AlbertaBETTER: Recent Episodes
Business Council of Alberta
AlbertaBETTER explores the big challenges we face as Albertans, and how business, government, and Albertans can co-create a society where prosperity is created and shared by all. New episodes drop every other Tuesday.
What does it take to keep pace with one of Canada's fastest-growing provinces?
In this episode of C-Suite Unplugged, Adam Legge sits down with Janine Sullivan, President and CEO of FortisAlberta, to discuss the infrastructure, leadership, and long-term planning needed to power Alberta's future.
Reflecting on her journey from Newfoundland to leading one of Alberta's largest electricity distribution companies, Janine shares lessons on leadership, the value of patience and mentorship, and why investing in the next generation of skilled trades workers matters.
Tune in to hear what's next for Alberta's electricity system and why it matters to the province's future.
About the Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta's largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
Listen to BCA Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://bit.ly/3BPxDhv
Follow us on socials:
- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3QaetHE
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3QswqAV
- X: https://bit.ly/3P7pgB0
In this episode of C-Suite Unplugged, BCA president Adam Legge sits down with Chris Carlsen, President and CEO of Birchcliff Energy, for a conversation on leadership, natural gas, and Canada's evolving energy landscape.
With more than 20 years of experience spanning engineering, operations, finance, and executive leadership, Chris shares his journey from engineer to CEO and reflects on what he's learned after spending nearly two decades with Birchcliff. He also discusses the challenges and opportunities that come with leading a Canadian energy producer in an increasingly competitive global market.
Together, Adam and Chris explore the future of Canada's natural gas sector, the growing importance of LNG export capacity, and what governments can do to strengthen Canada's investment climate and energy competitiveness.
About the Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta's largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
Listen to BCA Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://bit.ly/3BPxDhv
Follow us on socials:
- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3QaetHE
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3QswqAV
- X: https://bit.ly/3P7pgB0
In this episode of C-Suite Unplugged, BCA president Adam Legge sits down with Cory Janssen, Co-Founder and CEO of AltaML, for a conversation on entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, and Alberta's opportunity in the emerging AI economy.
Born and raised in Edmonton, Cory shares the story behind his entrepreneurial journey, from launching Investopedia as a university student to building AltaML into one of Canada's leading applied AI companies. Along the way, he reflects on the lessons he's learned about leadership, investing, risk-taking, and building businesses that create long-term value.
Tune in for a discussion that cuts through the hype surrounding AI to unpack how organizations can move from experimentation to real-world impact.
About the Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta's largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
Listen to BCA Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://bit.ly/3BPxDhv
Follow us on socials:
- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3QaetHE
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3QswqAV
- X: https://bit.ly/3P7pgB0
In this timely episode of C-Suite Unplugged, BCA president Adam Legge is joined by François Poirier, President and CEO of TC Energy, for a conversation on leadership, competitiveness, and the evolving energy landscape across North America.
As leader of a company that sits at the centre of major cross-border energy systems shaped by continental trade, François brings a unique perspective to the discussion. He reflects on his leadership journey, TC Energy's evolution, and the responsibilities that come with building, financing, and operating large-scale energy infrastructure.
Together, Adam and François explore geopolitics, regulatory environments, and what Canada must do to remain competitive in the global race for investment.
About the Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta's largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
Listen to BCA Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://bit.ly/3BPxDhv
Follow us on socials:
- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3QaetHE
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3QswqAV
- X: https://bit.ly/3P7pgB0
BCA president Adam Legge is joined by Mark Maki, CEO of Trans Mountain Corporation, for a candid conversation on leadership, infrastructure, and the future of Canada's energy sector.
Mark reflects on his path to the CEO role and what it takes to lead one of the country's most consequential infrastructure projects — the Trans Mountain Expansion Project —at a moment when Canada's economic competitiveness and global standing are under increasing scrutiny.
Together, Adam and Mark explore the realities of leading at scale, the responsibility that comes with operating nationally significant infrastructure, and why energy systems matter not just to Alberta, but to Canada's broader economic performance.
Listen for insights on leadership, accountability, and a grounded view of where Canada's energy sector is headed.
Note to listeners: This episode was recorded on December 10, 2025, prior to recent developments involving the United States and Venezuela.
About the Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta's largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
Listen to BCA Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://bit.ly/3BPxDhv
Follow us on socials:
- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3QaetHE
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3QswqAV
- X: https://bit.ly/3P7pgB0
BCA President Adam Legge is joined by Karen Brookman, President and CEO of WCD, for an inspiring conversation on C-Suite Unplugged.
WCD has been part of Alberta's business landscape for more than 70 years. In this episode, Adam sits down with Karen Brookman to talk about the company's evolution, the values that have shaped its growth, and what it means to steward a multigenerational family business.
Karen shares how she approached taking the helm at WCD and how she continues to build a culture rooted in innovation, service, and community. She also reflects on the mentors who guided her— including her father, George Brookman— and the lessons that inform her leadership today.
This conversation offers a thoughtful, grounded look at leading a legacy company forward, supporting Alberta's community, and preparing for the opportunities ahead.
About the Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta's largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
Listen to BCA Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://bit.ly/3BPxDhv
Follow us on socials:
- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3QaetHE
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3QswqAV
- X: https://bit.ly/3P7pgB0
In this episode of The Brief, guest host Adam Legge sits down with Jonathan Martin, Politics Bureau Chief and Senior Political Columnist with POLITICO, for a clear-eyed look at the forces shaping U.S. politics today and what they mean for Canada.
Drawing on years of firsthand reporting from around Washington, D.C., and inside the Oval Office, Jonathan unpacks how President Donald Trump approaches decision-making, how the dynamics of modern politics have shifted in the age of social media, and what Canada should keep top of mind as it navigates this environment.
He also offers a candid assessment of where Canada has leverage—from highlighting tangible, near-term wins that resonate with the president, to positioning our natural resources as indispensable to North American security, Jonathan outlines how Canada can engage with the Trump 2.0 administration in ways that actually move the needle.
About the Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta's largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
Listen to BCA Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://bit.ly/3BPxDhv
Follow us on socials:
- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3QaetHE
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3QswqAV
- X: https://bit.ly/3P7pgB0
- Facebook: https://bit.ly/3Qx6B2J
BCA President Adam Legge is joined by Trevor Haynes, Chairman and CEO of Black Diamond Group, for an inspiring conversation on C-Suite Unplugged.
Black Diamond Group is one of North America's leading providers of modular space and workforce accommodation solutions. As Chairman and CEO, Trevor offers a rare inside look at what it takes to lead a company that builds the spaces where people live, learn, and work—including what a typical day looks like in his role and how he approaches decision-making at scale.
He also reflects on the journey that led him here, from a childhood spent moving across Canada to earning his first paycheque at 13, sharing the early lessons that shaped his resilience, work ethic, and entrepreneurial drive.
Together, Adam and Trevor explore what it takes to build and sustain a company through change, the importance of creating opportunities for the next generation, and the leadership insights gained from decades in Alberta's business community.
This episode offers a grounded and optimistic look at what it means to build something lasting—and to leave things better than you found them.
About the Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta's largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
Listen to BCA Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://bit.ly/3BPxDhv
Follow us on socials:
- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3QaetHE
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3QswqAV
- X: https://bit.ly/3P7pgB0
BCA President Adam Legge is joined by Cathy Orr, President and CEO of RGO Products, for an inspiring conversation on C-Suite Unplugged.
Cathy shares her journey from growing up in a family deeply woven into Calgary’s business community to leading RGO. She reflects on her early career, pivotal moments, and the lessons passed down from her father, Ross Glen, a titan of Calgary business, philanthropy, and community.
Adam and Cathy dive into the evolution of RGO, from a private, family–owned company in Calgary incorporated in 1966 with roots selling typewriters, to a modern leader in creating integrated, innovative environments across Alberta. Cathy opens up about RGO’s values, its commitment to giving back, and what it means to be recognized as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies.
Together, they explore the future of workplaces, how the work-from-home movement is reshaping offices, and why well-designed spaces matter in business, education, and healthcare. This episode takes a thoughtful look at legacy, leadership, and the future of work.
About the Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
Listen to BCA Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://bit.ly/3BPxDhv
Follow us on socials:
- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3QaetHE
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3QswqAV
- X: https://bit.ly/3P7pgB0
Have you noticed that your cup of coffee costs more than usual? A daily cup of joe may become the most bitter expense in Canadian budgets.
Canadians may need an extra shot of caffeine just to stomach the price of their morning brew. Coffee prices have spiked 25% since January, the steepest jump since the mid-1990s.
For years, coffee drinkers enjoyed a sweet deal: incomes rose faster than coffee costs, tea nearly tripled, alcohol quintupled, but coffee stayed steady. Now, a whirlwind of tariffs has percolated through the supply chain, leaving Canadian consumers to pick up the tab.
Host Scott Crockatt and BCA's Director of Policy & Economics Alicia Planincic break it all down on this episode of The Brief.
About the Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
Listen to BCA Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://bit.ly/3BPxDhv
Follow us on socials:
- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3QaetHE
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3QswqAV
- X: https://bit.ly/3P7pgB0
- Facebook: https://bit.ly/3Qx6B2J
Welcome to BCA Podcasts, your front-row seat to the conversations shaping Alberta’s future, produced by the Business Council of Alberta.
On C-Suite Unplugged, we’re demystifying the role of CEO. Alberta’s top business leaders share their journey to the top, what drives them, and their unique vantage point on their business and industry. C-Suite Unplugged goes beyond the boardroom to get an inside look at the people behind the title.
On The Brief, we take you inside the issues that matter most. From economic analysis to breaking down government policy, The Brief brings clarity, context, and fresh insight focused on Alberta that you won’t hear anywhere else.
Two shows. One goal: a more prosperous Alberta and a better life for everyone who calls it home.
Follow BCA Podcasts now, wherever you get your podcasts.
How do we build stronger, safer, and more prosperous communities across Alberta?
In this special episode of The Brief, guest host Lily Dupuis sits down with Murray Cunningham, President & CEO of Scott Builders, and Michael (Mike) Brown, President & CEO of Trico Homes. Together, Murray and Mike co-chair the Business Council of Alberta’s Task Force on Business Priorities for Alberta's Local Governments, which provided a foundation for BCA's newest report, Municipal Matters, focusing on bold recommendations for the future of our cities, towns, and communities.
Murray and Mike share their own career journeys to the C-suite, what inspired the creation of this task force, and the most pressing challenges businesses say are holding Albertan communities back. From big cities to small towns, this conversation unpacks the report’s three foundational pillars for thriving communities: tackling crime and social disorder, improving permitting and planning processes, and rethinking municipal tax systems and business–government relationships.
As Alberta heads into a municipal election cycle this fall, Murray and Mike also offer their advice to future mayors and councillors on how to work with business to create places where people and communities can truly flourish.
About the Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
Listen to BCA Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://bit.ly/3BPxDhv
Follow us on socials:
- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3QaetHE
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3QswqAV
- X: https://bit.ly/3P7pgB0
- Facebook: https://bit.ly/3Qx6B2J
As the world’s second-largest country by landmass, but ranked 188th in population density, Canada depends on air travel as a crucial part of its transportation infrastructure. BCA's economists recently unpacked the issue of why flying costs more in Canada than elsewhere in their latest commentary, so podcast host Scott Crockatt invited former WestJet executive and airline industry expert Richard Bartrem onto the podcast to dive into the findings and hear some of Richard's own insights.
Richard argues that while airline fares have fallen in half, government fees have increased more, and advocates for government intervention to reduce these costs, citing examples like land rent charged to airports by the federal government.
He also highlights the disparity between Canada's approach and other countries that view aviation as an economic driver. The podcast wraps-up with a reflection on the advantages that would come with cheaper and more comprehensive air travel in Canada, including the boost of tourism dollars and the 'GDP multiplier' from a vast and efficient air freight network.
About the Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
Listen to BCA Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://bit.ly/3BPxDhv
Follow us on socials:
- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3QaetHE
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3QswqAV
- X: https://bit.ly/3P7pgB0
- Facebook: https://bit.ly/3Qx6B2J
Bill C-5 — otherwise known by its full name, An Act to enact the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act and the Building Canada Act — is now officially law. While the name may be a mouthful, its goal is clear: to finally fix what Canada has long struggled with, which is getting major projects approved and built faster.
But is C-5 just what the economy ordered, or will it struggle to achieve its intentions and become another overpromised, underdelivered piece of policy? Scott Crockatt is joined by BCA's VP of Policy and Chief Economist Mike Holden to answer this very question. Scott and Mike unpack Canada's "lost decade" and the lack of productivity growth that is alarming Canadian policy thinkers and economists, including the fact that Canada ranks 37 out of 38 OECD countries in productivity growth over the last decade (only ahead of Luxembourg).
The podcast will also break down what’s actually in the bill: its biggest strengths, its political hurdles, and the early pushback it’s already facing. Finally, the episode wraps with a broad discussion on whether the "production model" (i.e., Bill C-5) lives up to expectations from "the advertisement" (i.e., the Liberal election platform).
About the Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
Listen to BCA Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://bit.ly/3BPxDhv
Follow us on socials:
- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3QaetHE
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3QswqAV
- X: https://bit.ly/3P7pgB0
- Facebook: https://bit.ly/3Qx6B2J
In this episode of The Brief, host Scott Crockatt is joined by Tyler Meredith, founding partner of Meredith Boessenkool and Phillips and a leading Canadian policy and economic advisor who served eight years in the Canadian government.
Meredith, a former Canadian government advisor, highlights three key issues: managing the threat of Donald Trump, addressing economic concerns (particularly underinvestment and promoting competition), and fostering national unity. He emphasizes Carney's market-based progressive approach, focusing on solving macroeconomic problems.
Regarding energy policy, Meredith discusses the potential for a "grand bargain" involving pipeline development and carbon capture and underground storage (CCUS) initiatives like the Pathways project to balance economic growth with climate action.
