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VOL.XVII NO.5

MAY 2006

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Hollywood heavyweight Brad Pitt filmed The Assassination of Jesse James at Fort Edmonton Park

Tourism Tiger/McHugh • Bozo-style politics/Hogle • Czech Mates/Wegmann-Sanchez

pompous & unfair FUNNY

How about them Oilers? ...and those Russian AKBars?

By Muggsy Forbes

D

on Hamilton of Air Spray and one

of the Oilers owners is suffering separation anxiety. Don is on the light side of 80 and has owned and flown his Cessna Citation 500 Jet for some 24 years. This year he decided to give up the jet, but continue flying his twin engine plane. He sold the jet to a company in the U.S., and delivered it in person—his last flight in it. Don said it felt worse than when his last wife left him. He’s single again… I just hope Anna Nicole Smith doesn’t find out about him.

Jim Killick, who has used a wheelchair for many years, once boarded a commercial flight with his wife, Linda. The flight attendant asked Linda if Jim needed special seating. The mischievous red-head responded with, “Don’t bother asking her, she’s hearing impaired.” Linda isn’t, but it was Jim’s way of helping the attendant to understand that people with disabilities often can look after themselves.

The retired executive director of the Easter Seal Ability Council made a career of helping people, organizations and governments to understand the meaning of disability. It’s also the reason he received the Lifetime Achievement award at the Red Carpet Affair from the Canadian Paraplegic Association for Alberta. His long-time career in B.C. and Alberta included a post with the Premier’s Council for Persons with Disabilities and national assignments advocating for better transportation for all Canadians. Not surprisingly, Jim likes the idea of self-managed care: People with physical disabilities receive money directly to buy things like hand controls for their SUVs. This, instead of the more circuitous route of governments giving money to agencies that give money to support groups that eventually hand it over to disabled people. Roll on, Jim.

About 85 percent of the $3.5 million required for the medical device has been raised. This year, at the 19th annual Spring Fling in Fort McMurray, Edmonton helped out with the top-selling auction item which was snagged by Syncrude CEO Charles Ruigrok for $13,500. Dale Monaghan of Air Mikisew orchestrated the package that included a return flight aboard the airline, a skybox for an Oilers game, Budget car rental, an executive suite at Chateau Nova, and three professional sports teams’jerseys signed by Greg Treble for the Eskimos, premier wannabe Mark Norris, and Oilers President Patrick Laforge.

Northern Alberta patients now travel 450 km to Edmonton and wait between seven weeks and three months for MRIs.

A group of 124 Street businesses sprung a The fellow in the Pizza 73 television commercial —which seems to run every 20 minutes—is Harvey Emas.

We often audition for commercials at the same time; he’s modeled in a lot of ads over the years. It’s that great head of hair that sets him apart. Harvey can’t get over the success of the Pizza 73 spot: It’s the closest he’s been to a rock star status. People ask him for his autograph, or they follow him to check if he’s the guy. What’s amazing about Harvey is that he’s 83, married to the same woman for 62 years, and still works as a corporate sales manager for the Fantasy Land Hotel. He says his marriage has lasted so long because he learned to say “Yes Dear” no matter what the argument was. I just wish I had his hair.

There are some really worthwhile events coming

sporting spin with the return home from Russia by Genna Razin, the hockey-playing husband of Mallory Presisniuk.

The expectant couple spends about two months a year living in Edmonton where Mallory teaches and models; otherwise, they travel to Kazan where Genna plays defense.

On Easter Sunday, Genna and his team, the AKBars, won the 17-team Superleague championship—Russia’s equivalent to the NHL Stanley Cup. Mallory received a text message here at home from Genna saying, “We won the Cup, I am coming home, sweetie.” He returns to his Mother Country for two days this month to receive a gold medal from none other than President Putin.

up in the next couple of months: Don’t forget Sorrentino’s Garlic Stomp on May 5th at the Shaw Conference Center on behalf of the Sorrentino’s Compassion House. For tickets call Stella Rago at 474-6466 or e-mail stella@sorrentinos.com The Mayor’s Evening for the Arts is May 29th. This family-friendly fundraiser gala at the Winspear is stacked with talent, from Tommy Banks to the ballet to Chris Craddock. The money raised is going in part to Nina Haggerty Center for the Arts and the Victoria School of Performing and Visual Arts. Ticket prices vary, so call box office 428-1414. The mayor is really behind this, and hoping for a packed house.

Speaking of remarkable events. The icon of the hospitality industry and one-time columnist for Edmontonians, Brian Walsh, is leaving the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. He’s taking the long walk across the street to run the new steak house at the World Trade Centre. We’re glad to see the new eatery is setting their standard high.

Residents of Fort McMurray and the rest of

The Edmonton Klondike Days Association is

the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo will finally see their first MRI machine as soon as 2008, thanks to some serious fundraising by the Northern Lights Health Foundation, says executive director Rosemarie Horne.

going to keep doing what it does under the name Events Edmonton. This includes organizing New Year’s Eve on Churchill Square and the Canada Day Festival. Probably its biggest bash and money earner is the Taste of Edmonton at

The City of Champions takes on yet another

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the Square. Street events, bath tub races and that sort of fun will still be going ahead during… um-er… the exhibition.

Last year, the World Masters Games were a big boon to the Taste, but I think with some well placed publicity at the Champ Car Races, it could be a wonderful tie in. The races are over about 4 pm—what better place to enjoy great food, live music and some dancing to finish off the night.

I think the name Events Edmonton is very descriptive.

Certainly better than City Ex, whoa, I don’t think that’s right… Spend Ex, that sounds like it… whoops, wrong… I remember now, it’s Capital Ex. Hmmmmm. Anyway, see you at Taste of Edmonton. spring fashion show to raise funds for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. It was held in a very novel but comfortable venue, McElheran’s Fine Furniture store. The models were local ladies and some work in neighbourhood stores. It sure opened my eyes to the many really smart fashion shops along 124th Street.

Tamara Kerrison, daughter of Bob and June who raised big bucks for the CBCF over the years, was one of the many organizers. She said since the city makeover of the street, the business community has become very focused on making it a destination for shopping. One of my favourite restaurants, Don Freeland’s Glenora Grill, is going strong and has a new chef. Sorry, I don’t have enough room to mention all the stores and the many people working behind the scenes to make these things happen. They’re on the right track.

Golf season is finally here. I ran into Bill McDougall, the pro at Victoria Golf Course. He’s been teaching for a good 25 years, so I asked what is the most difficult thing for people to learn. He said that it’s usually using the body, including the pivot, properly… and that it takes seven to 10 lessons to be able to play comfortably so they can go out and start improving on their own. Bill has many who come back every year for four or five lessons as tune up for the season. In fact, about a third of his lessons are refreshers. Some swingers have been coming back for 15 or 20 years… and now he’s teaching their kids. I can tell you, he’s very good at what he does. For a booking time call 993-3630. ✔

Additional reporting

by Edmontonians staff.

Call Muggsy Forbes at 780.482.4545 or e-mail mforbes@edmontonians.com

EDMONTONIANS MAY 2006

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Poll

CELEBRATING

17

STATION

YEARS

With Linda Banister

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or fans of politics, the last few months have been most entertaining.

We have seen the federal Conservative party form a minority government while, in Alberta, the provincial Tory party secured another term as the governing party. With the recent Progressive Conservative annual general meeting, came a call for a change in party leadership and the race for the premier’s job is on. This month we asked Edmontonians for their thoughts regarding the leadership race.

FOUNDER DICK MacLEAN

Vol. XVII

MAY 2006

No. 5

SHARON MacLEAN Publisher and Advertising Director Telephone: 780.482.7000 Fax: 780.488.9317 e-mail: info@edmontonians.com edmontonians.com

INSIDE FUNNY, POMPOUS AND UNFAIR How about them Oilers?/Forbes . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS Foreign advice/Wegmann-Sanchez . . . . . . . . . . . .4 FEATURE Tourism Tiger/McHugh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-7 $10 Million Pitt-stop/Deters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-10 Smithsonian/Deters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 BIZINTEL Science and Tech/Croucher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 BizIT/Michetti . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Media Minute/Hogle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Civic Buzz/Norwood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 MAKING MONEY Oil stocks/Hiebert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 INSIDE TORONTO Mayor in TO/Reiniger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

BARB DETERS Editor

editor@edmontonians.com COLUMNISTS Linda Banister Linda Bodo Cheryl Croucher Muggsy Forbes Ron Hiebert Bruce Hogle Greg Michetti W. Daniel Mothersill David Norwood Carissa Reiniger Nizar J. Somji Jessica Wegmann-Sanchez FEATURE WRITERS Murray Donaldson Peter Drake McHugh Michael O’Toole Marg. Pullishy Peter Roccia PHOTOGRAPHERS Terry Bourque Cheryl Croucher Barb Deters GRAPHIC PRODUCTION Rage Studios Inc. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Michetti Information Solutions Inc.

