Wendy Holm

Topics

Presentations

Co-ops & the Future of Community
For Wendy Holm, it's all about public policy and respect for community. How can we deliver the communities that will sustain and nourish our grandchildren's grandchildren? According to Holm, in the midst of this global economic crisis, the lesson we must NOW all learn is there are cooperative alternatives to private sector capitalism that produce more robust economic benefits and build sustaining social capital that respects and upholds the dignity of the community and her people.

Beyond green roofs - rethinking sustainability
Connecting the dots between economics, public policy and governance, Holm defends sovereignty as critical to the sustainability of communities and nations, exploring where are we now and what we need to do to deliver a more sustainable future.

Water, NAFTA, and Canadian sovereignty
Without ample supplies of fresh water, communities and ecosystems suffer, yet NAFTA rights held by American companies (or companies with American investors) outstrip any rights we have as Canadians. This is not, as has been portrayed, simply an export issue – those rights accrue as well to “in Canada” water use by US entities – e.g. water used in oil and gas exploration. Find out, in simple terms, why, and what Canadians need to do now to “fix it”.

Food Security and Food Sovereignty
Without farmers to provide food to our cities, food security is off the table. The only thing more foolish that giving your neighbour rights to the pump is depending on them for your food.  Without respect for farmers and public policy support for food sovereignty/security/safety/democracy, communities  cannot sustain themselves. Today, Canadians are more concerned with these issues than every before, yet Canada's farmers remain under attack. Through story and example, why food security and food sovereignty are essential components of a sustainable future for Canada.

Rethinking economics – Capitalism, Co-operation,  and Community Neoclassical economic theory is responsible for much of our global economic crisis, and communities are feeling the effects of this. “All things being equal” simply doesn’t exist, and when governments look the other way as economic power tips the playing field, communities suffer. What can we do to begin to reclaim economic and social sustainability?

Rethinking governance - Youth Empowerment
It is in everyone's interest to see youth empowered and participating in the dialogue.   Explore ideas to better encourage the vision and voice of youth in the governance process.

Defense for a Nation - rethinking Canadian Sovereignty
In his seminal 1963 book  Lament for a Nation, George Parkin Grant, poignantly described the sacrifice of Canadian sovereignty. Almost half a century later, it’s time for a paradigm shift. Canada needs to reclaim her sovereignty in many policy areas if we are to achieve long-term sustainability objectives. Find out why, and what, we need to do to move towards a more sovereign and sustainable Canada.

Summary Profile

An award-winning resource economist, Agrologist and journalist, Wendy has covered stories at the forefront of Canadian policy since the early 1990's, picking up seven national journalism awards since 2003.

During her 35-year career, Wendy has provided policy advice to public and private sector clients in the areas of agriculture, resources, regulation, competition policy, trade and international co-operation.

A twice-honoured Queens Medalist (1993, 2002) and BC Agrologist of the Year 2000, Holm was recognized in 2008 as one of only nine Distinguished Alumni in UBC's agriculture faculty since it opened is doors to students in 1918. 

In 2009, Wendy was honoured as the Western Canada recipient of Farm Credit Canada's Rosemary Davis Award for passion and commitment to agriculture.

Holm has served for 8 years as a Director of Vancity Credit Union, Canada's largest financial cooperative. Wendy has also served as Director, Okanagan Valley Tree Fruit Authority, President, BC Institute of Agrologists, and BC Director, Agricultural Institute of Canada.

As Senior Project Associate for Cuba with Vancouver-based NGO Sustainable Cities, Wendy's work in Cuba to bring together Canadian and Cuban dairy farmers in a project of international cooperation earned her the 2007 CIDA-MEC International Cooperation Award for sustainability. 

Since 2005, Holm has also taught a Cuba-based University of British Columbia three credit course to Canadian and international students on sustainable agriculture.

In September 2010, Wendy began a second Masters program in Co-op Management at Saint Mary's University in Halifax.

She lives and writes on Bowen Island, BC.

Client Testimonials:

"Wendy Holm is a courageous and stimulating speaker who weaves her rich personal and professional experiences into presentations that inspire reflection and action by her audiences. As an Agrologist and resource economist she has thought through many of the key issues of our time, and doesn't hesitate to voice her views on them in a straightforward and often provocative manner."

Richard C. Bocking, Author, filmmaker, agricultural economist