If, 100 years from now, Alberta's oil industry runs dry and Calgary is still a thriving metropolis, historians will look back and give John Masters the nod. President and CEO of Calgary Technologies Inc. (CTI) for seven years, Masters's passion is sounding the call to diversify Alberta's economy through its science and technology sectors. That $10-billion sector has seen annual growth of up to 20% over past 10 years and currently employs more than 70,000 people. And Masters has been its most ubiquitous promoter; in April 2004 he was instrumental in the incorporation of WiTec, the association that supports and promotes Alberta's wireless and telecom industry. The not-for-profit CTI, with a $5-million annual budget, has smartly used its range of specialized business development programs to generate as much as 20% of the new jobs in Calgary. It's funded 50% by government and 50% by its clients - companies who use its services to incubate advances in everything from medical robotics to wireless devices that will one day make today's PDAs look like hand cranked telephones. But Masters, whose influence was recognized in 2002 with an Alberta E-Leadership Award, does more than blow a horn. He leads a team that helps individuals and communities make the connections and find the resources to develop high-tech businesses in Alberta. - AD

What technology is being developed in Calgary right now which holds the most promise for Alberta's future?
I would say the technology being developed by Garnette Sutherland. He has developed robotic-assisted neurosurgery procedures for malignant tumours. It is one of a kind in the world. And he as developed the first interoperable MRI. This makes MRI technology available in the surgical suite in real time. This will revolutionize neurosurgery - and here it is in our own backyard.

Who do you think is the greatest Albertan ever?
In the science and technology category I'd have to pick Dr. Patrick Lee, who discovered the reovirus. We all walk around with this virus which is the most common cause of the cold. He has discovered that the reovirus has the potential of arresting the growth of malignant cancer cells. That discovery was made at the University of Calgary approximately five years ago. Oncolytics Biotech Inc. in Calgary is in the process of commercializing a product based on his research.

Who do you think is the greatest Albertan ever?
In the science and technology category I'd have to pick Dr. Patrick Lee, who discovered the reovirus. We all walk around with this virus which is the most common cause of the cold. He has discovered that the reovirus has the potential of arresting the growth of malignant cancer cells. That discovery was made at the University of Calgary approximately five years ago. Oncolytics Biotech Inc. in Calgary is in the process of commercializing a product based on his research.