CFBS Executive Director Activities
Dr. Bruce H. Sells, FRS(C)

1. I met recently with the Program Director of the Parliamentary Library (PL) and two of her colleague to discuss our Knowledge Translation Proposal. This proposal has been shared with several of the Federal Research Agencies (NSERC, CIHR and SSHRC) in addition to CFI and Genome Canada. If we are able to develop a conduit for information flow to parliamentarians through the PL we have an opportunity to access funds from the agencies with less pressure to get financial support from the Societies and yet involve the Societies in making suggestions. Further details are available on CFBS Policy page: http://www.cfbs.org/policy.html



2. I participated in several sessions with the Steering committee of the Canadian Consortium for Research to produce the "Brief" that was sent out in August to the Federal Finance Committee and is posted on the CFBS website: http://www.cfbs.org/ReportsBriefs.html



3. At the end of May the CFBS office organized meetings with “decision makers” for CSZ. Eight appointments were scheduled over two day for the CSZ Executive. They met with representatives from AUCC, Fisheries and Oceans, National Science Advisor, CFI, Canadian Council of Animal Care, NSERC, Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada. A report about these meeting is available on http://www.cfbs.org/ReportsBriefsCSZAdvc07.html



4. I have been in communication with the 6th Northern Lights Summer Conference Program Organizers. The 2008 program is organized by Dr. Phillip Gardiner, Director, HLHP Research Institute, and Canada Research Chair in Physical Activity & Health Studies, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB. The theme is: Biology of Aging; New Answers to Old Questions, June 18 – 21, 2008. For further information please refer to the Annual Meeting page: http://www.cfbs.org/annual.html

CFBS Executive Director Activities
Dr. Art Olson

Updated: December 6, 2006

• With the election underway, much of the month was focused on examining party platforms to assess their interest in science and technology.
• As well, it was an opportunity to review documentation published by CFBS, by our member societies and by science departments.

February 2006

• Potential working relationships with Plant Canada, and were explored.
• The Lobbyist registration process required considerable consultation with the specialists in Industry Canada.
• Met with Dr. Doug Hedley, Executive Director for the Deans of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine.

March 2006

• Met with Tom Beach, Executive Director of the Agricultural Institute of Canada regarding working relationships.
• Took part in meetings of the Canadian Council for Animal Care (CCAC), the Partnership Group for Science and Engineering (PAGSE), with Dr. Mark Bisby, CIHR, and Dr. Nigel Lloyd (NSERC).
• Supported the preparation of the grant submission for the Saskatoon conference. Commenced drafting a CFBS business/work plan.
• Followed up with contacts related to Plant Canada.
• Attended NSERC’s award evening.

April 2006

• The implications of the Speech from the Throne, given the change in Government, necessitated a significant investment of time. Attended the Canadian Consortium for Research (CCR) and the PAGSE meetings.
• Met with Paul Crete, MP (BQ), Jack Smith (Office of the National Science Advisor, PCO) re convergence concept, Ken Lawless of the Ottawa Life Sciences Council and Dr. Teklemariam (Alberta).
• Attended the Bacon and Eggheads breakfast on the Hill.
• Commenced drafting CFBS advocacy paper.

May 2006

• After a holiday break, took part in advocacy efforts organized on behalf of the Canadian Society of Zoologists (which included meetings with Mr. Paul Crete, MP (BQ), Mr. Joe Fontana MP (Lib), NSERC, CIHR, CCAC, Ministry of Environment, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and the Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI).

June 2006

• Worked on PAGSE submission.
• Met with NSERC and the Canadian Council of Academies.
• Attended the CCR and PAGSE meetings as well as the Shining Lights conference in Saskatoon.

July 2006

• Much of the month was focused on preparing the CFBS advocacy brief and a very active involvement in the PAGSE brief.
• Attended the PAGSE meeting and commenced preparation for the fall meeting of the Board.
• Pursued issues related to the fall conference and the CCA survey on science and technology in Canada.

August 2006

• Completed CFBS and PAGSE advocacy papers and attended a science community meeting hosted by the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC) and the CCR meeting (re the CCR brief).
• The fall conference and Board meeting required considerable input.

September 2006

• Planning for the Board meeting,
• preparation of the grant submission for the Fall conference,
• distributing the CFBS brief to various MP’s, organizations and Departments,
• getting ready for the presentation of and then attending the PAGSE brief to the House of Commons Finance Committee
• attending the PAGSE Bacon and Eggheads breakfast.

