SURVEY
JANUARY 7, 2025
Ian S. Spears - Associate Professor,
Political Science, University of Guelph
Why does Africa have so much conflict?
Africa is often characterized in terms of persistent conflict, instability, corruption and
bad governance. Why? Is it because African leaders are more susceptible to misrule?
Or is it because of the way African states were formed?
Ian Spears teaches international relations and conflict resolution at U. of G. He is the
author of Civil Wars in African States and also Believers, Skeptics and Failure in Conflict
Resolution as well as many articles and book chapters on these issues.He has spoken
before parliamentary committees on these issues as they affect the Horn of Africa. His
current research explores the different ways that states are created and their tendency
toward violent conflict.
JANUARY PRESENTATIONS
Speakers Arranged by Ken Woodside
JANUARY 21, 2025
Janet Ivey
Manager of Water Resources, Grand River Conservation Authority
Grand River Conservation Authority- History and Future Directions
The presentation will cover how the GRCA came to be, its early works, current programs
and services, recent changes to the conservation authorities act and how the role of the
GRCA has changed
Janet Ivey has 20 years experience working for conservation authorities,leading science
based studies and collaborative exercises. Janet oversees programs to monitor and
assess surface and groundwater quality, outreach programs to farmers and sewage
treatment plant operators, and protection of municipal and First Nations drinking water
sources.
JANUARY 28, 2025
Mike Schreiner
MPP for Guelph and Leader of the Ontario Green Party
Issues in Ontario
Our speaker, Mike Schreiner, is the leader of the Green Party of Ontario. He became
Ontario’s first Green MPP when he was elected to represent the riding of Guelph in 2018.
As leader of the Green Party for more than a decade, Mike is known at Queen’s Park as a
champion for climate action, affordable housing, local food and water initiatives and
small business. He was re-elected in 2022 with an increased majority. Mike,his wife Sandy
and their two daughters like to spend their free time hiking, cycling and staying active in
their community
Executive: President: John Core, Vice President: Nick Harris, Treasurer: Brian Magee, Secretary: Ron Dolynchuk
GREETERS: Norm Lovitt, Bob Morris
ANTHEM: Phil Allt
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Jonathon Webb
INTRODUCTION: Jack Buykes THANKS: Harry Cummings
GREETERS: Gerry Hyde, Charles Toth
ANTHEM: Rick Thompson
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Thom Herrmann
INTRODUCTION: Mark Sears THANKS: Jonathan Webb
GREETERS: Tony Martin, Dave Elliott
ANTHEM: Rick Light
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Graham Ford INTRODUCTION: Charles Toth THANKS: Michael Hincks
GREETERS: David Burland, Mike Bouk
ANTHEM: Simon Bell
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Jim Howse INTRODUCTION: Danny Butler THANKS: Ken Woodside
Welcome to the
Guelph Wellington Men’s Club
Opportunities for Learning and Fellowship
Through Weekly Meetings,Social and Sporting Events
JANUARY 14, 2025
David Herle
Partner at Rubicon Strategy and professional public opinion poll analyst
Public Opinion Polling: Past and Future
David will focus on concerns about poll design, utility and interpretation.
With over 30 years of experience in public opinion research, David Herle builds precise
communications strategies that boost reputations, advance policy and secure public
support. David has led many successful campaigns at both federal and provincial levels
and served as top advisor to Prime Ministers and Premiers. He is currently a partner at
Rubicon Strategy. When he is not uncovering deep insights from public opinion data, David
is a podcast host, dedicated sports fan and devoted dog dad.
