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The Face
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Bilal Hydrie continues to succeed in the face of tough economic times
PASSING IT ON BEFORE PASSING ON
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Supporting the visions of entrepreneurs one story at a time. Volume 7 | Number 1
REGULAR COLUMNS
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The Newer, Faster Alberta Advantage? By Terry O’Flynn
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The Fall Economic Update Brought Some Good News for Manufacturers By David MacLean
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CONTENTS COVER FEATURE
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New Year, New Vision Needed to Support Entrepreneurship in Alberta By Amber Ruddy
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dmonton Chamber of E Commerce
The Face of a Canadian Dream Bilal Hydrie continues to succeed in the face of tough economic times By Melanie Darbyshire
ON OUR COVER: ABOVE: BILAL HYDRIE, FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT OF INCLUSIVE ENERGY LTD. AND GLOBAL CENTURION INVESTMENTS (GCI). PHOTO SOURCE: BOOKSTRUCKER PHOTOGRAPHY
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SHARING YOUR VISION. BUILDING SUCCESS. We are Alberta’s heavy industrial construction leaders. We look beyond your immediate needs to see the bigger picture, provide solutions, and ensure that we exceed your expectations. We work with our clients to understand their goals, overcome challenges, and earn their trust. We are PCL Construction.
Watch us build at PCL.com
STORY TITLE // SECTION
Supporting the visions of entrepreneurs one story at a time. Volume 7 | Number 1
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THIS MONTH’S FEATURES
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Passing It On Before Passing On You’ve worked hard to build wealth for your family. What’s the best way to pass it on? By Nerissa McNaughton
CONTENTS COMPANY PROFILES
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Covered for Cannabis? By Nerissa McNaughton
Alberta Independent Schools: Serving Students, Parents and Communities With Directory
C ougar Paint & Collision Celebrates 35 Years
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Securing Your Investment How to maximize the value of your vacation home By Nerissa McNaughton
Cannabis Legalization and HR: What’s Changed and What Hasn’t Businesses were very worried about the changes that could come from legalization, but the day came and went without incident. How can businesses prepare for the future now that recreational cannabis is permitted? By Zachary Edwards
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THE NEWER, FASTER ALBERTA ADVANTAGE? // TERRY O’FLYNN
The Newer, Faster Alberta Advantage? BY TERRY O’FLYNN, CHAIRMAN, ALBERTA ENTERPRISE GROUP
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he “Alberta Advantage.” It is a phrase that appears in boardrooms and events across the province. It’s meant to capture the tangible, like Alberta’s competitive taxes for small business (currently at an all-time low) and the more abstract, like our famous entrepreneurial spirit. But is the province a place that can actually claim to have that Advantage? Blessed with numerous innovative programs, funding initiatives, affordable workspaces and a talented, educated workforce, Albertan entrepreneurs have some of the best opportunities in the world right here at their fingertips. However, that doesn’t mean that challenges and hurdles don’t exist. In fact, these days many new and small businesses are finding it very tough to make it. Many startups today, for example, rely on students or people fresh out of school for their labour because of the cost and programs that cover wages. This can come with a number of problems. It means that shortterm contracts are becoming the norm and many new graduates are taking longer and longer finding a job that pays more than an honorarium, much less something permanent. It’s also frustrating for growing business, who are unable to keep quality talent and train them to be impactful members of their team before they have to replace them with fresh graduates. For certain industries, especially startups that do not require specialized expertise, higher minimum wages can make growth and profits difficult. Many smaller businesses are also worried about the costs of the new federal carbon tax even after the announced $1.5 billion
in subsidies for small business. Between the wage hikes and the carbon tax, it’s like running on a treadmill while juggling and desperately trying not to drop any of the balls – create product while paying higher wages while keeping a tiny carbon footprint while cutting costs while maintaining quality. Most of the hurdles can’t be solved with tightening belts or picking up bootstraps. As Albertan craft breweries have discovered, some problems small businesses face are out of their control. Late last year, courts struck down brewery subsidies as unconstitutional at the same time that Alberta put pressure on Ontario for freezing out Albertan suds. In a complaint through the Canadian Free Trade Agreement, trade minister Deron Bilous pointed to the imbalance of Albertan products heading out east. Ontario, the complaint says, offers deep discounts on listing prices and shelf preferences for Ontario beers, keeping the few Albertan products available on unrefrigerated shelves with higher prices. Albertan brewers are missing out on Canada’s largest market and that limits their growth and success, and it feels completely out of their hands. The Alberta Advantage is supposed to be everything that makes our province an excellent place to start and grow a company. Our entrepreneurs provide the hard work, determination, risk-taking and grit needed to get a business off the ground and provide job creation. Small businesses need a government in their corner that recognizes the contributions of entrepreneurship, and provides an environment of support instead of finanical and regulatory hurdles.
BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // JANUARY 2019
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THE FALL ECONOMIC UPDATE BROUGHT SOME GOOD NEWS FOR MANUFACTURERS // DAVID MACLEAN
The Fall Economic Update Brought Some Good News for Manufacturers BY DAVID MACLEAN
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or years Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) has been telling anybody who would listen in Ottawa that the Canadian government needs to make moves to improve competitiveness. That was years before the Trump administration dramatically overhauled the American corporate tax structure. When the Americans, our largest trading partner and competitor, boosted their tax competitiveness it became even more important for the Canadian government to follow suit. While the federal government failed to address Alberta’s market access challenge and continues to hammer us with new regulations on resource development, they finally delivered some needed relief. The Fall Economic Statement released in November includes new measures that could benefit Alberta’s manufacturing and exporting sector – the most significant being improvements to the Accelerated Investment Incentive. Under the new rules, manufacturers can take advantage of an immediate 100 per cent write-off for machinery and equipment. The incentive applies to any qualifying investment made after November 20, 2018 and is available to Alberta’s oil and gas industry. Qualifying investments have been expanded to include software. There are also new supports for export diversification. A whopping $1.1 billion Export Diversification Strategy aims to increase Canadian exports by 50 per cent by 2025 by increasing funding for CanExport and Trade Commissioner services, providing $10 million over three years to support SME export readiness and capacity, and $13.5 million over five years to create SME mentorship programs.
On the regulatory side, the federal government committed to reassess how regulations are set and prioritize economic competitiveness throughout the rule-making process. They also committed to working with the provinces to harmonize and streamline regulations to boost internal trade. The feds also added another $800 million to the Strategic Innovation Fund to encourage research and development and help Canadian firms scale up. The challenge here is that Canadian companies are increasingly taking their capital out of Canada and investing in other jurisdictions, while foreign investment in Canada is drying up. For example, since 2013, U.S. investment in Canada has halved while Canadian investment in the U.S. has tripled. In just four years, Canada has swung from a $15 billion net inflow of investment from the U.S. to a net outflow of nearly $60 billion. Canada-U.S. investment flows are just an example of the broader challenge: Canada’s share of global foreign direct investment (FDI) is falling precipitously. According to data from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), FDI flows into Canada in 2017 were 64 per cent below their pre-recession average in 20052007. Meanwhile investment flows into the U.S. over that period increased by 48 per cent. Canada desperately needed to make a move on competitiveness and we took a step forward with the Fall Economic Statement. More needs to be done in 2019 if we are going to achieve the stated goal of increasing exports by 50 per cent.
CANADIAN MANUFACTURERS & EXPORTERS (CME) IS THE VOICE OF CANADIAN MANUFACTURING. CME REPRESENTS MORE THAN 2,500 COMPANIES WHO ACCOUNT FOR AN ESTIMATED 82 PER CENT OF MANUFACTURING OUTPUT AND 90 PER CENT OF CANADA’S EXPORTS.
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NEW YEAR, NEW VISION NEEDED TO SUPPORT ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN ALBERTA // AMBER RUDDY
New Year, New Vision Needed to Support Entrepreneurship in Alberta BY AMBER RUDDY
T
he Alberta Advantage is often attributed to former premier Ralph Klein as a way to describe the lowtax, pro-business climate that built our province’s international reputation. But as governments have come and gone, that branding was dropped from official government documents, speeches and policy discussions. However, this doesn’t mean the vision the term inspires has disappeared from Albertans’ collective consciousness.
SMALL BUSINESSES MAKE UP 95 PER CENT OF ALL BUSINESSES IN THE PROVINCE, 35 PER CENT OF ALL PRIVATE SECTOR EMPLOYMENT, AND 25 PER CENT OF ALBERTA’S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT.
It’s time to bring back the Alberta Advantage. In a recent survey by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), over a thousand business owners shared their perspectives. Without a doubt, the Alberta Advantage messaging still strongly resonates. When asked, “How do you feel about the provincial government bringing back ‘The Alberta Advantage’ as a way to describe the provincial brand?” two-thirds of respondents felt it was a strong vision for the province and the government should bring it back in both words and policy. One-in-five respondents believe there are elements still relevant, but it needs a major refresh if the government brings it back. Only five per cent indicated it is an oldfashioned way to describe Alberta today and we should move in a new direction. Over the past decade there have been many attempts at creating business-friendly policies ranging from an official Small Business Strategy under the former Progressive Conservative government to a reduction in the small business corporate tax rate from three to two per cent under the NDP. Nothing is partisan about supporting small business and good policies, and messaging should not be abandoned simply due to changing legislators.
As we begin to enter the fray of the upcoming election, let’s not forget about our huge demographic of hardworking business owners that create jobs and wealth, while contributing in a long list of ways to their local communities. For some reason, little time and attention is usually focused on this key demographic when we head to the ballot box. Small businesses make up 95 per cent of all businesses in the province, 35 per cent of all private sector employment, and 25 per cent of Alberta’s gross domestic product. Seventy-one per cent of Alberta small business owners don’t think their concerns will receive sufficient attention in the upcoming election campaign. Now is the chance to change that. Thoughtful policy needs to be offered and discussed during this election cycle to kick-start our economy and get business confidence back on track. Parties that fail to outline a strong small business vision do so at their peril. After all, the lifeblood of local independent entrepreneurs is truly the backbone of our economy. Let’s bring back the Alberta Advantage in a big way and once again make our business environment the envy of North America. AMBER RUDDY IS THE DIRECTOR OF PROVINCIAL AFFAIRS FOR THE CANADIAN FEDERATION OF INDEPENDENT BUSINESS. SHE CAN BE REACHED AT AMBER.RUDDY@CFIB.CA. FOLLOW HER ON TWITTER @ARUDDY.
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The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation Hospitality Institute is Relaunched In 2014, the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation Hospitality Institute (EOCFHI) opened as a classroom-only setting. Recently, the Institute has relaunched as one of the province’s largest hands-on training and learning facilities. Located in Norquest College’s downtown campus, the EOCFHI features industry-grade equipment in a stateof-the-art lab to give students real working knowledge of the hospitality industry. EOCFHI also provides remotelearning opportunities in Alberta, including training for First Nations communities. Willard Lefthand is a former Foundations of Cooking student who trained at the EOCFHI during his time at NorQuest. Today he is a fulltime employee, working in the field of his study. “This program truly changed so many aspects of my life. I have opportunities now that I did not believe I could have before because I did not have the confidence to pursue them,” says Lefthand. “If you have the opportunity to take this program, do it and don’t look back.” Brad Smoliak is an Edmonton chef, culinary author, TV personality and a program developer for EOCFHI’s Foundations of Cooking course. As the relaunched Institute also functions as a test facility for major food processing brands, Smoliak remarks, “This (kitchen) is a great nonpartisan location for research and food developers to showcase their products. This is very beneficial for Edmonton.” Just a few of EOCFHI’s employment partners include: Rogers Place, Chateau Lacombe, Edmonton Inn, Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino, and Rocky Mountain Resort. Greg Allen, EOCFHI workplace facilitator and instructor, comments, “Personally I have never felt so connected to the Edmonton community. I am proud to be associated with so many great agencies that are also out there trying to make
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a difference. It is great to work alongside these agencies and connect the missing pieces between skill building, guidance, and employment.” NorQuest College focuses on providing education that is readily applied in practical ways in the work force, and that meets the evolving demands of today’s employers. To this end, NorQuest College actively seeks feedback across all industry sectors so that the education it provides is ideally matched to employer’s needs. “Together, we are transforming lives by providing people, many of whom are under-represented in the workforce, with the skills needed to get a job … jobs that help strengthen Alberta’s economy,” says NorQuest College president and CEO, Dr. Jodi L. Abbott. The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation is a proud partner of Norquest College. With the Foundation’s support, the Institute has trained more than 1,000 students for hospitality careers. NorQuest College’s hospitality programs include: Building Service Worker Training, Flight Attendant, Cook and Culinary Training, and Hospitality Management Professional Development. A statement on NorQuest College’s website quotes, “For people beginning their career, we build skills and confidence in our learners to help them support employer needs. For people who already have a career in the [hospitality] sector, we offer professional development through practical skills training in accounting and finance, sales and marketing, rooms division operations, and food and beverage management. For people who would like to participate in employment in other ways, we can prepare you for a rewarding career as a building service worker and as a flight attendant.