October 2006

• Attended the CCAC, PAGSE and CCR meetings.
• Met with Jack Smith (Office of the National Science Advisor, now in Industry Canada) re the convergence study, with Dr. Carty (National Science Advisor) regarding Canada’s level of science investment,
• Chaired the Strategic Planning Meeting organized for the CFBS board to discuss future plans.
• Participated in the October 2006 Board Meeting
• further pursued the status of the Toxic Substances Issue on behalf of STC,
• prepared for advocacy meetings by CCUBC,
• became involved in the Bill S-213 dealing with animal welfare.

November 2006

• Followed up on discussions with Dr. David Andrews (CSBMCB) regarding CFBS’ future orientation and in particular, conferences,
• completed work planning document and distributed it to CFBS Executive for comment,
• met with staff from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Defence Research and Development Canada, Health Canada, Industry Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency in preparation for the Economic and Financial Update released by the Government.
• Took part in the CCUBC advocacy activities involving Health Canada, NSERC, CIHR, CFI, Department of Fisheries and Oceans and Industry Canada.
• Attended PAGSE meeting.

December 2006

• I will be meeting with Clement Gauthier (CCAC) regarding expanding CFBS’ involvement with CCAC, with PAGSE and CCR.

Posted: October 4, 2006

On Tuesday, September 26, 2006 Dr. Art Olson, CFBS Executive Director took part in the presentation of the PAGSE brief to the House of Commons Finance Committee. Brief

Since joining CFBS this spring, much of my time has been devoted to trying to understand what CFBS is, where it has come from and attempting to determine its future direction. Thus far, I have a number of general impressions:

We have a valuable role to play in representing the scientific community. We’re credible although most understand that we’ve operating with limited resources. There is a good understanding of what CFBS used to be and how it has evolved plus a great deal of respect for Dr. Sells for making CFBS visible. At the same time, an appreciation that CFBS is only as strong as our constituent societies is leavened by concerns that these same societies are vulnerable as technologies overlap and people move on. One major advantage that CFBS has in the Ottawa environment is that we do have a coherent policy position, especially when compared to the many other societies who are not joined in a coalition and thus tend to compete with each other.

Please consult the Speech from the Throne Article on the CFBS website, for information about the new government and some advocacy issues and actions CFBS is taking in response to the speech.

Dr. Sells and I are using the transition to build my understanding of the issues and the people we’re dealing with. I’m enjoying our frank discussions and have quickly come to realize his depth of knowledge. Wafaa Antonious and Laila Riad are working very hard to keep the office afloat and effective. Thus far, it has been an excellent experience – and hopefully of benefit to CFBS.

CFBS is only as effective with your involvement and feedback. Your input and advice are welcome and appreciated.

Sincerely,

Art Olson,
CFBS Executive Director

E.D. Activies January – April 2005

1. Jan 11: Prepared a CFBS Alerts
   
   
2. Jan 18: Meeting with David Franser Federal Department of Finance
   
   
3. Jan 28: Asked to speak at Council for Health Research in Canada, in relation to their restructuring exercise
   
   
4. Feb 2: Monthly meeting of Canadian Consortium for Research
   
   
5. Feb 8: Met with B. Masse M.P.
   
   
6. Feb 8: Prepared summary of meetings with decision-makers
   
   
7. Feb 10: Met with Paul Ledwell, ED Canadian Humanities Council, regarding possible partnership related to knowledge transfer
   
   
8. Feb 10: Prepared a CFBS Alerts
   
   
9. Feb 10: Participated in a dialogue concerning national occupational Classification with Human Resources Development Canada
   
   
10. Feb 15: Participated in the regular meeting of the Partnership Group In Science & Engineering (PAGSE)
    
    
11. Feb 17: Initiated a discussion with the Biotechnology Human Resources Council
    
    
12. Feb 23: Participated with the steering committee regarding CCR’s response to the Federal Budget
    
    
13. Feb 24: Prepared CFBS' response to the Federal Budget
    
    
14. March 2: Canadian Consortium for Research monthly meeting
    
    
15. March 3: Met with the new CEO of the Canadian Council for Food and Nutrition to initiate talks related to a partnership
    
    
16. March 7: Met with Mike Savage M.P. new Caucus Chair for Post Secondary Education and Research
    
    
17. March 22: Participated in the Leader’s Forum Conference call as a member of the steering committee
    
    
18. March 30: Met with the Parliamentary Librarians and his colleagues to consider the development of a seminars program to inform M.P.s and their staff concerning how research is performed and some of the newer innovations that have been reported. Efforts are being made to initiate this program in the fall of 2005.
    
