BCA Podcasts

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

Rich Kruger, President and CEO of Suncor Energy, brings over 40 years of expertise in the oil and gas industry. He shares captivating stories about his global journey, including a surprise call from St. Lucia that led him back from retirement. The conversation dives into the importance of lifelong learning, leadership philosophies, and fostering unity across diverse cultures. Kruger emphasizes Canada’s pivotal moment to become a global energy superpower and discusses innovations transforming the industry, highlighting the need for a stable regulatory environment.