He notes the importance of Bill C-5 for facilitating major projects, suggesting a strategic approach to selecting less contentious projects initially. Finally, Meredith highlights opportunities for Western Canada under Carney's government, emphasizing his understanding of the region's importance and commitment to addressing intergovernmental frictions.
About the Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
Listen to BCA Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://bit.ly/3BPxDhv
Follow us on socials:
- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3QaetHE
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3QswqAV
- X: https://bit.ly/3P7pgB0
- Facebook: https://bit.ly/3Qx6B2J
BCA President Adam Legge is joined by one of the most iconic leaders in Canada's energy sector, Rich Kruger, President and CEO of Suncor Energy, for a very special interview on C-Suite Unplugged.
Rich talks about a career in the oil and gas industry that spans over 40 years and some of the roles that took him from Minnesota to Texas to the former Soviet Union, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and now here in Alberta.
Adam and Rich talk about philosophies of life and leadership, including lifelong learning, embracing similarities across continents and cultures, and the 'living organism' of a multinational company.
Rich also shares some of his own entertaining stories, including how a phone call on a beach in St. Lucia pulled him out of retirement to lead one of Canada's largest energy companies, why a group of Canada's energy leaders wrote a letter to the Prime Minister, and what Rich is setting out to accomplish before he retires for good.
Rich and Adam also analyze the pivotal moment Canada finds itself in and what it will really take to make Canada an energy superpower for the world.
About the Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
Listen to BCA Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://bit.ly/3BPxDhv
Follow us on socials:
- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3QaetHE
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3QswqAV
- X: https://bit.ly/3P7pgB0
- Facebook: https://bit.ly/3Qx6B2J
Host Scott Crockatt sits down with BCA's economists Mike Holden and Alicia Planincic to discuss the good, the bad, and the uncertain of BCA's recently-released Spring 2025 Economic Snapshot. In an episode filled with anecdotes, analogies and silver linings, the group chats about what it takes to build an Alberta economic outlook at a time when uncertainty seems to be the only certainty in global markets. This edition of the bi-annual Alberta Economic Snapshot comes at a time of both strength and strain. Alberta continues to lead Canada in population growth, but even with that, most indicators—from jobs to investment, point to a cooling economy, and some warning lights are flashing. Mike and Alicia run through the various signals and what they could mean for Alberta's economy, both now and into the future.
About the Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
Listen to BCA Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://bit.ly/3BPxDhv
Follow us on socials:
- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3QaetHE
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3QswqAV
- X: https://bit.ly/3P7pgB0
- Facebook: https://bit.ly/3Qx6B2J
In this episode of the C-Suite, Adam Legge is joined by Adam Waterous, Chief Executive Officer of the Waterous Energy Fund, to discuss his "Build Canada Now" initiative, a collaborative effort among numerous leaders in Canada's energy industry.
Waterous advocates for doubling Canada's oil and gas production to help alleviate global energy poverty, citing 8.3 million annual deaths linked to the lack of access to basic energy needs such as heating and non-toxic cooking fuels. He details the initiative's priorities: repealing restrictive legislation like Bill C-69 and Bill C-48, removing emissions caps and the industrial carbon tax, streamlining project approvals to six months, and increasing indigenous equity participation.
Waterous describes his meetings with Canadian political leaders, including Prime Minister Mark Carney, and discusses the challenges and opportunities presented by the government's platform, emphasizing the need for regulatory reform to attract private sector investment and avoid state-owned enterprises. The podcast concludes by encouraging listeners to support "Build Canada Now."
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
Check out recent episodes of AlbertaBETTER: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://bit.ly/3BPxDhv
Follow us on social media:
- Twitter: https://bit.ly/3P7pgB0
- Facebook: https://bit.ly/3Qx6B2J
- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3QaetHE
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3QswqAV
This episode features a panel from the Western Business Coalition, a new alliance of top business association leaders from B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. They dive into their joint report, Untapped Potential, outlining key policy recommendations for Canada’s resource sectors—energy, agriculture, mining, forestry, and aquaculture. The panel explores regulatory reform, infrastructure upgrades, Indigenous consultation, and Canada’s economic underperformance. They also tackle major policy issues like Bills C-69 and C-48, emissions caps, and greenwashing rules. Tune in for a deep look at how unlocking resource potential could power national prosperity.
Panel guests * Laura Jones, President and CEO, Business Council of British Columbia * Adam Legge, President, Business Council of Alberta * Prabha Ramaswamy, CEO, Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce * Bram Strain, President, Business Council of Manitoba
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
Check out recent episodes of AlbertaBETTER: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://bit.ly/3BPxDhv
Follow us on social media:
- Twitter: https://bit.ly/3P7pgB0
- Facebook: https://bit.ly/3Qx6B2J
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In a special episode of The Brief, BCA President Adam Legge sits down with Robert "RJ" Johnston, Senior Director of Research at the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University, to discuss Canada's place in a dynamic and rapidly-changing energy landscape. As a leading expert in global energy markets, RJ discusses the impact of the U.S.-China trade war, the shifting dynamics of OPEC+, and the potential for a "Fortress North America" approach to energy security. Adam and RJ also dive into the importance of Canada's energy resources in supporting its manufacturing sector, which RJ refers to as the "spirit of Sarnia," and the two envision how a strategic partnership between Canada and the U.S. could leverage their combined strengths.
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
Check out recent episodes of AlbertaBETTER: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB
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C-Suite host Adam Legge sits down with Terry Anderson, President and CEO of ARC Resources.
Terry shares his journey from a farm boy in rural Saskatchewan to leading one of Canada's largest natural gas companies. He offers insights on the lessons he's learned along the way—about hard work, leadership, taking calculated risks, and the importance of making the right decision, even when it's not the most popular one.
He highlights several mentors who shaped his path, including old hockey coaches and founding BCA Board Chair Hal Kvisle. Terry also walks listeners through some of ARC’s key milestones, such as the transformational merger with Seven Generations, navigating the COVID pandemic, and the development of the Attachie project. He emphasizes ARC’s disciplined approach—owning 100% of its Montney lands—and its openness to innovation, including early adoption of horizontal drilling to help unlock and export Canada’s LNG and condensate.
Terry also speaks to the importance of community involvement, highlighting ARC’s $5 million donation to the Calgary Cancer Centre and $1.25 million to Ronald McDonald House. He underscores the need for regulatory reform to strengthen Canada’s LNG sector and shares his vision for the future of the country’s natural resources.
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
Check out recent episodes of AlbertaBETTER: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB
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How achievable is a good life in Canada? Less and less Canadians believe it is possible. Only 30% of Canadians feel the country is on the right track and less than 5% believe the next generation will be better off. This means more Canadians believe Bigfoot is real than believe they will be better off than their parents.
It is becoming abundantly clear that Canadians want to see fundamental changes to put our country back on track and build real prosperity again, but where do we start? BCA President Adam Legge joins Vice President of Communications and External Relations Scott Crockatt on the podcast to discuss BCA's flagship initiative - A Strong Canada. A Good Life. - an election platform that looks beyond partisan politics and shapes a path for our next government to build a stronger, safer and more prosperous Canada for all.
Adam and Scott take a temperature check of Canada's current economic outlook before diving into the three key 'pillars' of the platform - highlighting that Canada becomes stronger when we: Build and Trade, Invest in Ourselves, and Compete and Win. Scott and Adam also discuss other national imperatives, such as national security, Arctic defense, and navigating a difficult economic relationship with the superpower to the south, the United States.
Tune in for an episode that is sure to give you some Canadian pride and some hope for the future!
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
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BCA President Adam Legge sits down with Curtis Stange, President and CEO of ATB Financial, one of the most iconic financial institutions in Alberta's banking system. Curtis talks about his transition from one of Canada's major banks to ATB and breaks down the philosophy that drives him, discussing investing in yourself, your team, your family, and your community. Curtis gives listeners a brief history of ATB's unique journey from its roots in Alberta during the 1930's to becoming a Crown Corporation in the 1990's. Curtis highlights some of the key moves and aquisitions he has made during his more than 15 years at ATB to grow and diversify their services and portfolio, and talks about some of the storms ATB has had to weather, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
Curtis also looks to the future to discuss some of the growing trends in Canada's banking system and how ATB will adapt to them, including the growth of open banking, AI and tech, cryptocurrency, trade wars with the United States, and rewriting regulatory systems to promote environmental investment and better productivity.
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
Check out recent episodes of AlbertaBETTER: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB
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BCA has released a special "Premier Unplugged" episode featuring Alberta Premier, Danielle Smith in conversation with BCA President, Adam Legge. Together, they explore Alberta’s diplomatic approach to managing trade tensions with the United States under the evolving "Trump 2.0" administration.
Premier Smith highlights the importance of avoiding retaliation, addressing key irritants, and supporting U.S. aspirations in energy security and critical minerals supply to foster a stronger Canada-U.S. economic relationship. They also discuss the potential for a delegation mission to Washington to advocate for Canada as a reliable and trustworthy partner.
Tune in for an insightful conversation about strategies to create a "win-win" outcome for both nations while navigating current challenges. This can’t-miss episode is available now on all major podcast platforms!
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
Check out recent episodes of AlbertaBETTER: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB
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Donald Trump is officially the President of the United States again, and his 'america first' approach to politics and threat of tariffs on Canadian goods mean that Canada has entered an era of trade uncertainty with it's largest economic partner.
The impacts of tariffs on Canada-U.S. trade would be profound on both sides of the border, but how would they affect Albertans in their daily lives? What would become more expensive? Where would we see job losses? What industries would be hit the hardest? To help give our listeners a clearer picture of the possible outcomes, Scott Crockatt invited BCA Director of Policy Alicia Planincic and Trevor Tombe, Director of Fiscal and Economic Policy at The University of Calgarys's School of Public Policy, onto The Brief to break down what could happen and what it could mean for Alberta businesses and households.
In this episode:
- Trump's approach to trade and diplomacy
- What is a tariff and how does it work?
- What is a 'trade deficit,' and is the U.S. really 'subsidizing' Canada?
- The 'nuclear option' - oil and energy export ban
- Industries at risk and where we may see job losses
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
Check out recent episodes of AlbertaBETTER: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB
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Alexis von Hoensbroech, the visionary CEO of WestJet, uncovers the fascinating journey from his early aspirations in astrophysics to leading one of Canada's premier airlines. His story is one of unexpected turns, moving from the scientific realm to a pivotal business role with the Boston Consulting Group before embarking on his influential career within the Lufthansa Group. With a narrative that spans continents, Alexis shares how these diverse experiences have shaped his unique leadership style at WestJet, including the cultural transitions from Europe to Canada and the challenges and triumphs faced along the way.
Listeners will be captivated as Alexis discusses the intricacies of the aviation industry, drawing intriguing connections between the analytical demands of scientific disciplines and the strategic operations of an airline. The conversation reveals the critical role of adaptability and psychological safety in cultivating a collaborative and innovative corporate culture. As Alexis reflects on the dynamics of leadership across different regions, he sheds light on the subtle yet impactful nuances that define corporate environments in Canada compared to Europe.
In this engaging episode, we also delve into the pressing issues and exciting developments in the aviation sector. Alexis discusses the strategic importance of WestJet's acquisition of Sunwing and how these changes promise to enhance the travel experience for Canadians. From the introduction of the Ultra Basic fare to innovative loyalty program upgrades, WestJet is set on a path of growth and service improvement. Despite challenges such as staffing shortages and public policy hurdles, Alexis's optimism and commitment to making air travel more affordable and enjoyable for Canadians are evident as WestJet soars into a promising future.
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
Check out recent episodes of AlbertaBETTER: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://bit.ly/3BPxDhv
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Trailblazer Marc Staniloff joins us on C-Suite Unplugged to share his remarkable journey in the Canadian hotel industry. From a career in real estate to acquiring the development rights for Super 8 in Western Canada, Marc's path is filled with strategic choices and compelling partnerships that have transformed local communities. He offers an honest look into the challenges and triumphs of launching a successful franchise model, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and collaborations with First Nations, which have fostered mutual growth and opportunity.
Marc also reflects on the resilience and innovation required to navigate the shifting landscape of the hospitality industry. We touch on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the rise of platforms like Airbnb, and the strategic decisions that have kept his team competitive. His insights into brand strategy, Market differentiation, and the power of local partnerships shed light on the dynamic nature of hotel management, providing valuable lessons for both aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business leaders.
Join us as we explore the future of the hotel industry, discussing trends such as extended stays, sustainable practices, and the economic effects of major events. Marc's candid commentary on the challenges and opportunities presented by new competitors highlights the evolving expectations of today's travelers. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of business strategy and community impact, where success is measured by both financial growth and meaningful contributions to local economies.
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
Check out recent episodes of AlbertaBETTER: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB
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Ginny Roth, a prominent conservative voice and partner at Crestview, joins us to explore the potential future of a Conservative government in Canada. With her deep roots in political organizing and consulting, Ginny offers an insider's perspective on what a government under Pierre Poilievre might prioritize. We unravel the possible consequences a second Trump presidency could have on Canadian conservatives and examine Poilievre's distinctive protectionist approach on social media, diving into how these dynamics might reshape public affairs and policies north of the border.
Our conversation progresses into the intricate world of trade relations, with a spotlight on how a Trump electoral victory could shift Canada's economic ties with the US. From the prospects of renegotiating the USMCA to the strategic efforts Canada might employ to protect its interests, we cover it all. We touch on the potential impact of Trump's proposed tariffs and discuss influential figures like Marco Rubio who could play key roles in shaping future US-Canada relations. Through Ginny's insights, we gain a clearer understanding of Poilievre's leadership style, highlighting his data-driven strategies and his focus on aligning business interests with voter concerns.
The episode culminates in a detailed analysis of the challenges and opportunities a Conservative government might navigate. We explore pressing issues like housing affordability and economic innovation, and consider Poilievre's commitment to fiscal discipline and reducing government intervention. Drawing inspiration from political figures like Dominic Cummings, we discuss the hurdles a new administration would face in implementing rapid reforms within Canada's bureaucratic system. Join us for a comprehensive look at how a Conservative-led government might tackle the complexities of governance and drive effective policies amidst a shifting political landscape.
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
Check out recent episodes of AlbertaBETTER: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://bit.ly/3BPxDhv
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The team dives into many of the leading and lagging economic indicators that tell us a bit about where Alberta's economy stands compared to the summer snapshot. They also dive into some of the political developments both nationally and globally and what they could mean for Alberta and Canada's economic forecast into 2025.
There are several positives in Alberta's outlook. The Bank of Canada's interest rate hikes seem to have set Canada's economy up for the 'soft landing' they hoped for, curbing consumption and inflation without significant job losses. Meanwhile, Alberta continues to be the economic engine of Canada, significantly outperforming the rest of the country in jobs and economic growth. However, the Alberta and Canadian economies are showing signs of slowing, with job growth decelerating over the past 6-8 months.
Certain "good" sectors like manufacturing, construction, and oil/gas have seen job growth level off after strong gains earlier. This suggests consumer demand has weakened. Newcomers and recent immigrants are being hit particularly hard, with their unemployment rate rising from 10% to 15% over the past year.
Interest rate hikes have started to be reversed, but the full impact of past increases has not yet been felt in the economy. It takes time for rate changes to filter through. The federal government's planned cuts to immigration levels could have significant impacts, though there are questions around whether the full extent of the cuts will actually materialize.
The housing market is seeing a surge in construction activity, especially in Alberta compared to other regions, but it is yet to be seen how this will play out given Canada's anticipated pullback in population growth.
Globally, central banks are seen as having tamed inflation, but there are risks around rising protectionism that could impact the economy.
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
Check out recent episodes of AlbertaBETTER: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://bit.ly/3BPxDhv
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Warren Stow, the visionary CEO of GrainsConnect, shares his captivating journey from his roots on a family farm in Graysville, Manitoba, to leading a pivotal player in the grain industry. Hear firsthand about the strategic operations that channel Western Canadian grains and oilseeds to global markets, and how Warren's agricultural upbringing and diverse career experiences shaped his leadership. Discover the intricate dance between tradition and innovation that propels GrainsConnect forward, navigating challenges from labour disruptions to leveraging cutting-edge technology.
Our conversation with Warren, the strategic leader at GrainsConnect, uncovers his philosophy of building success by surrounding himself with talented minds. Warren provides an inside look at the grain's efficient journey from the Canadian fields to international ports, highlighting the strategic advantages of the Fraser Grain Terminal. His insights emphasize the importance of resilience and innovation in maintaining a competitive edge amidst labour and infrastructure challenges, while ensuring a seamless experience for farmers and international buyers alike.
As we look to the future, we explore GrainsConnect's strategic outlook for Alberta's agriculture sector. The path to growth is rife with opportunities, from diversifying operations to ensuring food security in the face of climate and market pressures. Warren expresses optimism for Western Canada's agricultural future, calling for enhanced government support and innovation. This episode celebrates the vital role of the grain industry in the global food supply, underscoring the need to elevate agriculture's status within national priorities. Join us for an insightful discussion on leadership, supply chain mastery, and the promising future of Canadian agriculture.
Understand the frustrations behind Bill C-59's controversial greenwashing amendments with insights from Adam Legge, President of the Business Council of Alberta. Can these changes to the Competition Act redefine the landscape for Canadian companies making environmental claims? Discover how the lack of clarity and rushed legislation might stifle innovation and corporate communication, leaving the Competition Bureau in a tough spot. Explore the broader implications of discouraging future-oriented environmental claims and the potential chilling effect on Canadian entrepreneurship. As Adam sheds light on the disconnect between policymakers and business leaders, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how these provisions could impact investment, growth, and ultimately, the country's economic competitiveness. This episode challenges the cautionary stance taken by the government and its ripple effect on individual livelihoods and Canada's standard of living.
We also delve into the complex layers of existing regulations that companies must navigate and how the proposed amendments could lead to frivolous claims that overwhelm the system. From small soap manufacturers to oil giants, businesses are at risk of becoming overly cautious. Tune in to hear our proposal for clear guidance from the Competition Bureau, creating a safe harbour for forward-looking statements that foster a thriving environment for innovation and entrepreneurship.
On this episode of the C suite, we welcome Ian Burns, CEO of Connect First and Servus Credit Union Limited, who shares his remarkable journey from working at a Costco in high school to leading a major credit union. Ian opens up about his educational background and the unexpected transitions that shaped his career, including a pivotal stint at TELUS. His story is filled with resilience, adaptability, and the importance of seizing opportunities, offering valuable lessons for aspiring leaders.
We explore some of the leadership challenges in the world financial services, as well as the transferability of business skills across industries and the critical role of customer service. Ian shares personal anecdotes from his time at TELUS, including innovative strategies during the 2005 strike. We discuss the current challenges faced by credit unions, such as balancing customer and employee needs, navigating economic hurdles, and addressing competition from fintechs and large corporations. The conversation also highlights the consolidation trend within the credit union sector and the strategies for maintaining a competitive edge.
The unique culture and operational model of credit unions takes center stage as we examine the advantages of member ownership over traditional banks. Ian explains how credit unions prioritize their members' best interests by being driven not by profits, but by principles of purpose, autonomy, and mastery. Looking ahead, the conversation touches on future growth, digital innovation, and the balance between technology and maintaining community ties, providing a comprehensive view of the long-term outlook for credit unions in Alberta.
What happens in British Columbia has a huge impact on Alberta, and a lot is happening in BC right now as the October 19th election approaches. Top BC political commentators Allie Blades and Rob Shaw join us for a riveting discussion about the rapidly evolving policy and political landscape, and the implications for Alberta.
Our guests provide an in-depth look at the unique dynamics and challenges that have emerged for the reshaped party landscape – with the BC United Party halting its campaign, merging with the BC Conservatives, and setting up a close contest with the BC NDP. We lean into some of the policy proposals and differences between David Eby’s New Democrats and John Rustad's Conservatives and what these shifts could mean for Alberta.
We also take a closer look at the interconnected politics of Western Canada, examining how BC's shifting public opinion and policy environment might align with Alberta's stance on pivotal issues like resource development, emissions policies, and even addiction recovery.
What was initially a modest $350 million surplus has now skyrocketed to an impressive $2.9 billion. In a first quarter fiscal update that was far from typical, what drove this sudden surplus and what are some of the challenges that come with it? Join us as we sit down with Alberta's Minister of Finance Nate Horner to dissect Alberta's surprising first quarter fiscal update. We'll discuss the driving forces behind this unexpected increase, including oil and gas prices and Alberta's rapid population growth, while also examining the dual-edged sword they represent—while more people mean higher income tax revenue, they also bring added pressure on health, education, and social services.
In another compelling segment, we address the complexities of public sector compensation, which accounts for nearly half of Alberta's provincial budget, as well as how federal budgetary decisions may play a role in shaping Alberta's own budget. Labour Market Transfer Agreements (LMTAs) face significant challenges following the cessation of federal funding, affecting key programs like the Canada-Alberta Jobs Grant.
Listen in as we highlight Alberta's ongoing economic forecast and fiscal strategy, including greater investment in schools and healthcare, the personal income tax cut initiative, the strategic management of the Heritage Fund, and how to prepare for and mitigate the impact of contingencies like natural disasters. Finally, we explore why Alberta continues to attract people despite economic pressures, focusing on its affordability and opportunities.
Get ready for an eye-opening discussion with Derrick Hynes, President and CEO of FETCO, as we unravel the complexities of the ongoing rail work stoppage in Canada. Derrick brings to the table his profound insights on the challenging landscape of collective bargaining in a post-COVID world and the significant economic risks at stake. He also shares the proactive measures FETCO has recommended to the Minister of Labour, aiming to strike a fair balance between union demands and employer capabilities while highlighting the pivotal role FETCO plays in representing large employers in federally regulated sectors.
We also delve into the broader context of Canadian labour disputes and legislation, focusing on the minister's authority under Section 107 to intervene in labour issues. Through an exploration of recent case law and procedural insights from the Canada Industrial Relations Board, we examine the tension between the right to strike and the minister's powers. Derrick meticulously outlines the timeline of the minister's decision-making process and its ramifications for Canadian labour relations. This episode promises a comprehensive understanding of the passionate stances of all parties involved and the potential outcomes for the future of labour relations in Canada.
Susannah Pierce, President and Country Chair of Shell Canada takes us on a fascinating journey from her Calgary roots to the helm of one of the world's leading energy companies. Her story provides an insider's perspective on Shell Canada's ambitious projects to reduce emissions, such as carbon capture sequestration initiatives and the expansion of recharging stations. By addressing the complexities of energy climate policy and the critical need for cooperation across Canadian provinces, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the multifaceted challenges and opportunities in Canada's energy transition.
Join us on C-Suite Unplugged as we sit down with Avik Day, President and CEO of Capital Power, for an insightful conversation about his journey to the C-Suite and the dynamic world of power generation.
Avik shares his experiences from growing up in Calgary to his career in the global energy business, highlighting roles in capital markets, private equity, and entrepreneurship. He discusses Capital Power's commitment to innovation and balanced energy solutions, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the energy sector with politics, commerce, and climate. Avik also addresses the complexities of implementing clean electricity regulations across Canada, the challenges faced by provinces like Alberta, and the implications of Canada's clean electricity regulations.
This episode is packed with insights on navigating energy markets and the future of power generation.
Episode Description Join us as we explore the intricate economic landscape of Alberta in mid-summer, where high inflation and interest rates contrast with robust economic growth. Alongside our chief economist, Mike Holden, we unpack the paradox of a thriving economy and rising unemployment rates in major cities like Calgary and Edmonton. Despite the high business optimism and strong private sector job growth, the rapid influx of newcomers is outpacing job creation, presenting unique challenges for the province.
We also examine the financial struggles facing Albertans amidst rising living costs. Inflation may be slowing, but the cost of rent has surged nearly 16% over the past year, leaving many feeling financially insecure. Shifts in consumer spending patterns reveal a decline in discretionary spending and an uptick in essential purchases driven by population growth. Our discussion highlights nuanced retail trends, such as increased sales at gas stations and hardware stores, despite a drop in per-person spending.
Looking ahead, we delve into Alberta's economic future, discussing projections that consider inflation, interest rates, and population growth. The potential benefits of decreasing inflation and interest rates could provide relief, particularly for homeowners. We highlight the positive impacts of the U.S. economy on Alberta and the importance of accommodating significant population growth through infrastructure investment. Finally, we explore the critical issue of unemployment rates, emphasizing the need for job creation to match the rapid population influx, ensuring newcomers can contribute positively to Alberta's prosperity.
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
Check out recent episodes of AlbertaBETTER: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://bit.ly/3BPxDhv
Follow us on social media:
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Alberta's opportunity to contribute to global solutions in agriculture, energy, and health is immense. Seizing this opportunity will take big ideas, lots of collaboration, and a little “can do” attitude.
In the special series of The Brief, called Missions & Moonshots, we are talking to top experts, business leaders, innovators, and thought leaders across Alberta and Canada exploring solutions to the world’s biggest challenges in energy, agriculture, and health.
Our guest is Vicki Lightbown, the Director of the Water Innovation Program at Alberta Innovates. She discusses the state of drought in Alberta today, how innovation can make us resilient in the face of a crisis and what challenges stand in the way of innovation adoption.
Vicki Lightbown’s discussion paper can be read here: http://bit.ly/3h5Lb0k
About Vicki Lightbown
Vicki Lightbown is the Director for the Water Innovation Program at Alberta Innovates. She is a Professional Engineer with a BSc in Civil Engineering from the University of Calgary. In 2015, Vicki was a recipient of the Young Women in Energy award and in 2016 she was named in the Top 35 under 35 in Canada’s Energy Sector by the Alberta Oil Magazine. In Vicki’s role with Alberta Innovates she works proactively to identify critical technology and knowledge gaps and apply world-class research to develop solutions for some of the biggest water challenges in Alberta.
Knowing what success looks like is a talent in and of itself, one that extends beyond profit margins and dives deep into the mentalities and approaches of strong management teams and high performing companies. And in the world of private equity, it’s also an immensely important skillset.
On this episode, we speak with Brian Boulanger, Chief Executive Officer at ARC Financial Corp. about his journey to the C-Suite, what’s changed in his approach to leadership, and advice for people early in their career.
We also get Brian’s 50,000-foot view on the state of capital markets, discuss how Canada is viewed by the global investment community, and look ahead at the future of energy markets and Alberta.
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
Check out recent episodes of AlbertaBETTER: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB
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“The greatest energy in the world is inspired humans.”
The world has come a long way in terms of its energy sources and the united commitment to a low-carbon future. But how do we define “net zero,” and is storing carbon really the right way to be reaching our net zero goals?
In this episode, we speak with Jesse Douglas, CEO of Green Impact Partners, about his entrepreneurial spirit, his journey to the C-Suite, and his leadership philosophy across multiple startups.
We also discuss the difference between purpose-driven and profit-driven organizations, breakdown the biofuel landscape in Alberta, and revel over the exciting soon-to-be completed project in the Future Energy Park, coming to Calgary in 2026.
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
Check out recent episodes of AlbertaBETTER: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://bit.ly/3BPxDhv
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7 of 10 Canadians believe that Canada's immigration system needs to change, with only 28% of Canadians feeling like the current system is working. So where did we go wrong, and what can we do to get back to setting ourselves apart on the global stage?
You might know him as Former Premier of Alberta, or as the longest serving federal Minister of Immigration. But on this episode of The Brief, we speak with the Hon. Jason Kenney to breakdown Canada's immigration system, identify the opportunities and barriers present within, and outline the role of economic immigrants in Canadian society.
We also discuss the ideal archetype for incoming Canadians, the connection between immigration, economic growth, and national productivity, and what we need to do to set ourselves apart on the global stage.
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
Check out recent episodes of AlbertaBETTER: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://bit.ly/3BPxDhv
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Alberta has seen the strongest employment growth of all large provinces, but while resilient, Alberta has not escaped weak expectations globally or nationally. The labour market is softening, unemployment has ticked up, and Albertans are still feeling the impact of inflation and interest rates, with less than half feeling good about their finances.
