BCA Podcasts

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. 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 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 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

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. 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

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 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

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 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 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