18 December 2020

Dear CIM Family,

How does one begin to reflect on the exceptional year this was? Many of us commenced 2020 with – at the very least – the promise of a year reflecting the symmetry of the digits. Most of us have likely not yet fully internalized what has transpired in the past months and what it will mean for the year – and years – ahead.

What the current situation has certainly highlighted is the importance of “community.” Even as restrictions on gatherings continue to prevent most of us from getting together with members of our family, let alone our broader communities, we have found ways to stay connected. For most of us that has meant mastering at least one (or many!) videoconferencing platforms. And although “Zoom fatigue” has become a modern-day phenomenon, the opportunities they offer for connectivity with our families, friends and communities is extraordinary.

The CIM National Office, along with our Societies, Branches, Student Chapters and Committees, have made great strides in keeping the flow of information and connection going during a time when meeting in person proves impossible. It has also made us look at new ways that we can connect internally and with our members as OneCIM – something that has been a key component of our strategic planning process, which we will wrap up in Q1 2021.

We CIMers, and the industry we so proudly represent, are definitely resilient and now is no exception. We will be exploring the many facets of that attribute through many lenses during our upcoming 2021 annual convention, which will be held virtually from May 3-6, under the theme “Resilient and Thriving: Together in a Changing World.”

Yes, there are some silver linings and valuable lessons learned during these challenging times, however perhaps none more valuable than the significance that connectivity plays in our lives.

For those of you whose health and livelihoods have been impacted by COVID-19, our heartfelt wishes for recovery and healing. During this holiday season, let’s all make an extra effort to reach out through whatever means at our disposal, not only to our loved ones but also to those whose networks may be more limited or who may, for some reason, have difficulty reaching out themselves.

On behalf of the CIM National Office, our CIM President, Samantha Espley and the CIM Council, we would like to wish you all great health, happiness and prosperity in the coming year.

Sincerely,

Angela Hamlyn
Chief Executive Officer
Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum