Summer has finally arrived in Canada, and with the changing of the seasons the AAPG Canada Region prepares to welcome several new volunteers to its leadership group. Fresh faces bring fresh ideas, enthusiasm and energy and I look forward to seeing what direction this dynamic and diverse group of people take our organization.
Summer has finally arrived in Canada, and with the changing of the seasons the AAPG Canada Region prepares to welcome several new volunteers to its leadership group. Fresh faces bring fresh ideas, enthusiasm and energy and I look forward to seeing what direction this dynamic and diverse group of people take our organization.
It has been my pleasure to serve as your Canada Region President for the past two years. Our industry has been facing a challenging number of years and those challenges are felt on all levels of industry including professional societies. While it can be easy to become disheartened and disillusioned by the current state of affairs it is important to remember that societies such as AAPG can provide the space to discuss the issues with like minded geoscientists, discover new ideas and inspiration for your career path, and if so inclined volunteer to give back to your geoscience community.
Which brings me to some exciting AAPG news…
This past year not only did I serve as your Canada Region President, but I also participated in a leadership role within the AAPG House of Delegates (HoD) as its Secretary / Editor. One of the major accomplishments of the HoD this year at the 2019 Annual Convention and Exhibition (ACE) was the vote to eliminate the sponsorship requirement to become a full voting member of the AAPG. After much rigorous debate and discussion, the vote to eliminate the sponsorship requirement passed! From now on, if you have a degree in the geosciences, as well as one year of professional experience you may now apply to become a full member of the AAPG without the need to find a sponsor, the delay of sponsorship reviews or undo paperwork for you or the organization. As a full member of the AAPG, you will be able to have a vote in the leadership elections for your organization, sit on committees, and run for leadership roles yourself. There has never been a better time to become a member, continue to be a member, inspire others to become a member and to get involved in AAPG.
Geoscience is so much more rewarding if we can share our knowledge and experiences with our rock loving peers and with the communities in which we live and work.
Once again it has been my honour to serve as Canada Region President, and while I will be stepping back from these active roles I will continue to serve the Canada Region as Past President and I am looking forward to mentoring our new volunteers, continuing to learn about all things geoscience related and beyond, and connecting with our great geoscience community here in Canada.
Kind Regards,
Maren Leigh Blair
AAPG Canada Region Past President 2019-2021
AAPG Canada Region President 2017-2019