Bill Mercer becomes President of CFES on Oct 17, 2008

CFES is very pleased to announce that Dr. William (Bill) Mercer, former President of the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC), has been named President Elect of the Canadian Federation of Earth Science. Bill obtained his B.Sc. (Honours) from Edinburgh University, Scotland in 1968 and his Ph.D. from McMaster University in 1975. Dr. Mercer started working in the exploration business with Mattagami Lake Mines in 1975, looking for uranium in northern Alberta, Saskatchewan and the NWT. After Mattagami’s merger with Noranda, he was based in Vancouver for eight years as an exploration manager dealing with gold and base metals throughout the Cordillera. During this period, Bill became involved in seeking opportunities in Latin America, finally as Director of Latin America Exploration for Noranda. In this capacity he supervised the opening of offices in Santiago, Hermosillo and Lima. Later, Dr. Mercer was Director of International Exploration and Chief Geologist, including responsibility for implementation of the Six Sigma quality control initiative in the exploration and business development section of the company. Bill is now a Consulting Geologist, and he remains active with PDAC. The CFES team is pleased and excited to welcome Bill as a new team member.



July 2007: CFES-FCST appoints new Managing Director

Elisabeth Kosters was born and raised in the Netherlands. She completed a BSc in geology at the University of Groningen, and an MSc at the University of Amsterdam and Utrecht combined. In 1980 she went to the United States to start a PhD at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. From 1981 onwards, she combined her PhD studies with a job at the Louisiana Geological Survey where she worked on an assessment of Geopressured-Geothermal reservoir potential and on sedimentology and coastal land loss of the Mississippi Delta.

Her PhD completed, she transferred to the Bureau of Economic Geology in Austin (TX) where she was Principal Investigator for the first 'Texas Gas Atlas', published in 1989. She subsequently moved back to the Netherlands to join Utrecht University's Institute of Earth Sciences as a faculty member. Despite obtaining tenure, she decided to follow her curiosity about the world of policy making and briefly joined a governmental think tank on Higher Education Reform in the early 90s before becoming Dean of Research and Graduate Studies at the International Institute for Geoinformation Science and Earth Observation / ITC in 1995.

At ITC she met her Canadian husband and together they moved to Nova Scotia in 2002. After spending 2 years rebuilding their house in lovely downtown Wolfville, she started working again and has since been involved with the geology departments of both Acadia and Dalhousie University.

Elisabeth is a long time member of SEPM and an active member of the Atlantic Geoscience Society (AGS). She was president of the Royal Netherlands Geological and Mining Society (KNGMG) from 1997 to 2002. She also served on the Ministerial Advisory Council on the management of the Dutch Tidal Sea ("Waddensea") and on numerous review panels of the Netherlands Science Foundation and the European Union.

January 2007: CFES-FCST adds staff

The newly renamed Canadian Federation of Earth Sciences continues to build momentum as it plays a needed role in helping to better deliver benefits to Canadians by enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of the Canadian earth science community as a whole. While these benefits are largely delivered by industry, universities, and government, an extensive role is played by earth science societies at the specialty level, leaving a small but critically important facilitation and consultation role at the federation level. To carry out this essential role in a carefully planned and coordinated manner and to thus support the larger role of the service providers and earth science societies, CFES is pleased to announce that it has recruited the services of a highly capable staff member.

CFES is pleased to announce that Catherine Barrett has joined the CFES team as Administrative Officer, on a part-time basis. Catherine has over 18 years experience in human resource and management roles in the Calgary business community, including senior roles at Enmax, Engage Energy, and NovAtel Inc. In these positions, Catherine was very effective in ensuring the transition of human resources to skill sets required to operate competitively in a newly deregulated business, she directed human resources in the rapidly growing gas and oil marketing and trading sector, and she subsequently was a human resources manager in the GPS technology sector. Following her recent transition to a more flexible career, the CFES team will now very happily benefit from Catherine’s extensive skills. November 2006: Québec meetings a great success