ABOVE: LEFT TO RIGHT: BRAD SMOLIAK (KITCHEN BY BRAD), JANET RIOPEL (EDMONTON OILERS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION BOARD CHAIR), CHRISTINE CHANNER AUGUSTE (PROGRAM LEAD EOCF HOSPITALITY INSTITUTE & LAB, NORQUEST COLLEGE), DR. JODI ABBOTT, (PRESIDENT & CEO, NORQUEST COLLEGE) NATALIE MINCKLER (EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, EDMONTON OILERS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION BOARD), MARIAN GAYED (VP BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, NORQUEST COLLEGE).
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Stantec Presented at the 2018 World Architecture Festival Recently, Stantec presented two projects at the 2018 World Architecture Festival (WAF) in Amsterdam. Stantec faced stiff competition; the event attracted more than 400 presenters in 43 categories. The 130+ judges representing more than 35 countries included Meisa Batayneh Manni, principal and founder of Maisam Architecture & Engineers; Patrick Bellew, founding director, Atelier Ten; Alison Brooks, principal and creative director, Alison Brooks Architects; and Sir David Adjaye OBE, principal, Adjaye Associates. Stantec’s two projects, Cambridge Memorial Hospital redevelopment and the University of Lethbridge Science and Academic Building (designed with KPMB Architects), were selected and shortlisted for the WAF from more than 1,100 entries across 81 countries. The Stantec Architecture Cambridge Memorial Hospital redevelopment project was the only Canadian entry out of the six competitors in the Health – Future Project category. “Hospitals are incredibly complex facilities whose intricacies often result in banal environments supportive of technology, but not of human experience,” says Eugene Chumakov, project architect for Stantec. “So, we set out to design a place that transcends that complexity, finding the inspiration points that connect people to community. By doing so, we move beyond a place focused on health treatment towards the creation of a new community heart—a place you’re just as likely to visit for coffee with friends as to receive medical treatment.” The Cambridge Memorial Hospital project is inspired by the rivers, landscape and communities that are integral to the city. Patients and staff will enjoy the calming influence of nature, from the hospital’s site on the bank of the Grand River. Stantec’s second entry in the WAF was designed by KPMB|Stantec - Architects in Association. The University of Lethbridge’s Science and Academic Building competed as
the sole Canadian entry and against 12 other projects in the Education – Future Project category. “Creating an interdisciplinary science environment was both complex and simple—it came down to creating places for people to connect at various scales and at different moments throughout the day,” says Justin Saly, project manager for Stantec. “The result is a building full of activity and life, that connects visually to the campus and landscape beyond, and truly puts science on display.” The Science and Academic Building, a 38K square metre project valued at $220 million, is designed to foster transdisciplinary research and knowledge, bringing the scientific community to the public and making it more accessible. The suggested “open science” plan calls for wet and dry labs to sit alongside public atriums, instead of the more traditional labs that are hidden from public view. “Our work is founded in the idea of community,” says Leonard Castro, executive vice president for Stantec’s Buildings practice, “so it is incredibly gratifying to be recognized on the world stage for achieving excellence in design and execution of these valued and respected community projects.” While Stantec did not win in the two categories in which it presented, the Edmonton-based firm has much to be proud of when it comes to world-class, innovative architecture and design.
PHOTO SOURCE: KPMB ARCHITECTS / STANTEC ARCHITECTURE - ARCHITECTS IN ASSOCIATION
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THE FACE OF A CANADIAN DREAM // COVER
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THE FACE OF A CANADIAN DREAM // COVER
The Face
BY MELANIE DARBYSHIRE
OF A CANADIAN DREAM Bilal Hydrie continues to succeed in the face of tough economic times
A
sk any entrepreneur and they’ll tell you that business success – by any measurement – is never easily obtained. In addition to hard work it requires shrewd decision making, a fortitude to see things through, help from the right people, and a bit of luck. Achieving success in a struggling economy, in which scores of other businesses are failing, is even tougher. Bilal Hydrie, founder and president of Inclusive Energy Ltd. and Global Centurion Investments (GCI), among other businesses, not only defies those odds, he uses them to his favour. His first company, Inclusive Energy, is a private oilfield equipment supplier that has continued to grow since 2009, in spite of the downturn in the economy. At the same time his private equity firm, GCI, has expanded far beyond Alberta’s energy sector. At the helm of both companies and several other ventures that continue to expand, Hydrie’s goal now is to give back to the province that has given him so much, and to help build an economy where future generations, including his own children, can thrive.
ABOVE: BILAL HYDRIE, FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT OF INCLUSIVE ENERGY LTD. AND GLOBAL CENTURION INVESTMENTS (GCI). PHOTO SOURCE: BOOKSTRUCKER PHOTOGRAPHY
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THE FACE OF A CANADIAN DREAM // COVER
Born into a business-oriented and established family in Pakistan, Hydrie always knew he was destined for entrepreneurship. He is a member of his family business, the Habib Group – a large group of international investors headquartered in Pakistan and Dubai with businesses in a range of sectors around the world including banking, manufacturing and retail, insurance, and several schools, colleges and universities. He grew up in both Pakistan and Dubai, watching his family run these businesses and understanding that one day he would do the same. And indeed, today, he does. With a growing roster of companies under his control, all of which have grown the family business exponentially, Hydrie is realizing the dream he arrived in this country with, almost 20 years ago. “My goal when we moved here was to get an education, go back home, and run the family business,” he says of moving to Canada as a young man with his parents. However, life, as it often does, took an unexpected turn. Opportunities began to present themselves. An eager Hydrie decided to stay and seize them. “I saw a problem that I wanted to solve and had a passion for,” he reflects. “This, to me, is an attribute that every entrepreneur needs to have in order to succeed. It’s not only about solving the problem, it’s first having the skills to identify the problems and then finding a way to solve them.” Take, for example, his creation of Inclusive Energy. After graduating from the Chemical Process Engineering program at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), and with several other certificates to compliment his diploma, Hydrie entered the workforce. “I worked in the oil and gas industry for six years and I noticed a gap in the drilling and completion sector where demand was high and supply was at an all-time-low for customized equipment,” he says, noting that companies were outsourcing jobs to third parties and paying huge dollars for equipment that took a long time to receive. “I realized, I could do this myself.” His concept was to bring together a team of professionals under one roof to offer the full package. “I established Inclusive Energy with the goal of being a one-stop-shop for our clients,” he explains. “The word ‘inclusive’ means we offer and include all services from designing, drafting,
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custom fabrication, delivery, setup and even flexible financing options.” With limited experience and still-lingering newcomer status, Hydrie started Inclusive from scratch with a $50,000 investment of his own money. “It was a struggle,” he concedes. “I knocked on a lot of doors trying to convince clients to give me one opportunity to prove myself.” He reminisces about the many hours travelled through rural Alberta to meet potential clients, barely knowing where he was or what he was doing. “Failure is a part of business,” he notes. “With market fluctuations over the last five to six years I have failed several times before succeeding, but I’ve learned from my failures and applied my learning to return bigger and better each time. I had to work for my success. Nothing was handed to me.” His (literal) blood, sweat and tears eventually paid off, and Hydrie landed his first deal with a major key player in Alberta energy. He realized then, the money to be made in his new venture. “The margins I made were too good to be true,” he smiles. “That was such a motivation to grow the business.” At Inclusive, his strategy has been one of acquisition and maximum customer satisfaction. “We’re focused on buying distressed assets,” Hydrie explains. “It’s a gamble, buying when people say don’t buy. But you have to buy right. You have to have the right deals in order to get the right equipment. We take a risk for our customers so that we have the right products in stock and ready for them with a single phone call.” Today that equipment is predominantly for oil and gas drilling, including surface equipment, storage tanks, process production equipment, and other customized items. “The downturn the market is so tight and there isn’t much drilling activity,” Hydrie explains. “Many companies are struggling. They don’t want the liability of carrying equipment, transportation costs, or anything. So, we go in and buy assets for very aggressive prices, killing two birds with one stone: we help the businesses with their balance sheets, and in turn, acquire equipment that we can then sell at competitive prices to keep our clients coming back.” Purchasing in bulk is key. “Many companies lack funds, have huge payroll and no profits,” he says. “They also have assets
THE TORCH HAS ARRIVED
As a made in Canada firm, we are proud to cheer for amateur athletics in our country as the presenting sponsor of the 2019 MNP Canada Games Torch Relay. We hope you’ll join us in celebrating when it makes its way through Edmonton on January 8, 2019. Follow the flame as it travels from coast to coast – stopping at 48 different communities along the way. Visit MNP.ca to keep track of its journey.
THE FACE OF A CANADIAN DREAM // COVER
sitting on the books not generating any value. We go in and make an offer on a larger quantity for amounts greater than $1 million. It’s very appealing for the sellers because they can use those funds to pay bank debts and other expenses, and keep their businesses running.” In some instances, assuming the liability for transportation costs and clean-up is all Inclusive must give in order to obtain equipment. This is often the case with governmentowned abandoned well sites, as well as with companies that have equipment sitting idle in the field. “The value of that equipment is zero to them,” Hydrie explains, “and they don’t want to spend more money to move it. We take all the liability of removing the equipment and cleanup. They have zero liability and get rid of the inventory.” It’s a risk, Hydrie acknowledges, to assume the costs of cleanup of a site, but it’s one he’s willing to take. “We do our due diligence. Our team goes in and determines the cost before we decide. It’s all about our team. We have the right people working for us who can tell us which deals are good and which deals are not. So far we have seen success.” As a result, Inclusive now has a huge inventory of stock stored at five different yards in Alberta. They are located along the highway for maximum exposure in Crossfield (three yards), Edmonton and Leduc. “One hundred thousand vehicles pass by every day and see our equipment,” Hydrie says. “We plan on getting ABOVE: BILAL HYDRIE, FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT OF INCLUSIVE ENERGY LTD. AND GLOBAL CENTURION INVESTMENTS (GCI). PHOTO SOURCE: BOOKSTRUCKER PHOTOGRAPHY
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THE FACE OF A CANADIAN DREAM // COVER
more yards with highway exposure for easy access for our clients. Our goal is to have a yard every 200 kilometres.” Despite the slow market, Inclusive does have many clients for whom it’s able to quickly supply needed equipment. “We have the majority of required equipment in stock,” he says, “with quick turnarounds.” Typically, a standard tank takes up to four weeks to be delivered; with Inclusive, standard tanks are always in stock, available and ready for next-day delivery. Whereas a custom tank normally takes up to three months, with Inclusive it takes only two weeks. “We buy steel in bulk and keep cans in stock for quick modifications.” Inclusive also offers clients a variety of payment options. “In addition to rent-to-own options, we also have leaseto-own selections.” Hydrie explains. “Instead of borrowing from the bank, clients can borrow from us.” He notes that banks are conservative and are often reluctant to finance small or start-up oil companies. This is where Inclusive can fill the gap. “We are coming up with different ideas and different products, and trying to put it all under one umbrella of Inclusive where we can supply everything to our clients,” he points out. “We’re looking at different ideas where we can be a one-stop service for everything, so companies can come in after drilling. We even offer in-house engineering.” While growing Inclusive, Hydrie identified another opportunity. Faced with the lack of adequate capital available for start-ups, he decided to launch GCI, his own private equity firm. Today GCI helps many different companies reach their full potential with financial investments and other support. “We offer our time, assistance, and guidance to companies in need,” says Hydrie. “We don’t just offer funding, but complete guidance with the growth process, including equity participation and enterprise risk management. We love small and growing businesses and entrepreneurs who are innovative and driven to bring change.” In Alberta’s oil and gas sector, GCI has acquired or established joint ventures with several service and trucking start-up businesses who were unable to obtain funds from the banks. “We are heavily involved in energy
sector equipment leasing and helping start-up companies grow their businesses,” Hydrie explains. “We’ve invested millions of dollars.” In fact, the firm recently brought on a couple of new investors from Toronto. “A non-negotiable aspect of this business is that we treat investors’ money with the utmost importance,” he advises. “We are even more cautious with it than with our own. I have found the right team to run this business with me, one whose passion aligns perfectly with mine.” As a result of the synergy among investors, GCI has now expanded into energy, technology, real estate development, textile and food industries across the globe. Having achieved so much, Hydrie is proud of his contributions to Alberta’s economy. “Alongside being a key player in the oil and gas service sector, we’ve become a support system to the industry and the economy of Alberta. By providing capital, purchasing assets to provide relief and sometimes just keeping the shops busy, we’ve helped prevent an endless number of companies from going under.” Hydrie reveals, “My long-term goal is to become directly or indirectly involved with Alberta politics, so I can strive to make a difference in the energy sector.” Today Hydrie considers himself a Calgarian and doubts he’ll ever leave. Along with his wife and two children, he is part of the community. “Calgary gave me everything – who I am – so I want to give back,” he says. To give back to the community, Hydrie currently pays for the food, lodging and monthly expenses of two international students at SAIT. He is also actively involved in helping the community by organizing charity events and volunteering. Inclusive has also assisted students in completing internships. With a sharp talent for spotting and capitalizing on opportunities, Hydrie will undoubtedly enjoy more success in the years to come. His companies, employees, partners and associates – indeed, the entire province – will benefit greatly. Boldly confident despite tumultuous times in the economy, Hydrie’s approach to everything he does remains optimistic. “The glass is always half full, never empty,” the businessman concludes.
