Manley, Emerson among notable public sector leaders attending Palmer Conference at UPEI
The first annual Palmer Conference on Public Sector Leadership began Thursday, August 26 at UPEI with a bevy of leaders in attendance from Canada's public and private sectors including Kevin Lynch, former clerk of the Privy Council, who is this year's conference chair.
John Manley, former deputy prime minister and chief executive officer, Canadian Council of Chief Executives, will deliver the opening keynote address and former federal cabinet minister David Emerson will be the luncheon speaker.
Taking place over August 26-27, this invitational, national conference brings together a diverse group of leaders from across Canada to address issues of high priority to the public sector. The theme for the 2010 Palmer Conference is Public Servants and Their Relationships with Politicians and the Media.
'The Palmer Conference is an historic endeavour, addressing public service leadership at a time of significant renewal,' says UPEI president, Wade MacLauchlan. 'We are proud to have such a distinguished group here on PEI and at UPEI.'
The Conference is intimate in scale, limited to approximately 75 delegates, to promote a high level of participation and interaction, and encourage the development of on-going networks and professional relationships. This event is designed to be a high-calibre public sector leadership development opportunity.
'It is fitting that this national conference, inspired by Jim Palmer, be held here in Charlottetown at UPEI,' adds Kevin Lynch, conference chair. 'The public service has played a vital role in the Canadian system since Confederation, providing impartial policy advice and skilled program administration, and the conference is about how we attract and retain young Canadians to it.'
'The assistance and dedication of a professional, capable public service committed to the public interest is helping to shape our country and position us for success in today's global economy,' says the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway. 'Our Government, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), is pleased to support events such as this conference because they provide an excellent opportunity for delegates to exchange information and engage in meaningful dialogue on current issues in the public service.'
'From health care to transportation to public safety, just about every aspect of our lives is enhanced by our dedicated public servants,' said Premier Robert Ghiz. 'That's why events like the Palmer Conference on Public Sector Leadership are so important. They provide an opportunity to discuss issues of great importance to those who will guide our public service into the future.'
The Palmer Conference is named in honour of James S. Palmer, CM, AOE, QC. James Palmer is a founding partner of the Calgary law firm Burnett Duckworth Palmer. The Palmer family has a long record of public service on PEI: Jim Palmer's direct ancestors include two PEI premiers, several judges, and a Father of Confederation. That commitment to public service and public policy is demonstrated through the James S. and Barbara A. Palmer Chair in Public Policy at the University of Calgary and now through the Palmer Conference on Public Sector Leadership.