THIS MONTH’S COVER

HOW SATISFIED WERE YOU WITH RALPH KLEIN’S JOB AS PREMIER? Percentage

POLL STATION Ralph Klein/Banister . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

70%

21% Said they were somewhat Said they were somewhat or very satisfied with or very dissatisfied with Ralph Klein Ralph Klein

First, survey participants were asked how satisfied they are with Ralph Klein’s performance as Alberta’s premier. Almost three-quarters (70 percent) of respondents were either somewhat or very satisfied with Mr. Klein. In fact, 34 percent of respondents were very satisfied with the job Ralph Klein did. However, one in five (21 percent) surveyed were somewhat (11 percent) or very dissatisfied (11 percent) with Premier Klein’s performance.

WHAT WAS PREMIER KLEIN’S GREATEST SUCCESS? DIFFICULTY? Respondents were asked to identify Premier Klein’s greatest success during his tenure as premier. The majority of respondents (58 percent) felt the elimination of the provincial debt was his greatest success. Economic growth and low unemployment rates were seen by 11 percent as his crowning achievements, while six percent identified budget management and surpluses.

Survey participants were also asked to identify the issue with which Premier Klein has struggled with the most. Forty percent cited health care reform, while 30 percent identified Premier Klein’s public and personal approach to his position as causing him the most difficulty.

Education (six percent) and the elimination of the provincial debt (four percent) were cited among the remaining responses.

WHO WILL SUCCEED KLEIN? Looking ahead, survey respondents were asked to identify Ralph Klein’s successor. While approximately one-third (30 percent) did not have a response, one-third (30 percent) of respondents identified Preston Manning as Ralph Klein’s successor. Seventeen percent thought Jim Dinning

would become the next Conservative leader, while 12 percent felt Lyle Oberg would fill the position. David Hancock (three percent), Ed Stelmach (three percent), and Mark Norris (one percent) were identified by far fewer respondents as the next leader of the party. Approximately four percent felt the next leader would be someone other than these gentlemen.

Executive Welcome Personal marketing to select business customers

WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT CHARACTERISTICS FOR A PREMIER? Considering the position of premier, respondents were asked to rate the importance of a number of characteristics. A formal education was seen as an important characteristic by 86 percent of respondents. Ninety-six percent mentioned business experience, 79 percent felt a background in government was an important characteristic, and 77 percent cited previous political experience.

When asked to identify other attributes a premier should possess, three characteristics stood apart: Listening to Albertans (23 percent), being honest and trustworthy (22 percent), and having integrity (21 percent) were the most commonly cited. Other qualities included a good public image (11 percent), good communication and social skills (10 percent), personal magnetism (eight percent), and fulfilling promises (seven percent).

WHAT ISSUE WILL FACE THE NEW PREMIER?

Call Jeanne Wright today Phone: 780.487.2001 E-mail: jeannew@telus.net

“

Finally, respondents identified the most important issue that will face the new premier. More than half (58 percent) identified healthcare as the most important issue. Controlling the budget/surpluses (13 percent), education (13 percent), and the economy (10 percent) were the next most commonly mentioned issues.

”

Linda Banister is a certified management consultant and the owner of Banister Research and Consulting Inc., a full service provider of market research and program evaluation services.

If you have a question you would like included in the Edmontonians Poll, contact Linda at 780.451.4444 or e-mail at lbanister@edmontonians.com. For further information on the firm visit www.banister.ab.ca.

Brad Pitt Warner Brothers photo superimposed on Fort Edmonton Park photo by Terry Bourque Published by 399620 Alberta Ltd. on the first day of each month at 333, 10240 - 124 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5N 3W6. ©All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reprinted or reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher.

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All stories Copyright ©Edmontonians Publications Mail Agreement No. 40023292 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Circulation Department 333, 10240 - 124 Street Edmonton, AB T5N 3W6 Email: info@edmontonians.com

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for local oil and gas companies were presented at a seminar sponsored by Maclay Murray & Spens, a leading commercial legal firm, and Edmonton Economic Development Corporation. The title: The Canadian Oilfield Service Sector: Economic Drivers, Internationalization, Merger & Acquisition Activity and UK Financing.

Uisdean R. Vass, head of the firm’s oil and gas division in Aberdeen, gave an especially useful talk on international expansion challenges faced by oil service companies. Where I work, we represent oil and gas companies as well as those in other sectors, and I found myself nodding in agreement or taking notes on the intricacies of finding proper local allies: due diligence, taxation challenges between countries, contracts and the difficulties that could arise when you try to write them yourself from templates (mea Jonathan Brooks from London culpa!), intellectual property problems, and dealing with foreign corruption.

And, what of commercial structure? If you go to another country, should you incorporate there, set up a branch, do a joint venture with local allies, or work through an agent/ distributor? All

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During lunch, Spilios Kousinioris, vice president of Ernst & Young Orenda Corporate Finance, Calgary, spoke on mergers, acquisitions and interesting statistics on the oil and gas industry. For instance, right now in China and India the per capita energy demand is only seven percent and three percent respectively of consumption in Canada and the U.S. Just imagine what is going to happen to energy demand with the rise of the middle class in these and other developing nations. Kousinioris also made another pertinent point: “In Fort McMurray, it’s not capital that will restrain growth, but qualified workers… In 2006, it is estimated an additional 40,000 workers will be needed to meet the requirements of growth.”

The seminar was followed up a couple of weeks later by a UK trade mission to Edmonton, in which a dozen UK companies in the oil and gas industry participated in a roundtable discussion and had one-on-one meetings with Edmonton-area companies in the sector.

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have pros and cons.

Next Jonathan Brooks, head of capital markets from Maclay Murray & Spens in London, addressed Canadian companies interested in financing on the benefits of London’s AIM market, a “…market specifically tailored to smaller businesses seeking new capital for growth and expansion.”

the Middle East or wherever and just arrive. We want you to do up an export plan, be aware of regulations and all the nuances.”

“CZECH MATES” TO HELP EDMONTON WIN AT BUSINESS A delegation from the region of Liberec in the Czech Republic came to Edmonton to explore the potential for collaborative business opportunities. Pedr Skokan, Hejdman of Liberec—an office between mayor and premier—was accompanied by his assistant Iva Krizhalova, as well as by Karel Hofman, president of the Czech Business Association of Canada, and Jerry Jelinek, Honorary Consul of the Czech Republic, based in Calgary.

“The purpose of this visit,” says Jelinek, “ is to put those two regions together because of certain commonalities, one of which is nanotechnology.” He explains that the University of Liberec boasts a centre similar to University of Alberta’s own National Institute of Nanotechnology, which the delegation visited, along with local company Micralyne, specializing in the development and manufacturing of MEMS—micro-electro mechanical systems—based components.

Another goal is to explore the possibility of bringing Czech people to fill jobs here in Alberta since Liberec is “an industrial region with many well-educated skilled workers.”

Right now, the Consulate is working on one case as a pilot project, filling in the forms to bring an electronics

Mayor Stephen Mandel, Honorary Consul Jerry Jelinek, CBAC Chair Karel Hofman, and Governor Petr Skokan

EXPORTING 101 Q: Where do you turn first if you’re learning the ropes of export?

Correct Answer: Export Link, a division of Business Link.

“We handle the new and potential exporter,” says Linda Chorney, business marketing officer for Business Link.

“We’re your first entry into export… first line of communication.”

Besides its library, website and free export information line, the Business Link holds a variety of events on the subject. In the last couple months, it has offered Finding & Engaging the Right Partner for Exporting, Export Documentation Basics, Do’s and Don’ts of Business Entry into the U.S., Shipping Your Goods to the U.S. and Overseas, and Exporting Food Products, among others.

And May 9th and 10th marks its second annual conference: Beyond Borders II…Your Passport to Exporting.

Says Chorney, “What we try to stress at Export Link is being prepared—so you don’t think you can go to India or

technologist in on a foreign worker visa for an Alberta survey instruments company. “We want to learn how the process works,” says Jelinek. “Once we get this person through,… we will bring many more people.”

Skokan signed a memorandum with Mayor Stephen Mandel to open the way for further connections between the two regions, starting with a business delegation of 10 to 20 investors and company representatives planning to visit Edmonton this September. ✔ Jessica Wegmann-Sanchez, Ph.D., is Director of Corporate Communications for BIDMEXICO International Inc., an Edmonton-based company specializing in foreign business development in Mexico.

E-mail: jsanchez@edmontonians.com

EDMONTONIANS MAY 2006

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The Tourism Tiger On the for hunt economic prosperity

By P. Drake McHugh

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ccording to the latest tourism statistics released by Alberta Economic Development, the City of Champions was the number one destination in overall person-visits to Alberta and the number one destination in person-visits from other provinces in 2004. They like us; they really like us. But, if you think this surprising love affair has anything to do with being the City of Champions, the experts say you would be wrong. Thereby hangs a cautionary tale. Always be true to yourself and know who you are. The market demands it.

Edmonton is Canada’s furthest north “big” city and, believe it or not, that appears to be a draw for tourists who are stunned and genuinely jealous that in summer we can book off work at the regular time and still get in 18 holes of golf in daylight. Who knew?

Truth is, there are dozens of people from government, and private enterprise working together in a jig-saw puzzle of cooperation that is paying big dividends in a market once thought too remote to have much impact on world tourism. No more. Edmonton has an increasing reputation as both an international and a cosmopolitan city that is truly the gateway to fabled wilderness adventures.

