 Walter Haessel then introduced the guest speaker Peter McKenzie Brown. He explained that Peter is British by birth, American by upbringing and Canadian by choice. He explained that Peter became a Rotarian in Thailand in 2004, and transferred to the Rotary Club of Calgary Centennial when he returned to Canada in 2007. Peter has since actively promoted Rotary projects in Thailand, Cambodia, India, Sri Lanka and Uganda. Currently he leading a large water purification project to be conducted in Uttar Pradesh, India. |
Peter told us that he considers himself a historian and is delighted that his most recent book, a comprehensive new history of Alberta’s oil sands is registered as a Canada 150 project. The book's title is Bitumen: The people, performance and passions behind Alberta’s oil sands. It tells the stories of the world’s second-largest petroleum resource, almost all of which exists within Alberta.
Peter explained that the earliest Hudson’s Bay Company reports on bitumen dated to 1715. Prior to this there were various uses of bitumen implemented by the indigenous first nations people. Peter provided an extensive overview of the book and the process he undertook to put it together. In reviewing the history of bitumen in Alberta, Peter told the story of 3 men and the influential steps taken by them: J. Howard Pew, Robert McClement and Rick George. Each of these individuals contributed to the history in their own way. Peter spoke passionately about Rick George’s commitment to constantly looking to improve efficiency.
Bob Taylor thanked Peter for his presentation and congratulated Peter on finishing the book and for the amount of work that went into it. He encouraged us to view the transcripts of some of the interviews that were conducted in preparation for the book that are available online. Bob presented Peter with a certificate of thanks that a contribution has been made to CAWST in recognition of his attendance and presentation.
Bob Taylor thanks our speaker Peter McKenzie-Brown