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PASSING IT ON BEFORE PASSING ON // FINANCIAL PLANNING
PASSING IT ON
Before Passing On You’ve worked hard to build wealth for your family. What’s the best way to pass it on? BY NERISSA MCNAUGHTON
F
or many business owners, passing on an inheritance, not the business itself, to the children is the end goal. How can this be done in a way that encourages the children to use the inheritance responsibly, while avoiding financial opportunists with dubious motives? When it comes to entrepreneurs providing long-term for their children, our experts have some good advice. Gordon Wusyk is the CEO and founder of Predictable Futures. He’s spent nearly 40 years helping business families “identify and attack real issues, not each other.” The firm focuses on family business succession, and his reasons for launching Predictable Futures is very personal. “When my father passed suddenly in his 50s, he didn’t leave a masterpiece. He left a mess,” says Wusyk. Now, he and his team are determined to assist entrepreneurs when it comes to future planning, so the next generation does not have to struggle, like he did, to untangle an estate.
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“Retirement and death are not optional events,” Wusyk says. “That means they are inevitable events. They should be treated pro-actively, not reactively. When business owners realize that these events are not optional, they proactively plan before the event happens. This leads to much healthier results.” Are Edmonton’s family businesses prepared for the inevitable? “Statistics suggest that 70 per cent of wealthy families don’t effectively preserve their wealth because the emotional issues of trust and communication have not been dealt with,” Wusyk answers. He also says the issue is not the money, it’s about the purpose of the wealth that makes all the difference. “When the purpose of wealth is discussed, the transition goes smoother.” “If you give an allowance to your kids, teach them about budgets and financial management,” Wusyk adds. “And teach
// FINANCIAL PLANNING
your children that entrepreneurship is an honourable role in life that creates employment and builds a community. “It’s extremely important to teach about values before sharing your valuables. Families that build their future on values as opposed to valuables have a much better opportunity to have successful transitions where the money is not squandered, and the children do not get distracted by consumption or opportunists. “Children must understand that what is attached to wealth is a significant responsibility, which focuses on stewardship rather than consumption. Stewardship is managing something for others beyond self.” He continues, “When advising families, we emphasize to treat the family like a family and the business like a business, and not to get the two confused. To take over a business requires competency, leadership, risk, training, and passion, etc. If the next generation is ready to do that, then a transition can be considered. If not, the owner needs to pass the business to a third party, or to the employees, or to sell it and consider passing the cash to the next generation. Predictable Futures has a proprietary approach. They first look at the whole family they work with before they look at the money involved. This is because Wusyk knows that healthy relationships are more important than the size of the inheritance. He explains, “We have a mandate called the discovery process. We need to know how the values of the owners developed the business over the years. We want those values to be passed on because those are the roots. If you can pass on the roots, you know the future fruits will flourish.” David Schumacher is a partner and financial advisor with Abacus Wealth Management. Abacus helps businesses and individuals with financial, retirement, estate, tax and portfolio planning, and also with insurance analysis. “Business owners should start laying the groundwork for passing on an inheritance as soon as possible,” says Schumacher, “Ideally when they start to accumulate retained earnings inside the corporation. This is when a proper wealth allocation/transfer strategy becomes very important. In some circumstances, I’ve set up the strategy in anticipation of future growth, but that is less often, and certainly more based on a clear upward trending business model. Sometimes it’s imperative that the strategy be put in place as early as possible and ‘locked in’ in certain circumstances.” He understands the legitimate concern business owners have about the hardearned wealth they wish to pass on to their children being squandered or attracting opportunists, and he has products that can offset those threats. “The most common strategy for full control by the business owner would be a trust. Sometimes it’s an inter-vivos (living) trust, so that one can set up the structure, as
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PASSING IT ON BEFORE PASSING ON // FINANCIAL PLANNING
well as maintain control over the assets and the beneficiaries of the trust. This is commonly used in conjunction with an estate freeze scenario. Another common option is the testamentary trust, which is established at death.” There are other ways to leave a legacy that do not directly involve cash. “Paying for education is common and can be a very functional bequest, as post secondary education can be fairly costly these days,” says Schumacher. “Purchasing an asset such as a house is another common strategy I see. But in a case where a successful business owner would rather leave a legacy outside of their family, there are some interesting charitable donation strategies one can utilize as well. Just be careful of those 3-for-1 tax schemes, as they’ll always end in a headache for the donor.” Should children grow up with the expectation that an inheritance is coming? Schumacher says, “There’s a lot of ‘it depends’ in that question. I would lean towards letting someone know they’re getting an inheritance, but that’s my planning mind saying that. Certain strategies are better set up sooner than later; so, knowing an inheritance is coming could allow for the funds to be maximized with greater efficiency than a surprise windfall given to someone not at all equipped to handle it. It’s such a case-by-case scenario in my opinion. There are certain strategies that allow funds to be passed tax free to children/grandchildren, but they need to be made aware of the scenario and be a part of it.” When it comes to leaving an inheritance, there are a lot of variables, but as Schumacher points out, nobody has to go it alone. “One should definitely seek professional advice for many reasons when it comes to their wealth preservation. Tax efficiency is a big one. Another would simply be that we [Abacus Wealth Management] spend a great deal of time researching these types of strategies. Getting a second opinion is definitely a good idea when it comes to something as important as your hard-earned business wealth. I’ve seen
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some pretty ‘interesting’ advice given to clients over my 18 years as an advisor in Alberta! “When it comes to protecting one’s wealth, find a circle of trusted advisors that can help with all aspects of the planning process: a good legal team, a good accounting team and a good wealth management team. They all need to work together for the business owner’s benefit.” Schumacher mentioned taxes, and that is something families must consider when planning a legacy of any kind. Etienne Biram, a spokesperson of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), points out, “CRA’s general position is that recipients do not have to pay tax on most gifts and inheritances.” However, “The disposition of shares would generally be considered a taxable event for the business owner that would give rise to a capital gain. In most cases, only one half of the capital gain is taxable. The tax treatment of the disposition is not affected where the after-tax proceeds form part of an inheritance of a spouse, child or other individual.” Biram adds, “If the business owner were to die holding capital property, which would include shares of the company, we would consider them to have disposed of all capital property immediately before death. We call this a ‘deemed disposition’ that would generally give rise to a capital gain or loss. Depending on the type of property held at death, special rules may apply to the transfer the property (on and as a consequence of death) to a spouse or child of a deceased taxpayer.” Starting and running a successful business is never just about the daily operations. It’s about the owner’s passion for what they do, their family, and their ultimate legacy. Passing that legacy on in the form of an inheritance, property, education, or the business itself is never easy. There are financial, business, emotional and tax implications to consider. It’s not a decision to take lightly, but there are advisors ready to help that have your best interests in mind. The most important step is to get started. As Wusyk says, retirement and death are not optional. You can leave a true legacy – peace of mind and an estate in order – by getting started on the process today.
COVERED FOR CANNABIS? // CORPORATE HEALTH & WELLNESS
Covered for Cannabis? GROUP HEALTH PLANS AND POLICIES FOR SMALL BUSINESSES AND ENTREPRENEURS TAKE MEDICAL CANNABIS INTO ACCOUNT
BY NERISSA MCNAUGHTON
T
he day cannabis was legalized in Alberta was a day of great rejoicing for some, and utter confusion for others. Proponents of the drug were elated to have their longstanding claims of the safety and benefits of cannabis validated. For many others, particularly employers, the legalization created more questions than answers. One of the big questions for employers was how cannabis fits into their group benefits plan – if at all. Jesse Monck, director of group sales with Alberta Blue Cross, confirms that their organization has been approached by employers looking for information about cannabis and group health policies. “With the recent legalization of recreational cannabis in Canada, the topic has become quite prevalent. More and more employers are inquiring about potentially covering medicinal cannabis under their group plans.”
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COVERED FOR CANNABIS? // CORPORATE HEALTH & WELLNESS
CANNABIS IN THE WORKPLACE The Government of Alberta recognizes that, “Worker impairment, regardless of the cause, could create a work site health and safety hazard.” Employers and employees are obligated by the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS) to address and control impairment concerns. It is further noted that causes of impairment are not strictly related to drugs and alcohol. Listed impairment conditions include: medical conditions, fatigue, temporary stressors such as grief or financial worries, and poor mental health. Recreational cannabis use is also listed as an impairment when its use endangers the safety of the employee and others. On its site Alberta.ca, the Government of Alberta says, “Employers may encourage workers to disclose known impairment that may affect workplace health and safety without needing to disclose the cause of the impairment. The risk of injury or illness increases when a hazard is not identified or controlled;” and for recreational cannabis, “Workplace policies should ensure workers understand their expectations around consumption.” Employers are urged to “respond to situations of impairment fairly and without judgement.”
Alberta Blue Cross is one of the most popular benefit providers in Alberta. Monck explains, “Over 1.7 million Albertans, including over 5,700 Alberta employers, are covered through Alberta Blue Cross plans. With over 97 per cent of all claims direct billed by providers at the point of service, Alberta Blue Cross offers unparalleled convenience for plan members. Its state-of-the-art claim adjudication system allows it to have one of the fastest turnaround times in the benefits industry. It offers industry-leading plan management and stays informed on the latest in health care by consistently monitoring the provincial, territorial and federal environment to identify benefit trends and potential impacts on its customers. To reinforce service to plan members, it maintains dedicated call centres for service providers—a value-added service beyond any of its competitors in the industry. Alberta Blue Cross has a local presence and a national reach, servicing Alberta-based employers with employees across the province, country and around the globe.” Does Alberta Blue Cross cover medical cannabis? “As a standard product, no,” Monck explains. “However, we do offer group coverage for medicinal cannabis on an optional basis, with specific criteria and limitations for coverage. If an employer provides a Health Care Spending
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Account (HCSA) to its employees, coverage for medical cannabis can also be provided through that. It’s important to note that for items to be covered through a HCSA, the item must meet Revenue Canada guidelines (meaning the item must qualify as a medical expense under the Canadian Income Tax Act).” Monck continues, “It’s important that every employer understand the difference between recreational cannabis and medicinal cannabis as it pertains to their group benefit plan. Coverage under group plans is limited to medicinal cannabis only and even within that scope, optional coverage under group benefit plans is typically limited to select medical conditions.” How does cannabis fit into allowances for mental health treatment and disablement? “Disability in the context of a contract of insurance is based on establishing if a medical condition prevents a person from performing the duties of a job or occupation,” says Monck. “If it was deemed the effect of cannabis impaired a person’s function to the extent that they could not perform the duties of the job or occupation, it would be considered a disability. “It should be noted that we do not differentiate cannabis addictions from other types of addictions such as opioids
COVERED FOR CANNABIS? // CORPORATE HEALTH & WELLNESS
IT IS VERY PRUDENT FOR BUSINESS OWNERS TO UNDERSTAND IF AND/OR HOW MEDICAL CANNABIS IS COVERED IN THEIR GROUP PLANS FOR THEIR EMPLOYEES. HOWEVER, IF YOU ARE A SMALL BUSINESS THAT HAS YET TO SET UP A GROUP PLAN, OR IF YOU ARE A SOLO-ENTREPRENEUR IN SEARCH OF BENEFITS FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY, THERE ARE A FEW THINGS YOU MUST KNOW. or alcohol. Our approach to managing these claims is to facilitate appropriate treatment and rehabilitation interventions aimed at overcoming the addiction with the ultimate goal of returning a person back to work in a safe and sustainable fashion.”
allowed individual users to enjoy casual recreational cannabis without financial penalty. While the definitions of that usage differ widely among insurance providers, this action allowed for individual uninsured cannabis users to obtain an affordable policy, and for recreational users to have their smoker-rated policy reviewed.
