How do you measure success? Everyone has their own vision of who they would like to be. The winners of this year's Canada's Top 40 Under 40 have come much closer than most to realizing that vision, yet even they still have many unfulfilled ambitions.
For the seventh year in a row, the winners were selected by a panel of blue-chip business and community leaders assembled by Caldwell Partners International, the Toronto-based executive search firm. Caldwell assembled a preliminary list of more than 700 Top 40 nominees. The panel then rated the final candidates on the criteria of vision and leadership, innovation and achievement, community involvement, impact, and strategy for growth. Scores in those five categories were tallied and ranked using an electronic scoring system.
Once again, the winners are a very eclectic group, including Dr. Marco Marra, a world-class human genome researcher in Vancouver, Edmonton stockyard owner Jennifer Wood, and Cindy Burton, chairperson of Charlottetown-based iWave.com Inc., which sells specialized software for fundraising. This year, we wanted them to express themselves. We sent them seven questions, some serious and some not-so-serious, and encouraged them to be candid and relaxed in their responses.
Those responses demonstrate a high level of commitment. But they also give us glimpses of a conflicted generation. Ask Brendan Paddick, president of St. John's-based Regional Cablesystems Inc., his ambitions for age 50, and he says he wants to be running a corporation "with a market cap that includes the word 'billion.'" Karen Basian, chief financial officer of high-tech darling 724 Solutions Inc., says she just wants "more time with family...time on the ground versus in the air."
Ask them for one piece of advice for the Prime Minister, and there are few strong themes: maybe lower taxes, or more research funding. Ask them to name the best thing they read last year, and the responses range from Beowulf to Dr. Seuss. One of the few things most of them share is a taste for foreign cars.
In many ways, they're a lot like the rest of us. But, as with previous winners, some of whom we profile on page 78, you'll be hearing a lot more about this year's elite 40 in the years to come.
Josef Penninger Age 36
Associate Professor and Scientist, Amgen Institute, University of Toronto, and Scientist, Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto
Born in Austria, Penninger completed his postdoctoral fellowship in Toronto. He has made major discoveries concerning the role of the osteoporosis gene, the link between bacterial infections and heart disease, and the signals the body uses to control the immune system.
What are your ambitions for age 50?
To still be able to play competitive soccer.
How competitive are you, on a scale of 1 to 10?
Five. I am not very competitive, but I'm very stubborn, which is different.
What is the best advice you ever received?
To become a good soccer player, you have to score with both legs. Second, don't let yourself be talked into a profession because of money or social pressures.
If you could give the Prime Minister one piece of advice, what would it be?
Science is on the verge of revolutionizing life, culture and economies. Every effort should be made to nurture universities and research. All parts of science must be supported, not just the ones that might become products.
Is money important to you?
Only so I can afford a decent house and give my kids a decent living. By itself, money has no moral or intrinsic value. People have value.
What kind of car do you drive?
I don't have a Canadian driver's licence. In Europe, I failed my driver's test (the only exam I ever failed). I ride old, crummy bicycles and the subway.
What was the most interesting thing you read or saw last year?
The new translation of Beowulf by Seamus Heaney, Journey to the
End of the Night by Louis-Ferdinand Celine, and Romancero gitano, gypsy poems by Federico García Lorca.
Alain M. Bellemare Age 39
Vice-President, Operations, Pratt & Whitney Canada,Longueuil, Que.
Every two seconds, an aircraft equipped with a Pratt & Whitney turbine engine takes off somewhere in the world. An aeronautical engineer by training, Bellemare led the development of 25 new P&WC products and applications in the last three years, and has developed a new, streamlined production system.
What are your ambitions for age 50?
To be the CEO of a large company where I can influence wealth creation through internal growth or acquisitions.
How competitive are you on a scale of 1 to 10?
10. I just hate losing!
What is the most useful advice you ever received?
Always be in a learning mode. When you commit to do something, do it quick, do it right.
If you could give the Prime Minister one piece of advice, what would it be?
Keep investing in research and development, the engines of long-term growth.
Is money important to you?
I am driven by challenges and I expect to be rewarded and recognized according to my performance. Money is not the main driver, but I want to maintain a standard of living for my family.