Meetings of Canadian Earth Science community leaders held at the Château Frontenac in Québec City on November 18 & 19 were a great success, as new leadership was elected, a new name for the organization was chosen, and a new agenda was launched. To kick off the meeting, Ian Young was formally named the new President, replacing retiring President Harvey Thorleifson, on the basis of a unanimous ratification vote. Ian is Vice-President New Ventures, Canadian Plains Region, EnCana Corporation. In addition, James Burns of Calgary was elected the new Financial Director. The meeting participants then turned to a comprehensive look at revising the workings of the mechanisms that facilitate cooperation by the entire Canadian earth science community, and a new name was chosen, the Canadian Federation of Earth Sciences (CFES).

A highly thought-provoking presentation was given by Acting American Geological Institute (AGI) Executive Director Chris Keane, on how AGI works, what lessons can be learned, and how CFES and AGI might renew cooperation. Important working group reports were then presented on insurance and liabilities, memberships, student chapters, lecture tours, conventions, publications, internal communications, external communications, and human resources. The group then heard important reports from the Canadian Geoscience Education Network (CGEN), the International Union of Geological Sciences Canadian National Committee, Partnership Group for Science and Engineering (PAGSE), an overview of earth science community Foundations, Canadian Council of Professional Geoscientists (CCPG), Council of Chairs of Canadian Earth Science Departments (CCCESD), and National Geological Surveys Committee (NGSC).

The International Year of Planet Earth (IYPE) in 2008 was highlighted as an exciting upcoming opportunity to promote the essential role that earth science plays in the lives of every Canadian. Appreciation was expressed for the excellent efforts by everyone associated with the meetings.

Meeting documents are available at http://www.cfes-fcst.ca/MeetingDocs.html.



Here is a photo of the Québec meeting participants who were able to stay until adjournment time! In the back & middle rows from left to right are Jeff Packard (CSPG), Gerry Reinson (CFES), Jeff Ollerhead (CAG), Oliver Kuhn (CSEG), Ollie Bonham (CCPG), Steve Holysh (IAH), Simon Hanmer (GSC), Harvey Thorleifson (CFES), Serge Major (CIM), & Don James (CPG), while in the front row are Robert Marquis (GAC), Richard Moore (PDAC), Fran Haidl (CGEN), Bob Mummery (CFES), Pierrette Tremblay (MAC), Ian Young (CFES), & Didier Perret (CGS). Participant who were off to the airport before the photo was taken were Kevin Ansdell (GAC), James Burns (CFES), Chris Keane (AGI), and Rob Raeside (CCCESD).

June 2006: 5th Council of Presidents and 115th CGC Meetings

Another round of highly successful Council of Presidents and CGC meetings was held in Calgary on June 10 and 11, 2006, with CSPG generously acting as hosts. The meetings were attended by 23 representatives from 16 organizations, and the Council of Presidents facilitation role was again very effectively played by Simon Hanmer and Jeff Packard.

Due to the intense level of analysis and consultation that has been conducted under the leadership of the Council of Presidents facilitators over the past year and a half, the meetings were able to immediately begin with substantive and intricate discussions on coordinated arrangements, with little need for introductory or background discussions. Excellent progress in recruitment of new leadership and renewal of arrangements was reported on, and plans were refined. Analyses of opportunities to develop shared services were discussed in detail, including discussion on student chapters, insurance and liabilities, technical publications, communications, memberships, lecture tours, conventions, jobs and recruitment, as well as resourcing of our coordination efforts. It was agreed that steps can rapidly be taken on topics that are of high importance and ease.