Edmonton has come of age to the international crowd and has been discovered by other Canadians.

Despite what the arts community refers to as ‘a slash and burn’ philosophy by the provincial government, its former largess is now paying big dividends. Travel Alberta’s website concentrates first on the dining, the festivals and the arts. Only then does it promote the astonishing variety of the north and the Rocky Mountains. Edmonton is now being considered a must-see city in its own right.

Increasingly, we are a top-ranked metropolitan destination. It has not been easy to get to this point.

Edmonton in 2005. Such events are sure to boost the statistics and help us maintain our number one position for another year or more. Increasingly, we are being seen as an attractive venue for film makers (see related story), but oddly what we are not being seen as is the ‘City of Champions’.

Ken Fiske, EEDC vice-president of tourism, events and motion pictures grins conspiratorially in his office in Edmonton’s World Trade Centre. He is framed by the hugely attractive and popular Fairmont Hotel MacDonald across Jasper Avenue.

“I’m afraid, City of Champions is meaningless in a world market,” he says almost apologetically. “You have to learn to market what you have. If I am somewhere in the world where they aren’t sure who we are, I will tell them three things. We are the

THEY LIKE US; THEY REALLY LIKE US

Edmonton is now Alberta’s top tourism destination.

In Calgary, the sky is falling.

THE FACTS Edmonton Tourism, a division of Edmonton Economic Development Corp., is responsible for marketing Greater Edmonton as a preferred destination for leisure travel, business travel and film production. In 2004, an estimated 4.4 million guests visited the region, generating more than $1 billion in visitor expenditures and employing over 23,000 people. Edmonton is in the big time game of Snakes and Ladders that is tourist travel and market share.

Not surprisingly, we have a plan. Canada’s newest conference venue, the $28.8 million Hall D at the Shaw Conference Centre is now open to offer a 270-degree view of the North Saskatchewan River Valley. Easily seating 1,000 diners, it will increase the Shaw’s annual economic impact by $43 million a year.

Edmonton staged the hugely successful World Masters Games and the Champ Car Grand Prix of

Some say Edmonton’s luck is a result of the economy while others insist it is happenstance and stardust. Whatever the mix, it is moving us onto a national and international stage.

Certainly, the fact that the world’s second largest deposits of oil near Fort McMurray means that 300 million oil-addicted Americans are suddenly paying more attention to Edmonton in a way they haven’t since the opening of the Alaska Highway—most of which runs in Canada and was originally built as a military road to ensure Alaska could be defended from a threatened Japanese invasion. It has always been true that the Rocky Mountains are a must-see destination, particularly for Europeans who have mountains but have long since extirpated their large mammals. Evidently, there is something for everyone in Alberta.

home of West Edmonton Mall, Wayne Gretzky used to play here and the Edmonton Oilers still do, and the Canadian Rockies are very close. Almost everyone then knows who we are and they want to talk. That’s when you tell them about Fort Edmonton Park and the river valley and the wonderful festivals and events. Many people want to know how we’ve kept Edmonton a secret for so long,” he laughs, “and you know after they visit they go away with very positive things to say.”

Fiske has plans to draw Vancouver-bound Olympic tourists to Edmonton. But, he’s not waiting for the Olympics. Edmonton has some stunningly good sports venues, good trainers and world class facilities. He’s put the word out to Olympic teams. If you want to train your athletes for Vancouver 2010, there is no better place to do so than in Edmonton.

Generalities are odious, unfair and mostly inaccurate. However, Germans, Swiss and Austrians are stunned by the wilderness experience and by anything to do with native peoples. So the tourism industry makes sure they get a bit of both and perhaps an overnight or more in Edmonton. We generally get on well with the Americans, though most would prefer more igloos and Mounties. And therein lies the problem. When does something become cliché? Evidently, never in the tourism business.

The Japanese are more spiritual. Several direct flights from Japan light up Edmonton International’s runways during the short days of winter.

They are headed north. They have heard of the northern lights and they have come to see for themselves and maybe do a little shopping and dining. But, they, like everyone else, would not come to Canada without seeing the Rocky Mountains. Japanese often only have a week and, remarkably, sometimes fit in the Rocky Mountains, Alberta’s cities and Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, where Anne of Green Gables is said to have lived. The Japanese are evidently crazy for redheads, maple syrup and Canadian ice wine.

China will be a growing market and, no doubt, our attractions will be the Rockies and Drumheller for the dinosaur tour before heading off to Ontario to see the memorial to Canadian Dr. Norman Bethune, one of China’s greatest heroes of the Long March. Somewhere in between, you can be sure Edmonton will be pitching a day or two in the city to rest and relive pioneer days. Edmontonians sometimes forget what a draw their history is. From personal experience—and therefore not to count for much—you only had to see the faces of thousands of competitors in the World Masters Games when a mounted policeman took it upon himself to meet and greet. He is probably the most photographed

Continued on page 6

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Continued from page 5 the United States. Canadians have traditionally felt welcome anywhere in the world and with a stronger member of the RCMP in western Canada. The Canadian dollar this year, Europe looks like a good tourists had three questions: “Are you a real deal, Mexico is calling and, in the Far East, our Mountie? Where’s your horse? Can I have my money has always had long legs. America is repicture taken with you?” For many, it was the thinking its place in the world and, for many highlight of their visit to Canada.

Americans, Canada is an unknown and possibly So, if you know your market and you can unreliable destination. Have they not been reading leverage what you do with others, success can be the literature? We love these guys. Oh sure, the yours… maybe.

Detroit Red Wings are a pain in the posterior, but The world is a complex place. Certainly, Canadian everyone else is pretty nice.

Pacific Railways which owned the Banff Springs and It may take the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Chateau Lake Louise was successfully marketing the Edmonton to tempt the shy amongst them north of Rockies to Europe in the late 1800s. And now, West the border. The northwest of the United States— Edmonton Mall has over 30 years experience at selling an idea, a concept to a world hungry for a new experience. The world’s largest mall… in Edmonton, you say?

Earlier this year, Alberta cowboys—real, not the drugstore type—visited New York to let people know that while Brokeback Mountain had a Wyoming setting, much of the film was actually shot with Alberta crews in Alberta. So was Robin William’s just released RV. This summer Alberta will take centre stage along America’s National Mall in Washington D.C. as the featured region at the internationally renowned Smithsonian Folklife Festival from June 30th to July 11th, drawing one million visitors to the free 10- day event. Come fall, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, starring Brad Pitt, will be released. Most of the movie was filmed in the province, including Fort Canadian Finals Rodeo Edmonton Park. Fiske did suggest to the Photo courtesy of www.edmonton.com New York media that they do the math when Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s baby is born: There’s a good chance it was conceived during their California, Oregon, beautiful Washington and Montana—works hard to convince their doubting stay in the Greater Edmonton area. Edmonton and cousins, we are foreign, safe and open for business.

Alberta may not yet be on the collective American They know us in a way eastern Canadians might not mind, but it is not for lack of trying. understand, and we return the compliment. We have many interests in common. Just a note here: It is NOT ALL ROSY sometimes difficult to tell Americans that, while we Canadians will soon be required to have a passport can be their worst critics, we do feel we have a to visit the United States. No problem, we are a right to criticize family members. No harm peripatetic lot who love to travel and many of us intended, guys. already have passports. Not so the Americans.

This is a good thing. As a former Prime Minister Especially after 9-11, they have been reticent to reminded us, being Canadian (population 30 travel to foreign destinations. In fact, latest million) living next door to America (population transborder visits to Alberta continue to lag behind 300 million and the world’s last super power) is pre-9-11 numbers. This will probably affect border like a mouse in bed with an elephant. “When the cities in Canada more than Edmonton which is a little north of convenient, one-day shopping trips in elephant turns over, you pay attention.” Alas, it is

not all Albertans remember of Pierre Elliot Trudeau.

Nonetheless, after the failed American attempt to invade Canada during the War of 1812, we’ve come to pretty much understand. Our different destinies saw Canada go to the defence of Europe in two world wars well before the danger had permeated the American mind. We like to think we are masters of our own house, but there is something quite likeable, even admirable, about our American cousins. Despite major thievery and an ability to negotiate until they win over softwood lumber, two world wars and the U.N. action in Korea, immigration and oil have made us fast friends.

The second problem may be gasoline. Nobody yet knows how the price of gasoline will affect motorists. The Alaska Highway has always led many Americans to the temptations of West Edmonton Mall. But will they continue to travel? We are about to find out… the American world may be changing and the media eye us suspiciously. Major Canadian media report the Edmonton experience from Ottawa or Calgary. It may be that events have overcome this. Increasingly the coverage is in New York and Washington, London and Beijing. Edmonton is about to become a world player. What’s on the mid-term horizon?

