Current Programs
- Repairing the Social Contract
Worldwide young people are increasingly distressed about climate change and the uncertain future they face. In a partnership with the Mental Health Climate Change Alliance, GTEC explored the emotional and psychological reactions of a diverse group of young people’s (16 to 24 years) to climate change along with their ideas about programs and services they would find helpful. This study was supported by Michael Smith Health Research BC. Download a copy of the report on the study here: MHCCA Repairing the Social Contract.pdf
- Climate Response Centre
Canada’s first Climate Response Centre is projected to be located on Vancouver’s Granville Island because of its iconic nature, the Island’s significance to Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples and its high level of public access. The Response Centre will be a source of relevant and accessible educational and community development programming, a template for communities throughout BC and a centre of evolving community-based expertise about responding to climate change. This initial centre is designed to serve as the hub of the GTEC Community-based, Collaborative Model mentioned below.
- Building Climate Change Resilience in the Community Social Services Sector
This program entails building climate change resilience in the existing infrastructure of community-based organizations province-wide and, through these organizations, communities. This approach avoids parachuting programs into communities by leveraging the well established relationships these organizations already have with communities. To some extent, the delivery system for climate education and action is in place.
Based on a survey of their leadership, the Federation of Community Social Services of BC recognized that the impacts of climate change are a threat to their member organizations. See their Findings and Recommendations.
- GTEC Community-based, Collaborative Model
Many of the technologies necessary to achieve a net-zero society are available today and many others are under development. But large-scale systemic change only comes about when enough hearts and minds have changed. Climate change is not only an individual, technical, or environmental problem. It is a systemic challenge that requires educational solutions at the community, organizational, social, and cultural levels. The GTEC Community-based, Collaborative Model envisions educating, activating and supporting communities in two interconnected ways based on a hub and spoke model:
- Canada’s first Climate Response Centre (described above)
- The spokes entail building climate change resilience in the existing infrastructure of community-based organizations province-wide and, through these organizations, communities (described above)
See the Community Based Collaborative model for more information.
What Legacy are we leaving our youth
The Reader is GTEC’s online, free access arts and culture publication focused on the climate crisis, adaptation to it and its mitigation. Now in its 5th year the Reader is attracting an increasing readership as one of BC’s premier publications about climate change. The GTEC Reader is published on a quarterly basis. Subscribers receive each issue in their email inbox. > See the current GTEC Reader – Volume 5, Issue 1 — Articles in the current issue:
- Youth, Frankenstein’s Monster, and the Future
- SOLASTALGIA – The Rise of Climate Anxiety in Young People
- Shaking Up The Establishment
- Pathways: To Have Children (Or Not) in the Climate Crisis
- Repairing the Social Contract
- Two Business Ethics Students Use Video to Reflect on Ethics and the Climate Crisis
- Recent Climate Fiction – Four Brief Book Reviews
- Our Contributors
Subscribe to the GTEC Reader here >
GTEC is…
A Model for Regenerative Urban Living and Healthy Community in the Rapidly Changing World of the 21st Century
GTEC Communication & Media
Blowin’ in the Hot Wind: A Lament for Jasper
by Arden Henley How many roads must we walk down Before the smoke clears? How many days must pass by Before the blue sky is seen? Yes, and how many times must the wildfires rage Before fossil fuels are forever banned? The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind The...
FireSmoke Canada
More and more, people want to have more information about wildland fire weather and smoke, including forecasting for air quality. BlueSky Canada, established in 2007, conducts research and has published daily wildfire smoke forecasts for Canada in 2010. Fire weather...
Youth Climate Fest by CityHive Vancouver
Celebrate CityHive's annual community gathering, this year themed as a Youth Climate Fest! This event promises an engaging, vibrant evening filled with inspiring youth-led climate action projects, delicious food, fun games, and creative art activities. Event Details:...