Despite this, Alberta businesses are among the most optimistic in the country, and they intend to continue to spend on capital this year. Further, Alberta is attracting a larger share of venture capital dollars, despite a national dip in overall investment.
On this episode, we’re back with BCA’s economics team, Mike Holden and Alicia Planincic, to break down the Spring 2024 update of the Alberta Snapshot, an all-points summary of Alberta’s economy.
We look at the labour market and employment, check up on consumer spending and general affordability, and discuss business expectations and the state of the economy. We also look ahead at indicators to watch and ruminate on what we hope is to come.
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
Check out recent episodes of AlbertaBETTER: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB
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There are many things in today’s world that we take for granted, and one of those things is the consistent, reliable access of electricity to our homes. Albertans have high expectations when it comes to the delivery of power from Alberta’s electrical grid, but providing that reliability is no easy task when you service 85% of Albertans.
In this episode, we speak with Gary Hart, President & CEO of AltaLINK, to discuss his journey to the C-Suite, where his leadership philosophy originated, and the areas of focus at AltaLink that are part of the organization’s “no quit” strategy.
We also speak to Gary about the realities of decarbonizing the electrical grid, the current state of affairs, and the need for interties to nearby regions, amongst a variety of other topics.
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
Check out recent episodes of AlbertaBETTER: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB
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Like many immigrants to Canada, the going was not always easy. But for Amir Shami, President & CEO of Rotaflow Group of Companies, backing down was never going to be an option.
Now, years after obtaining his P. Eng in Alberta and returning to school to gain the business prowess he felt he was missing, Amir is a thoughtful Albertan leader looking to contribute to the betterment of this province.
In this episode, we talk to Amir about his journey to the C-Suite, his journey to Canada as a new immigrant, his advice for young professionals, and tips and tricks for navigating the re-certification process for newcomers.
We also talked to Amir about his time in Ottawa as part of the One Alberta. One Canada. business advocacy mission, check-in on why he was drawn to the Council’s prosperity-driven immigration task force, and hear from him on what he learned about being a leader.
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
Check out recent episodes of AlbertaBETTER: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://bit.ly/3BPxDhv
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With a storied career in Alberta government, we can’t think of many people with a more impressive portfolio.
From Minister of Agriculture, Advanced Education, Technology, and Finance, to his role as Deputy Premier, all the way to his current role as Partner as P3 Capital Partners, Doug Horner is a through and through Alberta leader who has worked extensively to help make Alberta better.
In this episode, we talk to Doug about his journey to the C-Suite, ask for some insights from his time in government, and have him walk us through the offerings at P3 Capital Partners. We also talk to Doug about the Horner legacy, how family member Minister Nate Horner is doing in his role as Finance Minister, and look ahead to the future of Alberta.
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
Check out recent episodes of AlbertaBETTER: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB
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- The year that must not be named. The Voldemort of years.
After a generation of globalization, peace between major powers, economic integration, and stability, we find ourselves in 2024 in a new political, social, and economic world, and business leaders find themselves thinking about geopolitics more than at any time in recent history.
On today’s episode, we are taking things global. We’re joined by geopolitical experts from the Eurasia Group—Willis Sparks, the Director, Global Macro, and Anna Ashton, Director, China Corporate Affairs and US-China—to talk about the top political risks facing us this year. We’ve packed a lot into this episode, covering a vast range of topics: Russia-Ukraine, Israel-Hamas, US election, China, Canada and the US, energy markets, food, and much more!
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
Check out recent episodes of AlbertaBETTER: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB
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It’s not every day that you encounter a person who runs not one, not two, but multiple companies simultaneously, while also wearing many different hats including Chair, Managing Partner and CEO. But for Irfhan Rawji, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Realize Capital Partners, doing so is simply the only way he knows how to exist.
In our first episode of C-Suite Unplugged for 2024, we talk to Irfhan about his busy and intense life, his journey to the C-Suite, and more about Realize Capital Partners. We also take a deep dive into the current state of immigration in Canada, address some of the challenges facing the system, and look to the future of Alberta and the country as a whole for where we should focus our efforts.
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
Check out recent episodes of AlbertaBETTER: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://bit.ly/3BPxDhv
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Alberta's opportunity to contribute to global solutions in agriculture, energy, and health is immense. Seizing this opportunity will take big ideas, lots of collaboration, and a little “can do” attitude.
In the special series of The Brief, called Missions & Moonshots, we are talking to top experts, business leaders, innovators, and thought leaders across Alberta and Canada exploring solutions to the world’s biggest challenges in energy, agriculture, and health.
Our guest is Adam Sweet, the Director for Western Canada at Clean Prosperity to discuss the changing global investment landscape and how Alberta can use its superpower—the Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) Regulation—to not just play the game but win.
Adam Sweet’s discussion paper can be read here: http://bit.ly/3h5Lb0k
About Adam Sweet
Adam Sweet is Clean Prosperity’s Director for Western Canada. Adam joined Clean Prosperity from the Government of Alberta, where he helped establish Canada’s first ESG Secretariat as its Executive Director, ESG Coordination and Integration. Albertan by birth and by choice, Adam returned home to Alberta in 2013 following many years in Ottawa working on Parliament Hill, including in Canada’s Environment Minister’s Office in 2011-13. Prior to that, Adam spent time in Canada’s Embassy in Washington, D.C., and served nearly two years on the ground in Afghanistan deployed with the Canadian Government.
Immigration has long been a key part of Canada’s ethos. For decades, Canadians have been pro-immigration, citing its benefits for the economy, but also its contributions to the rich tapestry of culture, language, and tradition.
However, as Canadians navigate the rising cost of living, housing affordability, and access to public services, many—two-thirds in fact—believe that Canada’s targets to welcome 1.5 million newcomers to the country over the next three years is a little (or a lot) off the mark.
In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Mikal Skuterud, a labour economist from the University of Waterloo and the Director at the Canadian Labour Economic Forum to talk immigration, how Canada’s system works, and where it’s going wrong. We also address productivity challenges and speak to the Council’s latest task force on Prosperity-Driven Immigration.
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
Check out recent episodes of AlbertaBETTER: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB
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As we enter 2024, Alberta finds itself in a relatively strong position compared to the rest of Canada and is forecasted, once again, to be a leader in economic growth for the nation. This strength is underpinned by Alberta’s outperformance in several areas including population growth, renewed vitality in the resources sector, a stronger labour market, and strong residential and capital investment. But while Alberta holds strong, the rest of the country finds itself sputtering.
On this episode, we’re back with BCA’s economics team, Mike Holden and Alicia Planincic, to break down the Winter 2024 update of the Alberta Snapshot, an all-points summary of Alberta’s economy.
We look at the labour market and employment, check up on consumer spending and general affordability and discuss business expectations and the state of the economy. We also look ahead at indicators to watch and opine on what’s to come.
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
Check out recent episodes of AlbertaBETTER: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://bit.ly/3BPxDhv
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Welcome back to a brand new season of The Brief! We hope that you had a wonderful holiday break if you were able to take one. We’re excited to be back for another season exploring the big challenges that we, as Albertans, face and sharing the big ideas that make this province the best place to live.
As has become tradition, we’re kicking off the season with renowned pollster, Janet Brown, to peer into the minds of Albertans and hear her insights on how Albertans are feeling starting off the year.
On this episode, we discuss the effects of affordability on households, people’s perceptions of Alberta’s healthcare reform, thoughts on migration to the province as Alberta nears a 5 million population, and so much more.
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
Check out recent episodes of AlbertaBETTER: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB
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In our final podcast of 2023, we sit down with BCA President, Adam Legge, to reflect upon the year past and ponder the year to come.
On this episode we cover things like major news stories from Canada and the world, and the impact that these stories have on Alberta.
We also break down some of the key moments, challenges, and policy wins from the Council, and look ahead to give you a preview of what's to come in 2024, some book recommendations for the holiday, and take a moment to say thanks to our friends and partners supporting the Council.
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
Check out recent episodes of AlbertaBETTER: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://bit.ly/3BPxDhv
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It is said that lightning never strikes twice, meaning that an event is rare or unlikely to happen again, but for Mike Rose, Chairman, President & CEO of Tourmaline Oil, the opposition is true. In fact, Mike’s track record of building and running successful companies is nothing short of inspiring.
On this episode, we talk to Mike about the numerous successful companies he’s built from the ground up, his journey to the C-Suite, and his perspective on natural gas in Alberta and in Canada.
We also talk to Mike about what he’s learned from wife and fellow BCA Member, Sue Riddell Rose, President & CEO of Perpetual Energy, and his long-term view for the province.
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
Check out recent episodes of AlbertaBETTER: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://bit.ly/3BPxDhv
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Last month, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that the federal Impact Assessment Act (Bill C-69) was largely unconstitutional, a win for the province of Alberta—and a win for the many energy and climate focused businesses looking to invest in this province. But what does this mean for the future of energy in Alberta, and where do we go from here?
In this episode, we are joined by Sean Sutherland, Partner in Litigation at Osler, for a deeper dive into the significance of the Supreme Court’s ruling, how this decision impacts provinces across Canada, and the immediate implications for public policy.
We also learn more about the Impact Assessment Act itself, how it was received across Canada, and what he thinks the next iteration might look like.
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
Check out recent episodes of AlbertaBETTER: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://bit.ly/3BPxDhv
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Most of us intrinsically understand where the energy we consume goes—heating, cooking, driving, and electricity. But the role of energy is so much more substantial in our everyday lives, often more so than we tend to realize.
On this episode, we speak with Dean Setoguchi, President & CEO of Keyera Corp, an integrated midstream energy business.
Dean walks us through his career from high school diploma to the C-Suite, gives listeners advice on how to advance their careers, and helps contextualize the life of a CEO.
We also talk to Dean about the many ways energy is used to improve our lives, what ESG means to the folks at Keyera, and where Dean sees the future of Alberta energy heading, among a host of other topics.
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
Check out recent episodes of AlbertaBETTER: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB
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As we get into the final quarter of 2023, Alberta’s economy is sending some mixed signals. Many indicators point to a strong provincial economy including good labour market conditions, positive business activity, and wage growth, but challenges of affordability, slowing national growth, and declining consumer confidence weigh on future growth expectations.
In this conversation, we speak with BCAs Economist Team Mike Holden & Alicia Planincic to cover topics including wages & affordability, the labour market, and business investment. We also look ahead at our predictions for next quarter.
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
Check out recent episodes of AlbertaBETTER: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB
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Have you ever thought about what life is really like as an elected leader? As public officials, often little is known about what drives them, motivates them, or even keeps them up at night.
On a special episode of C-Suite Unplugged, The Honourable Danielle Smith, the 19th Premier of Alberta joins host Adam Legge for an unplugged and fresh conversation on her career both inside and outside public office.
In this conversation, dubbed Premier Unplugged, you’ll learn about her journey to the top elected office in Alberta, what motivates her leadership style, her love for public policy, and her dreams for the future of the province. Of course, we also talk about the historic Supreme Court decision on the Impact Assessment Act (Bill C-69) and what that means for Alberta.
If you find this episode interesting or insightful, let us know by heading to Apple Podcasts or Spotify and giving us a quick review and rating.
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
Check out recent episodes of AlbertaBETTER: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB
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It’s not everyday that a CEO leaves Ontario to head up an Alberta company, nor is it everyday that someone takes on 160 billion dollars in assets to manage. But for Evan Siddall, CEO of Alberta Investment Management Corporation, doing so is simply the next step in a long and illustrious career.
On this episode, we speak with Evan about his journey out west, joining AIMCo during a tumultuous period in the company’s history, and why equity, diversity, and inclusion are so important to him.
We also hear from Evan about how he has approached his early onset parkinson’s diagnosis, the future of AIMCo, and his long-term view for Alberta.
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
Check out recent episodes of AlbertaBETTER: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://bit.ly/3BPxDhv
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Alberta's opportunity to contribute to global solutions in agriculture, energy, and health is immense. Seizing this opportunity will take big ideas, lots of collaboration, and a little “can do” attitude.
In the special series of The Brief, called Missions & Moonshots, we are talking to top experts, business leaders, innovators, and thought leaders across Alberta and Canada exploring solutions to the world’s biggest challenges in energy, agriculture, and health.
Our guest is Kendall Dilling, President of Pathways Alliance, an organization that has brought together Canada’s biggest oil sands companies on a massive collaboration to reduce emissions from oil sands production, with the goal of net zero by 2050.
The discussion includes:
- Pathway’s plan to net zero
- Potential in carbon capture and progress to date
- Key barriers to achieving potential
- Key needle movers for success
Kendall’s discussion paper can be read here: http://bit.ly/3h5Lb0k
About Kendall Dilling
As President, Pathways Alliance, Kendall is responsible for the overall coordination of technology and project development and external relations on behalf of the Alliance members.
Prior to his role at Pathways Alliance, Kendall was Cenovus Energy’s Vice-President, Environment &Regulatory, where he was responsible for environmental strategy, managing the regulatory process for major approvals and leading environmental policy development efforts with various levels of government.
With nearly 30 years in the oil and gas industry, Kendall has expertise in various areas, including environment, regulatory, health and safety, Indigenous and stakeholder relations, surface land and business development. Prior to his work at Cenovus, Kendall worked for various Canadian and multi-national pipeline and energy companies.
Kendall holds a Bachelor of Science, a Bachelor of Arts and an MBA from the University of Calgary.
In an average year, Canada loses 2 million hectares of forest to wildfires. But in August 2023, Canada has already lost 15 million—and counting.
On this episode, we speak with Rick Doman, Corporate Director for the Business Council of Alberta, and a forestry expert with over 45 years of experience in the industry.
Rick helps us define what forest management means, explains the impact of the mountain pine beetle and the spruce bud worm on the health of Canada’s forests, and provides some perspective on how we can best deal with our forests to minimize the impact of the devastating wildfires if we started making changes today.
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
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What does it look like to be a leader?
For most of us, being a leader means building and supporting teams, and helping them their goals.