Discussion on international affairs and outreach included a focus on exciting and promising preparations for the International Year of Planet Earth (IYPE). CCPG reported on their very active role in the rapid ongoing evolution of arrangements regarding professional registration. A motion was unanimously passed to indicate support for CCPG efforts to break down existing barriers to the mobility of registered professional geoscientists, to allow for unimpeded practice of professional geoscientists between provincial and territorial jurisdictions as expressed in the Intergovernmental Agreement on Internal Trade. CCCESD reported on their excellent success in updating statistics on university education, and their plans in relation to renewed and enhanced coordination and planning of research. Concluding discussions ranged from a focus on key services being made more available on the CGC web site, to a range of follow-up actions to be taken in coming weeks. Plans were then made to hold the autumn 2006 6th Council of Presidents and 116th CGC Meetings on Saturday November 18 from 9 to 5 & Sunday November 19 from 9 to 3, at the Château Frontenac in Québec City.

The CGC Annual Meeting was held, and current CGC Directors agreed to extend their terms, as part of current ongoing activity meant to renew arrangements for coordinating teamwork by Canadian earth science agencies and organizations. The level of optimism and willingness to operate on a team basis was higher than has been seen in years, and participants in the meeting left with a sense that the meetings had provided an opportunity for us all to cooperate and coordinate more actively, thereby increasing the likelihood that each group will be able to achieve its goals, for the good of the Canadian people. Minutes are available.

February 2006: Earth Science community shared services analyses underway

At the meetings of Canadian Earth Science community leaders held in Ottawa in November 2005, working groups were commissioned to investigate the potential for expansion of shared services in fields such as publications, communications, insurance, memberships, lecture tours, conventions, careers, as well identification of resources to support increased coordination. The working groups are reviewing our existing activities, identifying areas in which increased sharing of services would increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the community as whole, and assessing mechanisms and resources needed to achieve the potential arrangement, such that a decision can be made on whether the shared service will be attractive.

The analyses are identifying current negative impacts of the status quo, including inefficiencies in the form of duplications, unneeded expenditure of personnel effort, and financial costs. Ways to improve our effectiveness and efficiency are being identified by addressing each point raised as an inefficiency, while concurrently acknowledging the potential negative effects of sharing services, both on recipient organizations and on contributing organizations. Having assessed means for improvement and mechanisms for delivery, a determination is being made regarding whether one or more Earth Science organizations currently have the capacity to provide the service more broadly. If not, potential suppliers outside the community are being identified, and costs assessed. The analyses will determine whether the shared service will be an attractive proposition for collective action by Canadian Earth Science organizations.

Appreciation has been expressed by many for the excellent work that is underway or is being planned. Reports from the working groups will be key items of business at the 5th Council of Presidents & 115th Canadian Geoscience Council Meeting in Calgary on June 10 & 11, 2006.

November 2005: 4th Council of Presidents and 114th CGC Meetings

Earth science plays an essential role in the lives of Canadians, and leaders of the Canadian earth science community have again demonstrated their commitment to ensuring that Canadians will receive the maximum benefit that we can offer. At meetings in Ottawa in November 2005, steps were again taken on an aggressive agenda meant to achieve optimal efficiency and effectiveness in bringing these benefits to Canadians. The meetings were a great success, with 23 representatives from 17 organizations in attendance, and with the facilitation role well played by Simon Hanmer and Jeff Packard.

The group reaffirmed their commitment to a renewed successor to the Canadian Geoscience Council (CGC), discussed funding options, clarified criteria for selection of a new President, and agreed that the next President should come from the energy sector. The new President is to take charge, and renewed governance and business plans are to be adopted, at the next Council of Presidents and CGC meetings in Calgary on June 10 and 11, 2006. Additional recognition of the 'fluid Earth' was recognized as needed to ensure that environmental earth science organizations can fully buy in.

Shared services were seen as the key in binding societies to the federation. GAC led off discussion on this topic by proposing that existing offices serve as nodes for the new organization, that GeoCanada-style meetings be more frequent, that GAC-MAC and NUNA meetings be broadened, that conference services be shared, that Geoscience Canada and possibly Geolog serve the entire community, and that we expand availability of digital publications through shared e-commerce. It also was proposed that we pool efforts on student chapters, lecture tours, and administration of memberships and dues.