What kind of car do you drive?
An Infiniti QX4. But it's just a matter of time before I get that BMW 330 convertible.
What was the most interesting thing you read or saw last year?
The terra-cotta warriors in the mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor in China. I was astounded by the level of detail.
Christi Strauss Age 39
President, General Mills Canada, Toronto
New York-born Strauss has been with General Mills since 1986, and president of the Canadian division for the past five years. She's responsible for the recent successful launch of Betty Crocker potato products; for the Sydney Olympic Games, she lined up product sponsorship deals with Canadian athletes such as Simon Whitfield.
What are your ambitions for age 50?
To have a happy balance in life.
How competitive are you, on a scale of 1 to 10?
I'd say 9. Though in things where I'm just competing against myself (like golf), I'm probably a 10.
What is the most useful advice you ever received?
From my parents--the good old golden rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
If you could give the Prime Minister one piece of advice, what would it be?
A good leader learns to make tough decisions when appropriate. Do what's right, rather than what's popular.
Is money important to you?
Some "base" level of money is important to provide security and a sense of freedom in life's choices. It's also nice to be able to enjoy travel, great wine and some of my other passions. I'm just trying to figure out how much "enough" is.
What kind of car do you drive?
An S-model Jaguar. I had driven cars that seemed more practical and conservative. I was ready for a change and I just loved the look of this car.
What was the most interesting thing you read or saw last year?
Seeing an island inhabited by a million penguins in Antarctica. Humans had not set foot there in over two years.
David Park Age 35
President and CEO,TrueNorth Energy Corp., Calgary
A former international business executive at Atomic Energy of Canada, David Park joined Koch Industries in 1994 and has been president of its subsidiary TrueNorth since 2000. He has developed office-based project teams and introduced environmental initiatives, including "open-pit monster" truck-and-shovel mining technologies, which reduce energy use and environmental hazard.
What are your ambitions for age 50?
I find it hard to think 15 years ahead; the world changes too quickly.
How competitive are you, on a scale of 1 to 10?
Probably a 6. I think I've outgrown that overly competitive stage in my life.
What is the most useful advice you ever received?
My father once said, "You have two ears, two eyes, and one mouth. Use them in that proportion."
Is money important to you?
I'd like to say no, but I can't. Money is a means. It's not how I keep score.
What kind of car do you drive?
I traded in my old Honda Accord for a Dodge Caravan. It's a minivan, but at least it's the sport model.
What was the most interesting thing you read or saw last year?
The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell, a book about why major trends often happen suddenly and unexpectedly.
Tommy Petrogiannis Age 35
Co-founder and President,Silanis Technology Inc., Montreal
An electrical engineer by training, Petrogiannis co-founded Silanis with Joseph Sylvester in 1992. The company makes ApproveIt, the market's top-selling document-signing application--a program that performs electronic approvals
on-line. The firm's clients include the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, Nationwide Insurance, GMAC and Dell.
What are your ambitions for age 50?
To have started another two successful businesses; to be an angel investor and mentor for startups.
How competitive are you?
Second place is first to lose, and I don't like to lose.
What is the most useful advice you ever received?
Watch cash like it's blood. If it's leaking you're dying.
If you could give the Prime Minister one piece of advice, what would it be?
Be more aggressive on reducing the tax burden.
Is money important to you?
I respect it--that's it. I have never considered it important.
What kind of car do you drive and why?
Nissan Maxima--great car for the money.
What was the most interesting thing you read or saw last year?
A quote by General Electric chairman Jack Welch: "Companies
don't provide job security. Only customers do."
Jennifer Wood Age 38
President and CEO, Edmonton Stockyard Inc., Weiller & Williams Ltd.; COO, Viewtrak Technologies Inc.;
President, Cattle & Co. Investments Inc.;
Partner, O.A. Brown Ltd., Saskatoon Livestock Sales. Edmonton
After stints as a restaurant chain manager and commercial float- plane pilot, Wood started a career in the cattle industry in 1990 at her father's company, Weiller & Williams. In 1992, she reorganized Weiller & Williams (Saskatoon) Ltd., and in 1994, bought Edmonton Stockyard, along with 5,760 acres of pastureland in Central Alberta. She also bought O.A. Brown Ltd. More recently, she's developed an internet-based system to track animals and their production.