It is very prudent for business owners to understand if and/ or how medical cannabis is covered in their group plans for Castonguay continues, “Employers have a lot to consider their employees. However, if you are a small business that when it comes to their group policies; employers need to has yet to set up a group plan, or if you are a solo-entrepreneur in search of benefits for yourself and your family, there are a few things Stress-related absences cost Canadian employers about you must know. Tom Castonguay, CFP, president, Shelter Bay Financial weighs in. “Group coverage is obtained without medical, lifestyle, or health questions, so recreational smokers of tobacco and cannabis are covered if they are under an employersponsored plan.”
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This differs from individual policies, where tobacco smokers face higher rates than non-smokers. In the past, this applied to cannabis smokers too. A few years ago, many of the top insurance agencies in Canada, including Empire Life, Great West Life, and Sun Life, switched from lumping tobacco and cannabis smokers under one umbrella and
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COVERED FOR CANNABIS? // CORPORATE HEALTH & WELLNESS
know how their coverage treats medical cannabis. Every underwriter has a different policy, so a lot of homework must be done to find the best policy for each situation. A broker takes all the guesswork out of the equation.” The financial advisor explains the difference between an agency and a brokerage. “There are two ways to get coverage for your business. The first is to directly approach a company, like Manulife, Alberta Blue Cross, Sun Life, or Empire Life. The second way, which is ideal for smaller businesses and soloentrepreneurs, is to speak with a broker. A broker does not work directly for a life insurance company but acts more like a ‘freelance agent.’ Brokers sell the policies of every underwriter in Canada, and therefore compare all the options on your behalf and make a recommendation.
“This is particularly important for small/solo-run corporations or startups where budgets are tight. Many brokers have access to policies specifically designed for smaller/one-person operations. These policies group similar small businesses together to provide lower rates and more stable renewals. These special policies are not widely marketed and may only be available through a broker.” Not everyone is into cannabis culture; the legalization has left many employers looking for more information on how the new laws affect their companies. When it comes to cannabis and group benefits, however, there are clear answers. If you are an employer or entrepreneur with questions, don’t guess at the answers. Contact your benefits provider today or contact a broker or agent to set you up with the coverage you need.
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SERVING STUDENTS, PARENTS AND COMMUNITIES // PRIVATE AND ALTERNATIVE SCHOOLS
ALBERTA INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS: SERVING STUDENTS, PARENTS AND COMMUNITIES
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hat are independent schools? Who goes to them? Why should “we” pay for them? Are they held accountable by anyone? Do they serve a public good? These are only a few of the questions surrounding the topic of school choice in Alberta. Independent schools, which are referred to as private schools in legislation, are schools that are independently operated by a not-for-profit corporation or society. In a 2017-18 provincial system of 719,889 students, 28,076 (approximately four per cent) attended independent (private) schools. Another 6,563 attended community-based private Early Childhood Services sites (kindergartens) where about 75 per cent of the students have special needs. As an aggregated group, the population of students is approximately five per cent of the education system. In total, there are over 250 independent schools and ECS operators in Alberta.
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Parents choose to send their children to independent schools for many reasons. Some schools are operated with a special focus on students with specific learning needs. Others are built to offer a unique type of educational approach like Montessori or Waldorf. Sometimes parents choose a school that respects and supports their child’s faith and world view (like Sikh, Jewish, Muslim or Christian), or because they desire that their child learn about their culture, or for a specific academic, athletic or other educational focus. There are those who would suggest that Albertans can’t afford to pay for educational choices such as independent schools. However, the reality is that independent schools save taxpayers millions of dollars each year. The math is quite straightforward. Every child in Alberta between the ages of 6-16 is legally mandated in the School Act to receive an education. When parents choose to place that child in a public or separate school, it costs the public purse around
SERVING STUDENTS, PARENTS AND COMMUNITIES // PRIVATE AND ALTERNATIVE SCHOOLS
ONE OF THE MOST POWERFUL ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS IS ALSO THE MOST BASIC. THEY SERVE A PUBLIC GOOD. EDUCATION, AT ITS CORE, IS ABOUT PROVIDING AN OPPORTUNITY FOR CHILDREN TO LEARN, GROW AND EQUIP THEMSELVES TO BE ETHICAL, ENGAGED AND INNOVATIVE CITIZENS. TO ENSURE THIS OCCURS, ALBERTA EDUCATION SURVEYS STUDENTS, PARENTS AND TEACHERS IN ALL SCHOOLS IN ALBERTA EACH YEAR. $13,000. Alberta independent schools receive only partial funding that equates to around $5,200 per year of public money. Therefore, each child that attends an independent school saves Albertans around $8,000 per year. Milke (2015) calculated that independent schools have saved government $750 million over the past five years alone. In order to be able to operate, many independent schools have to charge tuition in order to pay for the remaining costs of operating the school. Tuition fees will vary considerably depending on the kind of capital investments for buildings, teacher/student ratios, extracurricular program activities and other program enhancements. Additionally, there are often other fundraising initiatives that are run to help alleviate the cost of operating a school. Some schools also offer bursaries to assist parents in managing the tuition requirements. Parents from a broad socio-economic, cultural, religious and geographic background choose to send their children to independent schools. Although each independent school is operated by its own school board, Alberta Education ensures thorough accountability measures are in place. Each year, the
schools must submit an audited financial statement; this confirms that the public dollars the school receives are appropriately spent on the educational needs of the students. Most independent schools are accredited; to maintain this accreditation they must teach a program of studies that is approved by the minister of education, and they must hire Alberta-certified teachers. There is also regular on-site monitoring by Alberta Education staff, and schools must annually submit education results reports, and three-year plans. Independent schools are also incredibly accountable to their parents; as schools of choice, there must be strong alignment between the needs of the student and the program being offered, or else parents will choose to place their child in a different institution. To ensure the school is meeting the needs of the child, there is often a heightened emphasis on collaboration and parental engagement in independent schools. One of the most powerful arguments in support of independent schools is also the most basic. They serve a public good. Education, at its core, is about providing an opportunity for children to learn, grow and equip themselves to be ethical, engaged and innovative citizens. To ensure this occurs, Alberta Education surveys students, parents and teachers in all schools in Alberta each year. The results show that independent schools are very successful at meeting student needs. The 2017 data indicates that independent schools are safe and caring (93.6% vs. provincial average of 89.5%), provide excellent education quality (94.6% vs. 90.1% prov. avg), prepare students for work (93.9% vs. 82.7% prov. avg), equip students for their role as citizens (90.4% vs. 83.7% prov. avg) and promote parental involvement (90.2% vs. 81.2% prov. avg). Independent schools help educate Alberta’s students and they do so well. Their graduates become productive citizens who work together with graduates from other schools in Alberta, as well as with immigrants from all over the world, to help build a diverse, successful and inclusive society.
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“Progressive Academy encourages students to be free thinkers, capable of forming their own opinions and taking charge of their own educational progress.�
Progressive Academy: An Education of choice
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rogressive Academy provides private day school education for Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. “Progressive Academy encourages students to be free thinkers, capable of forming their own opinions and taking charge of their own educational progress,” says Principal Jaqueline Richmond. “Our classes are structured so that students have the option to continue progressing above their grade level and can pursue subjects at their own accelerated pace. This means, for example, that many of our grade six students may be working on math or English at a Grade 7 or 8 level. We firmly believe that the students who have no limits placed upon them are better prepared to be the entrepreneurs and leaders of their fields in their generation.” Superintendent David Eifert joined Progressive Academy after serving as principal of Concordia High School in Edmonton, and he was a long-time board member of the Association of Independent Schools and Colleges of Alberta (AISCA). He continues to work with AISCA, mentoring principals in Edmonton and the surrounding area. “The United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, of which Canada is a signatory, recognizes that within the context of education, ‘parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children,’” says Eifert. “History has shown that publicly governed and publicly funded systems tend to homogenize education, minimizing the importance of focusing on languages, cultures and religious beliefs that don’t fall within the mainstream, so it is vital that we protect the rights of families to choose how their children are educated, within the framework of best educational practices. Private schools provide that choice
to parents, with the same level of accountability as any public board, both in financial reporting and in professional standards, at a cost far lower than the public system.” Progressive’s commitment to well-rounded education includes after-school options such as robotics and China studies. Richmond says, “Students deserve an education that includes real life experience and challenges, whether that is climbing a mountain, building a robot, or walking on the Great Wall of China. Progressive Academy challenges students to reach further, to push themselves in knowledge and skill. “For Progressive, it is really a matter of ‘what can school be?’ when it comes to providing that incredible experience, so that education is connected to life and is for life, not separated from it by the four walls of a classroom. Our extension programs like Mountain Adventure School, our FIRST Robotics programs, and even our national and international tours are open to students across Edmonton and Alberta.” A very diverse school, Progressive is pleased to see more than 45 nations represented in its student body, and the sharing of culture, religion and values is encouraged. Progressive also has inclusive policies that embrace students from all walks of life and lifestyles. “We have always been an inclusive school, teaching mutual respect and understanding for all,” says Richmond. “We are not a religious school, but foster mutual respect towards the religion, the culture, and the individual nature of all our students.” To learn more about Progressive Academy, visit www.proacad.ca.
