Alex Love
Q: Would you travel to outer space if the cost was covered but the risks were unknown?
A: Yes, I would go, though I wouldn’t do it until my kids are independent. When I was in High School, I did think about applying to be an astronaut (the Canadian Space Agency was recruiting at that time).
Q: What is one unique thing that most people probably don’t know about you?
A: I really enjoy woodworking.
Aaron Martin
Q: If you won $1 million, what would you do with it? What if it was only $1,000?
A: If I won $1 million, I would pay off my debts, treat my friends, and get my father-in-law a kidney transplant in the Philippines. If only $1000, I would pay off debt.
Q: What is one unique thing that most people probably don’t know about you?
A: When I was a kid, I was in a concert band (for school, and in a jazz ensemble) playing 3 of 4 saxophones (not soprano). I also played drums in a garage band.
Sanjay Kumar
Jimmy Duggan
Ben Smith
Hai Long Jiang
Q: Would you rather have a straight month of below-zero weather, or a month of sweltering heat?
A: Below zero. I grew up in a northern community so I’m used to this kind of weather. I don’t enjoy the heat and sweating. I do enjoy summer but one month is good enough for me.
Q: What is one unique thing that most people probably don’t know about you?
A: Most people know I enjoy fishing so something else you may not know are that my favourite foods are ones that most people wouldn’t try. For example, very spicy foods. I recommend the butcher in Freshco in Valleyview – they have good prices and get their meat locally.
Sidebar: Hai Long is also a talented artist – his sketches of a former NTPC engineer (his mentor, the late Mark Riche) and Mitch's pup Bella are shown below.
Zach Biggar
Q: What’s your favourite season of the year, and why?
A: Summer, because of the warm outdoor weather which is ideal for camping, fishing, hiking, etc.
Q: What is one unique thing that most people probably don’t know about you?
A: My favourite food is tacos. Most Tuesdays we make tacos, including making our own tortillas (pro tip: corn tortillas are easier to make than flour).
Mitch Touesnard
Q: If you could get two tickets to any event, what would it be?
A: Taylor Swift for my daughters. They LOVE Taylor Swift and tickets are crazy expensive. I know a lot of the songs now – it always gets played in the car and at home.
Q: What is one unique thing that most people probably don’t know about you?
A: I’m a cancer supporter – my sister just started chemotherapy. We’re just trying to stay upbeat and positive. The doctors say it was caught early but it’s still worrisome.
Also, I start my new job [as Junior Project Manager] on Monday!
Rajeev Arora
Q: Which historical sporting event do you wish you could have attended?
A: World Cricket Cup 2023 [FYI: this is 50 overs]. It’s the biggest event for Indians though sadly we lost to Australia this time. I may look into going to the one in New York next year (which will be 20 overs).
Q: What is one unique thing that most people probably don’t know about you?
A: I am fun-loving and caring and I want the people around me to be happy and healthy. If you’re in my car, I’ll try to pick music that I think you’ll like [instead of playing my own].
Mohammad Rahman
Abrar Malik
Q: If you were a judge on a TV cooking show, what food would you be best at judging?
A: I would be better at judging chicken biryani. I make this dish myself; there are many ways of cooking this dish and I know them well.
Q: What is one unique thing that most people probably don’t know about you?
A: I hold four professional degrees: 1) Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. 2) Master of Science in Electrical Engineering. 3) Master of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering. 4) Master of Business Administration.
Qazi Raza Ali
Q: What would be the perfect day?
A: A perfect day is a typical weekday: get up, prepare breakfast for myself, get ready for work (which is most exciting for me as everyday I’m learning something new and spending time with my colleagues).
Q: What is one unique thing that most people probably don’t know about you?
A: I don’t have my PlayStation here right now but I enjoy playing video games. I prefer adventure and fighting games – my favourites are Resident Evil and Counter-Strike.
Jamie Tennant
Q: What was your first regular paying job?
A: A Lifeguard at the Rec Centre. Best part: it’s a nice warm place to work in the middle of winter and you could work before school (for openings at 0600h).
Q: What is one unique thing that most people probably don’t know about you?
A: I used to be really into [cross-country] skiing. As a kid I was in racing and biathlon.
Annette Rupert
Q: If you could live abroad for a year, where would you live, and what would you do there?
A: I would go to Italy. I would bike and tour around, eat delicious food and drink wine, learn to make the food, learn the language… I haven’t been yet and hope to go after my kids are done school. I think you need to go there longer to have time to really get to know the country.
Q: What is one unique thing that most people probably don’t know about you?
A:
Andrew Ellis
Eric McInnis
Q: What the ones “extreme sport” that you would never try?
A: Free climbing. I enjoy rock climbing but I like to keep it close to the ground or strapped in because I have sweaty hands. I used to do a quite bit of Wall and rock climbing.
Q: What is one unique thing that most people probably don’t know about you?
A: I know ASL [American Sign Language]. I’m fluent; I learned as a kid. You may not know this but there are several different sign languages – other common ones are British and Australian.
Marie Kopp-van Egteren
Q: What’s the best book you’ve ever read?
A: Working at a library is tough sometimes – so many books I want to read! One of my favourites will always be Les Misérables by Victor Hugo. I read it when I was 12. I hope to someday read it in French (my language skills may not be up for it though). The most interesting book I’ve read in recent years is Command and Control by Eric Schlosser – it’s terrifying and yet fascinating. Literally a [missile] wreck that you can’t look away from.
Q: What is one unique thing that most people probably don’t know about you?
A: Dave and I are pretty into board games. We own probably 120 different games. My favourite is Arkham Horror – it’s a cooperative game where you fight monsters and try not to die or go insane. We’ve recently discovered an online platform that has digitized many board games so you can play with friends (or anyone really) long distance, which has been great for staying in touch with friends who have moved away.
All answers as at November/December 2023. Updated June 2024.