But for Sue Riddell Rose, President & CEO of Perpetual Energy and Rubellite Energy, being a leader means leaving the world better then she found it and ensuring all voices are heard at the boardroom table.
On this episode, we speak with Sue about her journey to the C-Suite, the importance and value of women in the national energy conversation, and the future of oil and gas production in Alberta.
We also talk to Sue about what she’s learned from husband and fellow BCA Member, Mike Rose from Tourmaline Oil, and her long-term view for the province.
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
Check out recent episodes of AlbertaBETTER: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB
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The term “Alberta beef” is synonymous globally with exceptional cuts of meat and delicious tastes, and yet, only 2% of Canada’s population is involved in the production of said agriculture. So what exactly does it take to run Canada’s beef industry?
On this episode, we speak with Kee Jim, Managing Director of G. K. Jim Farms, and Global Head of Animal Health and Agriculture for TELUS Agriculture.
We talk to Kee about his journey from high school to the C-Suite, what it takes to run the world’s biggest feedlot, the future of Alberta’s beef and feedlot industries, and key innovations coming out of the agri-food industry.
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
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Alberta's opportunity to contribute to global solutions in agriculture, energy, and health is immense. Seizing this opportunity will take big ideas, lots of collaboration, and a little “can do” attitude.
In the special series of The Brief, called Missions & Moonshots, we are talking to top experts, business leaders, innovators, and thought leaders across Alberta and Canada exploring solutions to the world’s biggest challenges in energy, agriculture, and health.
Our guest is Dr. Breanne Everett, co-founder and CEO of Orpyx Medical Technologies, a leading digital therapeutics company in Alberta, to discuss what health care could look like in Alberta and a few strategies to build a system that supports health, wellness, and longevity for all. The discussion includes:
- Gaps in Alberta’s health care system
- Importance of social determinants of health in health care planning
- Applying the Alberta Advantage to health care
- Four strategies to improve health care access and delivery
Dr. Everett’s discussion paper can be read here: http://bit.ly/3h5Lb0k
About Dr. Breanne Everett
Dr. Breanne Everett serves as the CEO and Co-Founder of Orpyx® Medical Technologies Inc., in addition to being a medical doctor with residency training in plastic and reconstructive surgery from the University of Calgary. Recognizing the significant impact of diabetic foot complications on patients and healthcare systems, she established Orpyx, a pioneering digital therapeutics company dedicated to enhancing the health span of individuals living with diabetes through customized remote care.
Dr. Everett's achievements have earned her numerous accolades, including the Governor General's Innovation Award, Alberta Women Entrepreneur Upsurge Entrepreneur Award, the Calgary Award in Commerce, and in 2023, she became the first recipient of the Alberta Business Hall of Fame’s Young Innovator Award, which recognizes the achievements of business leaders under 40. She has also been named one of Avenue Magazine's Top 40 Under 40, one of Canada's Top 100 Most Powerful Women, and the University of Calgary's Graduate of the Last Decade. As a Loran National Scholar, she actively participates in the Loran Alumni Community and serves on the Canadian Medical Association's Joule Innovation Council and the Governor General Innovation Award Selections Committee.
Since our previous update, the hottest headline has been interest rates and the Bank of Canada’s decisions to continue to increase rates to bring inflation down as quickly as possible. However, these interest rate decisions have been taking their toll on Albertans.
While wages have finally grown more than prices, more Albertans are grappling with high debt-to-income ratios, increased housing costs, and insolvencies. In recent months, Albertans now feel the economy is getting worse, despite growth in many areas.
In this episode, we look at growth in employment, Alberta's population, and overall wages, discuss results from our latest Business Expectations Survey, and check in on the spending habits of Albertans and Canadians.
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
Check out recent episodes of AlbertaBETTER: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB
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When given the chance to advance one’s career by going to India, Bermuda, or Calgary, you may be surprised to hear someone chose the sunny Alberta city given the options. But after four kids, nine grandchildren, and a successful merger to create a North American powerhouse, there’s nowhere Alan Norris would rather be.
On this episode, we speak with Alan Norris, Executive Chair of Brookfield Properties, about his journey to the C-Suite, his experience taking an ailing company from the edge of bankruptcy into a successful merger, and the role of an Executive Chair.
We also discuss housing affordability in Canada and North America, the importance of being present within the community, and the value of passion in one’s career.
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
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Productivity is a word spoken around boardroom tables, but rarely is it spoken around dining room tables.
But it should be.
Because productivity, which very simply means getting more and doing more with less effort, is directly related to our standard of living, our wages, and to our kids’ futures.
In this episode, we are joined by economist Trevor Tombe to explore this topic, diving deep into what productivity is and isn’t, why it matters, how Canada stacks up against the US, why we’re no better off than we were in 2017, and why we need to shift our mindsets around policymaking to ensure that productivity is a core aspect of all future policy.
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
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When we talk about climate change, emissions reduction, or major development in Canada, one aspect that has become more and more centred in the discussion is the importance of Indigenous partnership and participation.
From the historic deal between Enbridge and 23 First Nations in Alberta to Cedar LNG in BC and other projects across the country, Indigenous communities are changing how we do business in Canada—for the better. But there’s still work to do.
On this episode, we are joined by Karen Ogen, former Chief of the Wet’suwet’en First Nation and current CEO of the First Nations LNG Alliance, a collective of First Nations participating in, and supportive of, sustainable and responsible LNG development in BC.
Karen sheds light on the importance of Indigenous ownership in major projects to not only improve the economic well-being of Indigenous communities, but to enable them with the resources to care for the housing, health, and healing needs of their people.
We also discuss the importance of energy literacy, the realities of Canada’s regulatory systems and their current challenges to enable Indigenous engagement, and advice to other Indigenous communities eager to participate in major projects.
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
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Technology has improved our lives in incredible ways, but often we don’t truly know by how much.
The vehicles we drive, the computers we operate, and the connections we have to people around the world have all been bolstered by modern technology systems and automation processes that make the world a better place. But how did they come to be?
On today’s episode, we speak with Grant Wilde, President & CEO of Spartan Controls, a company that provides industrial automation solutions to Western Canada.
We talk to Grant about his near 30-year career at the company, his leadership perspective and what influenced it, and why he swears by the power of meditation.
We also dig into the company’s story and Grant’s outlook on its future and the future of Alberta.
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
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When you think about trust, who or what comes to mind? Is it a family member? A friend? Or is it something bigger, like a brand, or a business, or government?
Where—and in whom—we place our trust is important to the development and progress of our society. So, the question we’re asking today is: who do Canadians trust in 2023?
On this episode, we speak with Bianca Freedman, Chief Executive Officer of Edelman Canada, to discuss the 2023 Edelman Trust Barometer and its focus on navigating a polarized world.
We discuss everything from which institution is the most trusted (hint: it’s business), the role of the modern CEO, the wavering trust in government and how trust levels can be driven by economic confidence. We also have some advice for leaders in navigating that polarized world and how they can earn trust in the process.
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
Check out recent episodes of AlbertaBETTER: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB
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Alberta's opportunity to contribute to global solutions in agriculture, energy, and health is immense. Seizing this opportunity will take big ideas, lots of collaboration, and a little “can do” attitude.
In the special series of The Brief, called Missions & Moonshots, we are talking to top experts, business leaders, innovators, and thought leaders across Alberta and Canada exploring solutions to the world’s biggest challenges in energy, agriculture, and health.
Our guest is Kim McConnell, a renowned Canadian expert in agriculture and Special Advisor to the Business Council of Alberta, and he shares his insights into the role that technology has and will continue to have as we face the global challenge of feeding more people on less land. Our discussion includes:
- the challenges with Canada's healthcare systems today
- the potential to transform healthcare in Alberta
- strengths, assets, opportunities, and challenges to reach our potential
- policies and investments needed
The full paper can be read here: http://bit.ly/3h5Lb0k
About Kim McConnell
Kim McConnell is the founder and former CEO of AdFarm, one of the largest agricultural marketing communications firms in North America.
Over the years, Kim has led national and international brand and marketing assignments for many respected national and international agriculture and food companies and has been the catalyst behind many major industry ventures including an initiative to build greater public trust in food and farming.
Kim is also the recipient of many national business awards including "Agri-Marketer of the Year" and the Canadian Youth Business Foundation “Mentor of the Year”.
In 2012 he was inducted into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame. And in 2017 he was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada, Canada’s highest civilian award.
Kim remains a director on a number of corporate, industry and volunteer boards and is a mentor to emerging executives and fast-growth companies.
Kim and his family live on an acreage on the edge of Calgary. Kim is passionate about agriculture, food, youth, and the entrepreneurial spirit.
Canadians are feeling the pinch from inflation and higher than normal interest rates, but what can they expect in the months ahead?
On this episode, we speak with Dominique Lapointe, Global Macro Strategist on the Multi-Asset Solutions Team at Manulife for a deep dive into Canada’s economy and how we are faring.
We discuss the Bank of Canada’s recent decision to hold interest rates, wage growth disparities between Alberta and the rest of the country, how businesses are faring in the current economic environment, and what Canadians should be paying attention to in the coming months.
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
Check out recent episodes of AlbertaBETTER: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB
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China has been the subject of many a headline and many an opinion throughout the years.
As our second largest trading partner, the relationship Canada has with China is, well, important.
And as China has been increasing in its economic power on a global scale over the past decade, politicians, business leaders, and economists alike are asking: what is China’s impact on Canadians?
On this episode, we’re joined by Canada’s former Ambassador to China and renowned expert on Canada-China relations, David Mulroney, for a wide-ranging conversation about the rise and current state of play in China, the impact China has on Canadian prosperity, health, well-being, and security, and what the future of trade and diplomatic relations between these two countries looks like.
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
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Alberta has been calling, and Canadians have been answering. Enticed by Alberta’s affordable cost of living and opportunity, thousands of people are moving to the province to make their home and living here, injecting some much-needed positivity into the province.
And while affordability and opportunity are attracting people to Alberta, and businesses are optimistic about our economic future, there are a few things we need to address in order make this short-term success translate to long-term growth and prosperity.
On this episode, we speak with BCA’s economics team, Mike Holden and Alicia Planincic, to break down the spring 2023 update of the Alberta Snapshot, an all-points summary of Alberta’s economy.
The discussion includes Alberta’s economic outlook, the state of business in the province, the battle against inflation, wage growth, housing, and what we can expect in the coming months to ensure Alberta’s affordability.
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
Check out recent episodes of AlbertaBETTER: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB
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Last week, the federal government released its latest budget during a time where Canada faces many economic challenges: high inflation, low business investment, low productivity, and an increasingly competitive environment thanks to the US Inflation Reduction Act. While Canada has high environmental and economic ambitions, we need to move at a speed and scale never before seen to meet them. Does Budget 2023 help get us there?
On this episode, we’re joined by Business Council of Canada Senior Vice President of Policy, Robert Asselin to discuss Canada’s economic challenges and to reflect on Budget 2023.
We discuss the importance of Canada’s newly announced tax investment credits for hydrogen, the green electricity program, the urgent need for a Canadian advanced research projects agency, and where we fell short in the latest federal budget. We also reflect on economic policies that could change the tide, and where Canada can focus its attention in the short- and long-term to help turn things around.
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
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Alberta's opportunity to contribute to global solutions in agriculture, energy, and health is immense. Seizing this opportunity will take big ideas, lots of collaboration, and a little “can do” attitude.
In the special series of The Brief, called Missions & Moonshots, we are talking to top experts, business leaders, innovators, and thought leaders across Alberta and Canada exploring solutions to the world’s biggest challenges in energy, agriculture, and health.
Our guest is Reg Joseph, CEO of Health Cities, a leader in healthcare innovation, and he will be sharing his insights on Alberta's big opportunity to transform Alberta's health care delivery through innovation including:
- the challenges with Canada's healthcare systems today
- the potential to transform healthcare in Alberta
- strengths, assets, opportunities, and challenges to reach our potential
- policies and investments needed
The full paper can be read here: http://bit.ly/3h5Lb0k
About Reg Joseph
Reg Joseph was appointed as the CEO of Health Cities in February 2018. He has 20 years of experience spanning the health, technology, and investment sectors. At Health Cities, Reg is focused on developing new pathways for healthcare delivery to drive better health outcomes and economic growth for our region.
Reg has served in a wide variety of roles, including as an analyst with Boston-based Leerink Swann & Co. and as a manager of a global business unit at US-based Invitrogen Corporation (now Thermo Fisher). Reg has founded and led local health technology companies and most recently served as Alberta Innovates’ Vice President of Health, managing outgoing investments from the Heritage Fund.
In addition to serving on multiple boards of health technology companies, Reg is currently Chair of the Board of BioTalent Canada and of MacEwan University’s Board of Governors. Reg has a BSc. in Physiology and an MBA in Finance.
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
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2022 drastically changed the global realities around energy. Between the war in Ukraine, fluctuating energy prices, Europe’s energy crisis, and a steadfast commitment to a low-carbon energy transition, the future of energy no longer looks like it once did.
But present within that changing reality is a new opportunity to be a global leader in the energy space, and it is now up to each country to decide how best to respond.
On this episode, we’re joined by energy expert, Jackie Forrest, Executive Director at ARC Energy Research Institute and co-host of the ARC Energy Ideas Podcast.
We speak with Jackie about the future of Canada’s energy systems, the opportunities and realities present in Canada’s energy transition ahead of our 2030 and 2050 goals, and the challenges we must overcome to be successful.
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
Check out recent episodes of AlbertaBETTER: https://bit.ly/3bHlfFB
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At the start of 2023, things were looking up for the province of Alberta. In fact, Alberta was experiencing one of the most dramatic fiscal turnarounds in history. At the same time, Albertans and Canadians were struggling with the rising cost of living, a challenge the Bank of Canada sought to address by hiking interest rates. Now, as we get near the end of the first quarter of 2023, how have those realities held?
In this episode, BCAs Economist, Alicia Planincic, joins to discuss economic expectations for the remainder of the year, the latest GDP forecast for Canada, the outlook from Alberta’s business leaders and the economic lessons we can take from Alberta’s Budget 2023.
