Speakers

Maureen Gordon

Maureen grew up, like most coastal children, influenced by the beaches, ocean, and rainforest of the BC/Alaska coast. After professional work in the journalism, publishing and high-tech industries, she joined her now-husband, Kevin, in
building the eco-expedition cruise company, Maple Leaf Adventures.

Maple Leaf is a pioneer in developing conservation-based travel in British Columbia and Alaska. The company was designed from the inside out as an ecotourism company in 1986 -- a long time before it was cool to be green. It has
a reputation for superb quality and integrity, and as such, Maple Leaf's principles are happy to talk about issues to media -- whether they be about the value of wildlife viewing versus trophy hunting; the value of conservation-based
economies; or the astonishing come-back of baleen whales on the BC coast.

Maureen and her husband are not ones to shy from a challenge. They resolved to create a flourishing employer and force for good from their company that, as one flabbergasted person in 2001 said, "takes people in the fall, on a boat in the rain, 'way up the central coast, to sit in the forest and look at a bear". Twenty years on, they've won more than a dozen awards, grown the company to 20x what it was then, and they employ dozens of skilled coastal residents while continuing to build conservation business with their colleagues along the coast. All while maintaining two of Canada's heritage vessels as certified passenger vessels as well as one newer expedition catamaran in one of the world's toughest regulatory environments.

In addition to developing and managing the company, Maureen is an experienced freelance writer and speaker. She is chair of the board of Raincoast Conservation Foundation, an amazing, science-based conservation group and one of the recipients of Maple Leaf Adventures' donations.

She lives in British Columbia, Canada.

Katherine McRae

.Katherine MacRae is the Executive Director of the Commercial Bear Viewing Association of British Columbia (CBVA), where she leads industry-wide efforts to promote sustainable wildlife tourism, protect bear habitats, and ensure the long-term viability of bear viewing in the province. Representing 26 operators and more than 1,000 trained guides, Katherine works closely with government, Indigenous communities, and conservation partners to set high standards for safety, stewardship, and education in bear viewing. Her leadership has helped position the CBVA as a model for responsible wildlife tourism in Canada and beyond.

With over twenty years of experience in the tourism sector, Katherine’s career has taken her from dive instruction in the Caribbean to managing remote wilderness lodges in British Columbia. Her passion for sustainable tourism led her to complete a Master of Arts in Tourism Management at Royal Roads University, where she received the Founders’ Award for Leadership and the Tourism Industry Partnership Award.

Katherine is also Co-Vice Chair of the Adventure Tourism Coalition and the President of the Wilderness Tourism Association. In recognition of her contributions to Canada’s tourism industry and conservation efforts, she was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal.

Rotary Breakfast Meeting – Meet, Mingle, Lead

Looking to grow your network, learn from experienced leaders, and connect with like-minded changemakers in Victoria?

Join us for a Rotary Breakfast Networking Meeting—a welcoming, low-pressure space to meet professionals across sectors, build meaningful connections, and learn how Harbourside Rotary supports leadership, service, and personal growth.

Whether you're new to the city, building your business/career, or curious about community impact, this is a chance to expand your network and explore what Rotary can offer

Looking to meet new people, share ideas, and grow your network?    Join us for an after-work Happy Hour Social designed for young professionals, students, creatives, entrepreneurs, and community-minded folks who want to connect in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

This is your chance to mingle with Rotarians and community leaders, learn about mentorship, leadership and service opportunities, and discover how Rotary is evolving to support the next generation of changemakers.

💡 What to Expect:

• Friendly conversations with local Rotarians and community leaders
• Insights into how Rotary supports service, mentorship, leadership, and career development
• A short welcome and intro to Rotary’s mission
• Delicious food and drinks (order and pay your server directly)

Date: July 30 2025

Time: 5:30–7:30 PM

Location: 5th St Bar & Grill, 1028 Hillside Ave, Victoria, BC

Click here for details and tickets.

Julian Daly - Born in Ireland, Julian has over 35 years experience working in non-profit, government and private sectors in Canada, the UK, Indonesia and his country of birth. The vast majority of his working life has been spent at the margins of society -- in particular in the inner city communities of London, UK, and Edmonton, Alberta -- seeking to achieve some degree of social justice for those served through a combination of practical, needs-based programming and advocacy. He has been a frontline worker and a manager in a wide range of programs and projects over the years, which have included housing, poverty reduction, community engagement, HIV/AIDS, harm reduction, the differently abled, employment, youth services, social enterprises, health, education, and children and family services.

"Moving from despair to hope – the homeless and addiction journey we need to make in Victoria. It's a journey that demands more than emergency responses—it requires long-term, compassionate solutions that restore dignity and build resilience. At Our Place, we're seeing every day what’s possible when people are given the structure, support, and belief they need to rebuild their lives. This is a community challenge—and a community opportunity."

Canada is aging fast, but our digital systems are not keeping up. This talk explores how digital technologies—from wearables to remote monitoring—can help older adults live with dignity, independence, and better health outcomes. But to make this promise real, we must bridge the design, access, and trust gaps that keep too many seniors on the wrong side of the digital chasm.

Don brings over 40 years of experience in health care administration, research, and education with a focus on the effective integration of science and values to shape health policy, drive health care reform, and advance health informatics. He serves as an adjunct professor at the Universities of Victoria, Alberta, and Calgary, and is the Editor-in-Chief of Healthcare Management Forum. Don is also a challenge lead for AGE-WELL, Canada’s technology and aging network, a member of the CIHR Institute of Aging Regional Council and Board member of the Health Data Research Network. He is the co-author of A History of Public Health in Alberta, 1919–2019 and AgeTech Innovations in Healthcare for Older Adults due to be released in July 2025.  Retired on Vancouver Island he takes long walks on fields of green with a stick hitting a tiny ball.