Posts Tagged ‘Alberta’

July 6, 2011: Calgary

Wednesday, July 13th, 2011

I had so much fun at our 4th of July party that I decided to do it twice more.

On the 5th we had one of my favorite events of the year. Our embassy staff in Ottawa and their families came over for a picnic. We ate more BBQ! I know Julie and I get much of the credit for our 4th of July party, but the real credit goes to all of the people in the Embassy and our Residence who work for months to put it together and then volunteer all weekend to make sure everything goes smoothly.

Since they are all working on the 4th, we have a party for them and their families on the 5th. The kids decorate their bikes with red, white and blue streamers and we have a bike parade. There are potato sack races. But the highlight is the softball game between the Marines and the Embassy team. I sit in the embassy team’s owner’s box with Julie. I’m happy to report that the trophy will sit with pride for another year in my office.

Early the next morning it was off to Calgary for the next 4th of July.

Before the party I had the chance to meet the new Mayor of Calgary, Naheed Nenshi. He’s a very dynamic and fun guy. We talked about the future of cities, the energy economy in Calgary and the rest of Alberta, and the upcoming Stampede. It turns out we had both bought the exact same new boots from the Alberta Boot Company. We obviously both have great taste. He then White-hatted me.

The Mayor and I then joined about 500 people for the Calgary Consulate’s 4th of July party — two days late. For the third day in a row the weather was perfect and a good time was had by all. One special surprise was the band, led by well-known Calgary blues artist Gary Martin who is originally from Chicago. He assembled a band of American musicians to play some great rhythm and blues for the event. I had a chance to visit with them and we compared notes on our favorite songs and performers (Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf). They played a request from me — one of my all time favorites: Howlin’ Wolf’s “Built for Comfort.” It begins: “Some folks built like this. Some folks built like that. But the way I’m built don’t you call me fat. Because I’m built for comfort. Not for speed.”

No comments please.

The next day I started out visiting with my friend Dave Rutherford on his morning radio show. Then it was off to the University of Calgary for a site visit of the Solar Decathlon house. A team of University of Calgary students will represent Canada in the 2011 Department of Energy Solar Decathlon competition in Washington, D.C. in September. The contest challenges 20 student-led teams to demonstrate inventive, clean-energy solutions by building solar-powered houses that are cost-effective and energy-efficient.

 

The University of Calgary Solar Decathlon Team’s Cenovus TRTL

 

The students gave me a tour of their entry, called The Cenovus TRTL (pronounced ‘turtle’) – Technological Residence, Traditional Living,  a safe, durable, net-zero home designed to address critical issues in Aboriginal housing. The team is working with the Treaty 7 First Nations of Southern Alberta on the housing concept and design. The team’s spiritual and cultural advisor Dr. Reg Crowshoe, a Piikani Blackfoot Elder, joined us at the site. Following the tour, he thanked me for coming by, presenting me with a traditional Blackfoot blanket and sang a song for me in Blackfoot. Then Monique Kimber, a member of the team’s Aboriginal Advisory Council, presented me with a handcrafted necklace with a turtle design reflecting the solar home’s shape and Aboriginal influences. 

 

Dr. Reg Crowshoe presents Ambassador Jacobson with a traditional Blackfoot blanket

Ambassador Jacobson wears a traditional Blackfoot blanket

 Then it was time to get ready for the Stampede. I had everything I needed, except western shirts. I now have two. One looks like an American flag. The other has a skeleton dancing among beer bottles on the back, which I was assured in the store was completely appropriate for the Stampede. We’ll see.  

Ambassador Jacobson with Steve Snyder, President and CEO of TransAlta Corporation and former U.S. Ambassador to Canada Gordon Giffin

Ambassador Jacobson's western shirt

 

Sporting my flag shirt, I went to the Prime Minister’s reception where the guests of honor were the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. There were vast numbers of people waiting 10 deep around the building to catch a glimpse of the Royal Couple. 

Next it was off to the annual dinner Gen. Natynczyk gives at the Stampede for friends of the Canadian Forces. The guests of honor were Adm. Sandy Winnefeld and his wife Mary. Adm. Winnefeld is the Commanding Officer of NORAD and NORTHCOM. He was recently nominated by President Obama to be the Vice Chair of the Chiefs of Staff, the second ranking position in the U.S. military. I have been privileged to get to know Adm. Winnefeld over the last year and his promotion is enormously well deserved. The U.S. military is in outstanding hands.