BONJOUR Frank Salnier with La Chambre Economique de l’Alberta is charged with attracting francophones to Alberta, both from Europe and Quebec. He bemoans the lack of direct flights from Europe to Edmonton. A survey of French speaking tourists found that 50 percent had no idea Alberta had a French speaking population. In the past three months, his staff has been fielding about 500 requests for information about Alberta. Many people want to come to stay. He has some mild criticism for the city. “The city provides bilingual guides at places like Fort Edmonton Park and Northlands… but then they fail to promote the fact that you can tour in French. Many Quebecois speak English but it is interesting for them to hear some of their mother tongue.” He estimates 60,000 Quebecois visit Alberta each year. He’s currently working on a plan for businesses that are short of well educated professionals or trades people to provide company services in French. “It is not very expensive,” he says, “and if they need help, we are here to provide that service.”

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SHOPPING NIRVANA Over at the bustling West Edmonton Mall, General Manager and COO Gary Hanson is gearing up for even more business. “We have the international market here and we have the local market. Our research tells us that both groups look for a uniqueness they cannot find elsewhere… we’re always on the look out for new ideas and new stores.” He admits that, while West Edmonton Mall is well experienced in drawing tourists to Edmonton, the mall partners with other businesses and organizations. “It is such a big thing that you can’t do it yourself and that Edmonton ‘can do’ attitude really does pay dividends.”

Hanson is looking forward to the deepening of BC’s port of Prince Rupert that would then allow huge amounts of freight to be transhipped through Edmonton to the consumer hungry U.S. Commerce and tourism are flip sides of the same card. “That port will be huge for Edmonton”, he says.

West Edmonton Mall Photo courtesy of www.edmonton.com

He is not worried about gasoline prices, “They will be what they will be and everybody is in the same boat.” But passports for travel in North America could be bad for business. “I’ve seen some reports that say 75 per cent of Americans do not have passports, and this could hurt us but we’re out there marketing and we know we really need direct flights to Europe. The North American market is still strong for us… we have every license plate in America except for Hawaii in our parking lot so, for the moment, that’s strong.”

Over at Travel Alberta, they are gearing up for tourists as well. Mexicans (who love to shop) will be chartered into the city in yet another experiment to boost tourism.

GREATER EDMONTON’S TOP ATTRACTIONS West Edmonton Mall River Valley Parks Jasper National Park Old Strathcona Fort Edmonton Elk Island National Park Muttart Conservatory Edmonton Folk Music Festival Fringe Theatre Festival Edmonton Oilers and Eskimos Canadian Finals Rodeo Derek Coke-Kerr with Travel Alberta is upbeat about Alberta’s chances to slice a larger piece of the world tourism market and he believes Edmonton could be a leader. “Edmonton has always been good at events,” he says. “The Edmonton Grand Prix is a prime example. People in Edmonton don’t ask whether they can do it, they just jump in and do it and that attitude is paying dividends for the city.

Edmonton has more overnight stays now than Calgary and it is an increasingly cosmopolitan city and it has the mall and the river valley.”

He knows what brings in the tourists. “In Canada, it is Niagara Falls and the Rocky Mountains, just as in India it is the Taj Mahal and in Paris the Eiffel Tower. You don’t want to fool with that. West Edmonton Mall is the focal point for Edmonton.

But, in Alberta, we have five* of the 13 World Heritage Sites in Canada and that is a tremendous draw for us… as is the fact that we have some of the best and earliest snow in the world.”

Ken Fiske in Hall D. Photo by Terry Bourque Alberta boasted 13 million person visits in 2004.

Those visitors left $2.3 billion in our pockets. We hosted some close neighbours too: 913 thousand Saskatchewan tourists left $231 million in the province during 2004, the last year for which statistics are available, and 1.3 million tourist visits came from BC and left the province $373 million richer. Alberta would appear to be a province for all tastes. Albertans like to travel too. Last year they toured their home province and kept $42 million in the economy. Travel Alberta is hoping to see that rise to $48 million this year.

Looks like Edmonton will be a gold medal winner long before the Olympics come to Canada. ✔ *The Rocky Mountain Parks, Waterton Park, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, Wood Buffalo Park and the Drumheller Badlands

EDMONTONIANS MAY 2006 Proof_

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Brad Pitt as Jesse James

$10 Million P

By Barb Deters

T Lights… camera… action!

In the past 10 years, Greater Edmonton’s credits as a location for films include: 1 The Assassination of Jesse James—Warner Bros., 2005 2 For the Love of a Child—Lifetime, 2005 3 The Christmas Blessing—CBS Television, 2005 4 Waking Walter (Accent Entertainment) 2005 5 12 Days of Christmas Eve—USA Network, 2004 6 Selling Innocence—ImaGination Productions, 2004 7 Santa’s Slay—RATT Entertainment, 2004 8 Intern Academy—Minds Eye Pictures, 2004 9 100 Days in the Jungle—ImaGination Productions, 2003 10 Ginger Snaps-Prequel and Sequel—49th Parallel, 2003 11 Mentors—Family Channel, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 12 War Bride—Random Harvest Picture/DB Entertainment, 2000 13 The Edge—20th Century Fox, 1999 14 Snow Day—Paramount Pictures/Nickelodeon Movies, 1999 15 Jake and the Kid—Nelvana, 1996 - 1997

he economic impact? I would say $10 million in the Edmonton area… but that doesn’t include meals and individual purchases that can’t be calculated,” beams Patti Tucker, Edmonton film commissioner. She’s talking about the filming of onethird of the The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford—henceforth referred to simply as The Assassination of J. J. with apologies to Warner Bros.

Like many other sectors in Alberta, the province’s film industry is booming. Throughout the past year, Alberta has been basking in the glow of worldwide media attention brought to the province by hosting some of Hollywood’s biggest celebs, and by earning film nominations and awards faster than you can say, “Hank Williams First Nation” (filmed in Peace River, it received a Genie nomination).

The bounty of this success means millions of dollars in economic spinoffs, jobs for Albertans, rural economic development and incalculable benefits in tourism and investment attraction for the province.

Estimates of the economic spin off from last year’s film projects run around $176 million, including taxes paid to the government. The industry also provides work for roughly 3,000 Albertans.

When celebrities like Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie hit town their presence produces waves that ripple throughout the city. The ripple is so great that people become stargazing hyper. With Pitt here last fall filming The Assassination of J. J. at historic Fort Edmonton Park, paparazzi from all over the world swooped down on the city like birds in an Alfred Hitchcock movie—and provided world coverage of events happening in Alberta.

Publications from every continent featured stories and photographs of Pitt and Jolie—in the springtime of their romance—checking out the dinosaurs at Drumheller’s Royal Tyrrell Museum, shopping at West Edmonton Mall and eating pie in Cochrane. Alberta was also mentioned on a number of network TV stations such as Fox News, CNN and ABC and in major magazines such as People and Time. That kind of publicity is priceless.

Simon Hudson, author of Film Tourism: A Destination Marketing Opportunity for Alberta, has studied the link between tourism and film, “There is no doubt that filmviewing influences travel decisions.” In his February 2005 report, he cited a survey in the U.K. which found that eight out of 10 Britons get their holiday destination ideas from films, and one in five

Patti Tucke Photo by Te

T

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Pitt-stop in Edmonton

ker found the “blue cut” Terry Bourque

will actually go to the location where their favourite movie was filmed.

A Taiwanese travel company is marketing trips to southern Alberta, where the Oscar award-winning movie Brokeback Mountain was filmed.

Clint Dunford, the minister responsible for both the Alberta Film Commission and Travel Alberta, expects the industry to grow. “The commercial success of Alberta’s film and television projects has generated significant interest in producing films in Alberta by both local and international producers. ...Beautiful scenery, long days, and awardwinning crews make Alberta a popular filming location for productions around the world, the Alberta industry needs to be competitive with other jurisdictions that also are bidding for the business.”

The industry has shown significant resurgence in recent years by producing 53 motion pictures during the past three years. The number of commercials, documentaries, television and lifestyle projects also has been growing. This resurgence is, in part, due to the financial incentives Alberta uses to bring filmmakers through the door.

This is where the Alberta film development program comes in. It provides funding assistance to film

and television projects shot and produced in the province. On April 1st, with funding increased by $1.4 million to nearly $15 for the new fiscal year, the administration of program moved from the community development to economic development family, and brought Alberta Film and Travel Alberta under the ministry’s umbrella. The program is now managed by film funding veteran Sandra Green. With the move, the department has adjusted film development guidelines to ensure a return on investment for taxpayers. To date, the investment has been sound with the province earning a return on its investment of $1.20 for every dollar invested.

Although they are under the same roof, the Alberta film development program and Alberta Film are distinct: The latter deals strictly with funding issues, while the former is the marketing arm of the province’s film business. Alberta Film promotes the province’s amazing locations, helps filmmakers with location information and scouting, and acts as a liaison with facilities, services, businesses and government.

Calgary and Edmonton also have their own regional film commissioners. Tucker’s counterpart in Calgary is Beth Thompson. Both market their respective regions as Continued on page 10

Bill Goldberg (7)

Rebecca Gayheart (3) Rob Lowe (3)

Mimi Rogers (6)

EDMONTONIANS MAY 2006

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Mary Louise Parker (1) Casey Affleck (1)

Molly Parker(12)

Chevy Chase (14)

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Continued from page 9 The Assassination of J. J. is scheduled for release in October. Whether it achieves the acclaim experienced by viable film locations and do their best to keep crews Brokeback Mountain is a question mark. In the interim, working and the film industry’s infrastructure in place.