A lively, constructive, and comprehensive discussion ensued, and working groups were commissioned to investigate insurance and liabilities, technical publications, communications, memberships, lecture tours, conventions, jobs and recruitment, as well as resourcing of the organization that will succeed CGC. It was suggested that we may be able to pay for a new mechanism through the savings resulting from increased efficiency.

Impressive CGEN plans on outreach were strongly supported, and highly promising developments regarding GeoCanada 2010 were discussed. CCCESD reported on very active efforts toward renewed and enhanced coordination and planning of NSERC-funded research. Analysis of this topic is underway, a meeting will be held this winter, and a workshop perhaps somewhat comparable to the workshop that led to Lithoprobe will be held when the NSERC-funded research community is prepared to do so.

The CGC Annual Meeting was completed, and current CGC Directors were again asked to remain in place as a new slate of candidates is being assembled. As was the case in June, the meeting adjourned with a high level of optimism and commitment to a renewed team approach by Canadian earth science organizations. Minutes are available.

June 2005: The 3rd Council of Presidents Meeting & 113th CGC Council Meeting

The 3rd Council of Presidents meeting, held at the CSPG offices in Calgary on Saturday, June 18th, 2005, was a great success, as attendance by representatives from nineteen constituency groups was excellent, while organization and facilitation were well handled by Jeff Packard and Simon Hanmer. The focus of the meeting was presentation of a model for renewal of CGC or its successor, following much effort and discussion over the winter of 2004/2005, in part stimulated by discussions at Geoscience Summit 2004. The meeting was carefully planned and structured by the facilitators to address expectations of outcomes, rules of engagement, overview of other national organizations, review of background, thoughts on the current situation, and the concept of a coordinating national body. A vote on whether the representatives present at the meeting support the concept of a national geoscience organization was unanimously in favour. A review of envisioned roles and outcomes for an effective national geoscience organization ensued, as did presentation of a possible model for transition to an effective national organization that will be truly relevant, effective, representative, accountable, transparent, proactive, coordinated, professional and owned. The vote on whether the representatives agreed in principal with reservations on the proposed model again was unanimously in favour. The meeting was seen by those in attendance as a highly constructive step toward enhanced cooperation and coordination within the Canadian earth science community. Minutes are available.

The 113th CGC Council Meeting was then held on Sunday. Following up on the Council of Presidents meeting, this business meeting established an exciting theme of renewed teamwork by earth science societies and organizations. For example, GAC was asked to launch planning and consultation for a community-wide communication mechanism, CSPG was asked to lead planning for the widest possible participation in the GeoCanada 2010 conference, CPG was asked to help lead business planning, CAG was asked to lead web site analysis, and CCCESD agreed to coordinate the successor of NSERC reallocation consultations. The CGC Annual Meeting was convened and then deferred to the autumn to allow maximum flexibility for current efforts to renew CGC or its successor. Current CGC Directors were asked to remain in place until a new slate of candidates can be assembled. The meeting adjourned with a high level of optimism, and commitment to a renewed team approach by Canadian earth science organizations. Minutes are available.

October 2004: GEOSCIENCE SUMMIT 2004

Over one hundred leaders of the Canadian earth science community met in Ottawa at Geoscience Summit 2004 on October 16 and 17, 2004, to discuss strategies for maximizing our contribution to society. Harvey Thorleifson acted as Chair of the meeting, along with co-Chair Simon Hanmer, Geological Association of Canada (GAC) Advocacy Coordinator, while sponsors were the Canadian Geoscience Council (CGC) and the Geological Survey of Canada. Thirty-nine speakers prepared analyses, focusing on key points identified in discussions at CGC-sponsored Council of Presidents meetings in November 2003 and May 2004 that concluded that we need to better establish a sense of community, awareness of activity and priorities, and a more unified voice that will allow us to take more effective collective action. Presentations reviewed earth science in the energy, mining, environment, survey, and research sectors. Representatives of associations described the progress of professional registration, and coordination of activities such as conferences and publishing, as well as communications activity such as outreach, advocacy, and student recruitment. Leaders of past, present and potential research programs outlined lessons learned and the opportunities ahead.

