Lisa Raitt and Anne McLellan know first-hand the challenges of governing in a minority parliament. They both served as cabinet ministers in minority governments – Raitt as a Conservative and McLellan as a Liberal. “Long term planning is harder,” McLellan told Goldy Hyder in the Speaking of Business podcast, “but that doesn't mean you can't get big things done.  It actually requires you to make common cause with your fellow parliamentarians across the aisle … issue by issue the governing party has to find its support.” With a new minority parliament set to assemble in Ottawa, the two former politicians are searching for common ground. They are co-chairs of a new initiative aimed at developing a long-term vision for Canada. The Coalition for a Better Future brings together more than 100 organizations across the private and not-for-profit sectors. Their goal? To help shape a plan for long-term inclusive, sustainable economic growth.Raitt and McLellan know finding common ground among a wide range of interests won’t be easy. But they both see the need to give it a try.“There's big change happening around us and we really need to be ready for it,” says Raitt. “And if part of being ready is making sure that we can scoop up as many voices in society to give an idea of what economic growth they think is needed, then I think that's going to be a very worthwhile experiment and one that will be welcomed.”Listen to Goldy Hyder’s full conversation with Anne McLellan and Lisa Raitt.

Speaking of Business with Goldy Hyder

Searching for common ground: why Anne McLellan and Lisa Raitt are teaming up to address Canada’s economic future

Canada’s Magna International is a $40 billion company that employs more than 158,000 people in 28 countries. Yet in the eyes of its CEO, it’s really “a 60-year-old startup”.“We are still a startup because we are in a $3 trillion industry and it's changing,” says Swamy Kotagiri. “Every time there is change, there is opportunity.”The Aurora, Ont.-based auto parts manufacturer knows it has to stay nimble to keep pace with the evolving needs of the industry. That’s especially true when it comes to the development of electric and autonomous vehicles.Kotagiri points to Magna’s “rich heritage of innovation” as the foundation of its extensive research and development activities. But the company also maintains a raft of partnerships with universities, research institutions and fledgling companies. It’s a “symbiotic relationship”, he says. “They bring the idea, they bring the fundamental science, the tech or the concept. We can take that and find the right application.”So what can customers expect from Magna when it comes to next-generation electric vehicles?“I am very optimistic about the next steps that the industry will go through,” Kotagiri says. “This is just the beginning -- and the right beginning.”

The 60-year-old startup: How Magna stays agile in a fast-changing industry

Mallorie Brodie wants to see a cultural shift in Canada – one that embraces risk. The CEO and co-founder of Kitchener, Ont.-based Bridgit Inc. says Canadians have a “level of discomfort” when it comes to taking risks, but it’s essential when scaling up a business.She should know. Over the past eight years Brodie and co-founder Lauren Lake have built their construction software startup into one of Canada’s fastest-growing companies – one that more than doubled its revenue growth last year.She’d like to see Canada embrace a similar startup mindset.“There’s an opportunity for us to become much more aggressive when it comes to innovation,” she says. “We should really determine as a country what are our strengths, how do we double down on those strengths and then really become confident in them.”Listen to Goldy Hyder’s conversation with Mallorie Brodie, including a discussion of what it’s like to be a woman working at the intersection of two male-dominated professions – construction and information technology.

Scaling up: why Canada needs a startup mindset

As Guy Cormier looks ahead to a post-COVID Canada, the president and CEO of the Desjardins Group says it’s time for all of us to embrace a new approach.“Capitalism has lifted a lot of people out of poverty,” he says. “[But] at the same time, I think it's quite obvious that there is some collateral damage.” Cormier points to climate change and income inequality as examples of the myriad social challenges facing Canada. He says it’s time “to give capitalism a do-over” by ensuring that the post-pandemic recovery includes a strong focus on sustainable growth.The pandemic brought home the importance of looking after one another, he says. In tandem with governments, businesses large and small stepped up to support their communities. Many people are now looking to corporate leaders to help tackle other pressing global issues.“Citizens, employees, clients, suppliers will be key people … to remind all of us that we must try to see the future differently than it was before.”In conversation with Goldy Hyder, Guy Cormier also talks about the importance of addressing mental health, and mentoring youth.