What are your ambitions for age 50?
To be a leading player in the agri-food industry. To double the number of cattle that we process.
How competitive are you, on a scale of 1 to 10?
Some people would rate me a 10, others a 5. It depends on the situation at hand.
What is the most useful advice you ever received?
No dream is too big.
If you could give the Prime Minister one piece of advice, what would it be?
A consumption tax as a cornerstone of fiscal policy. The U.S. is proposing to do just that, and it's a fairer tax system.
Is money important to you?
Health and happiness first. Money is secondary.
What kind of car do you drive?
An Infiniti Q45 and QX4. Maybe I just like the letter Q. Actually, they are great vehicles, speaking in terms of value and performance.
What was the most interesting thing you read or saw last year?
Half-time: Changing Your Life Plan from Success to Significance by Bob Buford and The Seat of the Soul by Gary Zukav.
Dr. Todd Anderson Age 38
Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Foothills Hospital, Calgary, and University of Calgary
Run in part by the University of Calgary's faculty of medicine, Foothills employs 6,000 staff and serves 500,000 patients a year. As an academic cardiologist, Anderson conducts research and teaches cardiovascular medicine.
What are your ambitions for age 50?
To establish a world-class vascular biology research group at the University of Calgary.
How competitive are you, on a scale of 1 to 10?
At least a 10. You should see me on the golf course. I hate to fail.
What's the most useful advice you ever received?
My father once told me that in the long run, it costs little extra to do things first class.
If you could give the Prime Minister one piece of advice, what would it be?
Put money into research until it hurts and then give some more.
Is money important to you?
If money were more important to me, I would be in private practice
or business and not an academic cardiologist.
What kind of car do you drive?
1986 Honda Civic. I pride myself on having the ugliest car at the hospital.
What was the most interesting thing you read or saw last year?
The Great Barrier Reef. Fantastic.
Karen Basian Age 39
Chief Financial Officer,
724 Solutions Inc., Toronto
Basian developed the financing plan for 724's January, 2000, IPO, the most successful in Canadian history. The company develops wireless and web services for financial institutions, and it has grown from 36 to 700 employees in 18 months. Basian also heads 724's corporate giving program.
What are your ambitions for age 50?
More time with family and friends; time outdoors; time on the ground versus in the air.
How competitive are you, on a scale of 1 to 10?
I'd say a 6, my team would say a 10, so we'll split the difference and call it an 8.
What is the most useful advice you ever received?
Stuff happens. It's what you do with that stuff that defines your life.
If you could give the Prime Minister one piece of advice, what would it be?
Give the Finance guy a turn.
Is money important to you?
I've had the privilege of seeing the benefits that money can bring. Also money can facilitate change when applied to the right things.
What kind of car do you drive?
An Infiniti G20. It actually saved my life when I had a head-on collision and the frame remained intact.
What was the most interesting thing you read or saw last year?
Read: The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay, a moving book about how
people can impact a child in a powerful way. Saw: "Terminator," a class-5 rapid. I was whitewater rafting in Chile at the time.
Dr. Marco Marra Age 34
Co-Director (Scientific), Genome Sequence Centre, B.C. Cancer Agency, VancouverMarra was part of an international team that announced in December, 2000, the decoding of nearly the entire genetic endowment--known as the genome--of a worm called a nematode. He is a senior scientist at the B.C. Cancer Research Centre; adjunct professor of medical genetics at UBC; and an adjunct professor of molecular biology and biochemistry at Simon Fraser University.
What are your ambitions for age 50?
To have significantly contributed to unravelling the molecular basis
of cancers.
How competitive are you, on a scale of 1 to 10?
10.
What is the most useful advice you ever received?
My parents told me to "always perform at your highest level no matter what the task."
If you could give the Prime Minister one piece of advice, what would it be?
Implement aggressive funding programs for research and health care.
Is money important to you?
It's essential to producing internationally competitive research.
What kind of car do you drive?