Brad and Angelina—accompanied by her two adopted Calgary’s proximity to the Rocky Mountains and the children, now Jolie-Pitts—have moved to Namibia to foothills give that city and its production companies an await the birth of their child. Should it come to pass that edge over the Capital Region.

But Tucker is up for the challenge. She has just returned the child was conceived during the Fort Edmonton from a locations’ fair in Los Angeles where she pitched the segment of the filming, Greater Edmonton will no doubt have to endure more publicity. Oh well… city to producers, “Edmonton is poised for tremendous Hey, we capitalize where and when we can—it’s good growth,” she says, “with the changes to the development for business. ✔ program and the recent success of several productions, Edmonton has become a preferred destination Patti Tucker in the refurbished First Class Car for filming.” Late April saw the arrival of Photo by Terry Bourque three location scouts to check what all we have to offer.

“A good experience is our best salesman.

Early publicity and the antics of the paparazzi [during the filming of The Assassination of J. J.] have already created a buzz about Edmonton and the Park… Did you know Fort Edmonton is the largest reconstructed historical site in Canada? One of the crew said it ‘could have been designed by a cinematographer’ because of the wide streets and ample spaces between buildings that easily accommodate lots of equipment and booms.”

Tucker is understandably enthusiastic about Fort Edmonton as a unique film location. Her greatest coup was delivering the “blue cut”—a cleared area rising up from the tracks. The site crew had scoured North America for such a spot that would be where Jesse and the boys would swoop down to rob the train. No luck.

By chance, Tucker noticed a clearing just above the tracks in the southwest quadrant of the Park. It was ideal.

“The producers were thrilled to have the town, the 1895 streetscape, the train and the blue cut at a single site—that doesn’t happen often,” according to Tucker.

Many of the logistics were stick-handled by Dawn Linman, group sales coordinator at Fort Edmonton, who served as on-site liaison for filming and described by Tucker as an “unsung hero.” Linman is quick to point out the legacy of the shoot, particularly the first class rail car which was completely retrofitted with top-of-the-line period décor. As well, Warner Bros. covered any lost revenues the park suffered during shut down for filming, and the cost of restoring and re-signing buildings.

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Alberta at the Smithsonian Slimming Secret!

Lose Lose 4 4 to to 20 20 inches inches in in an an hour! hour!

A hot new detoxifying body wrap!

By Barb Deters

There’s a secret buzzing all over Greater Edmonton that we can’t wait to tell you about…

America’s National Mall

I

f you’ve got it, flaunt it.

That’s kind of always been the mantra of Alberta. Now more than ever, we’ve got it. Wealth, energy, stunning scenery, a welleducated populace, talented entertainers, world-class chefs, great food, renowned beef, a rich heritage, spunk.

And, we’ve got a man in Washington, DC, who knows how to capitalize on opportunity. When the federal government declined an invitation to be the featured region at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, a Canadian Embassy rep asked Murray Smith if Alberta would be interested. Dah, you think?

To put it in perspective, there are a few things you have to understand. First, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival is billed as the “top event in the U.S.” In its 40-year history, it has showcased more than 100 nations and regions. It attracts more than one million visitors annually to the free, 10-day outdoor event. It is staged along a five block area on America’s National Mall, surrounded by the U.S. Capital, the Washington Mall and the Smithsonian national museum. It is expected that international media coverage will reach another audience of 50 million.

Secondly, no province has ever been featured at the Festival. This is an unprecedented opportunity for Alberta to display its diversity, beauty and opportunities to an international audience. More than 150 Alberta musicians, storytellers, cooks, craftspeople, occupational specialists and cultural experts will celebrate our unique culture. From June 30th to July 11th, events will highlight our indigenous traditions, rich pioneer and immigrant heritage and our thriving contemporary culture.

Concerts and theatre performances will be held at venues throughout Washington, including the Kennedy Centre and the Canadian Embassy: The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra will perform, and three Edmonton Fringe plays will be presented at Washington’s new Capital Fringe Festival (July 20th to 30th).

But Alberta at the Smithsonian isn’t all fun and entertainment— there’s a more serious side in the days preceding the Festival. Alberta Week in Washington will target congressional representatives, senators,

Photo supplied by Finning cabinet members, trade reps, U.S. industries, media and think-tanks. A series of sector-specific economic forums will highlight information and communications technology; Alberta’s potential as a safe and secure supplier of energy; and agricultural interdependence. On June 28th, the City of Edmonton will co-sponsor a gala celebration for 700 guests at the National Building Museum. The Universities of Alberta, Calgary, Athabasca and Lethbridge, together with the Alberta College of Art and the Banff Centre, will host an advanced education reception to highlight collaborative programs. A legacy relationship will be established to connect Alberta teachers and students with Smithsonian staff and resources.

The Smithsonian and the Government of Alberta are the primary funders of the $3.8 million project. Opportunities for private partnerships supporting aspects of the festival and associated events will help offset some of the costs. To date, sponsors include Enbridge, the Regional Issues Working Group (a consortium of oilsands players), Finning, CanolaInfo, City Lumber, Alberta Beef Producers, and the Cities of Edmonton and Calgary. Any companies interested in partnering should contact Drew Hutton, director of corporate promotions for the Smithsonian project, at 422-1647 or e-mail drew. hutton@gov.ab.ca.

And if you had any doubts that Alberta would leave a lasting impression on folks in the U.S. capital, picture this: A mammoth dump truck with 12-foot tires—just like the ones used in Alberta’s oilsands— parked on the National Mall. How about that, eh? ✔

“ I was attending a special event and had borrowed a strapless black dress, but it was a little snug,” remembers Nadine Jolson.

“A friend suggested the wrap.”

The mineral soaked bandages “felt kind of like a corset,” says Nadine. But it was worth it.

“I rushed home to try on the dress and it was loose. I could wear it and actually breathe.”

“You start by recording your before measurements,” says Linda Perras of Suddenly Slimmer. “We check jaw, neck, forearm, wrist, bust, waist, abdomen, hips, upper thighs, lower thighs, calves and ankles. Then comes the treatment itself.”

1. The wrap. You are wrapped firmly with elastic bandages soaked in warm mineral solution.

2. Get your blood pumping.

Light physical activity revs up circulation.

3. Remoisten. Every 20 minutes, the mineral solution is applied. After 60 minutes, the wraps come off.

Why it works?

The wrap detoxifies the body.

The body can get overloaded with toxins because it cannot keep up with the filtration process. The more toxins in the body, the more lymphatic fluid increases to protect cells.

You force out toxins.

Once the toxins are gone, the lymphatic fluid decreases and you lose inches. It is not water loss—rather, an exchange of minerals for toxins.

That’s a Wrap!

Call Linda Perras at Suddenly Slimmer Day Spa

780.459.3444 pedicures. manicures. facials. aroma therapy message

www.suddenlyslimmerdayspa.com EDMONTONIANS MAY 2006 Proof_

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BizINTEL Science&Tech Imagine walking along the banks of the North Saskatchewan River. But instead of listening to the sound of water rippling by, all you hear is the squishing of your boots stepping through mud.

Fiction? No, historical fact. Says water scientist Dr. Bill Donahue, “In the mid to late 1800s, there wasn’t enough water in the North Saskatchewan River to float a canoe according to some of the diaries that came from that period.”

And judging from the study that Bill and his colleague Dr. David Schindler have just published in the journal Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences, that scenario is being repeated in our own time. Says David, “If you listen to some of my friends in Saskatchewan who canoe or kayak, they’re complaining about having to drag their canoes where once there was lots of water.”

David Schindler, of course, is the world renowned water ecologist who calls the University of Alberta home. He’s the scientist behind the removal of phosphates from detergents. Among the many, many awards that recognize his brilliance as a scientist are the Stockholm Water Prize and Canada’s Gerhardt Hertzberg Gold Medal from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council. He is a fellow in both the Royal Society and the Royal Society of Canada. In April, he traveled to Beverly Hills where he was presented with the $200,000 Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement. (http://www.usc.edu/dept/LAS/tylerprize) So when someone of David’s repute says the prairies are drying up, the world sits up and takes notice. On the day their paper was published, David had already slipped in eight telephone interviews before 9 AM, and there were more reporters lined up to record him.

Bill did his PhD work under David’s

supervision at the U of A, then went on to do post-doctoral research with Alberta Environment. He now calls himself an independent scientist, working through his company Freshwater Research Ltd. And he’s studying law. Observes Bill, “When it comes to environmental decisions, unfortunately they’re not based on science. They’re decided by the courts.”

It was Bill’s initial research on declining water levels in Muriel Lake near Bonnyville that evolved into the broadscale analysis of

David Schindler and Bill Donahue what’s happening with water across the west. Ultimately, the paper Bill and David co-authored outlines the shocking decline in the amount of water flowing in our western rivers over the last century—drops of 20 to 85 percent depending on the watershed.

Says David, “Having seen that, we started to look for causes: things like changing climate, warmer temperatures causing higher evaporation, declines in snow packs, declining glacial flows because of glacial melt. There are also the human factors: withdrawing water and changes to watersheds by bulldozing and filling in wetlands and removing riparian streambank areas. Using climate models as a basis for what we see happening with warming, population growth and industrial growth, it’s not a very pretty picture.”

