Terrence Hopwood
Chair, Calgary Chamber of Commerce

Known in Calgary as one of the city's leading corporate lawyers, Terrence Hopwood brings an analytical approach to the chair\\\\'s role at the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. Appointed in November 2004, Hopwood aims to see the chamber better represent business in Calgary and gain more influence with decision-makers by, among other ways, attracting high-profile Calgarians to serve with him on the board. Hopwood, the vice-president, general counsel, for Suncor Energy, has lobbied hard behind the scenes for the chamber to improve municipal financing, healthcare reforms, workplace wellness and Canada-U.S. relations. The chamber has fully endorsed Mount Royal College's application to be granted university status, in hopes that an adequately skilled workforce will ease the city's labour shortage. Hopwood's decision-making skills will be put to the test when the chamber announces its new president this summer. - AD

The Calgary Chamber of Commerce offered the provincial government recommendations for the 2005 budget that included reducing government size, lowering taxes and reining in expenditures. What was your reaction to the budget announcements?
In a word, disappointment. The unwillingness to engage in any form of zero budgeting exercised a failure to meet its self-imposed goal of reduced corporate taxes. The absence of any personal income tax reductions leaves lots of room for improvements in regards to the 2006 provincial budget.

Who do you think is the greatest Albertan ever?
Out of the gate, I'd have to say that Peter Lougheed would be right up there. It's because of what he's done for this province, in particular for securing our natural resources rights, especially when you consider what a cornerstone of this economy that serves. I personally believe that there isn't, on the economic front, anything else that would rival that.

In 100 years, will you warrant your own chapter in the history books, a footnote to great events or a single Google hit?
It clearly wouldn't be the first. I would not expect to have a chapter in the history books, but I'd like to think not the last. I'd like to just be well thought of in the minds and memories of people that I've come to know and appreciate.