    
19. April 7: Met with Executive Director and the Manager, Marketing and Business Development of the Biotechnology Human Resources Council to explore opportunitities for partnership with CFBS.
    
    
20. April 12: Attended the PAGSE breakfast and lecture for Parliamentarians

E.D. Activies Summer 2004

1. June 10: Dr. Kevin Cockell, CFBS Treasurer and Dr. Bruce Sells, CFBS E.D. met with Tom Beach, Executive Director of the Agricultural Institute of Canada (AIC) to determine how AIC and CFBS could work together. Agreed to meet again on June 24.
   
   

2. June 16-21: Dr. Sells took part in the First Northern Lights Summer Conference, CFBS 47th Annual Meeting, Vancouver.
Dr. David Andrews, CFBS President, presented Dr. Sells with the CFBS Excellence Award in recognition of his efforts and dedication to CFBS.


3. June 24: Dr. Cockell and Dr. Sells met with Tom Beach and Jane Sullivan, AIC Foundation, to work out their arrangement with CFBS. CFBS- ED agreed to develop a contract between the two organizations.



4. June 30: Dr. Sells met with Drs. Alan Berstein and Mark Bisby (CIHR) to discuss how CFBS could be more effective in knowledge transfer issues re the general public/tax payer.



5. July 5: participated in the Partnership Group in Science & Engineering (PAGSE) meeting to initiate discussions on the brief to the Federal Finance Committee. Suggested title:“Building Capacity for Innovation”.



6. July 14 & July27: participated in conference calls regarding the upcoming Health Research Leaders’ Forum.



7. July 28: attended the Canadian Consortium for Research Steering Committee (CCR) Meeting to determine the strategy for advocacy with the opening of Parliament.
   
8. August 4: took part in an additional PAGSE Meeting to discuss the brief being presented to the Federal Finance Committee.



9. August 19: provided input at the PAGSE Meeting regarding CFBS issues related to the brief to the Federal Finance Committee.



10. August: prepared final draft of contract to be signed by AIC & CFBS regarding Advocacy Activities.



11. August: prepared Newsletter submissions to the Genetics Society of Canada and the Canadian Society of Zoologists.



12. August-September: prepared a modified Newsbulletin for Presidents of the CFBS Societies to summarize CFBS three major functions i) Advocacy ii) Contract Services provided and iii) organizing the Annual Meeting.



13. August-September: Prepared the CFBS Advocacy Brief “Sustaining and Expanding Innovation”.



14. Contacted colleagues to identify an LOC Chair and Program Orgainzer for the 2005 Northern Lights Conference in Guelph. Dr. Janis Simpson, University of Guelph agreed to be the LOC Chair and Dr. Arend Bonen, University of Guelph is the Scientific Program Chair.
    

    From Left: Dr. Bruce Sells, CFBS E.D., Dr. Larry Wolfe, CSEP President, Mary Duggan, CSEP Manager, Wafaa Antonious, CFBS Manager

15. Met with Dr. Larry Wolfe, CSEP President on November 25, 04 to discuss issues of concern and ways of collaboration between CFBS and CSEP. Dr. Wolfe requested that Dr. Sells provide a short talk at the CSEP November 05 Meeting concerning advocacy.

E.D. Activities March 11, 2004

1. Took part in meetings-from October through February- of the Partnership Group in Science & Engineering (PAGSE). Resulting from these sessions was a submission to the Federal Department of Finance.




2. Click here to view larger picture

   Organized the 5th Annual Strategic Planning session in November. The session was attended by 24 participants. A summary of the meetings is on the CFBS website.



3. Participated in meetings of the Canadian Consortium for Research to develop strategies for future advocacy sessions with decision-makers.



4. As a member of both the steering committee and working group, the E.D. has been heavily involved in the organization of the “Health Research Leaders’Forum”. The Forum is expected to have ~ 100 invitees from across Canada to discuss a Canadian Vision for Health Research. Currently, the Forum is expected to occur in September 2004. A number of face-to-face meetings and conference calls have taken place during the Fall and Winter months.



