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| L-R: Sue Paish and Rio Tinto Alcan’s Richard Prokopanko chat with Canadian Consul General Gerry Campbell at the Consulate in Hong Kong SAR. |
By Sue Paish, Chair, WLC Advisory Board
Having just returned from The Board’s Urban Study Trip to Hong Kong and Beijing, I can tell you that these two cities are astounding communities in every context.
There is a culture of “getting things done” in both cities that is palpable. This is probably most impressive in Hong Kong, which is fiercely free enterprise and where the independence of the individual and of business is celebrated and supported in a myriad of ways, not the least of which is the low tax structure. This celebration of independence and the low tax environment does not mean that those who are disadvantaged are marginalized or ignored, or that there is a lack of social programs. It appears that the social safety net is as comprehensive in the community where personal taxes average 6 per cent and business taxes run at 15 per cent, as it is in the much higher tax environments.
Connected to this results-oriented disposition is a culture of self-responsibility. Time and again we heard about how people realized and accepted that they were responsible for both their own success and for ensuring projects, ideas or plans worked; whether it was recovering from SARS or caring for the elderly. It’s a good formula: less process, more action.
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Sue Paish, Board governor. Daniel Muzyka and Carol Lee in Beijing, in front of the Bird’s Nest Olympic Stadium. |
By Carol Lee, WLC Advisory Board Member
In late May, I travelled to Beijing for the opening of the B.C.–Canada Pavilion. I was there with The Board of Trade delegation, which included Sue Paish, chair of the Women’s Leadership Circle, fellow WLC board members Yvonne De Valone and Henry Lee, the premier, federal International Trade Minister David Emerson and Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan.
It had been eight years since I had visited Beijing and I was overwhelmed by the transformation the city had undergone. The impact is immediate – you notice it as soon as you walk into the ultra-modern Beijing Capital International Airport. On the drive into the city there was an international feel to the architecture. One of the most impressive new buildings is our stunning B.C.–Canada Pavilion, designed by Vancouver architect Bing Thom. And it couldn’t be better situated; it’s located right in the centre of the city on Tiananmen Square.
Outside the building you are greeted by a beautiful jade sculpture by The Board’s sculptor-in-residence, George Pratt. As you walk through the entrance to the Pavilion, there are 13 soaring arches, symbolizing Canada’s 13 provinces and territories.
But it was the human touch that really made me most proud. During every speech that Premier Campbell and others of the delegation gave, they expressed our sorrow for those affected by the devastating earthquake. In a most sincere and thoughtful gesture, the premier announced that for the five months that the B.C.–Canada Pavilion is open, there will be a donation box for China’s earthquake victims and British Columbia will match all donations. It certainly made me very proud to be a British Columbian.
 Summer is just around the corner and we know many of you will be travelling to some interesting spots. As a WLC member, we welcome your “postcards” from the places you visit. Send us your first impressions or what it’s like doing business there. Or, maybe you found some terrific bargains, great restaurants or met some interesting people. Email your 100 to 200 word postcard and a photo to info@workthepond.com.
CELEBRATING EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN
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YWCA of Vancouver, CEO, Janet Austin speaking at the Women of Distinction Awards |
Over a thousand women (and men) celebrated the 25th annual YWCA’s Women of Distinction Awards on May 26. Robin Stickley, Global TV anchor, was one of the co-presenters and early in the evening she warned organizers that she was going off-script—something all event planners dread! Robin then told the audience that while picking up her morning coffee from Starbucks, she noticed this quote on the cup:
“There’s a special place in hell for women who don’t help other women.” – Madeleine Albright, Former U.S. Secretary of State
What a perfect message, because that night she was going to be at an event hosted by an organization where women have been supporting women for over 100 years!
We sometimes don’t realize that organizations in our own backyard, like the YWCA, have world-wide reputations. Nationally and internationally our YWCA has an amazing reputation for innovation.
The YWCA is truly a leader in its field and the success rate for its initiatives is amazing. For example, the YWCA recently provided expertise in Russia to help develop a program that supports women's participation in the workforce. That program has now spread to 40 communities in the Russian Federation.
One of the YWCA’s biggest goals is to help single moms who are at risk of homelessness to break free from the cycle of poverty and dependency. CEO Janet Austin (WLC Advisory Board) says, “While everyone needs safe, affordable housing, women with dependent children are especially vulnerable when they are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.” The YWCA offers various types of transition and long-term housing in Vancouver, Coquitlam, Langley and Surrey to single mother-led families so they can make the transition to economic independence. Austin says that 80 per cent of the women who enter this housing are on income assistance, but when they leave they are either employed or in post-secondary education.
SPRING CLEANING
 Is this not the best title of a book this year?
If your closet is overstuffed with great clothes that you don’t wear, maybe it’s time to give them to the YWCA Thrift Shop: 4399 Main Street at 28th Avenue in Vancouver.
Tel: (604) 675-9996.
FITNESS FOR A GOOD CAUSE
 Between WLC Advisory Board member Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia’s 21st Annual Women’s Media Golf Classic, the 20th Annual Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival and various other runs and walks, there are lots of ways to get fit, give to a good cause and have some fun. If you’re not an ‘athlete,’ you can still get involved by volunteering for events such as the TD Canada Trust Vancouver International Jazz Festival or the HSBC Celebration of Light.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW!
Put a note on your calendar right now to save Thursday, November 6. That’s the date the WLC will be holding a full-day forum featuring a stellar list of speakers and opportunities to connect with an amazing group of women at the Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre. Last year, 1,800 women heard speakers such as Mia Farrow, Arianna Huffington and the hilarious Loretta LaRoche. It’s an event you won’t want to miss! Details to come.
YOUR FEEDBACK
We would love to hear from you. Send your comments, ideas for this newsletter, for speakers, for content to: info@wlcircle.com
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June 19, 2008
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