BCA Podcasts

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The Brief: Addressing Safety and Wellness in Alberta Communities Sep 20, 2022

Show notes

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.

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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

C-Suite Unplugged: Rohit Gupta, President, Rohit Group of Companies Sep 06, 2022

Show notes

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.

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About The Business Council of Alberta

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

The Brief: Tackling Long-Term Unemployment in Alberta Aug 23, 2022

Show notes

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

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About The Business Council of Alberta

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

The Energy Evolution: Alberta & The Path to Net Zero Aug 09, 2022

Show notes

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.

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About The Business Council of Alberta

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

The Brief: Alberta is Making Its Economic Comeback—With Conditions Jul 26, 2022

Show notes

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.

C-Suite Unplugged: Brian Boulanger, CEO & Director, ARC Financial Corp. Jul 12, 2022

Show notes

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.

C-Suite Unplugged: Navin Arora, Executive Vice President, TELUS and President, TELUS Business Solutions Jun 28, 2022

Show notes

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.

The Brief: Define the Decade: Building Alberta's Future—Together Jun 16, 2022

Show notes

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.

The Brief: Dr. Jacqueline Ottmann, President, First Nations University of Canada Jun 14, 2022

Show notes

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.

The Brief: Has inflation in Canada hit its tipping point? May 31, 2022

Show notes

Inflation in Canada hit a 30-year high in April 2022, and Albertans are feeling the pinch in nearly every category—shelter costs (rent, utilities, etc.), food, and gas, to name a few.

In fact, nearly 1 out of 4 Albertans are struggling to afford basic necessities.

And with slow wage growth and long-term unemployment still a challenge, we may be at a tipping point in Alberta.

To explore what we can do to relieve the pressure of rising prices, BCA's economics team, Mike Holden and Alicia Planincic share their perspectives on what is driving this inflation and what tools we have to fight inflation.

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