BCA Podcasts

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. 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 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. 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 TikTok: https://bit.ly/3DZLaCI YouTube: https://bit.ly/3QswqAV

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. 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

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 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

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 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

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 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 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 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

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 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 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 2022, 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 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