BCA Podcasts

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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