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
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When we think about the ways poverty presents itself, many of us are guilty of envisioning the visibly poor and unhoused. But the realities of poverty are a layered, complex experience, and one that casts a wide net on who fits the description.
On this episode, we’re joined by Executive Directors Meaghon Reid of Vibrant Communities Calgary and Erick Ambtman of End Poverty Edmonton to discuss Alberta’s poverty landscape.
We discuss the myths and realities around how poverty presents itself; paths into and out of poverty; the challenges of the rising cost of living for the most vulnerable communities; and address some tough questions within the poverty space.
We also reflect on how poverty in Alberta has changed over the pandemic, the crippling cost of loneliness, and real solutions that we can adopt today to combat poverty one person at a time.
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
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The rise of globalization has given much to our world: we have been able to feed billions of people and lift millions out of poverty; try new foods from countries across continents and oceans; buy anything we could ever want at the click of a button and have it delivered within hours or days.
But this system is vulnerable, and on the brink of collapse.
On this episode, we are joined by author and renowned geopolitical strategist, Peter Zeihan, author of The End of the World is Just the Beginning: Mapping the Collapse of Globalization.
Peter takes us on a journey through the rise of globalization; why America is the heart and soul of the system; and why it is on the brink of collapse.
We also discuss how demographics are changing around the world; how the devolution of globalization will affect regions around the world, including Alberta; and how Alberta can win in this new potential world.
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
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Alberta's opportunity to contribute to global solutions in agriculture, energy, and health is immense. Seizing this opportunity will take big ideas, lots of collaboration, and a little “can do” attitude.
In the special series of The Brief, called Missions & Moonshots, we are talking to leading experts, business leaders, innovators, and thought leaders across Alberta and Canada exploring solutions to the world’s biggest challenges in energy, agriculture, and health.
Our guest is Brent Lakeman, Director of the Hydrogen Initiative at Edmonton Global, and he will be sharing his insights on Alberta's big opportunity in hydrogen including:
- the size of the hydrogen market globally
- why Alberta is the best place to produce and export hydrogen
- Alberta's progress in developing hydrogen and technologies
- key opportunities to scale hydrogen production in Alberta
- what is required to scale up the industry
The full paper can be read here: http://bit.ly/3h5Lb0k
About Brent Lakeman
Brent has been leading clean energy initiatives within Alberta for over three decades. His knowledge of Alberta’s innovation ecosystem and experience in forging industry-government partnerships will help position the Edmonton Metropolitan Region as Canada’s preeminent net zero hydrogen hub. Brent runs, bikes, and skis on Edmonton’s extensive trail network in his free time.
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
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It’s a new year, and that means we’re back with a fresh look at what is happening in the economy, both here in Alberta and Canada, but also around the world.
Coming into 2023, things are a bit in flux: people are concerned about rising inflation, rising cost of living, the cost of healthcare, and a looming global economic slowdown. But despite these hardships, Alberta’s job market is hot, people are moving to Alberta, and wage growth is expected to accelerate.
In this episode, we're joined by BCA’s economics team, Mike Holden and Alicia Planincic, to discuss the latest economic update from the Business Council: what's going on in the labour force, consumer sentiment, potential for a global recession, and expectations for the coming year.
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
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2023 has just begun, but already there is much in flux within the province.
Rising inflation and concerns around affordability plague many, and questions around healthcare and a looming global recession weigh heavily on the minds of Albertans.
While Albertans are happy to leave the pandemic behind them, many Albertans are still looking to find their footing heading into 2023.
To help illuminate some of these issues and provide insight into the key priorities of Albertans to start the year, we invited renowned Alberta pollster, Janet Brown from Janet Brown Opinion Research, to the show.
In this episode, Janet helps us dig into the ideas and priorities of Albertans, check in on what’s keeping them up at night, and discuss expectations and implications for the upcoming provincial election in May.
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
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2022 brought us what can only be described as world-changing moments: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the death of Britain’s longest-serving monarch, Queen Elizabeth the Second, overturning of Roe v Wade, protests in Iran.
2022 was also a big year for Alberta: we are experiencing the most dramatic fiscal turnaround in our history.
Premier Danielle Smith was elected leader of the UCP and became the 19th Premier of Alberta.
Albertans were really challenged with the rise in inflation. And much more.
In this episode, BCA’s President Adam Legge reminisces and recaps the major stories of 2022, how Alberta’s economy has fared, the big challenges Albertans faced, and the major policy wins.
We also provide a sneak peek into what we’re cooking up for 2023 and what is keeping us up at night as we turn the page on 2022.
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
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Alberta’s opportunity to contribute to global solutions in agriculture, energy, and health is immense. Seizing this opportunity will take big ideas, lots of collaboration, and a little “can do” attitude.
In this special, bonus series of The Brief, we are talking to leading experts, business leaders, innovators, and thought leaders across Alberta and Canada, exploring solutions to the world’s biggest challenges in energy, agriculture, and health.
Our guest today is Dr. Larry Martin, Principal at Agri-Food Management Excellence, and he will be sharing his insights on Alberta's big opportunity in becoming a world leader in value-added agriculture.
Read the full paper: http://bit.ly/3h5Lb0k
About Mr. Larry Martin
Larry Martin is a principal in Agri-Food Management Excellence Inc. (AME) a management training company and Dr. Larry Martin and Associates, a consulting operation. He is a lead instructor for AME’s CTEAM, Price Risk Management, and Machinery Investment programs. He provides coaching to managers of farms and agribusiness companies. He has worked with a wide array of companies and organizations in developing their strategic, operational, and/or risk management plans.
He is a Fellow of the Canadian Agricultural Economics Society, was presented the Wilson Loree Award for Excellence in Farm Business Management, and the Ontario Agricultural College Alumni Award for Excellence in Research. He was awarded a Queen Elizabeth ll Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 for contributions to Canada, and was inducted into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2018.
Larry holds Bachelors, Masters, and PhD degrees in agricultural economics. He was Professor and Chair in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Business at the University of Guelph and CEO of the George Morris Centre, an independent national think tank on agricultural issues and policies. He has authored or co-authored over 200 research reports on economic issues in the agri-food sector, and has provided expert testimony in international trade, and other disputes.
Larry is or has been a director of Synergy Dairy, Ridley Canada, Lake Erie Farms, Taps Breweries Incorporated, Big Sky Farms, Belwood Poultry, Coldspring Farms and a member of advisory boards for the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, Agriculture and Biotechnology Division of the Saskatchewan Research Council, Burnbrae Farms, and the Simpson Centre at the University of Calgary. He is also a number of the Institute of Corporate Directors.
When you think about the word “prosperity,” what comes to mind?
For many of us, “prosperity” means having the resources to afford food and shelter, and to be able to provide other necessities of life. However, for others, access to even these basic needs is a luxury. So how we do ensure that everyone has the resources they need to thrive?
On this episode, we’re talking to Bissell Centre CEO, Gary St. Amand, a pioneer in the Edmonton social services space, and a fierce advocate for safety and wellness for all Albertans.
As CEO for the last 10 years, Gary is committed to the Centre’s mission of working with people and communities to empower people out of poverty and into economic, social, and cultural prosperity. And while this is no easy task, Gary knows just how possible it can be when we come together with one goal in mind.
Gary discusses the progress to date in addressing some of Edmonton’s challenges on houselessness and poverty, how we can tackle these challenges, and how we can create sustainable solutions and truly support people to thrive.
sustainable solutions and truly support people to thrive.
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
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When you think about literacy, what comes to mind? If you are like most people, it’s simply the ability to read and write. However, literacy is more than that. Think about this: while most Canadians can read and write, just over half of Canadians can read and write well enough to reach their full potential. And part of that means being able to adapt to the rapidly shifting skills required for current and future jobs.
For individuals with lower levels of literacy, this means missing out on potential jobs, career growth, or other opportunities. For businesses, this means competitiveness and innovation are at risk. And for the economy, this means overall economic growth and productivity are at risk as well.
To better understand the connection between literacy and the economy—and what business leaders can do to ensure their employees are skilled and ready for disruption—we are speaking with Janet Lane, Director of the Human Capital Centre at the Canada West Foundation.
Janet breaks down the state of literacy in Canada, the connection between literacy and the labour market, and why this issue is not just a social one—it’s economic.
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
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One of the more common human experiences is buying food—whether at a supermarket, farmers market, a roadside stand, or even a food bank. But rarely do we think about how the food we buy, or any of the products we consume, got to their destinations. There is an entire sector behind the transportation and distribution of the products we use every single day.
On this episode, we’re talking to Jeff McCaig who heads up one of Western Canada’s largest transportation and logistics companies Trimac. We dig into his former life as a lawyer, the transition to joining Trimac, and his other roles in Calgary’s business community. We’ll even hear the story of how Jeff and a few friends brought the beloved Calgary Flames to the city.
We also dig into the company’s story and Jeff’s outlook on its future and the future of Alberta.
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
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Inflation, interest rates, and global instability are still rearing their ugly heads as we head into the final quarter of 2022. And these conditions have prompted economists to lower economic growth forecasts across the globe. And this means Alberta will be impacted, too.
However, Alberta is more than ready for this impact. In fact, Alberta’s economy is still on track to be the largest it’s ever been and lead Canada in growth. This is due in large part to still strong commodity prices but also: an incredible harvest, near record net migration to the province, and major investments.
For Albertans, the picture is less rosy. While inflation is hurting all Canadians, Albertans are not seeing their wages rise compared to their fellow Canadians, and this is putting additional pressure on household budgets. And businesses are still facing an endemic labour shortage, made worse with declining productivity.
So, where does that leave Alberta?
Mike Holden, BCA’s Chief Economist joins the show to break down our latest economic update, shedding insight on everything from employment and wages to OPEC production cuts and interprovincial migration.
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
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When economists or policy makers measure growth or even quality of life and well-being, one of the most common indicators used is GDP, or Gross Domestic Product. And this is a measure of economic growth.
And while our economic success is important to our growth as a province and a country, sometimes GDP doesn’t give us the whole story on our progress as a society.
On this episode, we’re talking to ATB’s Holly Regel, Director of Social Impact Partnerships and Afiba Nyamekye, Director of Data & Innovation about ATB’s Social Progress Index.
Derived from the Social Progress Imperative, Holly and Afiba have been working to measure Alberta’s social well-being and progress beyond GDP as part of the organization’s Greater Good Strategy.
The first company in Canada to partner with the Imperative to create a provincial index, ATB has been working hard to put the Social Progress Index into action, explore the province’s strengths and vulnerabilities and looking into how we can continue to advance broad social progress.
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
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When we think about safety and wellness, we often think that it is a social issue. But what if we can harness the power of entrepreneurship and apply economics and business solutions to social challenges such as safety and wellness?
One Alberta accelerator is looking to do just that.
On this episode, we’re talking to Ashif Mawji, a serial entrepreneur, philanthropist, venture capitalist, mentor, and community builder.
Ashif joins the show to discuss his involvement in co-founding TELUS’ Community Safety & Awareness Accelerator, a first-of-its-kind accelerator focused on addressing the social and safety challenges facing the Edmonton community.
From supporting entrepreneurs, to protecting our communities, Ashif discusses the value of safety in business, his passion for entrepreneurship, and the opportunities for growth at a global scale in changing how we approach safety in our communities.
NOTE: This episode references a 2021 Social Impact Audit from the Edmonton Police Services which found that $7.5 billion in investments is made annually into social support and community services in Edmonton. However, it is important to note how this funding was allocated among the different focus areas and organizations. Funding that goes to specific agencies looking to address social challenges in the community comprise only a fraction of this total amount.
- $2.1 billion towards community social service charities
- $298 million towards public and private foundations
- $1.3-$1.5 billion to addictions and mental health services
- $782 million towards first responders
- $3 billion directed to government cash transfers to individuals requiring social assistance and considered low income
A number of successes have emerged from this funding, including a 40% reduction in houselessness in the Edmonton area between 2008 and 2019, with only $200 million of support from the overall total. This topic remains an important conversation that we will continue in future episodes.
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
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When people talk about housing in Canada, it can certainly generate some anxiety. Between rising interest rates, increased demand, and a still vulnerable supply chain, the housing market is under pressure. So, what can we do to improve access and affordability? The answer may lie in the innovation and entrepreneurialism of a local real estate company in Alberta.
On this episode of C-Suite Unplugged, we’re talking to Rohit Gupta, President of Rohit Group of Companies, a family-owned business that has spanned countries and continents since its inception. Rohit discusses his journey to the top job, the company’s rich history, how innovative partnerships are helping shape the company’s growth mindset, and how he is pushing the boundaries of a traditional sector.
He also discusses addressing housing affordability in Canada and the in the current housing market landscape and what he hopes to see from Alberta in the next decade, and his aspirations for his company over the next 20 years.
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
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For a long time, Alberta’s labour market was strong. If you lost a job, it wouldn’t be long before you were hired elsewhere. However, over the past several years, Alberta’s labour market has been some turmoil, and Albertans have navigated employment and unemployment through oil price crashes, global pandemics, and more.
And just a few short months ago, Alberta’s long-term unemployment rate was one of the highest in Canada—the second highest in fact. Recent job news shows that long-term unemployment in Alberta is improving, we still have a problem that needs fixing.
On this episode, we’re talking to Becky Penrice, the Executive Vice President at ATCO and take a closer look at unemployment in the province, broader workforce developments and trends impacting talent attraction, and how we can continue to ensure that Albertans have access to the jobs and the skills they need to succeed and so much more.
Check out more from BCA on long-term unemployment and workforce transition: https://bit.ly/3PH9Ovu
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
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Alberta has a unique emissions profile in Canada. As the centre of much of the nation’s energy production, Alberta is a significant emitter of greenhouse gas emissions.
But that fact also points to the opportunity that is found in Alberta to move the needle on emissions reduction efforts in Canada.