Pressing the reset button on capitalism: how to build a more inclusive society

When the federal government appealed to business for help in the fight against COVID-19 last spring, technology company CAE answered the call.  It developed a ventilator prototype in 11 days and started manufacturing it soon after. But that’s not all. CAE designed online training programs to teach healthcare workers how to protect themselves from infection. It also started manufacturing air sanitizers for use in healthcare settings, workplaces and schools.Now the company has pivoted again, opening Quebec’s first workplace vaccine centre. The goal is to vaccinate 50,000 people by August.“In every war, industry has always played a key part as a partner to the government in fighting the fight and this one was no different,” says Marc Parent, president and CEO of CAE.He says the company adapted quickly by drawing on the skills and creativity of its workforce. And he thinks a similar approach can benefit Canada as a whole.“We have in Canada the ingredients to succeed,” he says. “At CAE, we invest in creating a culture where innovation can occur. I think the trick is, how do we do this as a country?”Listen to Goldy Hyder’s conversation with Marc Parent to hear how CAE is using that same spirit of innovation to tackle climate change.

A war-time effort: How Montreal’s CAE pivoted from aerospace to ventilators … in 11 days.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how Canadians live, work and interact . Whether we are working from home or trying to stay in touch with friends and family while complying with stay-at-home orders, digital technology has become an essential tool. The demands on Canada’s communications systems have never been greater.For Bell Canada, the pandemic spurred a rapid increase in network capacity.  “It was clear right away that people needed to communicate in a different way to keep the economy going,” says Mirko Bibic, president and CEO of Bell Canada and BCE. “Audio conferencing, video conferencing … we saw huge surges in usage of our network. We had to invest in more capacity, so we leaned in right away.”

Connecting Canadians: why communications infrastructure will be key to economic recovery

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated a digital transformation that was already well underway in Canada - just look at the phenomenal rise in online shopping and video conferencing over the past year.But the digital economy requires new skills. Is Canada’s workforce ready?“There is this stat that 40% of work is going to be impacted by automation,” says Sabrina Geremia, VP and Country Manager of Google Canada. “The misnomer is it’s 40% of jobs.  It’s actually 40% of WORK. Which means every single person will have an aspect of their job that will [involve] working alongside digital tools … so every worker needs to continuously train as these tools evolve.”For Geremia, lifelong learning is essential to helping Canadians adapt to an ever-evolving work environment.

Canada’s digital future: learning new skills in a rapidly changing world

A year into the COVID-19 pandemic, and many of Canada’s downtowns are still eerily quiet. Thousands of employees continue to work from home, leaving many office buildings sparsely occupied.But Jon Love, founder and CEO of KingSett Capital, believes Canadian cities will bounce back after the pandemic.The reason? Connection.“We can connect digitally, but it's so different than connecting live,” he says.  “Relationships are the currency of business. And connection and relationships are built in person. They can be maintained digitally. But the fact is, new relationships or building relationships or the nuances of relationships are very tough online. You cannot schedule spontaneity and creation.”

Downtowns after lockdowns: how to revitalize Canada’s cities

On April 19th Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland will unveil Canada’s first federal budget in more than two years – a budget she has described as the most significant of our lifetimes.What will it take to build a stronger, healthier and more resilient economy after the pandemic?In a timely conversation at the Canadian Club Toronto, Goldy Hyder discusses the path forward with Monique Leroux, Chair of the Industry Strategy Council, Mark Little, President and CEO of Suncor Energy and Darryl White, CEO of BMO Financial Group.

