Speakers Page
Mary Harney, T.D., Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister), Republic of Ireland
As Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister) and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mary Harney, T.D. oversees Ireland's economic development strategy. As leader of the Progressive Democratic Party, Ms. Harney is a key partner in the current coalition government and is the first woman leader of a political party in the history of the State. In recent years, Ireland has been one of the best performing countries in the industrialized world. Between 1993 and 1997, the economy expanded by about 40 per cent, an unprecedented achievement. The economic growth rate followed a similar pattern between 1997 and 1999, and is on course to grow by about 10 per cent in 2000. Irish income per person has grown steadily in recent years and is now above the European Union average. Ms. Harney will share some of Ireland's experiences in building a modern, globally competitive jurisdiction. With a population slightly less than that of British Columbia, the Irish example holds many "visionary" lessons for small open economies.
Nancy Greene Raine, Olympic Medallist and Director of Skiing, Sun Peaks Resort
From the slopes of Red Mountain in Rossland, BC where she began her career in skiing, to her current career in Ski Resort Management and Development, Nancy Greene Raine is a BC icon. Nancy's life has been one of pride in British Columbia, tenacity and determination in the face of challenges, and unwavering commitment to family and community. Nicknamed the "Tiger" during her Olympic skiing days, her capacity to overcome obstacles in skiing has been paralleled in many activities in support of sport and business, including her role in developing skiing at Whistler, Sun Peaks (north of Kamloops), and more recently a new development proposed near Lillooet, BC. As the Sunday keynote speaker, Ms. Greene Raine will review the face of BC business, reflect on BC's inherent attributes, and speak to the Summit's "Vision for British Columbia".
David Baxter, Executive Director, Urban Futures Institute
David Baxter is a demographer whose main focus is on population and economic change, and the resulting implications for business and society. Similar to other jurisdictions, British Columbia is on the cusp of dramatic demographic change which will have significant implications on the demand for, and cost of, public services. As the luncheon speaker at BC Business Summit 2000, Mr. Baxter will explore the crucial linkage between a healthy economy and healthy society given British Columbia's changing demographic profile.
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