What makes the situation even worse is that these factors are exacerbating a natural cycle of drought on the prairies. The analysis of tree rings and the deposits of algae in lake sediments indicate that the

BizIT 101 Every consultant, support technician and programmer directly involved in the hi-tech industry has a set of tips, tricks, shortcuts and cute applications they use on a day to day basis.

In fact, one of the best ways to be more productive is to belong to as many user groups and attend as many events as possible. I can’t tell you how many great ideas I’ve picked up at places like Sun’s JavaOne, Microsoft’s TechEd, or Interop in Las Vegas.

If any of these shows is on your 2006 calendar, make sure you get good value by participating in as many sessions as possible. Show up early, stay late and attend the parties, too. You will be amazed at the tips you pick up simply by being involved in informal discussions with fellow attendees… especially when you can share ideas over a refreshing, adult beverage.

For example, who doesn’t use Google? If you have a technical question, most people simply key in the phrase and search the entire web. However, changing your selection to Groups at the top means you will search the User Groups that generally contain e-mail threads on the exact tech support issue you are looking for. In other words, it searches the technical locations where the answer to your query is more likely to be found. Google is addictive—the more you use it, the more you depend on it.

And, who doesn’t use Microsoft Outlook?

Do you know where your Outlook file is stored? First, do a Search and locate it, making sure you select the advanced 12

prairies have experienced a cycle of long droughts every century over the last two thousand years.

“We’ve had droughts that lasted 30 to 40 years or more and, sometimes, there have been two or three droughts in a century,” explains David. “Even the drought of the Dirty Thirties is puny by comparison.”

It turns out the explorer Captain John Palliser, who declared the triangle of land in southern Alberta that’s named after him as too dry for agriculture, arrived at the end of a 40-year drought in the mid-1800s. How ironic that the settlement and industrial development that followed his expedition took place during one of the wettest periods in the history of the prairies.

Continues David, “I think the chance of getting two centuries in a row that are unusually wet is slim. So we know that, if it is as dry as Palliser saw, with the abundance of people and agriculture and industry that we have now, even without climate warming and glacial melt, we’d have a pretty tough time on our hands.”

What makes David and Bill’s analysis different from previous studies is that they have looked at the flow of water during summer, which holds much more meaning than averaged annual flows. As David points out, “Annual flows are not representative of the crisis we’re in because our big water demand, especially for southern rivers, is in the summer when the irrigators want the water… when the lawn and garden people in the cities want the water… and when we need water for the coldwater fisheries like the Bow and the Oldman.”

Bill warns that this drying of the prairies has many social and economic implications which we cannot afford to ignore. “Oil and gas development—especially heavy oil and oilsands—and things like agriculture are highly water intensive. We assume the fundamental things these industries rely on, such as water, will just continue. However, the supply is going down and the demand is

option of including Hidden Files in your search. Normally called outlook.pst, it is located in a very hard-to-find place if you are a single user and/or not using Microsoft Exchange Server. Anyway, your life would probably be over if you lost your e-mail contacts, rules, e-mails and calendar.

So if your PST file is not stored on the corporate file server (which should be backed up daily) are you making a backup? If not, the best tool to use is the Microsoft Outlook personal folders backup program available as free download from www. microsoft.com. Designed for use in Outlook 2000, just download the application, install it and back up your entire PST file easily and quickly to another location—such as another folder; a shared folder on another PC, a removable USB drive, or right to your desktop where you can then burn it to a CD. The best part about the tool is how it attaches to your Outlook menu and prompts you for regular backups. Even if you are using Exchange Server and the system is backed up at night, I advise making a backup of Outlook anyway.

Speaking of backup, are you using the built in backup tool that ships with Windows XP Pro? Check the accessories folder on your start menu and try it out. For example, a home user can easily back up the data only to a folder on a hard drive, then burn to CD or move it to another PC or laptop. For the few bucks it takes to do that, it is well worth it. Remember: Backup only data to save room. You can usually reinstall all the applications from CD or DVD.

going up. The question is, how much are we willing to sacrifice to continue to fuel some of these industries with water?”

Without the setting of priorities, conflict is inevitable. “Conflicts are going to arise between different water users within the province as well as inter-jurisdictional,” suggests Bill. “So between provinces— between Alberta, and Saskatchewan, Manitoba and the Northwest Territories— there will be conflicts with Aboriginal groups who rely on things like the PeaceAthabasca Delta for their livelihood. And if we return to the mega droughts this part of the world has experienced in the last 2,000 years, politically they need to start making those decisions in terms of a long term plan.”

David’s prescription for a fix, if one is possible, is three-pronged, starting with the conservation of watersheds. “Driving across Alberta, everyday I see the bulldozing of forests and wetlands to turn them into sites for new big box stores or new feedlots and other agricultural and industrial activities.

Most people don’t realize those are key features that we need to recharge our groundwater aquifers and to clean the water before it seeps into lakes and rivers.”

With Alberta’s population poised to double by 2030, we need to reassess where people live. “Instead of letting the big population explosion hit dry southern Alberta, we could offer incentives to get people and industry to move where the water is in the north, rather than letting them settle at random where they want to and then worrying about expensive diversions to get water to them.”

Serious water conservation is David’s third call to action. “We still use more water than European countries by a factor of at least two and in some cases four. We could also do a lot to choose industries and agricultural crops that don’t require as much water.”

It’s something to not just think about, but to act on, the next time you leave the tap running while you peel potatoes or set the sprinkler out to water the lawn. The cumulative actions of each of us go a long way toward preserving or undermining our long term sustainability. It’s your choice.

Just remember, history shows we’re long overdue for a catastrophic drought. ✔ Cheryl Croucher is an Edmonton broadcast journalist and host of Innovation Alberta. You can hear the program on CKUA Radio Tuesdays at 8pm or download it when you visit www.innovationalberta.com.

E-mail ccroucher@edmontonians.com

Have you ever attended a meeting and somebody handed you a sheet of paper covered mostly with numbers?

I don’t know about you, but my eyes glaze over. Sure, give out the numbers but also provide a simple bar or pie chart graph. With Microsoft Excel, graph creation is easy. It surprises me how many accountants fail to do this and still expect everybody to get their point.

Speaking of graphs and visual explanations, spend about $10 and download DiskPie Pro from PC Magazine.

This application does a far better job of showing you just what is occupying disk space on your hard drive. For example, it will display how much room those MP3s take up, and how huge your Outlook PST file has grown… not to mention all those dumb video jokes Cuzin’ Vern has sent you since 1998.

DiskPie Pro also assists you in cleaning up your drive— you can delete the files from the interface—and it monitors usage, too. It can also be set to notify you if a file type (eg: your daughter’s pirated movie downloads) exceeds a specified limit. Handles networked drives too (eg: your daughter’s PC).

Even if you think your act doesn’t need cleaning up, your hard drive probably does. ✔ Gregory B. Michetti of the Alberta-based systems integration firm Michetti Information Solutions, Inc. can be reached via www.michetti.com or e-mail IT101@edmontonians.com EDMONTONIANS MAY 2006

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Media Minute with Bruce Hogle Alberta continues to dominate headlines and airwaves across Canada, thus providing a field day for editorial writers, cartoonists, columnists and open line hosts.

We’ve garnered front page treatment in the past because of sporting achievements, and our natural wealth which has enabled Alberta to become debt free, have billions in our treasury, plus an economy and standard of living that increasingly attract more Canadians and immigrants to move here.

Another newsworthy event from the past occurred when Ralph Klein, who had just turned 50, was sworn in as Alberta’s 12th premier on December 14th, 1992. Ironically—and you can mark it down—Thursday, December 14, 2006 will be the exact date he steps

Civic Buzz

down as premier: 14 years to the day from when he came to power and led his party to four consecutive election victories.

Klein, like all of us, has shortcomings.

He’s never denied it. But his achievements and contributions did not warrant the shoddy treatment accorded him at the Progressive Conservative AGM. Following that convention, The Globe and Mail’s Jeffrey Simpson bluntly stated that Klein’s “bozo style” ill-suited Alberta. It could also be said that the “bozo style” of some PC delegates and convention organizers also ill-suited their party.

Would Social Credit followers have made a mockery of the resignations of former Premiers William Aberhart, Ernest Manning or Harry Strom?

Would former PC members have derided the performances of Premiers Peter Lougheed or Don Getty? Ditto for the Liberals and NDP and their

respective leaders over the years. The collective answers, of course, are a resounding no!

In the federal, provincial and civic elections I’ve covered in five provinces, I’ve never witnessed a more despicable event than occurred at the AGM… bringing Premier Klein and his wife Colleen to a tearful public departure from the political stage.

Regardless of your politics, let us ensure this sad political spectacle never occurs again. But how do we achieve that, Professor Hogle? Delighted you asked.

First: Before Ralph Klein leaves office, let’s enact the necessary legislation, starting in 2007, to have fixed-term Alberta elections every four years. That’s what B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell promised when first elected to power five years ago, and he delivered that May 17th, 2005, becoming the first province to depart

from the standard British parliamentary procedure. Fickle B.C. residents obviously liked this change as Campbell became the first B.C. premier to win a second term in 22 years.