In early 2021, the Business Council of Alberta released a report called A Low-Carbon Industrial Strategy for Alberta, which outlines a clear pathway for Alberta and Canada to seize this opportunity. The report’s recommendations highlight the need for a tailored plan for Alberta and what actions are needed from business leaders and what policy supports are needed from policymakers at all levels of government to realize Canada’s climate goals.
Al Reid, former Director of the Pathways Alliance and former co-chair of BCA’s Energy & Environment Committee, joins co-hosts Brittany Brander and Scott Crockatt to break down the report and its recommendations for industry and government, why a tailored strategy for Alberta is important, the importance of bringing energy security back into the conversation, and more.
About The Business Council of Alberta
The Business Council of Alberta was founded on a simple idea: to make life better for all Albertans. We believe that business has an important role in improving society, and that when business does well, we all do well. We work with the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of Alberta’s largest enterprises to understand the big, long-term challenges that Albertans are facing and work with industry, government, and civil society to solve these problems and build shared prosperity for every person who calls Alberta home.
Check out more of our recent work: https://bit.ly/3JG9ifS
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After nearly a decade of struggle, is Alberta making a comeback? Many economic indicators—commodity prices, revenue inflows, employment levels, inter-provincial migration—say yes. But with rising inflation and interest rates and lower wage growth, this comeback comes with terms and conditions. BCA’s economists Mike Holden and Alicia Planincic break down the state of Alberta’s economy going into Summer 2022.
A two-time Top 40 under 40 recipient, Brian Boulanger is a respected veteran leader in Canada’s energy industry. With a portfolio career in energy, Brian is now the CEO & Director of ARC Financial, Canada’s largest energy-focused private equity manager. We go behind-the-scenes with Brian to hear more about his career journey, what role mentorship has played in his life, and his thoughts on ESG and the future of energy.
Armed with a degree in neuropsychology, Navin Arora’s career did not take him along the path of medicine. Instead, following an interest in business, Navin found himself smack in the middle of the telecommunication sector, where he has built his craft to the point where he now leads a national team at TELUS Business Solutions that supports Canadian businesses and entrepreneurs thrive through digital transformation. On this episode, Navin takes us back through his career journey, explores the future trends driving the telecommunications sector, and shares his deep love for Alberta.
When you think about what a good life is for, what comes to mind? For Albertans, a good life means that everyone who calls this province home feels like they belong, that they have access to opportunity and can help create solutions to some of the world’s biggest challenges such as providing low-carbon energy or feeding a growing world or supporting healthy lives. Today, the Business Council of Alberta releases Define the Decade, a vision and plan to focus and unleash Alberta’s potential over the next decade.
As one of the only Indigenous-owned and operated universities in Canada, the First Nations University of Canada “seeks to have an ongoing transformative impact through education based on a foundation of Indigenous Knowledge.” Dr. Jacqueline Ottmann is the President of the First Nations University of Canada, and she joins The Brief to share this vision, how the University is centring Indigenous Knowledge in its programs, and her passion for education and supporting Indigenous youth throughout the full education journey.
Inflation in Canada hit a 30-year high in April 2022, and Albertans are feeling the pinch in nearly every category—shelter costs (rent, utilities, etc.), food, and gas, to name a few.
In fact, nearly 1 out of 4 Albertans are struggling to afford basic necessities.
And with slow wage growth and long-term unemployment still a challenge, we may be at a tipping point in Alberta.
To explore what we can do to relieve the pressure of rising prices, BCA’s economics team, Mike Holden and Alicia Planincic share their perspectives on what is driving this inflation and what tools we have to fight inflation.
With an estimated 2 billion people more to feed by 2050, we need to produce a lot more food—and we need to do it in a way that is sustainable, affordable, and secure. Joy Agnew, Associate Vice President of Applied Research for the Olds College Centre for Innovation joins the show to talk about the work the College is doing to use data and technology to innovate how we produce food and how we can scale these solutions to tackle the global challenge of feeding more people with fewer resources.
As one of the first tech unicorns in Alberta, Benevity has become not only an Alberta success story, but a key driver in the evolution of corporate purpose, developing a platform that drives both social and business impact. And at the helm of this global and growing company is Kelly Schmitt. While Kelly never saw herself in the job of Chief Executive Officer throughout her leadership journey, Kelly took the leap into the top job in January 2021 and has been making big moves with the company ever since. With a passion for people, Kelly focuses her efforts on developing her team and employees and building a strong corporate culture where inclusion and belonging are at the centre. In this episode, Kelly talks about her leadership journey, Benevity’s culture and mission, Alberta’s tech ecosystem, and what makes her excited for the future.
Judy Fairburn is an extraordinary leader in her own right. From her first act as an engineer and executive in the energy industry, to her second act in activating Alberta’s tech and innovation sector, Judy has been a shining example of Alberta’s famed entrepreneurial spirit and now applies her passion and innovation to her latest venture at The51 to help build women-led capital, invest in women-led business, and ensure that women are empowered at all levels and in all facets of economic decision making. This is her story.
As Alberta producers and farmers prepare for seeding season, we’re taking a moment to focus on Alberta’s agriculture industry, looking retrospectively at the 2021 season, the state of the sector today, and expectations for 2022 and beyond, especially as many forces threaten the global food supply chain. To help us understand what’s going on in Alberta ag, we invited JP Gervais, Chief Economist, Farm Credit Canada to the show.
Mac Van Wielingen is known by many as the maverick of Canadian business. He’s also the founder and current Board Chair of the Business Council of Alberta. Discussing his leadership philosophy and the way he hopes to make life better for Albertans, we talk about everything from ESG and the evolving role of business to the state of Alberta and the importance of big ideas such as cohesion and collaboration to Alberta’s future.
An expert in advancing women’s entrepreneurship in Canada, Shannon Pestun is a former business banker in Calgary, who has helped women entrepreneurs across the country start and scale businesses. In this episode, Shannon shares her insights on the current state of women’s entrepreneurship in Canada and in Alberta as well as best practices to close some of the most common barriers women experience when starting and scaling businesses and/or moving into leadership positions within companies or on boards.
With over 50% of Alberta's population living in Calgary and Edmonton, the success of these two cities is vital to the future of the province. And at the helm of each are Jyoti Gondek, Mayor of the City of Calgary, and Amarjeet Sohi, Mayor of the City of Edmonton. As Alberta faces big challenges, we sit down with each leader to discuss what is keeping them at night, their top priorities for Calgarians and Edmontonians, and the importance of working together for the social and economic benefit of all Albertans.
Just as climate change is a global challenge, climate action is a global solution. Tackling this challenge will require many actors—investors, innovators, business leaders, policymakers, and advocates, among others—to work towards our common goal: to reduce emissions globally. The Oil Sands Pathways to Net Zero Alliance is a groundbreaking and historic initiative that proposes multiple solutions embedded within Canada’s oil sands to drive down emissions and help the oil sands become net zero by 2050.
Leaders from three of the six-member companies—Martha Hall Findlay (Suncor), Pam McIntyre (Canadian Natural Resources), and Rhona del Frari (Cenovus)—join the show to discuss the Pathways initiative, the opportunity within the oil sands, and what we need to reach the goal of net-zero.
The economy may be close to back to normal, but daily life sure isn’t. In this episode, BCA economists Alicia Planincic and Mike Holden join Scott and Brittany to break down the data you need to know about Alberta’s economy—unemployment, labour shortages, return to normal daily activities, inflation—and how the pandemic has shifted our understanding of economics.
What’s on the minds of Albertans heading into 2022? From questions around COVID, to thoughts on the economy and education, to better understanding Alberta’s place in Canada, we spoke with renowned Alberta pollster, Janet Brown of Janet Brown Opinion Research to answer these questions and understand what exactly Albertans are focused on the most to start off the new year.
We’re closing out our 2021 podcast season with some reflections on the past year, from the big events to policy wins for Albertans, and giving listeners a sneak preview of what BCA will be working on in 2022, featuring special guest, BCA’s President, Adam Legge
In our final episode of the 2021 season, we’re speaking with a CEO that almost needs no introduction. Nancy Southern has long been a pillar in Alberta’s business community, marked by her impressive track record, expanding global footprint of companies, and even more so, by her passion for her province and its people. This episode covers her career journey, why she founded the Business Council of Alberta, and why she is so optimistic about Alberta’s future.
As one of Canada’s largest integrated energy companies, Suncor has long been the energy supplier of choice in Canada—and is now emerging as a leader in developing low-carbon fuels and emissions reduction technologies. And at the helm of this evolution is long-time energy leader, Mark Little. In this episode, Mark talks his career journey, Suncor 4.0, emissions reduction and clean energy investments, and the groundbreaking Oil Sands Pathway to Net Zero alliance.
These days, you might find it more challenging to find your favorite product at your local boutique or grocery store or even to purchase a laptop or phone for work. You have supply chain disruptions to thank for that. Supply chains are a complex network, and when they experience disruptions, the challenges ripple out to a lot of different businesses and people. Marcela Mandeville, global trade expert and CEO of Alberta Women Entrepreneurs joins the show to shed some light on the issue and share some potential solutions.
Imagine starting your CEO career just a few months before the pandemic hit. Scott Bolton took the reigns of UFA’s top job just a few months before COVID was declared a pandemic and has guided the organization through some tough and uncertain times while remaining relentlessly optimistic about the opportunity and story of Alberta’s agriculture sector. This is his story.
Affordable child care is certainly good economic policy; however, different measurements of “affordability” can have different policy implications. On this episode, researchers Rob Buschman (University of Alberta) and Gordon Cleveland (University of Toronto) discuss the different measures of affordability of child care, accessibility and availability, and the impact of child care policy on broader society.
As vaccinations become more important to the health, safety, and sustainability of our economy, employers of all sizes are weighing impacts and risks of implementing employer vaccination policies. Jillian Frank, Chief Talent and Practice Officer at Dentons Canada LLP shares insight into the steps, considerations, and decisions the company’s leadership team took to establish its temporary vaccination program—and shares some best practices and advice to leaders looking to implement their own programs.
From a small, remote community to now running one of the fastest growing start ups, Trent Fequet's journey into entrepreneurship and leadership is as unique as it is inspiring. 12 years ago, Trent had an idea. This idea would put people at the centre of doing business. And in 2017, this idea became reality, and Steel River Group was founded. Trent joins Adam Legge to talk about his unique leadership journey, the inspiration behind his unique business model, and why he chooses to focus on what connects us people.
As the rise in innovation and digital transformation continues to sharpen our focus on the intangible economy, what is Canada doing to invest in and support its community of innovators? Jim Balsillie, a leading expert in innovation, joins the show to explore this question and more.
Geothermal energy might be experiencing a renaissance these days. An industry that is over 100 years old has experienced relatively slow growth; however, with new technologies and innovations hitting the market, companies like Alberta-based Eavor Technologies, are unearthing the potential and opportunity of this hot and sustainable source of energy. John Redfern, President & CEO of Eavor Technologies talks about the state of geothermal today and how its unique technology can harness the heat of the earth to provide a clean, sustainable source of energy.
High unemployment has not been synonymous with Alberta’s labour market for many decades; however, a couple oil price crashes and a global pandemic has changed this story. Today, Alberta has the highest long-term unemployment rate in the country. To explore this challenge and its possible solutions, we invited Michele Evans, Assistant Deputy Minister for the Workforce Strategies Division at the Government of Alberta’s Labour & Immigration Ministry to talk about it.
Just in time for summer, Big Rock Brewery President & CEO Wayne Arsenault joins Adam Legge on this C-Suite Unplugged episode of AlbertaBETTER. Hear the story of this iconic Alberta brand, the inspiration behind the names of their products, and how they started the craft beer boom in Calgary. And if you’re an aspiring leader, Wayne has some good stories and advice for you. This episode is best enjoyed with a Big Rock beverage!
With entrepreneurship skyrocketing within Indigenous communities, the modern Indigenous economy holds a tremendous amount of opportunity. Chief Billy Morin, of the Enoch Cree Nation, is a leader with a passion for entrepreneurship and business and has been at the forefront of creating opportunity for the Enoch Cree community. On this episode, Chief Morin shares his passion for business and economic development, along with his story to becoming Chief, and practical ways to advance reconciliation in Canada.
From a double bay garage in Wainwright, Alberta to locations across Canada, Fountain Tire is a true Alberta success story. Brent Hesje, CEO of Fountain Tire, shares the story of this 65-year-old company, how he came to be CEO, and his outlook on the future of the sector and of Alberta.
Lithium—it’s something you use every day but likely never think about it. However, without it, we couldn’t power our smart phones, electronics, or even our vehicles. On this episode of The Energy Evolution, Kelly Krahulic, VP, Technology & Innovation at Summit Nanotech discusses a pioneering technology to extract lithium, why this innovation is key to meeting increasing global demand, and the important role that Alberta has to play in this emerging field.
From lawyer to CEO of one of the biggest energy companies in Canada, Alex Pourbaix, President & CEO of Cenovus, stands out in a space predominantly led by engineers and geologists. And his unconventional background for energy CEO and quick rise to the top job may just be the secret sauce of his leadership. On this episode of C-Suite Unplugged, an AlbertaBETTER podcast series, Alex shares about his journey to CEO, details behind the Cenovus/Husky merger, and why ESG is so important to him.
As the economic impact of COVID appears to be waning, the mental health impact is a growing concern. On this episode, Dr. Robbie Babins-Wagner returns for an updated look at the impact of one year of living with a pandemic has had on our mental health. She also discusses where there are signs of optimism and opportunity within the uncertainty and the key roles that business leaders and economic recovery have in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of Albertans.
What is like to lead one of Western Canada’s most iconic companies through a pandemic? On this episode, we sit down with Ed Sims, President & CEO of WestJet, for an unplugged conversation about his career journey to becoming CEO of WestJet, how he thinks about leadership, the current state of the sector, his outlook on recovery, and opportunities to transform the airline industry.
The Honourable Maryam Monsef, Canada’s Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development joins the show to discuss the recently announced national childcare and early learning program, how it will roll out, and what this announcement means for Canadians—and our economy.