How Science Fiction Can Inspire Environmentalism and Climate Action
Harnessing the power of story may help us survive and thrive on a climate-altered planet. by Katherine Dolan, originally published by The Observatory Introduction Climate change is, by far, the biggest story of our era, an existential threat that has already...
Upcoming CAPE Events
Founded in 1993, the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE) has collaborated with other organizations to engage governments, run campaigns, conduct research and draw media attention to key issues. CAPE “supports physicians to be advocates for...
More Climate Fiction Commentary
Third in a Series: Brief Book Reviews by Ross Thrasher Is it frivolous to spend time reading novels during a climate emergency? I hope not, especially when fiction can offer insights into our predicament on a damaged planet. The GTEC Reader aspires to provide an arts...
Show Your Stripes
Professor Ed Hawkins at the University of Reading created the Climate Stripes. The University of Reading is ranked first place in the UK for the 2023/24 People & Planet University League, a compilation of UK universities ranked by environmental and ethical...
Balancing the Climate Crisis Response Equation
By Arden Henley The efforts of many of the organizations responding to the climate crisis in British Columbia and elsewhere are focused on effecting changes to municipal, provincial and federal government policy. This is undoubtedly important work. At the same time,...
Burnaby Clean Energy Summit 2024
By Ross Thrasher GTEC Communications and Media Team On June 11th the Burnaby Board of Trade assembled an impressive array of speakers and panelists at their second annual Clean Energy Summit. This information and networking event for clean-tech entrepreneurs attracted...
The GTEC Board of Directors
Arden Henley
Executive Director
Arden Henley is the former Vice President of CityU Canada and a founder of the CityU counselling programs. Previously he was the Director of White Rock Family Therapy Institute, the Director of Clinical Services at Peace Arch Community Services, and the Executive Director of the South Okanagan Children’s Services Society. He is a former Advisor to the Provincial Counsellor Education Task Force and the former Chair of the Board of the BC College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Practitioners. Dr. Henley has a B.A. from McMaster University, an M.A. from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, U.S.A and a Doctorate in Education from Simon Fraser University.Terry Stone
DIRECTOR
An enthusiastic professional with more than 20 years experience in Business ownership, Management and Marketing, Terry is passionate about respecting our planet and people. An avid wilderness junkie, he loves the saying “leave only footprints and take only pictures”. He has enjoyed working in fitness & rehabilitation, life safety, green-building, alternative energy, and sustainability. Still searching for the way he can make a large impact, he offers GTEC — critical thinking, problem-solving and strategic planning.Norman Sam
CHAIR
Formally educated at BCIT and UBC in Management and Finance, Norman’s careers and businesses continue to span the spectrum from corporate wellness to real estate development and technology start-up in the climate tech sector. Complementing these activities, Norman has also volunteered extensively with various non-profit and community service organizations. The common narrative among this diverse range of activities is a passion and desire to make his community and the world a better place.Todd McGowan
SECRETARY
Todd McGowan is an education leader, outdoor adventurer and sustainability specialist. He lived and worked in Ethiopia helping design and implement English language teacher trainings in the Southern Region of the country. He was the Education Director and part of the design team for a 430-acre sustainable community development in Sechelt, BC that combined lifelong learning (including an international high school), senior living, agriculture, affordable housing, an eco-adventure park, an artisan community and a waterfront village along with vast greenspace and trail networks. The development aspired to be the most sustainable community in North America and support the 7 dimensions of wellness: Social, Emotional, Environmental, Spiritual, Physical, Occupational and Intellectual.Neal Mutadi
DIRECTOR (ON LEAVE)