Tomorrow we Stampede!

DJ

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in July 2011 |

July 19, 2010 – Calgary and Lethbridge, Alberta

Thursday, July 22nd, 2010

On Saturday I started out by attending the Pacific North West Economic Region (PNWER) meeting and hearing Minister Jim Prentice talk about the environmental issues that confront Canada. Then I met with Bruce Carson, the Executive Director of the Canada School of Energy and Environment and Chair of Carbon Management Canada. We discussed ways in which we might be able to help facilitate additional collaboration between U.S. and Canadian researchers focused on developing clean energy technologies. Excellent work is going on both north and south of our border and we can both move ahead faster by sharing our experiences and findings.

After that we had a quiet day until the evening when it was back to the Chuckwagon Races. I didn’t seem to lose my touch in picking the winners. We stayed for the Grandstand show. It was really great. Kind of a cross between a musical, Cirque du Soleil, and motorcycle racing.

At the end there was a there was a video montage with all the emotional scenes of Canadian medal winners at the Olympics. I was watching it with a group of Canadian friends and there wasn’t a dry eye among them.

I was able to keep my composure. That is until they showed that clip of Sidney Crosby’s overtime goal in the gold medal hockey game. At that point I too broke into tears.

On Sunday I had a breakfast meeting with representatives of the Idaho National Labs, a Department of Energy facility, and Dr. Lorne Babiuk, Vice-President of Research at the University of Alberta. Again, the hope is to help solidify ties between Canadian and U.S. researchers working on reducing the impacts of energy production in both our countries.

Later in the day I met with Larry Persily, the Federal Coordinator for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Projects. I have met with Larry before in Ottawa. His office is responsible for coordinating activities of federal agencies with respect to permitting and regulations that impact the construction of a natural gas pipeline from Alaska’s Arctic to North American consumers.

We had dinner at the Consul General’s home where Laura and I heard about western Canadian economic development from Roger Gibbins, President and CEO of Canada West Foundation. I learned more about the recently established New West Partnership. This is an agreement between Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan that aims to lower barriers to interprovincial trade and investment. The goal is to take better advantage of opportunities through joining forces in a combined market of nine million people and over $550 billion in GDP.

This morning it was my turn to give a speech at PNWER. I talked about the border and how we did not have to choose between security and efficiency. If we were smart we could have both. I also talked about how the United States and Canada could coordinate our energy policies.

Immediately after the speech, we left for Lethbridge which is about two hours south of Calgary. The ride was just spectacular. To the west were the Canadian Rockies. And I had my first view of canola in flower. If you’ve never seen this before you have missed something. It is a brilliant golden yellow. There are miles and miles of the stuff against the backdrop of the mountains. It is quite a sight.

Canola fields

Canola fields

I loved Lethbridge. It’s the largest city in southern Alberta and is home to the highest and longest steel trestle bridge in the world. Very impressive. In Lethbridge, I had lunch at the Galt Museum with members of the Lethbridge town council, Senator Joyce Fairbairn, local MP Rick Casson and other members of the city’s business, academic and cultural sectors to learn about issues facing their community.

After Lethbridge we travelled to Magrath to tour a wind power project jointly operated by Suncor Energy and Enbridge. Grant Arnold. Suncor’s director of wind project and development operations, gave me an introduction to Suncor’s efforts, which are a key component of the company’s climate change action plan. Suncor is using revenues from oil sands development to invest in this alternative source of power. It was impressive to see the massive wind turbines up close and see them in operation.

Canola fields and wind turbines at the Magrath wind power project

Canola fields and wind turbines at the Magrath wind power project

Then we took the three hour drive back to Calgary and I got on a plane to Winnipeg. A very long – but very rewarding day.

DJ

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in July 2010 |

July 16, 2010 – Calgary

Wednesday, July 21st, 2010

We started very early. At 6:30 I had an interview on Calgary’s CityTV breakfast show. I arrived in my western wear. By now I have come to understand that EVERYONE in Calgary dresses this way during the Stampede. In the CTV studio I met Fast Freddie Whitfield, a professional calf roper from Hockley, Texas, who is legendary on the rodeo circuit and felt right at home. Even so, I wasn’t sure if I should wear my hat during the interview. At the last minute, I decided what the heck and put it on. I’m not sure if it was the right call but at the end of the interview host Jill Belland asked me to give the audience a “yahoo.” I’m sure it went over well in Calgary (actually a couple of people stopped me on the streets and told me they loved it) but I’m not so sure it will be quite the hit in Washington or Chicago. But when in Rome ….

