate of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy & Petroleum (CIM) and was a founding member and Chairman of the Rocky Mountain Branch. He is a frequent speaker at regional and national conferences. His other professional and community affiliations include: Director and Past Chairman, Mining Association of Canada; Director, Alberta Research Council; Champion, Aboriginal Human Resources Development Council of Canada; Honourary Chairman, Edmonton Business Council for the Visual Arts; Past Director, Alberta Chamber of Resources; Founding Chairman of the Industry Advisory Committee, University of Alberta School of Mining and Petroleum Engineering; Member, Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists and Geophysicists of Alberta; Co-Chair, Vista-Ridge Ski Hill Association; Past Member, Board of Governors, Keyano College. Mr. Carter resides in Fort McMurray with his wife, Lorraine Bray. Together, they have six adult children.

Tom Ruth President, Canadian North Tom Ruth, President of Canadian North is responsible for the overall leadership of the company. Canadian North is a profitable all-jet airline which flies throughout the North from our southern gateways of Edmonton, Calgary and Ottawa. It is 100% aboriginal owned and operates 3 distinct business units including passenger, charter and cargo service. Tom has a strong track record of increasing revenue and profits for two different companies over the past 20 years. Tom worked for Northwest Airlines for 10 years and was General Manager of the Eastern Region in the cargo department with responsibility for 120 million in annual revenue from Montreal to Miami. He also launched 747 service from Boston to Japan and several other Asian cities. Northwest Airlines is the fourth largest airline in the world and the largest combination carrier of passengers and cargo on a global basis. Prior to joining Canadian North, Tom was Senior Vice President at Livingston International with responsibility for over 1000 of the 1600 employees. Livingston International is a Canadian based logistics, freight forwarding and brokerage company which processes over 70 billion in annual cross border trade and collects 14% of Canada’s GST. During the past five years Livingston International more than tripled profits, grew their market capitalization seven-fold (35 million to over 240 million) and twice received the annual award as one of Canada’s 50 Best managed private companies. Tom is a former Naval Officer and also enjoys the outdoors and sports. He has a daughter Michelle currently at University. Tom and his wife Mary Kathleen (Micki) along with their dog Dempster, live in Yellowknife which is Canadian North’s headquarters. For more information on Canadian North see: www.canadiannorth.ca

Mayor Stephen Mandel City of Edmonton, Alberta Stephen Mandel was elected Mayor of Edmonton, Alberta’s Capital City, in October 2004 after serving one term as a City Councillor. Since his election, Mayor Mandel has focused on a number of priorities including: • Renewing and replenishing Edmonton’s spirit and selling Edmonton to the world — as a tourist destination, a research and education leader, a destination for immigrants who are seeking new opportunity, a leader in health research and treatment, a key strategic partner on all northern development, and a marketplace for investment. He is also committed to increasing awareness of Edmonton’s creative community and its tangible contribution to the City’s quality of life. • Increasing City Council’s effectiveness and responsiveness. As Mayor, Stephen implemented new initiatives which involve his Council colleagues serving as leaders of special portfolios covering a broad range of citizen priorities including affordable housing, immigration, neighbourhood revitalization, seniors, youth issues, aboriginal opportunities, sports and recreation, and the arts, among others. • Developing and strengthening Edmonton’s relationships with other orders of government and building an understanding at the Provincial and Federal levels that cities need greater autonomy and greater flexibility to deal with all the responsibilities they now face. Mayor Mandel has always been an active member of the community. He has volunteered for organizations such as the Alberta Heart Institute, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Allen Gray Continuing Care Centre, Jewish Community Centre, YMCA Enterprise Centre, and the Jewish Federation. He has also been active in recreational activities, having coached baseball and basketball for local high schools and community leagues. Stephen is a married father of two grown children, a successful land developer and businessman, a sports enthusiast, and a passionate supporter of arts and culture. He holds an Associate of Arts Degree, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, and a Masters in Political Science.

Mayor Gordon Van Tighem City of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories His Worship Mayor Gordon Van Tighem was born in Calgary, Alberta, a graduate of University of Manitoba and a lifelong learner. He moved to Yellowknife from Edmonton in 1992 with his wife Carol and 3 children. His election to Mayor of the City of Yellowknife was in October 2000 and he was re-elected, by acclamation, in 2003. Prior to his election as Mayor, Gord served as Executive Director of the NWT Community Mobilization Partnership for one year after 3 years as Chairman of the Volunteer Board. He chose early retirement from the Bank of Montreal in 1999 having worked for 24 years in marketing management, the last eight years as NWT Territorial Senior Manager. He has broad experience with a variety of organizations such as the Yellowknife and the NWT Chamber of Commerce and as a Founding Director of the Stanton Hospital Foundation and the SideDoor Youth Centre. Mayor Van Tighem was involved in many volunteer organizations including: Edmonton Ringette, Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues, Scouts Canada, Junior Forest Wardens, Parish Council, Arctic Winter Games, Sport North, NWT Federation of Shooting Sports, NWT Wildlife Federation, Canadian Wildlife Federation, Ducks Unlimited and the Model Aeronautics Association of Canada. Outside of serving the City his main interests are family activities, boating and fishing in the many lakes surrounding Yellowknife and camping and hunting in the Mackenzie Mountains.

Charlotte Robb President and CEO, Dynacare Kaspar Medical Laboratories Charlotte Robb was appointed President and CEO of Dynacare Kasper Medical Laboratories in August 2005. Dynacare Kasper is one of Canada’s largest full service medical laboratories and provides services throughout central and northern Alberta, including management, consulting and referral testing. Dynacare Kasper employs more than 1200 medical and technical specialists, and performs approximately 14 million tests annually. Charlotte has an extensive thirty-two year history in the financial sector and held the position of Senior Vice President, Operations, for the Business Development Bank of Canada in the Prairies and Western Region. Prior to the BDC, Charlotte was Vice President, Commercial Banking, for CIBC in Alberta. Charlotte is a director for the CD Howe Institute and NAV Canada, a member of the Faculty of Business Advisory Committee for the University of Alberta and Concordia University College; and she has led or participated in a number of private/public partnerships between the provincial government and the private sector. In 1996 she was named Edmonton’s Business Woman of the Year.

Hon. Brendan Bell Minister, Industry, Tourism and Investment MLA Yellowknife South Brendan was educated at Sir John Franklin High in Yellowknife, obtained his Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Calgary and his MBA from Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh UK. Brendan was first elected to the 14th Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories on December 6th, 1999. He was appointed Chair of Standing Committee on Social Programs, Chair of Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures, and Chair of Special Committee on Conflict Process. Brendan was acclaimed to the 15th Legislative Assembly on November 24, 2003. He was elected by Members to the Executive Council and appointed Minister of Justice and Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment, which includes responsibility for energy, mines, tourism and support to NWT businesses. Brendan is also Chair of the Pipeline Planning Committee and a Member of the Board of Management. Brendan is married to Jill and they have two daughters, Emily and Madison.