Economic and demographic trends over the past two decades have clearly enhanced the position of the West within Canada. However, the durability of this change remains to be seen, and it is not so clear how best to parlay such change into a position of political leadership within the federation. While a strong economy might be a necessary condition for political leadership, it is far from a sufficient condition.

Roger Gibbins is president and CEO of the Canada West Foundation and continues as a professor in the Department of Political Science. In 2007, he was the recipient of the Lieutenant- Governor's Award for Excellence in Public Administration in recognition of his leadership on public policy issues.

All Welcome

Jointly sponsored by the Calgary Regional Group of the Institute of Public Administration and the Department of Political Science