BCA's Chief Economist Mike Holden joins the show to talk about the federal government recently released budget. We discuss overall impressions and implications for Alberta and how well the budget delivers on some of the key priorities of Albertans, from environment to jobs to supports for Albertans and Canadians.
When we think of prosperity, we often think of business growth or government policy, but we don’t often think about the vital role that non-profits play in generating prosperity. On this episode, Eva Friesen, President & CEO of the Calgary Foundation and Jeff Dyer, CEO of Trellis, discuss the state of the sector right now, how the sector needs to evolve post-COVID, and what opportunities exist to strengthen the sector over the long term.
From financing to talent, how do you grow not one but two tech unicorns in less than two years? On this episode, Marcos Lopez, Managing Director of Shareworks and Bryan de Lottinville, Co-Founder and Executive Chair of Benevity discuss how they built $1 billion tech companies in Alberta and how we create an environment that nurtures the future growth of the tech and innovation ecosystem in Alberta.
The Industry Strategy Council was formed in May 2020 to gather the talent and experience of Canada’s top business leaders to assess the economic impact COVID-19 had on the nation’s key sectors and develop a series of opportunities to bring together industry and government to shape Canada’s economic recovery path and future growth. This episode is a recording of a webinar BCA hosted with ISC members Monique Leroux (Chair), Mark Little (Resources of the Future Economic Strategy Table Chair); and Murad Al-Katib, (Agri-Food Economic Strategy Table Chair)
To celebrate International Women’s Day 2021, co-hosts Alicia Planincic and Brittany Brander are sharing the stories of just a few of Alberta’s incredible women leaders. On this episode, Terri Steeves, Vice-President, Canada Gas Operations at TC Energy, shares about her passion for building teams centered on empathy and listening, her perspective on the value of feedback, and advice for future leaders.
To celebrate International Women’s Day 2021, co-hosts Alicia Planincic and Brittany Brander are sharing the stories of just a few of Alberta’s incredible women leaders. On this episode, we hear from Kristi Cawthorn, CEO of Startec Compression and Process, as she shares about her passion for building organizational culture and self-development, the story behind the Startec’s “every day maverick,” and her perspective on the future of Alberta.
To celebrate International Women’s Day 2021, co-hosts Alicia Planincic and Brittany Brander are sharing the stories of just a few of Alberta’s incredible women leaders. On this episode, Annie Korver, Principal at Rise Consulting, shares about her passion for advancing reconciliation within corporate communities, how she builds shared value in her leadership training, and how she is #ChoosingtoChallenge this International Women’s Day.
To celebrate International Women’s Day 2021, co-hosts Alicia Planincic and Brittany Brander are sharing the stories of just a few of Alberta’s incredible women leaders. On this episode, we hear from Karen Brookman, President and CEO of West Canadian Digital Imaging, as she shares about her journey into leadership, her passion for women’s entrepreneurship, and her advice for emerging women leaders.
Productivity is essential to not only enabling economic growth but also to improving our personal well-being. Robert Asselin, Senior Vice President of Policy at the Business Council of Canada joins the show to explore why productivity is (and what it isn’t), why it matters so much that Canada is simply not as productive as its comparator nations, and how we can do better.
Alberta has a fiscal challenge. For years, our governments have spent too much and earned too little. Now, the debt is racking up. BCA’s Economists Mike Holden and Alicia Planincic join this episode, in advance of the release of BCA’s policy paper, Towards a Fiscally Sustainable Alberta, to talk about Alberta’s approach to public finance, why our current model is unsustainable, and what we can do to start to solve this challenge.
From hydrogen and LNG to petrochemical and plastics recycling, Alberta’s natural gas opportunity is immense. Alberta’s Associate Minister of Natural Gas and Electricity, Dale Nally, joins the show to talk about the recently released provincial natural gas vision and strategy and the opportunities that lie ahead for Alberta in responsibly developing its natural gas resources.
Scotty Greenwood, CEO of the Canadian American Business Council, joins the show to discuss the historic (and historically important and successful) relationship between Canada and the United States and what a Biden-Harris administration means for Canada and Alberta.
Cory Janssen, Co-Founder & Co-CEO of AltaML and long-time champion of Alberta’s tech and innovation ecosystem, joins the show to talk about how artificial intelligence and machine learning can help create real solutions for business and social challenges and what the future for tech and innovation holds for Alberta.
On this special episode, we asked BCA’s President Adam Legge to share his reflections, thoughts, and insights on 2020; the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Alberta in 2021; and what gives him hope for the future of Alberta.
Explore the ecosystem of clean resource innovation in Canada. Joy Romero, President of the Clean Resource Innovation Network (CRIN), and VP, Technology & Innovation at Canadian Natural shares the story of CRIN and the work they are doing to reduce emissions and develop resources responsibly with innovative approaches, technologies, and products.
The Indigenous economy has been experiencing explosive growth in Canada recently. Tabatha Bull, President & CEO of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business joins the show to talk about the drivers behind this growth, how we sustain this growth and create opportunities for further business creation and workforce entry—and enable an economy that works for everyone.
COVID devastated the air travel industry. Bob Sartor, President & CEO of the Calgary Airport Authority, joins the show to talk about the impact of the pandemic on business, the airport’s innovative rapid testing pilot program, and what lies ahead for the future of the industry.
Canada’s cost to transition to a low-carbon economy is estimated to require capital investments in the $90-166 billion range. Ryan Riordan, co-author of the Capital Mobilization Plan for a Canadian Low Carbon Economy and Associate Professor at the Smith School of Business, joins the show to explore the investment requirements to achieve Canada’s climate targets and how that investment should be best allocated for maximum results.
Top Alberta economists Trevor Tombe, Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Calgary and Mike Holden, Chief Economist at the Business Council of Alberta join the show to dive deep into Alberta’s current deficit, curing Alberta’s fiscal woes and setting the province up for long-term fiscal sustainability.
The Alberta Business Expectations Survey (BES) is a quarterly tool, developed by the Business Council of Alberta, to assess forward-looking trends in business conditions and economic expectations in the province. In this episode, BCA's Chief Economist Mike Holden unpacks what the results mean for Alberta's economic outlook, including Alberta's business leaders' expectations on sales, investment, and employment.
The federal government delivered its much-anticipated Speech from the Throne this week. Our team breaks down what this speech means for Albertans and Canadians; for jobs and economy; for the natural resources sector; for the management of COVID-19; and for the future of our fiscal situation.
In a post-COVID economic recovery, building better businesses, industries and sectors requires an adaptable and innovative workforce. We’re exploring ideas from BCA’S recent Skilled by Design report to educate and prepare Alberta’s future workforce, including building our brand as a talent destination, improving work-integrated learning programs and expanding the micro-credentialing ecosystem in the province.
The business case for diversity, inclusion and equity in our businesses is strong—and has been made many times over. This episode looks at three perspectives on diversity, inclusion and equity, and what it means for businesses to create inclusive and affirmative spaces and ensure that all voices within our businesses are heard and amplified—and all people have the opportunity to participate and enjoy our shared prosperity.
The world needs sustainably produced and reliable food—and Alberta has the companies, talent, natural assets and entrepreneurialism to provide that. We dive into the opportunity agriculture holds for Alberta to be a leader in economic growth but also in solving some of the world’s greatest challenges. Agriculture business leaders, Scott Bolton (President & CEO of UFA) and Kim McConnell (Founder and former CEO of AdFarm) discuss a recent industry report to strategically grow the industry in Alberta and beyond.
Hardly a conversation about Alberta's economic recovery goes by without mentioning the need for affordable and accessible child care. With recent funding from the federal government, Alberta's child care program is undergoing some major changes, so we are diving deep into what those changes are and how they affect Albertan families—and we try to answer the question: will this new program get more Albertans back to work?
More than 220,000 Albertans live in poverty—and that’s just in Calgary and Edmonton alone. In this episode, we dive into the landscape of poverty in Alberta with economists and poverty reduction strategists Meaghon Reid, Executive Director of Vibrant Communities Calgary and Erick Ambtman, End Poverty Edmonton and what opportunities there are today to not only set out a framework for an inclusive economic recovery amid COVID-19 but eliminate poverty and build long-term shared prosperity.
What does Canada’s energy sector look like in the future? Two of Canada’s top energy business leaders join the show to talk energy, environment, ESG and the possibilities and opportunities for one Canada’s most vital sectors in the transition to a low carbon world.
The world—and its economies—are changing. The rise in intangible assets and capital and shifting geopolitical assumptions and priorities have prompted a shift around the world as nations start to think differently about their economic strategies. This episode is a recording of a webinar from the Business Council of Alberta on A Challenge-Driven Industrial Strategy and how this shift in economic policy might give Canada the competitive advantage it needs in a post-COVID world.
Go behind the scenes and get to know Russ Girling, President & CEO of TC Energy and founding member of the Business Council of Alberta. We talk about his path to the C-Suite; mentorship; COVID-19; and the importance of doing the right thing for your employees, communities and Albertans. And we talk about the post-shutdown recovery, building prosperity long term, and the role of energy in recovery.
Contact tracing has a long history in helping manage public health crises, but gaps in traditional methods have given rise to digital solutions. But, how do these digital contact tracing apps work, and how well do they protect user privacy? Aaron Olsen, an app development expert and maintainer of the COVID Shield Open Source Project breaks down these questions and more.
What was designed to help support Canadians through a health crisis, no longer works as economies re-open and people return to the workforce. In Part 2 of the miniseries, Relaunching Alberta, we look at how the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) needs to be adapted to a post-shutdown economy.
In a special series of AlbertaBETTER, Relaunching Alberta, we explore some of the key issues and questions that need to be considered as we relaunch and rebuild Alberta's economy. In Part 1, we talk about why solving the daycare challenge is critical to a successful recovery. We'll also hear from Melyssa, one of the thousands of Albertans who are navigating this challenge right now as many prepare to go back to work.
Dawn Farrell, President & CEO of TransAlta and a founding member of the Business Council of Alberta joins the show to share her insights to how we make Alberta’s economic re-launch a success, developing a plan to protect employee health and safety and build employee confidence while operating as an essential service and what Alberta needs to focus on as the province recovers and rebuilds.
Dr. Kee Jim joins the show to talk about the ongoing crisis in the livestock industry in Canada. We dive into the events that got us to the crisis, how a set-aside program, like the one used during the BSE crisis, would provide a short-term solution and what the long-term outlook for the industry is.
Energy expert Peter Tertzakian breaks down what a negative price environment means for the energy industry and what the future of the sector might look like in a post-COVID world. We also talk low-carbon transition, net-zero and Peter’s new EnergyPhile project.
Small businesses have been acutely impacted by COVID-19, as public health orders to stay home, physically distance and close non-essential businesses have kept people off the streets and out of the stores. Dan Kelly is the President and CEO of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business and shares with us the enormous challenges Canadian small businesses are navigating and what they need in order to stay open, both now and in recovery.
As COVID-19 continues to have a devastating effect on the economy, we turn our attention to the state of liquidity with the larger companies in Canada and what kind of policy solutions are needed to ensure that Canada’s largest firms have enough financial power to endure the economic storm, keep people employed and maintain some level of economic activity.
Robbie-Babins Wagner, CEO of the Calgary Counselling Center joins co-hosts Adam Legge and Brittany Brander for a thoughtful look at how crisis situations, like COVID-19, have a profound impact on our mental health; how employers can have healthy conversations with their teams about mental health and well-being, especially as remote working situations and physical distancing measures take their toll on employees and what people can do to protect their mental health and when it's time reach out to someone.
Darrell Bricker, Global CEO of Ipsos Public Affairs dives into why Canadians feel more acute impacts to their personal economy rather than their personal health, why governments have seen upticks in approvals ratings and what they’ll need to do to keep it, how businesses are essential to communicate trustworthy information and reassure Canadians that supply chains are strong and what a post-COVID-19 world looks like.
Serge Dupont, a Senior Advisor at Bennett Jones, joins us to break down the economic and financial relief measures announced by the federal government so far, his perspective on the role the private sector has in helping to flatten the curve and getting people back to work, and how we might rebuild our economy, both in a national and global context.
In Part 2 of our two-part series on local responses to COVID-19, we are speaking with Chief Tom Sampson of the Calgary Emergency Management Agency on maintaining essential services, what businesses need to know and the importance of hope and optimism in a time of crisis.
Over the next two episodes, we are taking a closer look at how the city of Calgary is responding to both the health and economic crisis including the specific measures the city has taken to date to protect the health and safety of its citizens, what plans are in place to maintain essential services and ensure business continuity and what role local businesses have in effectively responding to the needs of the people, health care system and the economy overall.
In Part 1 of this series, we are speaking with His Worship Mayor Naheed Nenshi about the measures the city is taking to flatten the curve, his message that clean hands, clear heads and open hearts are vital to get through this, and what businesses can do to support people.
The Government of Canada announced its COVID-19 economic response package last week, but many wonder if the speed and scale of the stimulus are enough to protect Canadians, businesses and the economy.
In this episode, BCA’s own Adam Legge and Scott Crockatt assess the federal government’s response to the public health and economic crisis in which it finds itself and what more needs to be done.
COVID-19 is spreading rapidly across Canada and the world, and many Canadians are worried about their jobs, incomes, savings, businesses, and the health of the economy overall.
Goldy Hyder, President & CEO of the Business Council of Canada, joins Adam Legge, President of the Business Council of Alberta, to talk about the social and economic impacts of COVID-19, what Canadian businesses are doing to protect their people and businesses, what actions the federal government has already taken to support Canadians and Canadian businesses through this crisis and what more needs to be done.
Please note that we are adhering to social distancing protocols, so this podcast is recorded remotely, and the quality may be affected.
Join the Business Council of Alberta's Brittany Brander and Scott Crockatt, as they share a preview of AlbertaBETTER, a podcast to understand what it takes to create a good life here in Alberta, and to understand what role businesses have in creating a holistically thriving society.
In this episode, Scott and Britt will share more about the origins of the Business Council of Alberta, the inspiration behind AlbertaBETTER, and what you can expect in each episode.