The energy and mineral industry representatives focused on the need for renewal of recruitment and training to provide a new generation of geoscientists, while the mining and environment sectors called for increased availability of public geoscience to support their work in fields such as mineral exploration and groundwater protection.

The government sector focused on evolving mandates as well as redistribution and adjustment of geological survey and soil mapping capacity, while highlighting important initiatives such as formulation of a national consensus around the Cooperative Geological Mapping Strategies (CGMS) proposal.

The International Polar Year (IYP) and the International Year of Planet Earth (IYPE) were reviewed by an invited expert panel, and discussions addressed the implications of the new Canadian Academy of Sciences. Speakers also reviewed the success of LITHOPROBE, and new initiatives were presented, including NEPTUNE, POLARIS, proposals for deep drilling, a major new analysis of polar climate, as well as several other important opportunities. The potential for broader and more aggressive marine programs was discussed, as were planet-scale approaches, our role in health issues such as toxic elements and groundwater protection, reducing our vulnerability to hazards, dealing with climate change, and ensuring sustainable groundwater supply. The meeting renewed a vision for the critical and extensive role that earth sciences play in our society, thereby emphasizing the importance of good coordination and communication within our community, to ensure that our contribution to society can be optimized efficiently and effectively. Fragmentation of our community voice was seen as our principal challenge, resulting in funding and student recruitment, for example, that fail to fully take into account our needed role.

The following priorities therefore were identified:
1) A better sense of community; a more effective Canadian earth science union that can better speak for the benefits of earth science; community-wide communication mechanisms; pooling of community resources; coordination of association functions,
2) More effective outreach and advocacy to enable Canadians to better utilize earth science knowledge, and to optimize the standing of the earth sciences in Canada,
3) A renewed agenda for surveys and research that will capture the imagination of our community, of the policymakers who fund us, and of the public that the policymakers listen to,
4) Recruitment of new human resources by providing adequate opportunities for education and work experience; optimize the benefits of professional registration and facilitate professional mobility.

The conference report is available on the GAC web site.

May 2004: 2nd COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS & 112th CGC MEETING & AGM

The 2nd Council of Presidents meeting was held in Calgary on May 29th, 2004 with a theme 'Geoscience education and public outreach in Canada". This was a well attended and successful meeting. Minutes are available as a pdf. The 112th CGC Council Meeting followed on May 30th, 2004. We are pleased to announce that Harvey Thorleifson was elected the new President of CGC for a 2 year term. Harvey is a Past President of GAC. We also are pleased to welcome to the CGC Board Gerry Reinson as Director. Gerry is Past President of CSPG. Minutes are available here as a pdf.

December 2003: 1st COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS & 111th CGC MEETING

The inaugural meeting of the Council of Presidents was held on Sunday November 30th, 2003 at the Valhalla Inn, Toronto. The meeting was attended by Back Row (left to right): Bill Goodway (President CSEG), John Hogg (President CSPG), Doug Stead (President CGC), Peter Dimmell (First Vice President, PDAC), Murray Duke (Director General GSC), Alan Morgan (President CGEN, Education Director CGC). Middle Row: (left to right): Dennis Becker (President Elect, CGS), André Roy (President CAG), Bryan Schreiner (International Director, CGC), Don James (Finance Director CGC). Front Row (left to right): Howard Stockford (President CIM), Norman Halden (President MAC), Steve Holysh (President Canadian Chapter IAH), Bob Mummery (Executive Officer CGC) and Harvey Thorleifson (President GAC). This was a very successful first meeting. Minutes are available as a pdf. The 111th Meeting of the Canadian Geoscience Council followed on December 1st. The future of CGC was frankly discussed, although the importance of CGC in coordination, improving communication and national advocacy in Canadian Geoscience were emphasized by Council. Minutes here.