SYMPOSIUM PROGRAM

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Panel Session A:  April 19, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET

The Intersectionality of Reconciliation with Diversity and Inclusion: What does it mean & why does it matter to me?

The Federal Government designated September 30th as a National Day of Truth and Reconciliation to recognize the importance of the impact of the Indian Residential School era on First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples, their families, and communities. How do we support those that we work with and help ourselves to be respectful respondents to reconciliation? It is our responsibility as those who may work with and among Indigenous peoples and on Indigenous lands to navigate a personal path in this new wave of awareness. We can no longer sit in silence with this ‘Diversity & Inclusion Elephant’ in the room. The issue is not about policy, it is a call to all of us to make a meaningful contribution for diversity, inclusion, and equity towards change through our own actions. This panel will present perspectives on how reconciliation and diversity are connected, provide examples of what actions companies and individuals are taking, and share some practical ideas that may help you consider what to support September 30th this year, and continue to engage in the dialogue of reconciliation. See Panel Session A page for presentations and speakers.

Panel Session B: April 21, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET

Professional is a Verb not a Noun! 

If you've ever told anyone "I'm a qualified person" you might have been lying without knowing it.

There is only the qualified person. In the securities sphere, the qualified person is the professional that approves a particular item of scientific or technical disclosure for a mineral project. In the environmental sphere, it's the professional that conducts or supervises a particular environmental site assessment and certifies the Record of Site Condition. These are things you do, not things you are.

The presenters in this session will give you a clear understanding of what it means to be the qualified person and what it means to act as one, and how to distinguish your professional status as a P.Geo. from your professional function as a qualified person. That distinction is one every professional needs to know how to make. See Panel Session B page for presentations and speakers.

Panel Session C: April 26, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET

Communicating in Turbulent Times 

It feels like the world has changed.  Experts are everywhere, giving opinions and citing data from sources across the reputational spectrum.  How can we maintain and build trust with the public, whom we are sworn to protect?  Do we use our best jargon to prove how smart we are?  Do we rely on sanitized presentations, so we never make a mistake?  We shouldn’t; we need to adapt.  We need to meet our audience where they are to better relay our intent and information effectively.  PGO has assembled a panel of communications professionals that speak our language and can help us with real-world communication issues.  Using empathy to build trust with the audience, posting on social media, crisis communication, we’ve got you covered.  Tune in to this panel to hear the advice, ask your burning questions, and become a better communicator today.See Panel Session C page for presentations and speakers.

Panel Session D: April 28, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET

Sustainability and Climate Change – Embracing New Opportunities for Geoscience

As stated by the Bank of Canada in January 2022 “Climate change poses significant risks to the financial system and the economy. These include disruptions from more frequent and severe extreme weather events as well as risks stemming from the transition to a low-carbon, net-zero economy.” The financial risks, and consequences for health and wellbeing, are significant for Canada. However, there are also opportunities for geoscience professionals to play an active role in addressing both climate change and wider sustainability issues, within the evolving economy. This session will provide attendees with insight into sustainability assessment and performance, sustainable finance, and climate action in relation to the practice of geoscience, as well as examples of steps they can take to embrace the opportunities available. See Panel Session D page for presentations and speakers.

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