Secondly: Let’s initiate legislation to limit the terms of all future Alberta premiers to a maximum 12 years, or three terms of four years each. This would ensure both an ongoing cultivation of fresh new visionary leadership blood, and assure no further debacles as occurred in Calgary.

I trust all those aspiring to become Alberta premier in 2007 would strongly endorse these proposals—not just for the benefit of PC party members, but for all Albertans. ✔

Edmonton and to express your views.

You’ll be surprised to find just how many others share them.

highest satisfaction rating ever.

More than two years ago, I wrote in a column that we really need to give the revamped Churchill Square a chance… that most people were condemning it even before it was finished and could be “broken in.” I’ve seen for myself how similar squares in other, notably European, cities become magnets for human activity, and I have no reason to doubt that Churchill Square can and will do the same here, sooner than later. This spring, the Square will feature additional enhancements including large colourful umbrellas, more flower towers, banners and picnic tables. The Interpretive Centre in the southwest corner is also being used for community displays and events.

involving the city’s Chinese population—have rejuvenated pockets of the area.

But the Downtown East Project is intended to coordinate a significant renewal of this entire area, emphasizing community, history, quality of life and diversity, and connection to the river valley, among other things. A variety of options are being examined, and would include high-, medium- and low-density housing in different configurations, along with parks, shops and services, depending on which of five planning options or combination of options is finally selected. The options, along with background information and the results of public consultations, can be found at www.edmonton.ca/portal/server.pt. Click on the Downtown East Project, listed under Current Issues and Initiatives. It’s worth a serious look.

The ultimate success of the Downtown East Project is critical to Edmonton’s future well-being and image. While many priorities face the city for improving its image to the outside world, a reinvigorated downtown east would have immediate appeal to resident and visitor alike. Along with the Central McDougall renewal plan, it will help bring more people downtown permanently, infusing the core— and such places as Sir Winston Churchill Square—with new businesses, services and, most important of all, vitality. The momentum is strong; let’s not let it slip away.

In case anyone hasn’t heard about it yet, a new initiative undertaken and funded by the Edmonton Economic Development Corporation appears to be an early success. It takes the form of an interactive website: www. connect2edmonton.ca, a new virtual forum for the worldwide C2E community. Essentially, C2E is an innovative and interactive online community that encourages discussion and collaboration on any Edmontonthemed subject. As noted, it was conceived by EEDC, with promotional support from Edmonton Airports, the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce and the City of Edmonton. It is an autonomous, non-political, member-led organization supported by a growing group of pro-Edmonton volunteers and representatives from partner organizations.

“C2E was initiated in partial response to the never-ending global challenge of promoting (and sometimes defending) the image and reputation of Alberta’s capital region,” says Allan Scott, president and CEO of EEDC. “I congratulate all C2E volunteers and all partner organizations for believing Edmonton deserves a global forum for intelligent, moderated discussion about new ideas to shape Edmonton’s future and, in the process, empowering a new generation of emerging leaders.”

C2E really does connect Edmontonians worldwide, and from my visits to the site, I can say that just about every participant cares passionately about Edmonton—what it is, where it’s going, and what it can become.

I understand that more than 100 people from around the world—in countries including Sweden, Japan, Russia and the United States—are talking online about this geographic region. It’s a good way to reach the international business community.

Of course, the site is only as good as the quality of its participants’ comments, and it needs to maintain its currency if it is to be effective. But so far… so good. Through the various forums, I’ve discovered things about Edmonton that I didn’t know (and I consider myself a trivia fanatic when it comes to this city). Joining is relatively easy—just go to the site and follow the directions. It’s an engaging way to find out what is happening in

So perhaps the naysayers—and there have been many—were wrong. The City says that its renovated central urban plaza, Sir Winston Churchill Square, attracted more than 1.2 million visitors during 46 different events held over 147 days in 2005, a major increase in all those categories over the summer of 2003, the last time the Square was open.

“It’s been magnificent to witness the enthusiasm and excitement that builds every time something happens in Churchill Square,” said Mayor Stephen Mandel. “It may have taken us a while to appreciate the difference between a

Bruce Hogle is the former news director at CFRN TV and recently retired head of the Alberta Press Council.

Positive reaction to last month’s article about the high

city square and city park, but it’s clear that Edmontonians are embracing the new Churchill Square as the place to be for an event in our city.”

According to the City, Churchill Square recorded increases in use in just about every category compared to 2003; including a 700 percent increase in bookings; a 400 percent increase in days of use; a 50 percent increase in attendance to a total of 1,262,181 people; an increase of 23 percent in attendance at summer festivals—the highest level ever; with 37 new events never previously held in the Square.

Event programming totaled 147 days; and user groups gave the venue the

Now I’d like to see space for a yearround wine bar and perhaps another restaurant, but maybe those, in time, will come too.

Another development will contribute to the vitality of Churchill Square, when and if it actually comes about is the Downtown East Project, a major initiative to rejuvenate and rebuild the area east of 97th Street and north of the river… an area that was the historic heart of the city but which over the years deteriorated into a hodge-podge of slums and hotels, vacant lots, pawn shops, taverns, sex shops and the like. Not all of the area is decrepit, of course; numerous developments—most notably

standing achieved by the University of Alberta School of Business’ MBA Program in the prestigious Financial Times of London annual ranking. Craig O’Connor, director of placement and recruitment for the program, tells me that “many employers in Edmonton are not aware of the talented students we have available for summer work or full-time work. For example,” he pointed out, “roughly 40 percent of our students are international and speak several languages—they could potentially help Edmonton companies tap foreign markets.”

Another untapped source of talent for Edmonton and area employers to check out. Craig can be contacted at coconnor @ualberta.ca. ✔ David Norwood is a freelance writer/editor.

Contact dnorwood@edmontonians.com

EDMONTONIANS MAY 2006

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money MAKING

By Ron Hiebert

Oil stocks as a political hedge

T

©2004, 2005 Scott Kay, Inc. All Rights Reserved. All images and logos are trademarks of Scott Kay, Inc.

he current commodities boom is a political Dr.Jekyll and Mr. Hyde story. For resource rich democracies like Canada and Australia, it gives their income hungry governments the political luxury of simultaneously paying down debt and increasing expenditures on much needed programs like health care, infrastructure and education.

In a “rob Peter to pay Paul” world, there is normally a tug of war that finds social expenditure and fiscal responsibility at opposite ends of the rope. Royalty income, especially off exploding oil and gas sales, has given many resource-based western governments the ability to appease both the conservative right and the more socially motivated left at the same time. This is a rare event. The last time a Canadian government could be all things to all people was during the previous great commodities bonanza that ended over a quarter century ago.

The Mr. Hyde part of the commodities story is the profound affect that billions of dollars worth of oil revenue has had on the political fortunes of many of the world’s most notorious governing regimes. In 1998 when crude was hovering around $10 U.S. per barrel, most tin pot dictators had lots of rhetoric, but were basically impotent because they lacked the financial firepower to back it up. That has all changed. The weird and wacky now have huge piles of petrodollars. This gives them the political leverage to be able to force themselves and their bizarre views onto the rest of us.

Key power brokers on the world stage are increasingly popping up from the loony end of the spectrum. An overview of the current global political landscape is enough to give even the most optimistic cause for concern.

In Venezuela, Hugo Chavez is threatening to nationalize his country’s oil industry and cut off petroleum sales to the United States. He is using his oil riches to politically meddle in the affairs of many of his South American neighbors. What he has to offer anyone, besides money, is baffling. He has ruined Venezuela’s domestic economy, left the majority of its citizens in abject poverty and lined his own pockets. Venezuela has the seventh largest oil reserves and the ninth largest production at 2.9 million barrels of oil per day.

Iran is another country that is sticking up its middle finger in defiance to the rest of the world. Currently they are being threatened with a trade embargo by western nations for pushing forward with plans to develop a nuclear reactor and weapons of mass destruction. Besides expanding nuclear capability, Iran has purchased submarines, launched spy satellites, and has built long-range missile systems.

Where all this could lead is not fully appreciated by the general public. In 1981, Israeli fighter planes flattened Iraq’s Osirak nuclear research facility near Baghdad. Israel’s military establishment wasn’t prepared to let nuclear technology fall into the hands of people who had openly threatened them. Today, Iran is

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calling on Arab nations to once again unite in their efforts to drive Israel into the sea. The question is, will Israel stand by and watch Iran develop weapons that they perceive will be used against them? Unless the United Nations can keep Iran’s nuclear genie in the bottle, bets are that Israel will take the matter into their own hands. Iran has the world’s third biggest oil reserves at 125.8 billion barrels and is the fourth biggest producer at 4.09 million barrels per day.

Most of us have forgotten the tribal strife in Biafra that resulted in millions of people losing their lives.

They lost a brutal civil war trying to achieve independence from Nigeria back in the 1960’s. Well, unrest has once again raised its ugly head. Tribes in the

Scott Kay Vintage Platinum Collection oil rich delta have watched passively for decades as their wealth was literally sucked out from under their feet. No jobs were created. No money was recycled back into the region. It went to a corrupt few and their big bank accounts in Switzerland and Grand Cayman.

