TRUE NORTH, STRONG & PROGRAMMED: A CANADA DAY CONVERSATION WITH MARK PERRY

What does it mean to lead with purpose in a country built on diversity, innovation, and quiet strength? This Canada Day, we sat down with Mark Perry, Vice President of Programs at PMI-Southern Alberta Chapter to explore how national pride, community connection, and future-focused leadership shape the work of Canadian project professionals. From golf tournaments that spark mentorship to bold visions for Canada 2050, Mark shares what it takes to program for progress, one project at a time.

What does Canada Day mean to you, not just personally, but as a leader in our PM community?

Canada Day is a reminder of both where we come from and where we’re going. Personally, it’s about gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy and the friendships we build. As a PM leader, it’s a chance to reflect on how we bring those values into our work and volunteering: inclusion, innovation, and resilience. We build projects that shape the future of this country, and that’s something worth celebrating.
As VP Programs, you’re behind some of the most meaningful experiences our members have. How do you ensure those events stay relevant, inclusive, and future-focused?

It starts with listening. We stay close to our members; what they’re curious about, what keeps them relevant in the PM world. From there, it’s about engaging experiences that don’t just inform, but challenge and connect. We invite diverse voices, embrace emerging topics, and always ask: “Is this helping our members lead better, not just now, but in five years?”
You’ve seen countless programs come to life. What’s one PMISAC event you look back on with pride, and what made it stand out?

One event that continues to stand out is our annual golf tournament. It’s more than just a day on the course. It’s a chance for project professionals to connect in a relaxed, energizing setting. You see genuine conversations happening between shots, mentorship sparked over refreshments, and new friendships forming by the 18th hole. The feedback is always the same: this event builds connection in a way that few others do. What really sets it apart are the PM community hole sponsors. Each one brings something unique to the event, whether it’s a great conversation, a giveaway, or just a moment to learn more about the people behind the companies that support our profession. The feedback we hear every year is the same: “I came for the golf, but I left with new connections and ideas.” That’s the kind of experience we’re proud to create.
Let’s imagine you’re designing a national “Canada 2050” program. What themes or project areas would be non-negotiable?

Three words: sustainability, equity, and digital resilience. Canada 2050 must be about building systems that serve everyone across generations, geographies, and sectors. We’d need to look at green infrastructure, Indigenous partnerships, AI ethics, and community-driven innovation. It’s not about predicting the future, it’s about actively shaping it with intention.
PMI-SAC is more than events, it’s a community. What role does that community play in helping Canadian Project Managers stay connected and future-ready?

It’s our lifeline. The pace of change in our field is relentless, and community gives us the grounding and agility to adapt. Whether it’s mentorship, shared tools, or just a space to be vulnerable about the hard stuff. We grow better together. The Canadian PM community is generous, sharp, and incredibly supportive. That’s our edge.
Complete this sentence: “Being a project leader in Canada means…”

“…balancing bold vision with quiet strength. It means leading with integrity, building with purpose, and always leaving room for others to rise.”