Episode #128: The Brief: Hon. Minister Nate Horner - Q1 Fiscal Update
Release Date: 09/10/2024
Episode #144: C-Suite Unplugged: Adam Waterous and Build Canada Now
AlbertaBETTER
In this episode of the C-Suite, Adam Legge is joined by Adam Waterous, Chief Executive Officer of the Waterous Energy Fund, to discuss his "Build Canada Now" initiative, a collaborative effort among numerous leaders in Canada's energy industry. Waterous advocates for doubling Canada's oil and gas production to help alleviate global energy poverty, citing 8.3 million annual deaths linked to the lack of access to basic energy needs such as heating and non-toxic cooking fuels. He details the initiative's priorities: repealing restrictive legislation like Bill C-69 and Bill C-48, removing...
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Episode #143: The Brief: The Western Business Coalition
AlbertaBETTER
This episode features a panel from the Western Business Coalition, a new alliance of top business association leaders from B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. They dive into their joint report, Untapped Potential, outlining key policy recommendations for Canada’s resource sectors—energy, agriculture, mining, forestry, and aquaculture. The panel explores regulatory reform, infrastructure upgrades, Indigenous consultation, and Canada’s economic underperformance. They also tackle major policy issues like Bills C-69 and C-48, emissions caps, and greenwashing rules. Tune in for a...
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Episode #142: The Brief: Canada and the Geopolitics of Energy
AlbertaBETTER
In a special episode of The Brief, BCA President Adam Legge sits down with Robert "RJ" Johnston, Senior Director of Research at the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University, to discuss Canada's place in a dynamic and rapidly-changing energy landscape. As a leading expert in global energy markets, RJ discusses the impact of the U.S.-China trade war, the shifting dynamics of OPEC+, and the potential for a "Fortress North America" approach to energy security. Adam and RJ also dive into the importance of Canada's energy resources in supporting its manufacturing sector, which RJ...
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Episode #141: C-Suite Unplugged: Terry Anderson, President and CEO, ARC Resouces
AlbertaBETTER
C-Suite host Adam Legge sits down with Terry Anderson, President and CEO of ARC Resources. Terry shares his journey from a farm boy in rural Saskatchewan to leading one of Canada's largest natural gas companies. He offers insights on the lessons he's learned along the way—about hard work, leadership, taking calculated risks, and the importance of making the right decision, even when it's not the most popular one. He highlights several mentors who shaped his path, including old hockey coaches and founding BCA Board Chair Hal Kvisle. Terry also walks listeners through some of ARC’s key...
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Episode #140: The Brief: A Strong Canada. A Good Life.
AlbertaBETTER
How achievable is a good life in Canada? Less and less Canadians believe it is possible. Only 30% of Canadians feel the country is on the right track and less than 5% believe the next generation will be better off. This means more Canadians believe Bigfoot is real than believe they will be better off than their parents. It is becoming abundantly clear that Canadians want to see fundamental changes to put our country back on track and build real prosperity again, but where do we start? BCA President Adam Legge joins Vice President of Communications and External Relations Scott Crockatt on the...
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Episode #139: C-Suite Unplugged: Curtis Stange, President and CEO, ATB Financial
AlbertaBETTER
BCA President Adam Legge sits down with Curtis Stange, President and CEO of ATB Financial, one of the most iconic financial institutions in Alberta's banking system. Curtis talks about his transition from one of Canada's major banks to ATB and breaks down the philosophy that drives him, discussing investing in yourself, your team, your family, and your community. Curtis gives listeners a brief history of ATB's unique journey from its roots in Alberta during the 1930's to becoming a Crown Corporation in the 1990's. Curtis highlights some of the key moves and aquisitions he has made...
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Episode #138: Premier Unplugged: Alberta and Canada's Response to U.S. Trade Uncertainty
AlbertaBETTER
BCA has released a special "Premier Unplugged" episode featuring Alberta Premier, Danielle Smith in conversation with BCA President, Adam Legge. Together, they explore Alberta’s diplomatic approach to managing trade tensions with the United States under the evolving "Trump 2.0" administration. Premier Smith highlights the importance of avoiding retaliation, addressing key irritants, and supporting U.S. aspirations in energy security and critical minerals supply to foster a stronger Canada-U.S. economic relationship. They also discuss the potential for a delegation mission to Washington to...
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Episode #137: The Brief: Trump, Trade, and Tariffs: How Could it Affect Albertans?
AlbertaBETTER
Donald Trump is officially the President of the United States again, and his 'america first' approach to politics and threat of tariffs on Canadian goods mean that Canada has entered an era of trade uncertainty with it's largest economic partner. The impacts of tariffs on Canada-U.S. trade would be profound on both sides of the border, but how would they affect Albertans in their daily lives? What would become more expensive? Where would we see job losses? What industries would be hit the hardest? To help give our listeners a clearer picture of the possible outcomes, Scott Crockatt invited...
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Episode #136: C-Suite Unplugged: Alexis von Hoensbroech, Chief Executive Officer, WestJet
AlbertaBETTER
Alexis von Hoensbroech, the visionary CEO of WestJet, uncovers the fascinating journey from his early aspirations in astrophysics to leading one of Canada's premier airlines. His story is one of unexpected turns, moving from the scientific realm to a pivotal business role with the Boston Consulting Group before embarking on his influential career within the Lufthansa Group. With a narrative that spans continents, Alexis shares how these diverse experiences have shaped his unique leadership style at WestJet, including the cultural transitions from Europe to Canada and the challenges and...
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Episode #135: C-Suite Unplugged: Marc Staniloff, President & CEO, Superior Lodging Corp.
AlbertaBETTER
Trailblazer Marc Staniloff joins us on C-Suite Unplugged to share his remarkable journey in the Canadian hotel industry. From a career in real estate to acquiring the development rights for Super 8 in Western Canada, Marc's path is filled with strategic choices and compelling partnerships that have transformed local communities. He offers an honest look into the challenges and triumphs of launching a successful franchise model, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and collaborations with First Nations, which have fostered mutual growth and opportunity. Marc also reflects on the...
info_outlineWhat was initially a modest $350 million surplus has now skyrocketed to an impressive $2.9 billion. In a first quarter fiscal update that was far from typical, what drove this sudden surplus and what are some of the challenges that come with it?
Join us as we sit down with Alberta's Minister of Finance Nate Horner to dissect Alberta's surprising first quarter fiscal update. We'll discuss the driving forces behind this unexpected increase, including oil and gas prices and Alberta's rapid population growth, while also examining the dual-edged sword they represent—while more people mean higher income tax revenue, they also bring added pressure on health, education, and social services.
In another compelling segment, we address the complexities of public sector compensation, which accounts for nearly half of Alberta's provincial budget, as well as how federal budgetary decisions may play a role in shaping Alberta's own budget. Labour Market Transfer Agreements (LMTAs) face significant challenges following the cessation of federal funding, affecting key programs like the Canada-Alberta Jobs Grant.
Listen in as we highlight Alberta's ongoing economic forecast and fiscal strategy, including greater investment in schools and healthcare, the personal income tax cut initiative, the strategic management of the Heritage Fund, and how to prepare for and mitigate the impact of contingencies like natural disasters. Finally, we explore why Alberta continues to attract people despite economic pressures, focusing on its affordability and opportunities.