With an average income of only a little over $200 per year, the people have grown angry and frustrated by the needless grinding poverty. They want their fair share of the wealth being created and are more than willing to fight for it. Most westerners couldn’t find Nigeria on a map, but by the end of 2006 that is likely to change. Insurgents have said they will blow up Nigeria’s energy infrastructure and reduce that country’s exports to a trickle if their demands aren’t met. Nigeria has the tenth largest reserves in the world and is the twelfth largest producer at 2.51 million barrels per day.

Iraq, with 115 billion barrels of oil, has the world’s fourth largest reserves. Even with its infrastructure devastated by the last war, it can still produce over two million barrels of oil per day. America thought that they could bring peace and democracy to the region.

What is more likely to be their legacy is an occupied country shattered by civil war. Iraq was a nation that never should have been; it was a figment of British imagination. The Kurds, Sunni and Shi’ia were only held together by the sheer strength and brutality of Saddam Hussein. Now that the police state has ended, a millennium of outstanding grudges is being released.

It is not a matter of if, but only when, a bloody civil war will allow these three distinct cultures to divide into their own independent nations.

Venezuela, Iran, Iraq and Nigeria represent 352 billion barrels of proven oil reserves. Combined they pump about 11.49 million barrels per day (bpd) or about 14 percent of the world’s total production of 83 million bpd. No one can predict whether one or all four of these countries will politically implode tomorrow, but even if only one of them should cut production of oil for a short period of time, it would likely cause oil prices to explode.

Currently, global oil consumption is about 82 million bpd. Production is running a scant million barrels per day above that figure. This makes the supply-demand balance extremely tight.

The system has no elasticity to increase inventory as everyone is pumping flat out. Given that depletion rates average about 15 percent per year, the world has to find an additional 12.45 million barrels of production each day just to stay even. With a situation this precarious, it is no wonder oil has run up in price by 20 percent in the last year alone.

It is very tempting to take profits on energy stocks right now. They were the best performing sector on the TSX in 2005 and, being cyclical stocks, experience says that those kind of spectacular gains won’t last forever. A year’s worth of profits can be erased in a couple of days when energy prices start to fall seriously.

Prudence, on the other hand, dictates that investors shouldn’t sell all of their energy holdings. If one of these troubled oil giants’ starts to politically unravel, oil’s next move up could make that of the last three years look pretty small. ✔ Ron Hiebert, a director at ScotiaMcLeod, teaches investment classes at Grant MacEwan College.

The author of Wealth Building can be heard weekdays at 7:34 am, on CFCW radio (790 AM). Contact him at 780.497.3215 or

EDMONTONIANS MAY 2006

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Inside Toronto with Carissa Reiniger

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ust as the Edmonton Oilers NHL playoffs were getting underway, Mayor Stephen and Lynn Mandel boarded a Westjet flight to Toronto, fronting an eight person delegation from the city of Edmonton and EEDC. The group included CEO Allan Scott, Lynn Wyton, Jackie Frazier and Edmonton Tourism’s Bob Dunham from EEDC; plus Patricia Misutka, the Mayor’s chief of staff; and Matthew Wispinski from communications, City of Edmonton. The collective goal was to create awareness of the dynamism of Edmonton and to dispel any negative perceptions Torontonians might have of the city.

With a number of major events, client meetings and a trade media tour, I estimate more than 500 people interacted with the Mayor and members of the delegation over the

course of the four-day tour. Ideally, those 500 will each tell three people who will tell three people—well, you know how that works.

In addition, Mayor Mandel talked with editors from the Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, Report on Business and the National Post. Based on the positive interviews, there is the potential for national coverage to reach thousands more with the message that we are growing, booming and Edmonton’s economy is worth attention.

The message was consistent at all events: Edmonton is a thriving metropolis, moving upward on the national scene.

One of the major events was the Mayor’s keynote address to The Economic Club of Toronto at the National Club. Among those in attendance were executives and representatives from Hewlett Packard, Moreau Rosenberg Consultants, CV Technologies, the Ontario

The formal agenda closed after Mayor Mandel had Government, the University of Toronto and the Power breakfast with Toronto Mayor David Miller. That done, it Within (which, by the way, is about to announce its first was off to the Rogers’ Centre to watch the Blue Jays play series in Edmonton this summer). the Boston Red Sox. This event, hosted by the City of Friday evening, the entire Edmonton contingent worked Edmonton, EEDC and the Edmonton Journal, brought the crowd at Get Down E-Town, held this year at the together clients and associates in Toronto for a fun Original Motorcycle. This was the second annual Get Down E-Town event that Silver Lining has thrown to promote Edmonton, unite ex-pats and bring awareness to our hometown. Among the many cheering Oilers’ fans were ex-pats Michelle Jones, now at Sportsnet; Claire Martin, who left Global Edmonton for the CBC; Sumit Varshney with IBM; and Alex Fung from the Boston Consulting Group of Canada. We were also joined

by Giles Gherson who is now the editorMayor Mandel talks in-chief at the to a reporter from Toronto Star but the Globe and Mail formerly held that position at afternoon at the ball park. That said, if you asked Mayor the Edmonton Journal.

Mandel what the baseball score was, he might not be able The following evening, hosted a to answer. In the large executive suite, you could find at private dinner at Toronto’s George least 20 loyal fans crammed in front of a tiny TV, trying to restaurant. The Mandels and team catch replays and counting down the last 10 minutes of the Mayor Mandel hob-nobbed with a diverse group— who probably left the room wondering game—the Oilers hockey game, not the Blue Jays game. at the podium how they can get some business going You can take the Edmontonians out of Edmonton… but you can’t take the Edmonton out of Edmontonians. in Edmonton. Jane Hutcheson, a VP Every person that heard about Edmonton this weekend or of TD Bank, told me that she was “impressed” with the talked with any of the representatives from the City or Mandels and considered it an honour to have been invited.

Allan Scott charmed Deanne Taentzer from Microsoft, and EEDC had promising things to say about wanting to she made a point of telling me she was going into the office develop stronger ties with Edmonton.

I think you will see continued momentum and more on Monday to figure out what business could be brought Edmontonians inside Toronto before you know it. ✔ into Edmonton. Frances McKinnon, a producer from the Discovery Channel spent quite a bit of time chatting with Do you have a Toronto question?

Lynn Wyton about different Edmonton story ideas she Contact: carissa@edmontonians.com could pitch. Mike Grand, opening the first day trading office in Edmonton on May 8th was there… as was Ruth Carissa Reiniger is the founder and president of Silver Bastedo, president of Women Entrepreneurs of Canada, which launches its Western Canada branch in Edmonton on Lining Ltd—silverlining.ws—which helps small businesses identify business development plans and then uses May 11th. Cam Heaps, president of Steam Whistle Breweries, left the room trying to figure out ways to get his communication strategies to ensure they reach their goals. sales rep in Calgary to spend more time in Edmonton. All in She splits her time flying between the Silver Lining offices in Toronto and Edmonton. all, a successful night.

EDMONTONIANS MAY 2006

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ACQUISITIONS, DIVESTITURES & CORPORATE FINANCE

Stephen W. Kent, CA (780) 448-9099

SELLING? What & When To Tell Your Employees Many of our clients agonize about how much information to give their employees when they are considering selling their company. If they say nothing, they feel guilty because they don’t want to be perceived as operating behind their employees’ backs or as being secretive. Often employees have worked side-by-side with the owners through the good times and the bad. Some are considered friends whose lives will be altered by a change of ownership.

On the other hand, if an owner prematurely announces, MY COMPANY IS FOR SALE, what happens to productivity? Will employees start looking for other jobs? What will customers think?

How will competitors use this information? Can anything positive come out of such a disclosure?

The short answer is no.

Any guilt you may spare yourself in regard to employees could give way to outright terror if your customers start defecting to competitors. Why would customers leave? Once the word is out, rumours will abound! Things like you are in financial trouble, are going out of business, have lost or are losing your key employees, have missed payments at the bank, etc.

Meanwhile productivity may decline; employees start focusing on themselves and their future, not the business at hand. Change is difficult to accept.

For every employee that perceives change as an opportunity, there are 20 who will call their spouse to cancel the vacation and put the new car/house purchase on hold.

In most cases the less you say until you have something definite to say, the better. It only increases employee anxiety and speculation. Once you have a firm offer, work with the purchaser to announce the forthcoming changes in a positive way. The buyer should be bringing financial security, new markets, economies of scale, increased opportunities for advancement, improved employee benefits and more to the table.

Most purchasers offer employment contracts to key employees, which goes a long way in alleviating employee concerns. You can protect some of your employees by ensuring they are offered one or two year contracts as part of the offer to purchase. It would also be beneficial to have a senior employee “champion” the change in ownership. The transition will undoubtedly be much smoother if the employees can rally around someone they trust who will still be there, protecting their interests, after the sale has closed.

Fear of the unknown can paralyze an organization.

Knowing when to involve your employees is key to a successful sale and transition of ownership. If you need help with your timing call 780.448.9099 or email me at skent@foundationgroup.ca.

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EDMONTONIANS MAY 2006

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