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'Happiness economist' returns to Sea to Sky

UBC Professor Emeritus of Economics to speak on subjective well-being and trust

Ask John Helliwell what community means to him and he will say connections.

The UBC Professor Emeritus of Economics will also tell you about the relationship between subjective well-being and trust.

With these issues in mind Helliwell will share his thoughts at a gathering organized by the Whistler Forum for Leadership and Dialogue Thursday, March 10 at the Big Sky Golf Course in Pemberton. The lecture is titled: "Leadership for Community Economic and Social Well-being."

Helliwell is also co-director of the Canadian Institute of Advanced Research's program on "Social Interactions, Identity and Well-Being" and Arthur J.E. Child Foundation Fellow of the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research.

He was also one of the first guest speakers for the Leadership Sea to Sky Cohort I in 2004-2005.

Helliwell's current research explores the important relationship between subjective well-being and trust.

The research suggests that when lower levels of trust are present, the subjective well-being of an individual or community is also lowered. He argues that this occurrence inhibits the development of social interactions that are essential to build, and ultimately maintain, a solid social fabric.

The lecture is intended for Leadership Sea to Sky Alumni and Forum Members, local government and business leaders, as well as educators and health professionals.

To register online, visit http://www.whistlerforum.org or call 604-938-9132.

Dinner starts at 5:30 p.m. at a cost of $50 per person or $30 for Forum members.

The public forum opens at 7:30 p.m. at a cost of $15 per person or $10 for Forum members.