A station wagon--reasonable utility and relatively inexpensive to operate.
What's the most interesting thing you read or saw last year?
The federal government's announcement of $160 million to fund genomics research. It was monumental. But it's only an initial investment.
Tim Hockey Age 37
Senior Vice-President, TD Canada Trust, TD Bank Financial Group, Toronto
Hockey began his career in 1983 as a part-time teller with Canada Trust and worked his way up to a vice-presidency with the bank in 1997. Hockey developed the paperless banking system at Canada Trust. His model will be adopted by TD Canada Trust.
What are your ambitions for age 50?
Lead great people to do extraordinary things, and be a credit to my family and community.
How competitive are you, on a scale of 1 to 10?
I'd say I'm about a 23.
What is the most useful advice you ever received?
Be politically astute, but not politically motivated.
If you could give the Prime Minister one piece of advice, what would it be?
Set big, audacious goals for our country. Incrementalism might be politically safe, but it's incredibly uninspiring.
Is money important to you?
Yes, but only insofar as it frees one up to make more choices in life.
What kind of car do you drive?
A Chrysler 300M, because it's big, well-built and comfortable.
What was the most interesting thing you read or saw last year?
The West Wing series (I'm an addict) and Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer.
Helena C. Cain Age 36
Vice President, Sales, Aliant Telecom, Saint John
Cain leads both the New Brunswick and global sales forces at Aliant Telecom. She has helped attract call centres to the province, and is credited with convincing Bell to establish call centres in Moncton, bringing 300 jobs to the area.
What are your ambitions for age 50?
I hope I've retained my drive and energy to be a change agent. I hope to be more tolerant, empathetic and sensitive.
How competitive are you, on a scale of 1 to 10?
9.5.
What is the most useful advice you ever received?
Take risks. It is better to ask for forgiveness than permission, but you need to know when to do either.
If you could give the Prime Minister one piece of advice, what would it be?
Privatize and/or leverage the strengths of industry a lot more.
Is money important to you?
Once I got to the point that I felt I could cover the bills and afford the lifestyle I like, I paid very little attention to money.
What kind of car do you drive?
A Jeep Cherokee for winter driving and to haul our boat in the summer. I also have a cherry-red VW Golf because it's small and agile and good on gas.
What was the most interesting thing you read or saw last year?
I reread Stephen Covey's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
and Principle-Centred Leadership.
Jon D. Manship Age 38
Co-founder and CEO,
Spielo Gaming International, Dieppe, N.B.
At age 15, Manship took a part-time job in a Moncton video game arcade. In 1990, he co- founded Spielo, which designs and manufactures video lottery terminals (VLT) and other arcade and on-line gaming products. Spielo holds
the largest single VLT contract--awarded by the province of Quebec--given to a North American supplier.
What are your ambitions for age 50?
Retirement. Being a board member of companies that I have invested in. Health. Travel.
How competitive are you, on a scale of 1 to 10?
I'd say 8.5.
What is the most useful advice you ever received?
Make your customer successful and you'll be successful.
If you could give the Prime Minister one piece of advice, what would it be?
Minimize the size of government.
Is money important to you?
No, but having it does give you freedom.
What kind of car do you drive?
BMW X5. It's the best.
What was the most interesting thing you read or saw last year?
The collaboration at a quarterly company-wide meeting; we broke into groups that randomly came together. The results were impressive.
Brendan Paddick Age 37
President and Chief Operating Officer, Regional Cablesystems Inc., St. John's
A graduate of Harvard's Advanced Management Program, Paddick joined the company as vice-president and general manager in 1992 and was promoted to COO in 1995. He was appointed president the following year and returned the company to profitability. Regional Cablesystems now has 250,000 subscribers in seven provinces.
What are your ambitions for age 50?
Freedom 55 is not in my plans, so Freedom 50 is even less appealing. I have a hard time sitting still through a movie. At 50, I'd like to be the CEO of a thriving public company with a market cap that includes the word "billion."
How competitive are you, on a scale of 1 to 10?
I hate to lose, but I can accept defeat if I feel we have given it our best shot. Incompetence and complacency drive me insane. I'm not a real team player at work, but I do enjoy creating an environment in which teams can excel.