The big question I was asked during this interview – and most everywhere else in Calgary – was what I thought of the billboards and You Tube videos that were posted by a group in the United States arguing that people should not come to Alberta because of the oil sands. My answer was that I was there, so I guess I didn’t agree with the argument. I think it makes about as much sense as arguing that people shouldn’t come to my home state of Illinois because we have coal.

The oil sands are a very complicated issue. I’ve traveled to Ft. McMurray and seen the oil sands up close. I understand their importance to Canada and to the United States. I am also well aware of the significant steps that have been taken by the industry to reduce the effect of the oil sands operations on land, water, and air.

But I don’t think I’m alone in saying: more must be done. Industry leaders have to do everything they can – more than just what governments mandate – to reduce the carbon footprint of the oil sands. They need to do more to demonstrate how they are meeting the challenges of providing energy security while meeting the obligations of environmental stewardship.

I’m not sure this balance can be properly struck on a billboard.

Ambassador Jacobson is interviewed on Calgary's Breakfast Television

Interview with Calgary's Breakfast Television

After the interview I had a series of business meetings and then it was off to the Stampede. We spent most of the day with Lee Richardson, the Member of Parliament for Calgary Centre and a member of the Stampede Board. First we went to the rodeo. It was wild. At one point I got to go down to the chutes during the bull riding. I must say that’s one sport I don’t intend to take up. When you are up close you see that these guys are sitting on 2,000 pound fierce animals. They start out in a steel cage. If the bull slides over, they crush their legs. If they get through that part the give their backs and necks quite a beating. And then land on their rears to get off. Sounds like fun. Huh.

I did learn one very interesting rule of rodeo. You can’t go into the infield unless you are properly dressed. Boots, jeans, hat, and a shirt with a collar. Luckily I was all decked out.

After the rodeo we had dinner and then it was off to the highlight of the Stampede. The Chuckwagon Races. Or as those in the know say “the Chucks.” It is totally wild. Whoever thought up the rules had some kind of an imagination. But I will say I seem to have developed quite a talent at picking the winners. And who would have thought that chuckwagon driver Kelly Sutherland, someone I never heard of yesterday, would become such a hero to me.

It was a day to remember.

DJ

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in July 2010 |

November 29, 2009 – Calgary

Tuesday, December 1st, 2009

Today I had a very special treat. I got up early and flew to Calgary to watch the Grey Cup. Having brushed up on the rules differences between Canadian and American Football, I arrived for the CFL Commissioner’s Lunch.

The Commissioner, Mark Cohon, is originally from Chicago. Turns out we have a number of friends in common. At the lunch I got to sit with Premier Stelmach of Alberta and his wife Marie. Also at our table was the Lt. Governor of Alberta Norman Kwong and his wife Mary. For those of you who do not know, the Lt. Governor is a CFL legend. He won a Grey Cup playing for the Calgary Stampeders. He was traded to the Edmonton Eskimos where he won three more Grey Cups before being inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame. Commissioner Cohon referred to Lt. Gov. Kwong as “the only person who is truly loved by people in both Calgary and Edmonton.” We were also joined by Utah Governor Gary Herbert. While he is certainly prominent in his own right, today his daughter Kimberli stole the show. She is married to Montreal Allouettes star Ben Cahoon.

We then headed to the game. I have been to one Super Bowl – back in 1986 when my Chicago Bears beat the New England Patriots 46-10. It was – without question – the highlight of my Chicago sports career and will remain so until the Cubs win the World Series – at which point I will die a happy man.

The game was great fun. The fans were REALLY into it. Particularly the ones from Saskatchewan.

You have all, no doubt, seen what happened. I will say this. As a Cubs fan I have seen my teams lose in every conceivable fashion. Errors at crucial times. Fan interference. Inclement weather. Freak injuries. Billy goats. But never have I seen anything like what happened to the Roughriders. Too many men on the field. Ugh!!!

