A message from Keith MacPhail, SAIT alumnus and Promising Futures™ Campaign Chair

Our nation’s economic future is hard to gauge at this moment with the constant barrage of mixed signals and conflicting economic data. One thing we know for sure is that the current generation of skilled workers will retire one day. Changes in demographics—not economics—will result in a continual shortage of skilled workers. We need to plan for that shortage now to make sure there are enough skilled workers to keep the Alberta and Canadian economies strong and growing.

As responsible business leaders we need to look ahead. We cannot risk getting caught in a labour crisis when the economy rebounds. Our need for trained and skilled employees will undoubtedly increase once again when this happens.

In this regard, I urge you to support SAIT and the proposed Trades and Technology Complex, designed to squarely meet our needs for skilled workers in the future. In fact, I believe so strongly in the Trades and Technology Complex that I’ve donated $10 million to help make it a reality.

I’m also proud to chair the Promising Futures™ Campaign Cabinet which will help raise the vital funds required to fulfill the vision of the Trades and Technology Complex at SAIT. The Campaign Cabinet is made up of forward-thinking business leaders who understand the urgency of access and capacity for SAIT students and are willing to do something about it.

Now more than ever, there is a critical need for leaders in government, industry and educational institutions to work together to open doors for more students at SAIT. We applaud the province’s decision in September 2008 to commit $300 million to the Complex and to future of SAIT grads.

As a business leader and a SAIT graduate, I strongly believe in the value of a SAIT education. I ask you to consider how you can be part of this exciting advancement in education.

Together we can help SAIT continue to meet our needs for quality skilled graduates now and – more importantly – in the future.

Keith MacPhail
SAIT Petroleum Technology ‘81
Chairman and CEO,Bonavista Energy Trust