13212 106 Ave Edmonton AB T5N-1A3 Telephone: (780) 455-8344 Email: info@progressiveacademy.ca
SERVING STUDENTS, PARENTS AND COMMUNITIES // PRIVATE AND ALTERNATIVE SCHOOLS
DIRECTORY Columbus Academy
Edmonton Academy
Grades 7- 9, Grades 10 - 12 6770 129 Avenue Edmonton, AB T5C 1V7 Phone: (780) 440-0708 Fax: (780) 440-0760 Abh_admin@boscohomes.ca
Grade 4 to 12 Unit 2, 810 Saddleback Road, Edmonton, AB T6J 4W4 Phone: (780) 482-5449 e.richards@edmontonacademy.com Website: www.edmontonacademy.com
Coralwood Adventist Academy
Edmonton Bible Heritage Christian School
Kindergarten to grade 12 12218-135 St Nw Edmonton, AB T5L 1X1 Phone: (780) 454-2173 Fax: (780) 455-6946 office@coralwood.org Website: www.coralwood.org
Covenant Canadian Reformed School ECS, Grades 1 - 6, Grades 7 - 9, Grades 10 – 12 3030 Twp Rd 615A County of Barrhead, AB T0G 1R2 Phone: 780-674-4774 Fax: 780-401-3295 ccrs.office@gmail.com Website: www.covenantschool.ca
Dante Alighieri Italian School K, Grades 1 - 12 c/o Archbishop O’Leary High 14230 – 133 Ave Edmonton, AB T5L 4W4 Phone: (780) 474-1787 aristidem@shaw.ca
Devon Christian School Preschool to Grade 9 205 Miquelon Avenue West Devon, AB T9G 0L8 Phone: (780) 987-4157 Fax: (780) 987-3323 dcs@devonchristianschool.ca Website: www.devonchristianschool.ca
E2 Academy
Grades 1- 6, Grades 7- 9 35-55517 Rge. Rd 240 N.W. Sturgeon County, AB T0A 0K5 Phone: (780) 454-3672 Fax: (780) 488-3672
Edmonton Islamic Academy
Ivan Franko School of Ukrainian Studies
Pre K, K, Grades 1 – 9, Adults 9359 - 67A Street Edmonton, AB T5J 2N9 Phone:780-914-6574 Edmonton, AB T6B 1R7 gabrielamistraledmonton@gmail.com
Grades 10 - 12 10611-110 Ave Edmonton, AB T5H 2W9 Phone: (780) 476-7529 lsukhy@hotmail.com
German Language School Edmonton
Grades 1- 6, Grades 7- 9 P.O. Box 370 Linden, AB T0M 1J0 Phone: (403) 546-3781 Fax: (403) 546-3181
K-6, Grades 7 – 12, Grades 10 - 12 7608-154 Street Edmonton, AB T5R 1R7 Phone: (780) 435-7540 c/o Rio Terrace School Preschool,
ECS, Grades 1- 6, Grades 7- 9, Grades 10 - 12 14525 - 127 Street Edmonton, AB T6V 0B3 Phone: (780) 454-4573 Fax: (780) 454-3498 info@islamicacademy.ca Website: www.islamicacademy.ca
Harvest Baptist Academy
Edmonton Khalsa School
Headway School Society of Alberta
ECS, Grades 1- 6, Grades 7- 9 4504 Millwoods Road South Edmonton, AB T6L 6Y8 Phone: (780) 450-8753 Fax: (780) 461-6927 edkhalsa@telus.net Website: www.edmkhalsaschool.org
Elves Special Needs Society Elves School program ECS, Grades 1- 6, Grades 7- 9, Grades 10 - 12 10825 - 142 Street Edmonton, AB T5N 3Y7 Phone: (780) 454-5310 ext. 232 Fax: (780) 454-5889 info@elves-society.com Website: www.elves-society.com
14907 45 Ave NW Edmonton, AB T6R 2V4 Phone: (780) 966-1419 info@e2academy.com Website: www.e2academy.com
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Gabriela Mistral Latin American School
JANUARY 2019 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM
ECS, Grades 1- 6, Grades 7- 9, Grades 10 - 12 26404 Highway 16, West Spruce Grove, AB T7X 3H5 Phone: (780) 960-0235 Fax: (780) 960-9235 bdcoldwell@gmail.com
ECS, Grades 1- 6, Grades 7- 9, Grades 10 - 12 10435-76 Street NW Edmonton, AB T6A 3B1 Phone: (780) 461-7683 Fax: (780) 485-0507 headman@telus.net Website: www.headwayschool.org
Hillcrest Christian School ECS, Grades 1- 6, Grades 7- 9, Grades 10 - 12 10306 - 102 Street Grande Prairie, AB T8V 2W3 Phone: (780) 539-9161 Fax: (780) 532-6932
Inner City High School Grades 10 - 12 11205 – 101 Street, Edmonton, AB T5G 2A4 Phone: (780) 424-9425 Fax: (780) 426-3386 info@innercity.ca Website: www.innercity.ca
Kneehill Christian School
Lakeland Christian Academy K, Grades 1- 6, Grades 7- 9, Grades 10 - 12 P.O. Box 8397 Cold Lake, AB T9M 1N2 Phone: (780) 639-2077 Fax: (780) 639-4151
Living Truth Christian School ECS, Grades 1- 6, Grades 7- 9, Grades 10-12 Box 89, Mirror, AB T0B 3C0 Phone: (403) 788-2444 Fax: (403) 788-2445 ltcs@abchristianschools.ca Website: www.abchristianschools.ca
Living Waters Christian Academy ECS, Grades 1- 6, Grades 7- 9, Grades 10 - 12 5 Grove Drive W. Spruce Grove, AB T7X 3X8 Phone: (780) 962-3331 Fax: (780) 962-3958 kpenner@lwca.ab.ca Website : lwca.ab.ca
MAC Islamic School Accredited Kindergarten to grade 8 11342 127th Street Edmonton, AB T5M 0T8 Phone: (780) 453-2220 office@macislamicschool.com Website: http://www.macislamicschool.com
SERVING STUDENTS, PARENTS AND COMMUNITIES // PRIVATE AND ALTERNATIVE SCHOOLS
Maskwachees Cultural School Grades 10 - 12 P.O. Box 960 Maskwacis, AB T0C 1N0 Phone: (780) 585-3925 Fax: (780) 585-2080
Meadows Baptist Academy ECS, Grades 1- 6, Grades 7- 8 2215 - 17 Street Edmonton, AB T6T 1J1 Phone: (780) 440-1195 Fax: (780) 490-4410 bhunter@meadowlandsbaptist.com Website: www.meadowsbaptist.ca
Menorah Academy 10735 McQueen Rd NW Edmonton, AB T5N 3L1 Phone: (780) 451-1848 office@menorahacademy.org Website: menorahacademy.org/
Morinville Christian School Kindergarten to Grade 9, Home Education Grade 1 - 12 10515 100 Avenue Morinville, AB T8R 1A2 Phone: (780) 939-2987 Fax: (780) 939-6646 mcfs@telus.net Website: www.tfhchurch.ca/care/receive/ morinville-christian-school
Nebula Academy Kindergarten to Grade 6 12023 81 Street Edmonton AB T5B 2S9 Phone: 780-761-0250 info@nebulaacademy.ca Website: www.nebulaacademy.ca
Norwood Chinese School Kindergarten to grade 12 11124-130 St Edmonton, AB T5M 0J2 Phone: (780) 908-6406 info@norwoodca.net C/O Westmount School
Parkland Immanuel Christian School ECS, Grades 1- 6, Grades 7- 9, Grades 10 - 12 21304 - 35 Avenue N.W. Edmonton, AB T6M 2P6 Phone: (780) 444-6443 Fax: (780) 444-6448 infor@parklandimmanuel.ca Website: www.parklandimmanuel.ca
Peace Hills Adventist School ECS, Grades 1- 6, Grades 7- 9 R.R. 3, Wetaskiwin, AB T9A 1X1 Phone: (780) 352-8555 Fax: 780-352-8540 peacehillsschool@gmail.com Website: www.peacehillsadventistschool.ca
Phoenix Academy Grades 1- 6, Grades 7- 9, Grades 10 - 12 6770 129 Avenue Edmonton, AB T5C 1V7
Polish Sienkiewicz School in Edmonton Grades Kindergarten to grade 12 P.O.Box 78076 RPO Callingwood Edmonton, AB T5T 6A1 Phone: 780-454-0205 and 780-439-5916 Fax: 780-439-5916 sfurtak@shaw.ca Website: www.pshs.ca Accredited Heritage Language School
Progressive Academy Full-Time early childhood program for 3 – 5 year olds, Pre-school, Grades 1-9, Special Interest Programs Grade 10 – 12 (Robotics, Outdoor Education, International Study Tour, Class of One), Out of school care 13212 - 106 Avenue Edmonton, AB T5N 1A3 Phone: (780) 455-8344 Fax: (780) 455-1425 info@progressiveacademy.ca Website: www.progressiveacademy.ca
Rimbey Christian School Fingerprints, ECS, Grades 1-9 P.O. Box 90 Rimbey, AB T0C 2J0 Phone: (403) 843-4790 Fax: (403) 843-3904 office@rimbeychristianschool.com Website: www.rimbeychristianschool.com
Russian Educational Centre K to Grade 12 9566 – 101 Ave Edmonton, AB T6K 3H6 Phone: (780) 966-7157 oprokhorova@hotmail.com
Slave Lake Koinonia Christian
The Chinese Cultural Promotion Society Grades 7- 9, Grades 10 - 12 P.O.Box 32, Main Post Office Edmonton, AB T5G 2G9 Phone: (780) 485-9718 Email: ccps.clc@gmail.com
K, Grades 1- 6, Grades 7- 9, Grades 10 - 12 328 2nd St. NE Slave Lake, AB T0G 2A0 Phone: (780) 849-5400 Fax: (888)881-0428 admin@slkcs.com
Thomas More Academy
Solomon College
Waldorf Independent School of Edmonton
Grades 10 - 12 Suite 228, 10621 - 100 Avenue Edmonton, AB T5J 0B3 Phone: (780) 431-1515 Fax: (780) 431-1644 pingping@solomoncollege.ca Website: www.solomoncollege.ca
Grades 7- 9, Grades 10 - 12 6770 129 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5C 1V7 Phone: (780) 430-6969 Fax: (780) 431-9627 Email: Abh_admin@boscohomes.ca
ECS, Grades 1- 5 7114 98 St, Edmonton, AB T6E 3M1 Email: info@thewise.ca Website: www.thewise.ca
South Side Christian School Kindergarten to grade 9 P.O. Box 219, Red Deer, AB T4N 5E8 (403) 866-2266 admin@southsidechristianschool.ca Website: www.southsidechristianschool.ca
SML Christian Academy ECS, Grades 1- 6, Grades 7- 9 5014 - 53 Avenue Stony Plain, AB T7Z 1R8 Phone: (780) 963-2715 Fax: (780) 963-7324 dressler@smlacademy.ca Website: www.smlacademy.ca
SCcyber E-Learning Community
ALTERNATIVE SCHOOLING The Banff Hockey Academy Grades 7 – 12 Box 2242 Banff, Alberta T1L 1B9 Phone: 1-888-423-6369 Fax: (403) 760-0868 registrar@banffhockey.ab.ca www.banffhockey.ab.ca College bound hockey athletes
Grades 7- 9, Grades 10 - 12 200, B102 – 5212 48 St. Red Deer, AB T4N 7C3 Phone: (403) 872-0487 administration@sccyber.net Website: www.sccyber.net
Tempo School ECS, Grades 1- 6, Grades 7- 9, Grades 10 - 12 5603 - 148 Street, Edmonton, AB T6H 4T7 Phone: (780) 434-1190 Fax: (780) 430-6209 admin@temposchool.org Website: www.temposchool.org
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SECURING YOUR INVESTMENT // RECREATION & INVESTMENT REAL ESTATE
Securing
YOUR INVESTMENT HOW TO MAXIMIZE THE VALUE OF YOUR VACATION HOME BY NERISSA MCNAUGHTON
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vacation home is not just the place where you and your family retreat to when you need a break from the daily grind. It’s an investment – and like all investments, it needs oversight. To maximize the value of your secondary property, you need to protect it, secure it, and leverage it.
The secondary homeowner’s policy is similar to a standard (primary) property policy; it generally has more coverage options than most seasonal policies. To determine which type of policy your second property qualifies for, insurance companies look at several factors, including: how often you occupy the location, the type of heating, the age of the building and if updates have been done to the dwelling.” Stevenson points out, “There are also surcharges for log homes.”
Protect it You wouldn’t take chances by not having home insurance; it’s equally important to have insurance on your vacation home. Rob Stevenson, director of strategic marketing, Armour Insurance Group Ltd., explains. “When looking at insuring your vacation property there are usually two types of insurance to consider: secondary home owners and seasonal property. Seasonal property insurance can vary from basic coverage, such as fire, lightning, and some extended coverages to something more extensive.
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“Typically, if the home is insured as a secondary location, you need to be occupying it on a regular basis (such as two days per week throughout the year), and the home must be maintained as a year-round residence,” says Stevenson. “If the home is insured as a seasonal location, you may have to occupy the location only once every 90 days, or even less depending on the insurers’ requirements.” While it’s fashionable these days to rent out secondary homes on sites like Airbnb, Stevenson warns, “Not all insurance companies are covering homes with short term rentals. Check with your broker.”
SECURING YOUR INVESTMENT // RECREATION & INVESTMENT REAL ESTATE
As with all insurance policies, he notes that it’s important to review your coverage annually. “If you haven’t reviewed the type of coverage on your secondary/vacation home in the last few years, it may be beneficial to do so now. Ask what type of insurance coverage you have, and what you need to be aware of to make sure that you are meeting the eligibility for that coverage if it is more than your basic insurance package. “Armour Insurance brokers are experts in insurance. To us, insurance is about more than just protection. It’s about providing our customers with the financial freedom to live their lives the way they want. It is our insurance that will pay to fix their property, get their car back on the road or rebuild their business when disaster strikes. That is why we strive everyday to be Alberta’s best insurance broker.”
