Speakers

In the short time Linda has been a Rotary North member, she has accomplished a lot, which is not surprising given her energy level.  Linda will provide us with more detail about herself in this "Getting to Know Me" Craft Talk.

A 2015 Calgary Herald article quoted a current (at that time) study as saying "binge drinking is on the rise among young people around the world, including Canada.  The reporter noted that binge drinking “is often a form of socialization” and “fitting in” for young adults."  However, Dr David Hodgins, a psychology Prof at the U of C, says that "teen binge drinking might not necessarily be on the rise in Canada" even though substance abuse and other addictions are still a serious issue.  Dr. Hodgins should know since he specializes in addictive behaviour and will speak to us about his findings.   This will be an interesting topic: after all, one of the ironies of being a Rotarian is volunteering at casinos to get funds that will help us help people, some of whom probably need help because they spend so much at the casino.  

Dr Megan Thompson is a Limnologist and Aquatic Ecologist with more than fifteen years of professional, research, and academic experience dealing with pollutant and climate change impacts on lakes and rivers.  Her work has focused on the water quality impacts of terrestrial linkages and inputs like permafrost thaw, industrial surface runoff, mine tailings spills, atmospheric deposition, and effluent release on freshwater systems.  She has represented and advised Indigenous clients in meetings with industry and government, written over 60 technical and advisory reports, published papers, presented to community meetings, and lectured on contaminant limnology, mine tailings spills into rivers, and anthropogenic environmental impacts on lakes and rivers.  Her training is in the fields of aquatic ecology and limnology and northern planning and development, including studies in participatory research and conflict resolution.  She has experience with research and professional projects in the Northwest Territories, Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, New Brunswick, Northern Sweden and Alaska.