What is the most useful advice you ever received?
In 1982, my 88-year-old grandmother told me two things. "Always tell the truth; you won't have to remember as much." And "life is all about sales, so sell yourself."
If you could give the Prime Minister one piece of advice, what would it be?
Cut taxes and then cut them again.
Is money important to you?
You know all those business-school lectures that taught us money is
not a motivator? I slept in for those classes. Money is my main motivator, but not simply my own money. I care about our shareholders, I worry about investing strategically in our corporate initiatives.
What was the most interesting thing you read or saw last year?
The book The Innovator's Dilemma by Harvard Business School's Clayton M. Christensen. It confirmed that being the first to market is not nearly as important as timing your entry.
Byron Neiles Age 35
Director, Public Affairs and Government,
Enbridge Inc., Calgary
Neiles is a former senior policy and communications adviser to two federal cabinet ministers. At natural gas giant Enbridge, he has built on the company's community investment program. He is chairman of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, and has co-founded Leadership Calgary--a nine-month program that offers young business executives mentorship by prominent Calgarians such as Jenny Belzberg.
What are your ambitions for age 50?
To have an enduring marriage, raise enlightened children and help build my community.
How competitive are you, on a scale of 1 to 10?
8.5
What is the most useful advice you ever received?
It sounds cliched, but the sage advice of "remember where you are from" has always kept me grounded.
If you could give the Prime Minister one piece of advice, what would it be?
How much space do you have for this? I have lots to say.
Is money important to you?
To the extent it affords my family comfort and freedom.
What kind of car do you drive and why?
Honda Odyssey--as a working dad, function won out over form.
What was the most interesting thing you read or saw last year?
A visit to Ireland to trace family history. It was fascinating to juxtapose
the past with its new prosperity.
Shannon Byrne Age 33
Co-founder, President and CEO, Paradata Systems Inc., Whistler, B.C.
Byrne's company designs secure global internet payment systems for financial institutions. Using $10 million (U.S.) in financing this past July, she created Paradata's Internet Payment Service Model. She is a member of various boards, including the B.C. Technology Industry Association and AceTech Early Stage Advisory Board, and is an active volunteer and foster parent.
What are your ambitions for age 50?
To be just like my parents--fit, active and healthy.
How competitive are you, on a scale of 1 to 10?
If I said anything less than 10, no one would believe my answer.
What is the most useful advice you ever received?
While negotiating, if your first offer or bid does not make you unbelievably uncomfortable, then you definitely did not go high or low enough.
If you could give the Prime Minister one piece of advice, what would it be?
No comment.
Is money important to you?
Important for life's necessities but not for life's balance.
What kind of car do you drive?
Subaru Outback, to get to the airport on time when it snows.
What was the most interesting thing you read or saw last year?
A thank-you card from a Paradata team member on their one-year anniversary with the company. It makes it all worth it.
Dr. Keith Stewart Age 39
Director, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto
The University Health Network operates three sites: Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital. Stewart founded the Cancer Gene Therapy Program at Princess Margaret, and has begun more than 10 clinical trials in gene therapy, with a focus on treating cancer of the bone marrow. He is also a member of CANVAC, a national network of scientists working to develop vaccines against hepatitis, cancer and HIV.
What are your ambitions for age 50?
Staying healthy to enjoy time with my family.
How competitive are you, on a scale of 1 to 10?
7. I'm not in this to compete; I'm more of an enthusiast.
What is the most useful advice you ever received?
"Just focus." But I'm not very good at following that advice.
If you could give the Prime Minister one piece of advice, what would it be?
Don't turn back the clock to yesterday's social policies. Health care can be high-quality and accessible to all.
Is money important to you?
Not really--if it were, I would have chosen private practice.
What kind of car do you drive and why?
A Saab 900--since there weren't many of them, it seemed like I was being different at the time.
What was the most interesting thing you read or saw last year?
The discovery that the human genome contains only 30,000 genes, fewer than everyone thought.