Secure it It’s easy to know if your primary residence has been compromised by vandalism or theft, but how can you secure your property when you are not always on site? Kristin Krysa, customer experience manager with Telsco Security, explains the advantages of a security system that can be managed remotely from a smartphone. “With vacation properties, there is an enhanced level of value that comes with awareness and connection. This goes above and beyond an intrusion system. Knowing if the water level is rising in your sump at the cabin is incredibly powerful, as is knowing that the temperature was left up too high when everyone left after Christmas vacation. Taking it one step further and adjusting your thermostat or setting up a lighting schedule from your smartphone can offer huge savings when it comes to time and money. Utilizing professional video to see your vacation property and know what is happening in real time provides vacation homeowners with great peace of mind.” The technology in these systems, Krysa points out, is not confined by geography.
“We are setting up interactive security that allows homeowners to control and connect to their security systems from anywhere in the world using a smartphone, tablet, or PC. These systems range from essential intrusion protection to fully integrated home automation and video solutions. One thing that all of our systems have in common is that they are monitored and supported by our team here in Edmonton. Professional monitoring is key when it comes to protecting any property.” What if you have that home listed on Airbnb? Can you monitor it without violating privacy laws? “A security system is not only a great tool to protect an Airbnb property, but it is also a tremendous management tool,” informs Krysa. “With an interactive security system, you can assign alarm codes and door lock codes for your guests from the comfort of your home and be instantly notified as soon as they arrive. It’s a great experience for your guests as well; they can choose a code that is familiar to them and not have to worry about forgetting or setting off the alarm. When your guests have completed their stay, you can check to ensure that doors have been locked, the system has been armed, and the temperature has been adjusted to your preferred setting. Airbnb guests may not appreciate cameras, but there are several options that allow you to stay connected to your rental without infringing on the privacy of your guests.” She continues, “Many people don’t realize that security systems are capable of doing much more than simply protecting their homes from intrusion. They can help save lives and protect property with monitored smoke detectors, CO (carbon monoxide) detectors, flood sensors, and low temperature sensors. “Just like we approach a primary residence, we help vacation property owners by asking a lot of questions to ensure we understand both their needs and the value we will be able to bring to their security solution. We have been serving Edmonton and area since 1970 and have a great deal of experience protecting a variety of properties and lifestyles.”
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SECURING YOUR INVESTMENT // RECREATION & INVESTMENT REAL ESTATE
“IF THE PROPERTY IS PART OF THE INHERITANCE FOR THE CHILDREN, CONSIDER THE IMPACT OF THE KIDS TRYING TO DIVVY UP WHO GETS TO SPEND TIME AT THE COTTAGE, WHO MAINTAINS IT, AND WHO PAYS THE BILLS.” ~ TOM CASTONGUAY
Leverage it Real estate forms part of your estate, which is your assets and liabilities. Your estate can be inherited and passed on. Leveraging your vacation home can help you secure your retirement; however, it’s complicated. Tom Castonguay, CFP and owner of Shelter Bay Financial, knows speaking with an estate planner is important when you own a secondary home. “Vacation homes are a taxable asset. If you do not plan carefully, your estate could end up with a capital gains tax bill that may force the children to sell the property,” he points out. But tax is not the only consideration. “If the property is part of the inheritance for the children, consider the impact of the kids trying to divvy up who gets to spend time at the cottage, who maintains it, and who pays the bills.” “Have an honest talk with your family,” urges Castonguay. “The children may not want to share the property or may not have the funds to maintain it. The best solution may be for the aging parents to downsize into the cottage and use
it as a primary residence, or for the property to be sold and the equity to be put into cash investments or in trust for the children.” “It is important,” he continues, “to speak with a knowledgeable estate planner to ensure the property is being treated appropriately from a personal and tax standpoint, and to make sure that it is adding value to your estate now and in the future.” Certified finanical planners and estate planners help secondary property owners to leverage the home based on the owners’ personal needs, goals for the future, and what they must do to remain tax compliant.
Enjoy it Owning a vacation property is a dream come true for many Albertans, and with a little planning to protect it, secure it, and leverage it, you’ll have plenty of time for the best part of all: enjoying it.
ABOVE: TOM CASTONGUAY, CFP, OWNER OF SHELTER BAY FINANCIAL.
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What we’re looking forward to in 2019 By Janet Riopel, President & CEO Edmonton Chamber of Commerce
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018 was a challenging year, with obstacles to pipelines, trade uncertainty and the growing concern that Alberta has lost its competitive edge. In the face of these challenges, the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce championed your voice — the voice of business. In 2019, the Chamber will continue to bring our thoughtful approach, clear vision and balanced perspective to each and every issue we take on.
Albertans head twice to the polls in 2019 Albertans are anticipating two elections in 2019 — the provincial election is scheduled to fall sometime between March 1 and May 31, and there is a federal election expected by October 21, 2019. On January 24, we will host a luncheon with Premier Rachel Notley, the last event in our Provincial Leaders Series. This series has offered the business community an opportunity to engage directly with the leaders of Alberta’s four biggest parties — Premier Rachel Notley, Hon. Jason Kenney, Stephen Mandel and David Khan. The message I delivered to each party leader is the same message we will carry through the provincial and federal campaigns. Government needs to help Alberta and Canada regain their competitive edge. In 2018, the World Economic Forum reported that Canada is 12th in the world for competitiveness, while the United States is ranked number one. We need government to deal with the ever-increasing layered costs imposed by every order of government. We need government to boost trade, reducing our heavy reliance on the United States. We need government to find ways to attract investment and new industries to Alberta, making our economy more diverse and resilient. Market access misery We will be watching the Trans Mountain file
very closely in 2019, with the sincere hope that construction on the project will resume this year. We simply must see this pipeline move ahead. Alberta cannot continue to accept the status quo, with our economy losing millions every day due to deep discounts on our products. The challenges the Canadian energy industry is facing will not end with the construction of a pipeline. They end when we repair Canada’s regulatory system in order to ensure that the situation that we find ourselves in right now never happens again. They end when global investors have certainty that Canada is a safe, reliable, serious international trading partner. A recent report by the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers shows that well license applications generally take between 79 and 119 days in Alberta, while those same licenses are generally approved in 30 to 60 days in Texas. It is imperative that governments act now to reduce the regulatory burden that adds so much cost and uncertainty to doing business in this country. Throughout 2019, the Edmonton Chamber will advocate for a better regulatory framework for the energy industry and encourage investors to bet on Canada. Trade opportunities The newly-unveiled North American trade deal, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA, is good news for Canadian businesses who rely on the U.S. market, and offers much needed certainty for investors at a time when pipeline and other energy challenges have discouraged investment. Though the three countries signed the agreement in November 2018, there remains a long list of actions that all three countries must take, including ratification in the U.S. Congress. Continued on next page... BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // JANUARY 2019
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An agreement with our largest trading partner is welcome but, in the turbulent times ushered in by the Trump administration, Canada must look to new trade horizons more than ever. Trade with Asia is about to become easier thanks to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, or CPTPP. The sudden, quiet development of CPTPP is a reminder that Canada has options when it comes to trade. The 11-member trade bloc around the Pacific Rim cleared the Senate in October 2018. That so many countries moved so quickly is itself a story and an indication of how important this pact is. The CPTPP gives Canadian exporters preferential access to ten markets that rim the Pacific Ocean. For Canadian businesses, this represents hundreds of millions in potential tariff savings alone.
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There is a lot of work to be done when it comes to growing and diversifying Canadian trade, but it’s clear that Canada’s diversification agenda has created tremendous opportunities for business to sell in crucial new markets. 2019 promises to be an eventful year for the Edmonton business community — be assured that we will continue to effectively work with you and amplify your voice, the voice of business, at every opportunity, in order to provide an exceptional experience for members and bolster Edmonton’s competitive environment. The Edmonton Chamber would like to hear from you. What issues and priorities are topof-mind for you and your business for 2019? You can contact us by email: policy@edmontonchamber.com.
BioNeutra North America Inc. Member profile Dr. Jianhua Zhu www.bioneutra.ca What’s your story? I came here in 1998 as a visiting professor at the U of A and five years later ended up an entrepreneur. I love Canada — it truly is the ‘land of opportunity.’ Our early financial backers believed in our mission — to improve public health. We ultimately created a natural, low calorie healthy sweetener alternative to sugar which helps with two world problems: weight management and digestive issues. In the past 15 years, with the support of the National Research Council, the Alberta Government, the U of A and others, we’ve gone from a company which nearly folded several times to a company described by the media as a “rising star in Canada” generating close to $900,000 in revenue a week. We export our lead product — VitaFiber — to international manufacturers of protein bars, ice cream, yogurt, beverages and confectionaries. It’s produced using starch from agri-crops like non-GMO corn, peas and tapioca. It’s been approved for sale in 30 countries by the world’s top three health regulators including the FDA. To express our gratitude for all we’ve received, we donated a $1.5 million pilot plant to the U of A for other scientists to test the commercial viability of their scientific discoveries. What are three things people are surprised to learn about your business or don’t know about your business? The first is that the Federal Government has recognized us a leader among Canada’s 750 functional food and natural health product companies, which include Nestlé, Kraft and General Mills. I’m told that in the past 12 months or so we have received more awards, honours or recognitions than any other Canadian company. They include recognition by the Globe and Mail, Canadian Business magazine, RBC and Alberta Chambers of Commerce. We’re very proud of that. When visitors go inside our Edmonton production plant, which is almost a block long, they’re amazed at its size and they’re always impressed when we tell
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Dr. Jianhua Zhu, Founder, President & CEO, BioNeutra North America Inc.
them our lead product has produced sales of roughly $120 million to date. What has surprised you in the last 12 months? Interacting with the members of BioAlberta, the province’s association of life sciences companies, has shown us just how creative and innovative Albertans are. What has been your biggest challenge in the last 12 months? Trying to manage our fast growth — 1378% in the past five years. We’re proud of that achievement but it necessitates being able to adapt fast.
What do you think is the biggest Issue impacting Edmonton’s small businesses at this time? A lack of a unified strategy. What’s your secret to keeping your employees engaged? Our company is not top-down. We’re a company of strong views, but everybody’s ideas are valued. Our management style is inclusive and collegial. Everybody is my teacher. We also try to help our employees grow by engaging them in a performance review tied to our common goals. We regard our employees as our biggest asset. Do you have a personal mantra? I have tried to adopt a quote attributed to Confucius: “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” What do you enjoy most about being a Chamber member? I’m pleased to be associated with an organization that is engaged in building and delivering a unified business message to City Hall so they don’t have to canvass hundreds of businesses to hear the ‘voice of business.’ The Chamber provides concrete recommendations for politicians to act on. Our Chamber mandate is to create the best environment for business in Edmonton. If you could make one substantial improvement to Edmonton’s business environment, what would it be? Advocate for the sector cluster that was an Edmonton EEDC initiative a decade ago or more. It provided for like-minded companies to work together in a common purpose that benefited all. It helped to showcase Edmonton as a ‘centre of innovation.’ I would also like to see an Edmonton business awards program similar to the Leaders Award program
sponsored by Business In Edmonton magazine. In all levels of society, we have awards from the Olympics, the Oscars, the Booker prize for authors — all of them inspire the pursuit of excellence in their fields. What is your favourite thing to do in Edmonton? Target shooting. I’m not a hunter. In science we don’t usually define things in absolutes. We usually say, “This trial points to this possible conclusion, but more study is necessary.” In target shooting, a bullseye is a bullseye. There’s no maybe. Apple or android? Apple. It’s a company with ‘personality’ and a ‘heavy style of showmanship’ that began with Steve Jobs. Your most favourite place in the world? I have many competing places I favour. As a scientist I love the lab. But I also love a field of wheat blowing in the wind — it’s both restful and also full of promise. I’ve been working toward obtaining my private pilot’s license, so perhaps my most favourite spot is soaring in the air — the feeling of freedom you get — not having a care in the world. Coffee or tea? Tea. They’re both social drinks, but a coffee break usually represents an interruption from ‘work’ and is often used to ‘perk’ you up whereas tea is linked with a restful pause. It’s not so much the taste of tea that I favour, but rather the atmosphere of calm associated with it. It’s a courteous drink offered out of politeness. It’s not, “do you want coffee?” It’s more, “Would you care for some tea,” or, “Can I offer you some tea?” It’s more of a display of courtesy than coffee. To learn more about VitaFiber and BioNeutra, please visit www.bioneutra.ca
Members in this Issue Predictable Futures Inc. in Passing It On Before Passing On on page 24 Alberta Blue Cross and Government of Alberta-Ministry of Labour in Covered for Cannabis? on page 27 Telsco Security in Securing Your Investment on page 38
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Connecting Business Provincial Leaders Series: A Conversation with Hon. Jason Kenney Presented by EPCOR In 2019, Albertans will vote to set the direction of our province for the next four years. On November 14, 2018, leader of the Alberta United Conservative Party and former Federal Cabinet Minister, Hon. Jason Kenney, joined the Edmonton Chamber to give members and guests an opportunity to hear his, and the UCP’s, vision for Alberta going into the spring election.
