“Strong and free.” It’s how we have defined ourselves as Canadians—proudly. However in today’s economic reality, I believe it’s time we reclaim those words not just as a national identity, but as an economic imperative.
Canada has long been a country where opportunity, entrepreneurship and grit weren’t just celebrated—they defined us. A foundation of free enterprise established our communities, created industries and businesses that employed our people and positioned us as a country of can-doers. As we look to today—a world gripped by tariff wars, supply chain instability and economic uncertainty—we must ask ourselves: are we bold enough to lead again? The answer lies, in part, with the people who have built our province. This year’s 2025 JA Northern Alberta Business Hall of Fame inductees offer an inspiring and timely reminder of what leadership in free enterprise truly looks like.
Dave Filipchuk, Board Chair of PCL Construction, a company that has built skylines and communities across North America. Under his leadership, PCL has navigated global pressures while staying rooted in a culture of integrity, innovation, and giving back.
David Kent, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Nearctic Property Group, has played a foundational role in shaping Edmonton’s built environment. Through thoughtful, sustainable development, he’s shown how property investment can be both a business and a public good.
Bob MacLean, Chairman of The Crossing Group, turned a two-man drilling outfit into one of North America’s leading horizontal infrastructure companies. His entrepreneurial journey reminds us that even in traditional industries, there is room for big ideas and bold bets.
Zainul Mawji, EVP and President of TELUS Consumer Solutions, brings an intrapreneurial lens to our story. At the helm of one of Canada’s most recognized telecom brands, she has championed digital innovation and customer-first thinking, helping Canadians stay connected in increasingly complex times.
Nizar Jaffer Somji, Founder and Chairman of Jaffer Group of Companies, has led across multiple sectors—from construction to hospitality to investment—while emphasizing inclusion, ethical business, and community impact every step of the way.
In a rapidly changing global landscape, Cam Linke, this year’s recipient of the JA Business Hall of Fame Impact Award, reminds us that the future is now. As CEO of the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii), he is helping position our province—and our country—as a global leader in artificial intelligence and digital transformation.
At Junior Achievement, we see the next generation of these leaders every day. Students who start with an openness to possibility and grow into young entrepreneurs with the skills, confidence and vision to launch real businesses. They aren’t waiting for someone to hand them the future—they’re building it; but they need a community that believes in them, maybe even more than they believe in themselves.
That means protecting and promoting the principles of economic freedom—not being constrained by challenging environments. It means investing in the education and financial literacy of our youth. It means championing those who take risks, create jobs and anchor communities.
Strong and free isn’t just who we are. It’s how we grow. Let’s build the Canada our next generation deserves.