Dr. Neal Mutadi is the president of NCEA, an organization dedicated to quality education. He has worked in national & international assignments. He was an instructor at UBC & director of San Diego State & City University leadership programs in Canada. He also served as principal, director of education & deputy superintendent of schools in British Columbia. Neal has a doctorate from Brigham Young University & has published articles in leading American & Canadian educational magazines. He has been actively involved in community groups, the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary International & the Heart & Stroke Foundation. He has enjoyed the beauty of our planet through world travel. He is committed to collaborating with individuals & groups who are passionate about protecting our planet.Mary Charleson
DIRECTOR
Mary Charleson is a Marketing Speaker, Educator, and Strategist. She is the author of fiveminutemarketing.com Blog and weekly newsletter, featuring marketing tips for the time starved entrepreneur. Mary has two books: “Word of Mouth Mouse & Mobile” (2013) and “Five-Minute Marketing” (2010). She is a member of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers and the Global Speakers Federation. Mary delivers keynotes and presentations for private companies, associations, and conferences.Gerry Zipursky
DIRECTOR
Gerry’s extensive career in Community Development and Community Leadership includes many years in the Neighborhood House movement in Vancouver working at Gordon Neighborhood House, Mount Pleasant Neighborhood House, as well as being the founding Executive Director of South Vancouver Neighborhood House. He was the Executive Director of the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver for 22 years. Gerry has also been a consultant to a wide range of community organizations and Boards.Mary Kean
DIRECTOR
Mary Kean, M.A., is a couple and family therapist (ret.), published poet and writer, and editor of The GTEC Reader. She has served the community on the Boards of Peak House (Problematic Substance Use Program) and AMSSA (Assoc.Multicultural Serving Societies) and was Vice President of VEVA (Vancouver Electrical Vehicle Assoc.) She co-founded White Rock Family Therapy Institute and published the Journal of Collaborative Therapies there for which she received the BC Clinical Counselors’ Association Communications Award. She also co-founded the Masters in Counselling program at City University Canada. Mary has been on the Board of GTEC since its inception and is totally dedicated to mitigation of and adaptation to the climate crisis on behalf of future generations that include her grandchildren.Alisa Kaletsky
DIRECTOR
Alisa is a lawyer. Prior to practicing law she worked in research and spent time working and studying in Israel. She is passionate about animal rights and welfare and shifting our consumption away from animals to reduce the significant impact of animal agriculture on greenhouse gas emissions.Linda Thyer
VICE-CHAIR
Linda practises family and sport medicine on traditional Coast Salish territories with a focus on youth over the past 20 years. She is a founding member of Doctors for Planetary Health – West Coast and is an active member of various medical, environmental and community organizations. She is grateful for the many nourishing and healing gifts of Mother Earth and works toward restoring health and peace for all.Kim McLeod
TREASURER
Kim McLeod graduated from UBC with a degree in Physical Education. She worked in corporate health and wellness and then transitioned into high tech as a project manager/producer to develop a virtual personal trainer application. Passionate about all areas of healthy living she turned her focus to the built environment and completed a two-year program from Rosenheim Germany in building biology learning about sustainable healthy building design. With her expertise in research, sourcing, planning, and driving project execution, she applies building biology principles to both residential and commercial projects. A strong appreciation for nature, she thrives on trail runs, hikes, and skate skiing with family and friends.Steve Conway
DIRECTOR
Dr. Steve Conway is the Mental Health and Wellness Director with the Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC and is the former Vice President of City University in Canada. Steve has over 30 years experience providing mental health services and leadership in a wide range of settings with diverse populations and clinical issues. Steve holds a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) and an MBA with a focus on leadership and teams. Steve is a Certified Psychological Health and Safety Advisor and has coach training in an ICF accredited program. For the previous 12 years, in addition to being a senior level leader, Steve has been a counselling therapist, leadership coach and consultant, workshop facilitator focusing on workplace mental health and leadership issues and a leadership fit to position assessment specialist.Sapna Dayal
DIRECTOR
