From the President’s Office

I think it’s good to hear now and then from this Office about what I’m hearing and doing.

The books – The CAPL books have been audited (at a discount from previous years) but the news is not great – but how could it be? What a tough year looking at the calendar 2016 year. Remediation? You’ve seen the new fees for GM’s @ $35 each and they aren’t popular but we had a record turnout for January and February then hit a new low for the March event despite over ~215 showing up for St. Patrick’s Networking. We know that it’s creating some consequences that only hurt the organization but we are taking steps to evolve this and more changes are coming sooner than later.

The past – CAPL existed for many reasons and the general meetings (GM’s) served a business purpose linked usually with a networking opportunity. Today it’s changed. Members expect (for the most part we hear) social media and website updates and all networking at the GM’s. You will hear more on this topic.

The present – We have resurrected an opportunity to meet with land managers and VP Land’s at CAPL for a Strategic Forum on April 6. Members will be sent a web survey with 4 or more questions that arise specifically out of this Forum, and the answers will help guide the new CAPL Board. Stay tuned.  CAPL elections on April 27 and the Merit Awards GM are both significant in the life of CAPL and we look forward to hosting these again this year. The June GM promises to be very special and our speaker promises to be engaging with our members as we explore the depths of those individuals and companies that do battle against oil and gas across Canada.

Education – Outside of office allocation charges we broke even last year with education classes run by CAPL but we have to do better in this area. How can you help? By asking for classes that help you do your jobs so give us some feedback. Our Education Committee is motivated to find ways to find the right materials, the right instructors and the right way to deliver (e.g. internal company classes) the products to make it work. And members – don’t let our CAPL classrooms sit empty. Book them for a negotiable price and let’s use this valuable resource sooner than later.

Jobs – We have loads of professionals looking for work. Don’t be afraid to ask if they’ll work for free. That’s right – free. Many have said they don’t want their skills to erode and they can help. That’s how it starts and sometimes it leads to paid work. It has in my life. Otherwise I like the aspect of job sharing. As Rex Murphy put it to us in January, a woman or man’s sense of self-worth is significant to them and their families. Let’s do what we can.

We aren’t perfect – No one is but we hear our members. Please use the president@landman.ca  and reception@landman.ca email addresses and tell us about your solutions, your ‘beefs and bouquets’ as it is described. We are looking forward to the new 2017 PJVA CAPL Pad Site Sharing Agreement and the 2017 Property Transfer Procedure (which I’ve used already) which provide each of us with ample opportunities to learn and execute on those learnings.

Live, learn and thrive knowing landmen can make a huge difference in our families, firms and communities by knowing the truth about business and speaking that truth into the lives of ordinary Albertans who need to hear it, maybe for the first time.

Larry Buzan, P.Land

President 2016-2017