Answers from #14, Jennifer Sweeney
There it goes, another candidate answers! Giving some reason for optimism, Jennifer Sweeney contacted me herself! It's almost coming to a point where it makes sense to make comparisons between answers of the different candidates.
Scenario 1: A considerable improvement in efficiency allows Vancity to maintain revenue and operations with 30% less work hours.
It sounds like a great innovation. It would free up some time for employees to use some of their creative talents to address ongoing needs of members and the community. There would be room to improve our services and to help develop new and flexible businesses and other enterprises in our communities while we make this transition from a resource-based economy to a new economy. The wonderful thing about Vancity is that profits are shared with members, so we would all benefit from any improvements in efficiency.
Scenario 2: A LETS or a time bank is started in a city where Vancity operates, and it grows up to the point where a considerable amount of the economic activity in this city passes through it. A representative asks Vancity for support.
I had friends who lived in Courtenay during some tough times in the early 90s where a LETS system operated for some time. I recall thinking that an alternative for them to remain in their community when there was little employment in the traditional sectors was a great idea.
The idea of a time bank is an interesting concept in theory. In economic downturns or when communities are lacking the infrastructure for business, a time bank could create a genuine community sharing that values everyone equally. I see this could be a way to value some types of work that are low-paying yet vitally important, such as child care or working with people with disabilities. However, I would also have some reservations about regulating this type of bank as here would be many situations for abuse. Rapidly-growing communities would be vulnerable to abuses of trust which would be critical for the success of this type of enterprise.
In the situation described, with a group looking for Vancity ‘support’, there would need to be a clear request from the representative about the type of support required. As these activities would have an impact on multiple levels of government and the tax base, any support would need to be made with a full understanding of the implications. Of course, being open to discussion would be where I would start if approached.
Scenario 3: a group of Vancity members is convinced that interest charging is evil per se, and demands that Vancity gradually phases out of any interest exceeding the rate of inflation.
More flexible types of lending are desirable and the micro-lending model of the Grameen Bank provides an example of a creative approach to lending where traditional financing has been difficult for some to obtain. I would encourage Vancity to listen to the members of this particular community of members to explore ways that would be of mutual benefit. While I wouldn’t expect Vancity to change all lending practices, I would expect some flexibility in being responsive to these members.
Scenario 4: Peak Oil becomes evident; the oil price rises from 100 CAD/barrel to 200 CAD/barrel during your three-year position.
I think that Vancity can continue leading on investing in the green economy and preparing for a future without oil by decreasing our dependence on it. The implications of the enormous changes we will have to make are not well-understood or appreciated by most people and I would expect Vancity to set the example by educating and encouraging members to make necessary changes.
Scenario 5: Thanks in part to non-conventional reserves, oil production increases, oil price recedes quickly to 70 CAD/barrel and stays there during your three-year position.
My biggest concern about that scenario is that some people would be lulled into some sense of false security. The climate change crisis will continue and the energy needs to extract oil from the tar sands will be enormous, even if the reserve is there. As in the previous scenario, Vancity can continue its lead in investment in the green economy and teaching members how to live “carbon neutral” while preparing to live in a world without oil.
Scenario 6: US dollar plummets, change oscillates between 1 CAD = 1.0 USD and 1 CAD = 2.0 USD during your three-year position.
Changes in the value of the Canadian dollar or changes in the US and Canadian economies are of concern to all Canadian citizens. I would expect that Vancity financial experts would continue to take necessary steps to protect our assets and to monitor these volatile swings on behalf of the members.