5. Face-to-face meetings of the Health Resaearch Advocacy Network (HRAN) were held to consider future activies. An advocacy blitz is being planned for the Fall. There has been much uncertainty concerning scheduling given the unclear time-table for the next Federal Election.



6. Organizing the Vancouver Meeting has occupied much of Dr. Sells' time in identifying vehicles for advertising the Conference and soliciting support from potential sponsors. Given that half of our income, required to run the Ottawa office and to support our advocacy activities, is derived from the annual meeting it is important that success is achieved in this endeavour.



7. The executive of the Canadian Society for Zoologists met in Ottawa in early December. The E.D. arranged for meetings for the group with CFI, NSERC and the Canadian Council for Animal Care (CCAC).




8. Click here to view larger picture

   On February 5th the E.D. and three members of CCR met with Joe Fontana, M.P., P.C. Parliamentary Secretary, for Science & Technology, to the Prime Minister to discuss issues related to the Speech From the Throne.



9. An insert was prepared for the Genetics Society-at their request-for insert into their Newsletter.



10. A summary of the issues discussed in the Speech from the Throne was prepared with our President, David Andrews, and is currently on the CFBS website.



11. On March , 04, through PAGES, Dr. Bruce Sells, CFBS Executive Director, met with Dr. A. Carty, Advisor to the Prime Minister, Paul Martin. Summary of this meeting is on the CFBS News Page
    

2003 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR-ACTIVITIES

1. May 2003:

• With colleagues from the Canadian Council for University Biology Chairs and from Societies of CFBS, Dr. Sells arranged meetings with 17 "decision-makers" see www.cfbs.org/policy.html .
  
• Joined a delegation from Canadian Consortium for Research (CCR) to visit NRC and met with Dr. Arthur Carty. (The CFBS ED serves on the CCR steering committee.)
  
• Prepared the CFBS Annual Report for the CFBS Annual Meeting see www.cfbs.org
  
• Continued a dialogue with Dr. M. Wake, President of the International Union of Biology (IUBS) and with Dr. Hamid Jorjani (International Office, NRC) in an effort to obtain membership for Canada in IUBS. Contacted Society executives for support of this endeavour.
  
• Participated in a Forum in Ottawa on Access to Post Secondary Education, organized by the Canadian Federation of Students and CAUT.
  

2. June 2003:

• Hosted and organized Science Policy Forum "Diabetes the Chronic Disease" at CFBS' Annual Meeting.
• Functioned in fund-raising and advertising the annual CFBS Meeting.
  
• Communicated with individuals organizing the Scientific Program for June 2004 and with the Vancouver local organizing committee (LOC) Chair
  

3. July 2003:

• Visited Vancouver to to establish a venue for the 2004 CFBS Annual Meeting that has been renamed "Northern Lights Conference" to reflect the focus on Themes and a greater International flavour in terms of attracting outstanding speakers and audience.
   
• Had a meeting with Dr. Sheila Innis, Chair of LOC, University of British Columbia
   
• Visited Dr. Bruce McManus, Scientific Director, CIHR Institute of Circulatory and Respiratory Health, of to discuss future winter/summer conferences in which institutes/societies would specify the scientific program and CFBS would act as a meeting coordinator. See photo, from left: Drs. Sells, McMannus.

4. August 2003:

• Completed Advocacy Report -2003 www.cfbs.org/policy.html
  
• Submitted to Peter Adams, MP, Chair, Caucus for Post Secondary Education & Research, a "brief" entitled " Access to Undergraduate & Graduate Education" see www.cfbs.org/ReportsBriefs.html , for discussion the Caucus' annual meeting in August.

5. September 2003:

• Attended 'the Partnership Group in Science & Engineering (PAGSE) September Meeting at which CFBS made comments regarding the annual submission to the Federal Office of Finance.
• CFBS ED was invited to join a steering group that will organize a "Forum On the Future of Health Research". This will be a forum in which leaders in the Health Research area will consider how far Canada has come in Health Research and what the future needs are to make Canada successful. Dr. Alvin Shrier, Professor/Chair of Physiology, McGill University, CFBS Past President, will be CFBS' delegate to the Forum.