BCA Podcasts

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.

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 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

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 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 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 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

C-Suite Unplugged 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 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

How achievable is a good life in Canada? Less and less Canadians believe it's 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'll 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 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 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 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