Who We Are

Allan’s career, over more than five decades has taken him from politics to business to law. A formative member of Alberta’s New Democratic Party he became the first President of the Calgary Young New Democrats. Within the NDP he evolved from campaign organizer to Provincial Secretary, participating in some 30 different campaigns across five provinces, including his own provincial and federal election campaigns. He was active in politics and government until 1977, occupying a range of high-level civil service positions.

Moving to Nelson, BC., Allan owned a company specializing in home heating and insulation systems. His company also built two passive homes in Nelson. Allan served on the board of Nelson & District Chamber of Commerce, also chairing the Kootenay Country Co-op.

Allan’s period of preparation for law school, coincided with a growing concern for the environment and climate change. Called to the Bar in 1997, Allan worked with an established law firm serving First Nations across BC and other provinces/territories. Allan’s work focused on representing clients who had been sexually and physically abused while attending Indian Residential Schools, including cases that established context for future trials. Allan’s latter years of practise have involved deep research and communication on climate science and policy, providing valuable guidance on the relevance to Indigenous clients.

Gerry has been recognized nationally, provincially and locally for his Environmental Stewardship efforts focused on Aquatic Ecosystem Health restoration. With an academic background in Cultural Anthropology, Environmental Management and Fisheries Technology Gerry believes that the same Values and Principles that describe Stewardship Ethics should be used to focus the way we drive our economy and the way that we live.

In addition to working in the Salmo River Watershed, Gerry is currently working toward following First Nations/Tribal lead to equally value Ecosystem Function in the Columbia River Treaty. He believes that the renegotiation of the Columbia River Treaty is the single most important opportunity in our lifetime to drive real Environmental change in the Columbia Basin; the Eco-Nation we all live in.

Gerry believes we are uniquely positioned in the Canadian Columbia Basin to maintain and contribute to a practical vision of undertaking leadership in successful Renewable Energy such as Floating PhotoVoltaics and Green Hydrogen.

Laura currently focuses her efforts on climate advocacy, communication, and empowering others to take action. She founded the Nelson-West Kootenay chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby in 2014, and more recently co-founded the West Kootenay Climate Hub and BC Climate Alliance. She is a BC Regional Organizer for the Community Climate Hub initiative, a trained Climate Reality Leader, and an En-ROADS climate ambassador – conducting workshops on climate solutions for a diverse range of audiences.

Before shifting to climate issues, Laura had a career as a hydrologist, operated a small organic farm, and helped raise two daughters. This work is ultimately driven by her grave concern for her daughters’ future. Laura holds a MSc in Environmental Sciences and BSc in Geology, along with certificates in Renewable Energy Technology, Permaculture Design, and numerous courses in sustainability and climate science and policy.

Tyler has worked with start-ups and rapid growth businesses in many roles, including advisor, CFO, director and investor with multiple successful exits both domestically and internationally. His clients include companies that span a number of jurisdictions and industries including mining, healthcare, real estate, Co-ops, retail, farming, construction and manufacturing.

An active community member, Tyler was recently honoured as the 2020 Volunteer of the Year by Community Futures of Central Kootenays for his contributions to the area, including coaching hockey and basketball teams, serving on volunteer boards, and mentoring local businesses.

Tyler has a Masters in Professional Accounting from the University of Saskatchewan and a Bachelor of Management from University of Lethbridge.

Hayley is an Environmental Scientist with an interest in environmental systems integration, consumption, and regenerative design. Previously, Hayley worked in green building research focused on non-toxic and low embodied carbon construction materials selection, indoor air quality, biophilic design, and energy conservation, generation, and storage. She is currently training to become an Energy Advisor, and she works with a non-profit society to help manage industry-oriented solar training.

Bruce spent over 30 years in the oil & gas industry, most recently as a GM of Engineering for Shell, managing deepwater projects in Asia.

A long time supporter of environmental causes, Bruce left Shell in 2018 to take more direct and urgent action on climate change. Bruce is the Board Chair for non-profit Iron & Earth - an organization enabling fossil fuel workers to bring their skills to the energy transition. Bruce founded Thor Hydrogen, delivering projects that pair renewables with green hydrogen energy storage bringing the prospect of regional climate resilience and energy sovereignty. Bruce lives in Kimberley.