So I would like to extend my hearty congratulations to the Montreal Alouettes for a job well done. But my heritage as a Cubs fan gives me special empathy for the Roughriders in their heartbreak. Keep your chins up, and as I have said so many times before – wait til next year.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in November 2009 |

October 26, 2009 – Edmonton – More oil sands; a trip to school and the opening of the Alberta Legislative Assembly

Tuesday, October 27th, 2009

As part of my effort to learn as much as I can and to hear from all sides about the oil sands I met with representatives of the Pembina Institute, an environmental NGO that has spent many years focused on the oil sands. We had an interesting discussion about the regulatory processes in Alberta and at the federal level. We talked about the stress on the environment as well as the state of the technology being employed to extract the bitumen. Striking the right balance between energy security and the environment is a complex issue and I am listening to all sides with great interest.

We then went to the highlight of the day. Julie and I visited the Prince Charles Elementary School, a school of choice for Aboriginal children in Edmonton. This is a school that offers a program especially designed for urban Aboriginal children. Many students travel a couple of hours or more a day just to attend this school. I visited with a group of 5th and 6th graders in the school library. They had studied all about Barack Obama and the U.S. election with the librarian who is from Louisiana. The kids and I talked about my experiences with the President. I explained that if anyone had said to Barack Obama in the 5th or 6th grade that some day he would be living in the White House he wouldn’t have believed it. So it was important for each of them to be like the President, study hard and be good citizens. Who knows … maybe someday one of them would be the Prime Minister of Canada. We then went to the music room where another group of 4th 5th and 6th graders gave a concert on violin and guitar for Julie and me. The highlight was a rousing rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. It was great fun and it reminded me of how important art and music were to my elementary education. Even though I’m not an artist or a musician, it made me more creative in everything else I do and it sure made school more fun.

Ambassador Jacobson with with Grade 5-6 students from Prince Charles Elementary School

Ambassador Jacobson with Grade 5-6 students from Prince Charles Elementary School

We left the school and drove to the Legislature Building and met with Ken Kowalski, the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Rob Renner, the Minister of the Environment, Mel Knight, the Minister of Energy, and Len Webber, the Minister of International and Intergovernmental Relations. Afterwards, Minister Webber and his wife Heather hosted a lunch with a group of Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and business leaders. I then had a chance to watch the opening of the new legislative session. There is a special tradition in the Alberta legislature. When someone in the gallery (in this case me) is introduced, the person making the introduction asks the Speaker and the MLAs to give “the traditional warm welcome” at which point all members pound on their desks. It was a real treat.

Ambassador Jacobson and Premier Stelmach

Ambassador Jacobson and Premier Stelmach

I then had a great conversation with Premier Stelmach. While we spent a good chunk of our time discussing the issues of the day: energy and the environment, trade, intergovernmental relations, etc. we also compared our family histories. Each of us had ancestors who came to North America from Europe around the turn of the 20th century. The Premier’s family settled on a farm in Alberta. Mine came to Chicago. Both had nothing except a hope for a better life. We both took pride in how those brave and industrious souls would have felt in seeing us in our respective positions.

We finished the day with a dinner hosted by the leaders of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce where I learned more about the city and its business climate. Tomorrow it’s off to Banff. It’s supposed to snow!!! DJ

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in October 2009 |

Red Deer – October 15

Friday, October 16th, 2009

Today we drove across Alberta (the snow is melting) and we spent several hours in Red Deer. The area reminds me a lot of Illinois where I am from. Beautiful farmland. Nice cities and towns. Friendly people.
We were hosted by Morris Flewwelling, the Mayor of Red Deer City and Earl Kinsella, the Mayor of Red Deer County. It took me a while to wrap my arms around the idea of meeting two Mayors from Red Deer. But once I did, Julie and I had a grand time.

We met with a large group of Red Deer residents and then had a lunch with the Mayors and a group of government and civic leaders. I had a chance to have extended discussions of issues ranging from the impact of the drop in natural gas prices on the local economy, to Afghanistan, to the challenges faced by hog farmers as the price of feed has risen to a point where it is difficult to make money on the sale of pork.
We were invited back when it warms up – hopefully for a round of golf. I can’t think of a friendlier place to visit. DJ

Tags: ,
Posted in October 2009 |