(Banff) Have you ever wondered what issues and concerns other communities across Canada face, and if being exposed to these subjects would change the way you make decisions? Local Banffite and Banff Centre employee Silvio Adamo has the opportunity to find out. Adamo has been selected to participate in the Governor General’s Canadian Study Conference 2000, a prestigious event that occurs only once every 4-5 years.

The objective of the Conference is to enhance leadership skills across Canada. Participants (225) are typically in mid-career and have been identified by their organizations as leaders who are likely to occupy senior level positions in the future. After an initial group meeting and opening session (held at The Banff Centre), the large group is divided in 15 member "study tours." Each "study tour" will include individuals with highly diversified professional and cultural backgrounds and abilities, and each group will travel to a different region of Canada. A typical day during the tour might consist of a plant visit in the morning followed by a meeting with the C.E.O. and senior management, an in-camera workshop with trade union leaders, a luncheon meeting at the local community centre with grass roots activists, a visit to a local school or hospital, and a dinner discussion hosted by the municipal council. At the close of each day, participants are required to meet with their group members to discuss the issues that have been raised earlier. The emphasis is not placed on finding solutions to the issues raised but rather on increasing the participants’ personal exposure to the individuals who live and work within that environment. After 10 days the entire group then reconvenes in Quebec City to present its findings to the Governor General. 

Adamo says this is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion. "This is a great opportunity, not only for my own personal and professional development, but for the entire community. I will be able to share my experiences and more than likely show that regardless of which province Canadians live in, we all have many common goals and ideals."

The Conference kicks off May 16 at The Banff Centre and concludes June 3 in Quebec City.