Head table guests included Hon. Jason Kenney; Janet Riopel, Chamber President & CEO (centre right); Martin Kennedy, Director of Public and Government Affairs, EPCOR (front right); and Edmonton Chamber Board Directors Len Rhodes, Dawn Harsch, Bryan DeNeve, James Merkosky, Scott McEachern and Dennis Schmidt.
Hon. Jason Kenney delivers his keynote presentation to a full room of Edmonton business leaders.
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Chamber members and guests enjoyed an exclusive opportunity to engage Hon. Jason Kenney in a post-keynote Q&A session.
Provincial Leaders Series: A Conversation with David Khan Presented by EPCOR In 2019, Albertans will vote to set the direction of our province for the next four years. On November 21, 2018, leader of the Alberta Liberal Party, David Khan, joined the Edmonton Chamber to give members and guests an opportunity to hear his, and the Alberta Liberal Party’s, vision for Alberta going into the spring election.
Guests at the head table included David Khan; Janet Riopel; Martin Kennedy, Director of Public and Government Affairs, EPCOR (right); Tom Fath, President of The Fath Group (second from right); Edmonton Chamber Board Directors James Merkosky, Craig Thorkelsson and Jenelle Trenchuk-Saik; and Brent Francis (left).
David Khan spoke to an engaged group of Chamber members and Edmonton business leaders on his priorities for Alberta going into the election this spring.
Following his keynote, David Khan engaged in an open floor Q&A session with Chamber members and guests.
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Celebrating Business Success! THE 2019
Presented by
Presentation of the 2018 Northern Lights Award honouring
Brent Hesje CEO, Fountain Tire Ltd.
Saturday, February 2, 2019 Shaw Conference Centre
• Edmonton’s premier business gala Tickets on sale now at EdmontonChamber.com • Exclusive VIP guest experience • Black tie and cocktail formal • Fine dining, dancing and live musical entertainment Visit our website to learn more about our sensational lineup of all-Canadian performers!
VIP Lounge Sponsor
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Telecommunications Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
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Bronze Sponsors
Supporting Sponsors
Host Hotel
CANNABIS LEGALIZATION AND HR: WHAT’S CHANGED AND WHAT HASN’T // HUMAN RESOURCES
CANNABIS LEGALIZATION AND HR: WHAT’S CHANGED AND WHAT HASN’T BUSINESSES WERE VERY WORRIED ABOUT THE CHANGES THAT COULD COME FROM LEGALIZATION, BUT THE DAY CAME AND WENT WITHOUT INCIDENT. HOW CAN BUSINESSES PREPARE FOR THE FUTURE NOW THAT RECREATIONAL CANNABIS IS PERMITTED?
BY ZACHARY EDWARDS
T
here is, perhaps, no better sign that recreational cannabis legalization was a good idea more than the fact that October 17 came and went with barely a blip. Besides one particularly entrepreneurial Girl Guide who sold cookies to a long line of people waiting outside an Edmonton dispensary, the day was almost eerily like any other. Nothing collapsed. Nothing euphoric. Just some stores selling plants. Little changed in the world of everyday business operations. Despite companies worrying that things would change, there was very little difference between the Tuesday and the Wednesday. “There hasn’t been a lot of change that’s come up on our radar,” says O’Ryan Hughes, managing partner at Stoppler Hughes. “There was a lot of fear and unknown for what this means in terms of recreational legalization, but it’s already been dealt with in terms of alcohol. It’s very similar.”
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CANNABIS LEGALIZATION AND HR: WHAT’S CHANGED AND WHAT HASN’T // HUMAN RESOURCES
“YOU’RE STILL NOT ALLOWED TO BE INTOXICATED ON THE JOB. THAT DIDN’T CHANGE, AND IT WON’T CHANGE IN THE FUTURE.” ~ GREG HUSSEY
The lack of change was especially true for industries with safety-sensitive positions, where the policies that existed previously still apply. “It’s funny. Most people thought that things were going to change dramatically on that day, but nothing really did,” says Greg Hussey, president of impactHR. “You’re still not allowed to be intoxicated on the job. That didn’t change, and it won’t change in the future.” In fact, for many companies, cannabis legalization changed absolutely nothing. Companies like CN still have a zero tolerance policy in place for their workers. Anyone tested for drugs after an incident is still not allowed the presence of any cannabis in their system. If cannabis is present, termination is still possible and often very likely. CN isn’t the only one with such a strict policy, either. Police departments across the country have implemented similar zero tolerance policies or have policies in place that officers are not allowed to use cannabis up to 48 hours before their shift starts. Consequently, many businesses haven’t updated their policies because previous rules still apply. In fact, slight tweaks may be all that is needed for companies that have policies and procedures in place. “How an employer would have managed an employee impaired from the effects of alcohol is largely the same as how an employer would manage impairment from cannabis,” says Dena Gillies, partner at Omni Management Consulting Alliance. “Many existing employment policies and procedures can be applied with some adjustments.” That said, there are still a few things companies should know about when it comes to the new world of legal cannabis, especially in the realm of human resources. Changes in cultural attitudes towards cannabis and its use mean that companies must think about their policies and procedures, and put them in place if they haven’t had anything previously. “This is perhaps the most major change from legalization,” says Hussey. “That workplaces that have traditionally not enforced or had policies will want to put something in place
ABOVE: GREG HUSSEY, PRESIDENT, IMPACTHR.
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CANNABIS LEGALIZATION AND HR: WHAT’S CHANGED AND WHAT HASN’T // HUMAN RESOURCES
HUGHES IS QUICK TO REMIND ANY EMPLOYER THAT INTOXICATION AT WORK CAN BE CLOSELY RELATED TO ADDICTION ISSUES, WHICH MUST BE HANDLED DIFFERENTLY.
to protect themselves and their workers. What happens if someone comes back from lunch and there’s an incident? There has to be something in place.” This is also true for industries and workplaces that are not generally considered safety-sensitive: office jobs and other work that doesn’t involve operating heavy machinery or hazardous work environments. For a long time, these workplaces generally had looser rules about intoxication at the workplace. After all, a client lunch may involve a drink or two; but, what does this look like for a toke or two? “Many companies are thinking about and reconsidering their intoxication policies now that cannabis is legal,” says Hughes. “It’s strange since they haven’t felt a need until now, but it’s always a good idea to have a policy in place in regards to intoxication at work, whether that’s alcohol, cannabis or something else.” Looking to the future, employers may have to institute strict policies not just for how people act in the workplace, but how they travel as well. Response to legalization in the United States has been mixed and, with such inconsistent messaging, Hughes errs on the side of caution for the foreseeable future. “I haven’t heard of anyone being denied entry because of using recreational cannabis as of yet, but if someone is a user or invested in it or employed in a company and they were required to travel for work, that could cause some difficulties. There’s still quite a bit of unknown in terms of cross-border issues.” Hughes is quick to remind any employer that intoxication at work can be closely related to addiction issues, which must be handled differently. Addiction should be treated as a mental health issue, which means a path to recovery must be put in place to let the person heal and return to work. “Cannabis addiction is a mental health issue and must be treated as such,” Hughes says. “If a company fires an employee and they come back
ABOVE: O’RYAN HUGHES, MANAGING PARTNER, STOPPLER HUGHES.
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CANNABIS LEGALIZATION AND HR: WHAT’S CHANGED AND WHAT HASN’T // HUMAN RESOURCES
“KNOW THAT IT IS ACCEPTABLE TO ASK FOR MEDICAL EVIDENCE SHOULD AN EMPLOYEE ADVISE THAT THEIR USE IS FOR MEDICINAL PURPOSES.” ~ DENA GILLIES
with proof that they have an addiction, the company could face some legal trouble.” If worries of intoxication are increasing at workplaces across the country, then worries of testing methods are increasing as well. Currently, tests for the presence of cannabis in a person’s system do not directly correlate to whether or not they are high, meaning employers could have trouble terminating or disciplining an employee. An employee can claim that they used a perfectly legal product on Saturday evening and was fit to work on Monday morning. “Conclusively determining impairment due to cannabis will be a challenge as testing methods are not as exacting as other substance use,” says Gillies. “I further expect it will be a challenge to effectively determine the root cause of an employee’s cannabis use, recognizing that a determination is necessary to effectively manage the situation. How an employer addresses medicinal use versus recreational use versus a substance addiction are very different.” No matter the root cause, whether it’s medicinal, recreational or related to addiction, HR experts recommend businesses update their policies so there are fewer surprises on the road ahead. “Update employment policies and ensure employees are educated on these policies,” Gillies recommends, “and know that it is acceptable to ask for medical evidence should an employee advise that their use is for medicinal purposes.” In many ways, cannabis legalization passed much of Edmonton by. Besides dispensaries operating with a bit less worry of police raids, the major impacts on workplace safety have long been in place. That said, the testing of intoxication for cannabis may complicate discipline and termination procedures for businesses, which is why HR professionals are recommending that companies update their policies. They may have to set some ground rules for next year’s Christmas party as well.
ABOVE: DENA GILLIES, PARTNER, OMNI MANAGEMENT CONSULTING ALLIANCE.
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JANUARY 2019 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM
Heather Dick, Graham Dick, Eileen Dick and Gordon Dick.
Cougar Paint & Collision Inc.
Celebrates 35 Years By Nerissa McNaughton
T
here is nothing typical about Cougar Paint & Collision Inc. The rustic looking building stands out along Yellowhead Trail, looking more like a cabin than an autobody repair facility. Once you open the doors, however, the magic really begins. Homey, comforting, and filled to the brim with memorabilia, the scent of fresh coffee wafts through the air, and often a tray of freshly baked treats, courtesy of happy customers, greets you. Whether you are at Cougar for collision repair work or one of their award-winning custom paint jobs, you will feel right at home.
Graham Dick, founder of Cougar Paint and Collision Inc. has his desk situated out front with the rest of the staff in order to greet all of the customers coming through the front door. None of the front office staff (nor any of the estimators) are in offices. Everyone is accessible; one of the signs in front of the building says, “Our Family Serving Your Family.� The banter among the staff and with the customers adds to the warm, friendly atmosphere when Graham, or his son Gordon, calls an insurance company on behalf of a driver, shows a classic car owner their
Cougar Paint & Collision 35th Anniversary
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upgraded ride, or hands over the keys to a young adult who just had their first custom paint job. “I ran a couple of other shops for other people and then decided to start my own autobody repair shop along with my wife Eileen,” says Graham of how he came to start Cougar Paint & Collision Inc. “It was 1983 and the economy was very challenging. A lot of people said, I’ll give you six months to maybe a year.”
That was 35 years ago. Although Cougar has never changed its address, it started off small; just a bay in its current location at a modest 1,500 square feet. It wasn’t long until Cougar had to expand into the neighbouring bays. As other businesses in their building left, Cougar kept expanding. Today the autobody shop spans the entire building, operating out of over 17,000 square feet and keeping up with the newest trends in the repair industry.
CONGRATULATIONS
Cougar Paint & Collision on 35 Years of excellence!
