CEO for Parks Canada retires
Alan Latourelle, the chief executive officer for Parks Canada, will no longer head the federal agency after the government announced his retirement July 3.
Replacing him is Daniel Watson, the chief human resources officer for the treasury board, who oversaw the Conservative government’s contentious sick leave and disability overhaul.
Watson will take over from Latourelle who is retiring from public service after 32 years.
According to his credentials, Watson graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and french literature and has worked in the public service since 1989. His experience includes working as the deputy minister of Western Economic Diversification and experience working for the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada.
His appointment is effective August 7.
Brewster president named among Alberta’s most influential people
The Glacier Skywalk earned Dave McKenna, president of Brewster Travel Canada, a spot on Alberta Venture’s list of Alberta’s 50 Most Influential People.
The controversial Skywalk opened for business May 2014, despite public outcry that the development, which juts out over the Sunwapta Valley, would negatively affect mountain goat habitat. Critics also argued the glass-floored platform privatized a piece of public land.
Alberta Venture also credits McKenna with creating the Banff Gondola, the Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure Centre, and the Banff Lake Cruise on Lake Minnewanka.
McKenna has lived in Banff for 25 years and has been involved with the Banff Community Foundation for eight years and the Association for Mountain Parks Protection and Enjoyment for 17 years.
Others on the list of influential people include Premier Rachel Notley, Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi and artist Alex Janvier.
Habitat for the Arts seeks nominations for art awards
Habitat for the Arts is seeking nominations for the annual Raven’ About the Arts Awards to be held Sept. 26.
Now in its fifth year, the awards recognize individuals who make Jasper’s arts community vibrant.
Categories include visual arts, dance, music, writing, theatre, and camera—still and motion. A patron of the arts award is also given to someone in the community who is the most supportive of all things art.
Last year’s recipients were Marla Pollock (fine art), Brian Lackey (music), Shawna Woelke (choreography), Lena Fraser (theatre), Deb Joly (photography) and Sam and Shelley Koebel (patrons of the arts).
To nominate someone, email [email protected].
