FEATURED FELLOW: DAVID COURT
David Court remembers sitting in a planning meeting at the Society’s headquarters in Ottawa. The meeting, which included senior staff from both the Society and National Geographic, took place just before Christmas 2019. As he glanced out the window, which looks out over the Ottawa River, he was thrilled to see a herd of deer crossing the ice. Though he lends his expertise to many organizations — serving on National Geographic’s Hubbard Council, as well as boards associated with the Public Service Pension Plan, Canadian Tire, Brookfield Business Partners and Queen’s University in Kingston, Ont. — he is most passionate about preserving our natural world and is always looking for ways to contribute. That’s why Court has embraced the challenge of serving as the Honorary Chair of the new Trebek Initiative. He credits Society CEO John Geiger and National Geographic President and COO Michael Ulica for their tremendous support and the role they played in making the dream a reality.
On the Initiative’s purpose and process
We’re trying to ignite a passion to preserve our Canadian environment, and we’re doing that by supporting researchers in the field telling their stories of what they’re doing. We announced the joint venture in July 2020, and we had two things we had to do. We needed to raise money. And once we had raised the money, we needed to get the information out to the people who could potentially benefit from these grants. The council [made up of the Initiatives’ funders] does not approve grants because decision-making on the grants must be science-based. And, so, a new grantapproval council has been set up, made of members of the RCGS and National Geographic whose expertise lies in expedition grants. One day, we could have 60, 70, 80 young Canadians out there telling their stories. That’s the aspiration.
On his role in the Initiative
I went to Nat Geo and the RCGS and pitched the idea. I said, “can we do this?” That’s how it happened. I’ve probably talked to 100 people about this idea. I have had literally only two people say to me “I’m not really that interested.” I’m just so excited that Canadians are committed to trying to preserve our environment and how they love helping young Canadians play their part in doing it.
So, my connection to the Initiative has been a wonderful experience. I’ve got a lot of energy for this. I will tell you, 98 out of 100 people saying “I’m so glad you’re doing this” is huge. You feel like you’re doing what Canadians want to do. I’m just fortunate enough to be in a place that I can play a role, with the help of two great organizations. It’s a privilege.
On naming the Initiative
We thought, “Who could it be?” and somebody said, “What about Alex Trebek?” And we all went, “Of course.” What a way to honour somebody who was a passionate Canadian and a committed environmentalist. It’s wonderful.
On getting the word out
We have this database of 300 academics and people running related associations. We’ve written to them to tell them about what we’re doing and to ask them if they’re interested in participating. The Trebek Initiative website is up. It all came together — the website, the press release, the connections we’ve made. Now we can get what I’m hoping will be 20, 30 or even 40 great young Canadians saying, “I’d like to get a grant from this.”