Page 17 - Suncor 360 - January 2015

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JAN / FEB 2015
360
The energy sector has a long history of standing behind the arts and embracing their importance to community building.
It goes far beyond sponsorship dollars. Many energy companies recognize the
arts for what they really are: a way to share our stories.
When you think about energy sector’s biggest issues, it’s easy to paint the picture in broad strokes – fluctuating oil prices, climate change, the push for or against new pipelines, and so on.
But through the lens of the arts, the issues the energy sector faces are really issues that people in the sector face. At end of day, it’s about people – regardless of the price of oil. Suncor recognizes that.
That’s why Suncor is such a strong champion of the arts. The company understands the effort and dedication that must come from people to build an industry. And to tell that story, the arts are crucial.
In 2015, the oil sands industry, as well as individual Canadians, needs to do a better job than ever before of standing up to those who’d like to shut oil sands development down.
We need to stand up for a sustainable energy future. We need to stand up and advocate for truth. At Canada Action, we stand up to those who’d shut us down by demanding and promoting a realistic, fact-based discussion about our energy future.
Each of us needs to take a fair measure of responsibility for our province’s, our country’s and our world’s economic and energy future. We can fulfil that responsibility by becoming part of the conversation. Or we can choose to remain silent and share in the responsibility for tremendous opportunities lost.
Meaningful and authentic partnerships endure through the good times and the bad. Amid dropping oil prices and uncertain economic forecasting, the arts community remains committed to our corporate partners. Even in difficult times, we can offer a means of expression and storytelling.
The arts aren’t a ‘nice to have.’ Their effects on a community are profound. When art infuses the lives of our citizens, new perspectives and outlooks arise.
We need that now more than ever, and I welcome a conversation about what we can do together.
PATTI PON • President & CEO of Calgary Arts Development, which supports and strengthens the arts to benefit all Calgarians and cultivate a creative, connected Calgary
CODY BATTERSHILL (@codyincalgary) • Founder, spokesperson and principal funder of the non-profit group www.CanadaAction.ca – a volunteer network of Canadians who are deeply passionate about energy literacy and who work to motivate others to add their voices to the energy discussion
Companies like Suncor need to advocate even more strongly for the industry. They need to set competing business interests aside and work together with other players to tell a powerful and unified Canadian energy and business story.
At the individual level, employees need to recognize the dire need for speaking up as industry and brand ambassadors. They need to arm themselves with facts, embrace the importance of sharing the facts and learn how to participate in the energy conversation with pride and enthusiasm. Leaders, meanwhile, need to concentrate and organize supporters, teach them how to participate positively and help them see they’re making a difference.