Sapna is a CPA, CA with over 25 years experience. A builder at heart, she’s currently part of the founding group at Brass Token, an independent video game development studio. From 2007 – 2015, she served as Executive Director of imagine1day, a non-profit which provides access to quality education for children throughout Ethiopia. Sapna also dedicated 15 years to a career in public accounting with KPMG LLP, and more recently with Smythe CPA, working across practice areas including assurance, corporate finance and international taxation, in Canada and Brazil. Sapna is overjoyed to add “mama” to her bio, having been blessed with the birth of her daughter in 2020.Ranbir K. Banwait
DIRECTOR
Ranbir has a PhD in Asian Diaspora studies from Simon Fraser University. Her research focuses on the physical, ethical and social implications of embodiment. Currently, she is exploring the relationship of food to identity: the ways in which we grow it, eat it, and share it with others, shapes & reveals who we are. Ranbir believes in the transformative power of dialogue in education, as we collectively imagine a better future together.The GTEC Circle of Advisors
Ron Burnett CM OBC RCA is an author, professor and the President Emeritus and Research Director for the new Centre for Transdisciplinary Studies at Emily Carr University of Art and Design. Burnett is the author of Cultures of Vision: Images, Media and the Imaginary, published by Indiana University Press in 1995 and How Images Think published by MIT Press. He is the editor of Explorations in Film Theory published in 1991 by Indiana University Press and the author of over 150 published articles and book chapters. Ron is an adjunct professor at York University, and is one of the founders of Canadian Film Studies through a journal that he developed and edited, Ciné-Tracts, from 1977 until 1982. His many honours include the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal, 2002 and the Order of France: Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, 2010. Ron is a member of the Order of Canada (2013) and the Order of British Columbia (2015).
Ingrid holds a BSW and MSW from UBC and has spent four decades working both in government and community social services, in addition to teaching at multiple local colleges and universities. She is the recently retired CEO of Pacific Coast Resources Society and the recipient of the YWCA Women of Distinction Award. Ingrid works part-time as a consultant, and currently Chairs the board of the Dogwood Initiative. Ingrid has served on the boards of the Federation of Social Services of BC, the BC Association of Social Workers (Co-chair), and Vancouver Youth Theatre. She volunteers extensively in the environmental and social justice sectors and is an avid outdoor enthusiast.
During her career at the City of Vancouver, Jacquie had many years of experience working with the public and private sectors in the delivery of policy, projects and services. Her roles included Heritage Planner, Associate Director of Community Planning and Co-Director of Planning. Prior to her retirement, she served as the General Manager of Community Services overseeing a number of departments as well as the City’s social centres, non-market housing, theatres, cemetery and animal control. Jacquie is currently engaged in various community projects including as Past President and board member of the Heather Heritage Society, and as a Director of the Building Community Society focussed on developing a program for the most severely mentally ill and addicted individuals in the City’s Downtown Eastside.
Loreen (Lori) Williams is a retired lawyer and mediator. She has been an active volunteer and co-chair of several Working Groups and Advisory committees relating to the environment in the District of West Vancouver and won a District Environmental Award for her work. Lori is a member of the West Vancouver Streamkeepers Society, responsible for creek monitoring and salmon counting. She has served on the Sierra Legal Defense Fund (now known as Ecojustice Canada) as a board member off and on since 1998. Lori is passionate about having the right to a healthy environment enshrined in the Canadian Constitution.
Ingrid holds a BSW and MSW from UBC and has spent four decades working both in government and community social services, in addition to teaching at multiple local colleges and universities. She is the recently retired CEO of Pacific Coast Resources Society and the recipient of the YWCA Women of Distinction Award. Ingrid works part-time as a consultant, and currently Chairs the board of the Dogwood Initiative. Ingrid has served on the boards of the Federation of Social Services of BC, the BC Association of Social Workers (Co-chair), and Vancouver Youth Theatre. She volunteers extensively in the environmental and social justice sectors and is an avid outdoor enthusiast.
Green Technology Education Centre c/o Kitsilano Neighbourhood House 2305 West 7th Ave Vancouver, BC V6K 1Y4 Canada
604-317-4128 info@gteccanada.ca