1223 - 101 Street SW, Edmonton, Alberta, T6X 1A1 | (780) 438-8888 | www.southgatevw.ca Cougar Paint & Collision 35th Anniversary • 2
35 YEARS It was a good move. Even customers that no longer drive due to their age stop by for coffee and to say hello to Graham, Eileen and the staff, because it really does feel like home. It’s comfy in there, but each team member takes their job very seriously. Gordon and Heather, the Dick’s children, joined the business 10 years ago, making it a family owned and operated enterprise with true family values providing honesty, integrity and professionalism to every customer.
“About 25 years ago, insurance adjusters and appraisers wanted autobody shops to appear more professional and clean up the reputation of the industry,” Graham explains. “In the old days, things would be dusty, dirty coffee cups and parts for cars would be sitting around, etc. It was not known as a classy business. A lot of companies took the change very seriously and renovated their shops to look more like a dentist or lawyer’s office with ceramic tiles and glass blocks. I didn’t want customers to walk in and be intimidated into thinking ‘This place looks like Caesar’s Palace! My repair is going to cost me a fortune!’ Instead, we went in the opposite direction and made our reception area look like a rumpus room or cabin – more relaxed and welcoming, rather than corporate.”
“We work on unibody and conventional frames, fiberglass, motorcycle paint work, custom repairs, upgrades and do everyday collision repair services. We do a little bit of everything,” Graham points out. “We don’t specialize in just one thing, and that makes us different.” Graham and his staff are always up for a challenge. “I’ve painted a lot of weird stuff over the years from coffins, guitars, surfboards for charity, Coke machines, gas pumps, and even flames on a little girl’s MixMaster® for a Christmas present.” Another example of his work sits behind Graham’s desk – a spare wheel cover that he painted for a late friend. After his friend became paralyzed and started driving a modified van, Graham painted him
Congratulations Cougar Paint & Collision on 35 years!
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Cougar Paint & Collision 35th Anniversary • 3
a masterpiece – a wicked metal-themed skeleton in a wheelchair with flames shooting from his mouth. Subtle personal touches, like the Chevy symbol for eye pupils, were added to include the things his friend loved. Superior customer service is everything to the staff at Cougar Paint and Collision. “We are not afraid to go the extra mile for every customer,” Graham explains. “Our entire staff, whether they are located in the front office or in the back working on customers’ vehicles, are always willing to look around for special parts or directly call an insurance company to try and save a driver’s vehicle. If someone can’t pick up their vehicle until after hours, we wait for them. Our #1 goal over the past 35 years has always been to do everything we can to make our customers happy. “We offered lifetime warranties long before it was fashionable, and when you come in here to get your vehicle looked at, you are talking to an owner of the company. The gentlemen doing the estimates are also the people who have years of experience working in the back, fixing the vehicles. They are certified journeyman Red Seal technicians and professional autobody painters. The customer always talks to an owner and someone that can make a corporate decision.”
Precision Performance Serving North Edmonton for 35 Years
• Specializing in Hot Rods and Street Cars • • Tune-ups • • Suspension Work • • Brakes • • Engine Work • • General Auto Repair • • Out of Province Inspections •
Industry trends, vehicles, and technology have changed over the years, but they have learned to work with these changes in order to keep up a high level of customer satisfaction. However, there is one thing Graham wishes he could change. “Going head-to-head with franchises and national chains when you are an independent family-owned and operated shop can be challenging. Our biggest customer focus is keeping the public informed that after a collision they can have their vehicle repaired at any autobody repair facility they choose. They do not have to go where the insurance company suggests. Whether it is a national chain or a local family owned facility, it’s the vehicle owner’s choice.” Cougar Paint & Collision has always given back to the community by supporting charitable organizations such as the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation, and by sponsoring local sports teams. The staff at Cougar is very proud of its Mayor’s Award, received for working with youth with disabilities. As avid bikers, the Dick family has also supported Kids with Cancer and were instrumental in organizing the first Kids with Cancer rides on Harley Davidsons at Camp He-Ho-Ha, along with rides around the track at Commonwealth Stadium during halftime at Edmonton Eskimos games.
Congratulations Cougar Paint & Collision on 35 years! We wish you many years of continued succes.
CONGRATULATIONS
Cougar Paint & Collision on 35 Years! 12521 - 72 Street Edmonton, AB T5B 1Y5 780-477-7354 • precperf@hotmail.com www.napaautopro.com
780-998-5450 101 Southridge Blvd, Fort Saskatchewan T8L 0P6
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Cougar Paint & Collision 35th Anniversary • 4
35 YEARS Readers of the StarMetro publication and their Community Choice Awards voted Cougar Paint and Collision as the winner in the auto service centre category. Another award was from the readers of the Edmonton Journal, where Cougar Paint and Collision was voted the 2018 Reader’s Choice Gold winner in the autobody repair category. Many other awards and recognitions for their work, car shows, and community service adorn the walls of the office. However, the recognition that makes Graham and his staff the happiest is the look on a customer’s face when they see their repaired vehicle, or when the staff receives a positive review online or a thank you card from one of their many satisfied customers.
From a permanent sign displayed on the front of the building to purchasing advertisements throughout the years in support, they have always “saluted the troops”. Eileen tells a story from a few years ago. “During an outdoor customer appreciation event in front of the office, a line of military vehicles passed by Cougar on Yellowhead Trail. While driving by, the soldiers noticed the large ‘Cougar Salutes The Troops’ sign out front, and actually saluted us.” Cougar has recently been recognized by Edmontonians and residents in surrounding communities with two very prestigious awards.
Congratulating COUGAR PAINT & COLLISION ON 35 YEARS IN BUSINESS.
Today a number of their customers’ children and grandchildren bring their vehicles to Graham, Eileen and their staff. The commitment to quality, service and being the “most approachable autobody shop” in town has never changed. The logo hasn’t changed either. Rather than rebrand as the company grew, you’ll find a hand-drawn cougar on the business card. It was sketched by a dear friend 35 years ago as Graham and his buddies sat around wondering what to call the company. The artist passed away shortly after she drew the cougar. Graham incorporated it into the logo and it’s been on their business cards ever since.
CONGRATULATIONS to Cougar Paint & Collision on 35 years!
1-866-328-4031 | 10982 - 101 Street www.ericksennissan.ca Cougar Paint & Collision 35th Anniversary • 5
“If you own your own business you have to be there. It pays to go the extra mile,” Graham says as he reflects on the past 35 years. “You have to lead by example. There isn’t anything in the back of the shop that I couldn’t do… well, maybe not as well as I used to! I’m a little older, you know. These days I’m trying to stay out of the back shop. That’s my son Gordon’s job now but he started at an entry level position with the company. Both Gordon and my daughter Heather didn’t receive any special treatment since joining the company. For example, Gordon started out sweeping the floors and emptying the garbage while Heather started by doing minor clerical duties.” The shop has been Graham’s passion for most of his life. “I have even been known to talk in my sleep about moving cars around in the shop,” he jokes, then adds, “Cougar wouldn’t be what it is today without learning from some great people like Mel from Supreme Plating who was a wonderful business mentor, and Carl from Elmwood Car Sales, a family friend, who was determined to be our first customer and give us their cheque for our very first Cougar job.” Graham also appreciates the friendship and support of Bob Lupul and Jerry Novakowski, two gentlemen he apprenticed under at Crosstown Chrysler Jeep Dodge in the early 70s.
The team at Cougar Paint and Collision share a very big and heartfelt thank you to the many customers they have been privileged to work with over the years and the new customers that will one day walk through their door, being greeted by the staff with a smile and the simple question of “How can we help you?” Each customer is known by name and enjoys Cougar’s signature hospitality in a warm and friendly home-like atmosphere. “Now it’s time for us to start providing our children with more responsibility in the company. We are not going to make the shop any bigger, however we must continue to stay ahead of the curve with the changes in our industry. We really enjoy our present north side location and will just keep doing what we have done for 35 years, loving what we do and working with honesty and integrity.” “And,” Graham pauses to smile, “always making each and every customer feel welcome. We will always have the coffee on.” Learn more about Cougar Paint & Collision and enjoy the extensive gallery of autobody repair, custom body work and custom paint work at www.cougarcollision.com. Follow the company on Facebook (@cougarcollision), Instagram (@cougarpaintandcollision), and Twitter (@ CougarEdmonton).
8810 Yellowhead Trail NW Edmonton, AB T5B 1G1 780-477-6834 | info@cougarcollision.com
www.cougarcollision.com
Congratulations Cougar Paint & Collision on your 35th Anniversary!
To our friends at Cougar Paint & Collision:
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Cougar Paint & Collision 35th Anniversary • 6
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EDMONTON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT // EECC
EDMONTON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Powering Prosperity for Edmonton With over 1,500 employees and six divisions, Edmonton Economic Development Corporation (EEDC) makes a major impact for Edmonton. From attracting new tourists, new investments, major events, and meetings and conventions, to growing new and existing business, attracting and supporting talent/students, and attracting/defending flights, their business drives key levers of economic success. In fact, the organization drives nearly $185 million in economic impact for our city each year. The organization is a catalyst for economic development in Edmonton and shares our city’s story around the world. What is that story? For thousands of years, First Nations from all over the continent gathered on a special bend of the North Saskatchewan River to trap, trade, educate, heal, prosper, visit, worship — to change their lives. European traders built Fort Edmonton on the same bend for the same reasons. Generations of immigrants, adventurers, entrepreneurs and artists have discovered, and continue to discover, this spirit. Edmonton is a place for builders: a business, a school, a temple, a community, a new idea, a new life for your family. Our entrepreneurial drive extends from the energy industry to cardiac care, from the Fringe Festival to robotic
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manufacturing. It’s a place for inventors and volunteers in every realm. It’s a place for the adventurous. It doesn’t matter when you arrived, or where your parents came from. This is the city for the curious, the risk-takers. Leaders in Edmonton will welcome you, and so will your neighbours. Your ideas matter. Everyone is a part of building the city. Our economy is based on the resources of the north but Edmonton businesses — traditional and high-tech, large and small — connect to the world. This is Canada’s workshop. Bring your curiosity and your energy and build it here: a company, a festival, a restaurant, a laboratory,
EDMONTON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT // EEDC
a vacation. Edmonton changes with every new arrival, but the spirit remains the same. This bend of the North Saskatchewan River is as special as ever, and we’re building something extraordinary. From Edmonton Tourism, the Shaw Conference Centre and the Edmonton EXPO Centre, to Innovate Edmonton, Enterprise Edmonton and Corporate Services, all of EEDC’s divisions share one playbook and one Edmonton story. While each of them may be speaking to different audiences, they all have one goal: to cultivate the energy, innovation and investment needed to build a prosperous and resilient Edmonton economy.
role in attracting and hosting the Grey Cup Festival. Edmonton Events, a partnership between the City of Edmonton and Edmonton Tourism, worked closely with local stakeholders to bring the event to Edmonton. Once it got here, the party didn’t stop for five days in and around Edmonton’s downtown convention centre. The local organizing committee estimates the Grey Cup Festival will have generated $80 - $100 million in economic impact for Edmonton’s economy.
SingularityU EEDC’s Innovate Edmonton division worked with local stakeholders to bring the SingularityU Canada Summit, a global tech conference, to Edmonton from April 23-24. The summit will be held at both the Edmonton EXPO Centre and Shaw Conference Centre, and is an opportunity to highlight the leaders, creators, and innovators who are shaping Alberta, Canada, and the world.
Edmonton to San Francisco EDMONTON RESEARCH PARK
EEDC in Action In 2018, EEDC continued to power prosperity for Edmonton. Some key highlights from the year included:
Grey Cup Festival EEDC’s Edmonton Tourism, Shaw Conference Centre and Edmonton EXPO Centre divisions all played a key
Through the work of its Edmonton Tourism and Enterprise Edmonton divisions, EEDC works with partners to attract and defend air access to Edmonton. Direct flights are essential in allowing companies to export their products, attracting business and leisure travellers, and attracting major events, conferences and conventions. The organization helped support the launch of daily, non-stop flights on Air Canada between Edmonton and San Francisco, which began on May 1, 2018. In addition, EEDC signed on as a founding member of the Canadian Landing Pad, organized by Connection Silicon Valley, which is providing desk space in a San Francisco co-working space to Canadian companies looking to do business, network and make connections in Silicon Valley. This directly benefits companies in Edmonton and complements Innovate Edmonton’s efforts to create and grow new technology companies at Startup Edmonton, TEC Edmonton and the Edmonton Research Park.
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