Beyond COVID: Powering a strong economic recovery

In this rapidly changing world, Canada needs an economic plan that builds on the country’s strengths, addresses its weaknesses, and reduces the risks from future disruptions.  In late October the Business Council of Canada created a roadmap to help get there.  In our report “Powering a strong recovery: an economic growth plan for Canada”, we outline a plan that builds on three key pillars: people, capital and ideas. Share your thoughts here.On today’s podcast, Senior Vice President of Policy, Robert Asselin, walks us through the framework, and discusses why it’s needed now more than ever.

"We have the foundation to succeed" — Robert Asselin, Senior Vice President, Policy of the Business Council of Canada

What’s it like to start a new job in the middle of a global pandemic?  Claude Guay knows.  He became President and General Manager of IBM Canada last May. Since then he’s been finding creative ways to connect with employees and clients, while developing solutions to help the country respond to the economic and health crisis.How do you stay agile as a leader in a world of disruption?  What role will innovation play in helping Canada rebuild?  And what needs to happen to ensure the future workforce has the training and skills the country needs?Claude Guay joins us with his unique insight and perspective.

“An acceleration of the digital world" — Claude Guay, President and General Manager of IBM Canada

“Corporate Canada needs to look more like Canada.”  That’s the call to action from Jaqui Parchment.  As CEO of Mercer Canada she is one of only a very few Black women CEOs in the country.She is also a Director of the BlackNorth Initiative and a founding member of the Black Opportunity Fund.  And she is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion.This summer, over 200 business leaders gathered to participate in the BlackNorth Summit, making commitments to address anti-Black racism in their workplaces.  But change doesn’t happen overnight.What do companies need to do to keep the momentum going over the coming months and years?As we start a new season of Speaking of Business, Jaqui Parchment joins us to talk about how to bring about change, the importance of mentorship, and why businesses need to move from inclusion to creating a sense of belonging in the workplace.

“Corporate Canada needs to look more like Canada.” — Jaqui Parchment, CEO of Mercer Canada

“Each day is truly a gift.” Lisa Lisson, President of Federal Express CanadaOver the past few months we’ve heard from many business leaders as they have responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. Guests on this podcast have told us how they have overcome unique challenges and we’ve heard about the many ways corporate Canada has supported communities through the crisis. Today, in our final podcast of the season, we’re continuing on the theme of leadership and resilience … but this time the story is much more personal.Ten years ago Lisa Lisson was named President of Federal Express Canada – the first woman and the first Canadian to head the company.She’d worked her way from the ground floor to the corner office – but just as her career was catching fire, she suffered a devastating personal loss that would have frankly stopped many people in their tracks. Instead, Lisa channelled her grief into an inspiring memoir and has gone on to help countless others deal with life’s challenges.

“Each day is truly a gift.” — Lisa Lisson: President of FedEx Express Canada

“We’re business people, let’s figure it out.”  For Wes Hall, Executive Chairman and Founder of Kingsdale Advisors, the death of George Floyd was a call to action.   He speaks with Goldy Hyder about July’s Black North summit, and why he’s urging corporate Canada to find solutions to end systemic racism through the creation of the Canadian Council of Business Leaders Against Anti-Black Systemic Racism.

“We’re business people, let’s figure it out.” — Wes Hall: Executive Chairman and Founder, Kingsdale Advisors

“I’ve seen how business relationships can lift a community and a person out of poverty into a place where they’re full of pride.” Indigenous business leader JP Gladu speaks with Goldy Hyder about forging ties between Indigenous businesses and corporate Canada. He also reflects on calls for action against racism, and discusses the impact of COVID-19 on him and his community.

“I’ve seen how business relationships can lift a community and a person out of poverty into a place where they’re full of pride.” — JP Gladu: Former President and CEO of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business

Conversations with Canadian innovators, entrepreneurs and business leaders. Join host Goldy Hyder, President and CEO of the Business Council of Canada, as he sits down with some of the most successful and fascinating people in Canadian business.

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Speaking of Business with Goldy Hyder

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