BCA Podcasts

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

After nearly a decade of struggle, is Alberta making a comeback? Many economic indicators—commodity prices, revenue inflows, employment levels, inter-provincial migration—say yes. But with rising inflation and interest rates and lower wage growth, this comeback comes with terms and conditions. BCA’s economists Mike Holden and Alicia Planincic break down the state of Alberta’s economy going into Summer 2022.

A two-time Top 40 under 40 recipient, Brian Boulanger is a respected veteran leader in Canada’s energy industry. With a portfolio career in energy, Brian is now the CEO & Director of ARC Financial, Canada’s largest energy-focused private equity manager. We go behind-the-scenes with Brian to hear more about his career journey, what role mentorship has played in his life, and his thoughts on ESG and the future of energy.

Armed with a degree in neuropsychology, Navin Arora’s career did not take him along the path of medicine. Instead, following an interest in business, Navin found himself smack in the middle of the telecommunication sector, where he has built his craft to the point where he now leads a national team at TELUS Business Solutions that supports Canadian businesses and entrepreneurs thrive through digital transformation. On this episode, Navin takes us back through his career journey, explores the future trends driving the telecommunications sector, and shares his deep love for Alberta.

When you think about what a good life is for, what comes to mind? For Albertans, a good life means that everyone who calls this province home feels like they belong, that they have access to opportunity and can help create solutions to some of the world’s biggest challenges such as providing low-carbon energy or feeding a growing world or supporting healthy lives. Today, the Business Council of Alberta releases Define the Decade, a vision and plan to focus and unleash Alberta’s potential over the next decade.

As one of the only Indigenous-owned and operated universities in Canada, the First Nations University of Canada “seeks to have an ongoing transformative impact through education based on a foundation of Indigenous Knowledge.” Dr. Jacqueline Ottmann is the President of the First Nations University of Canada, and she joins The Brief to share this vision, how the University is centring Indigenous Knowledge in its programs, and her passion for education and supporting Indigenous youth throughout the full education journey.