Jordan Gnat Age 28
President and CEO, Midnorthern Group Inc., Toronto
Jordan Gnat runs the home appliance sales company founded in 1958 by his father, Willy Gnat. In 1994, the company was nearly bankrupt. It restructured the following year. Jordan and his brothers, Michael and Kevin, then bought out five of the minority partners, giving the family 85% ownership. By 1999 annual sales had grown to $43 million in North America. In May, 2000, the company bought its main competitor, Home & Rural Appliances.
What are your ambitions for age 50?
50! I'm not even 30! Seriously, to have a healthy and happy family.
How competitive are you, on a scale of 1 to 10?
9 or 10.
What is the most useful advice you ever received?
It doesn't matter if you win or lose, just go out and have fun; just remember one thing--there's no fun in losing. And second, figures don't lie, liars have to figure.
If you were to give the Prime Minister one piece of advice, what would it be?
Run the country like the chairman of a public company. Look out for the highest return for your shareholders, and rely on your best people to take care of the operations.
Is money important to you?
Business is like a professional sport. In sports, you win trophies; in business, you make money.
What kind of car do you drive?
Audi A4. I like small cars.
What was the most interesting thing you read or saw last year?
The best business book ever: Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss. It is soon to be required reading for our management.
Joanne Dunbar Age 38
Partner, Mergers and Acquisitions Due Diligence Practice (MADD), Ernst & Young, Toronto
Dunbar joined Ernst & Young as an audit staff member in 1984, quickly moving up the ranks before making partner in 1997 in financial services. In 2000, she moved to the MADD practice. Dunbar has designed a year-long national training course for the Uniform Final Examination, the qualifying exam for chartered accountants. Among her volunteer positions, she is chair of the national board of directors for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.
What are your ambitions for age 50?
It appears that I will not be a professional athlete or a rock star so I guess I'll settle for watching my professional hockey or basketball team (which I will own).
How competitive are you, on a scale of 1 to 10?
Close to a 10, but in a healthy wanting-to-win sort of way.
What is the most useful advice you ever received?
Early in my career, I worked for a manager who, during our busiest times, would walk around the office and ask if we were having fun.
If you could give the Prime Minister one piece of advice, what would it be?
Next!
Is money important to you?
Insomuch as it provides the freedom to do things, to share new experiences with family and friends. And it makes a shopping trip to New York so much fun.
What kind of car do you drive?
A 1994 SAAB convertible--the last year of the old models. Nicer lines than the new ones.
What was the most interesting thing you read or saw last year?
The Harry Potter series--and I don't have children. Just finished the fourth book recently.
Adam Lorant Age 37, Vice-President, Marketing and Product Management;and Paul Terry (right)
Age 38, Chief Technology Officer and Vice-President, Research and Development, Abatis/Redback Network Systems Canada Ltd., Burnaby, B.C.
Co-founded by Lorant and Terry (who met as colleagues at Newbridge Networks), Abatis was in business for a little over two years, offering IP intelligent network devices. In October, 2000, the company was sold to California-based Redback Networks for $1.3 billion.
What are your ambitions for age 50?
Lorant: I'd like to leave a legacy, something to make my son proud.
Terry: To be aerobatic unlimited champion, bridge national champion, snowboard those double-blacks at Whistler, and invent something really neat.
How competitive are you, on a scale of 1 to 10.
Lorant: 7.
Terry: About 100.
What is the most useful advice you ever received?
Both: [Abatis chair]Terry Matthews has been a constant role model and mentor. He says be bold, be aggressive, be world class in everything you do.
If you could give the Prime Minister one piece of advice, what would it be?
Lorant: Build the best education system in the world in four years. Map out annual, aggressive, quantitative goals.
Terry: Brand and market Canada as the intellectual property capital of the world by lowering capital gains tax to zero.
Is money important to you?
Lorant: At our first board meeting, Terry Matthews challenged us to show him how our key staff would become millionaires. When Redback's acquisition was announced, we had more than 50 new millionaires.
Terry: Money is not necessarily the end goal, except it oils the wheels and provides a measure of performance.
What kind of car do you drive?
Lorant: Audi Quattro, a beautifully engineered car.
Terry: Lexus 470--large, protects the family. Also a Nissan 300Z--excellent engineering.
What was the most interesting thing you read or saw last year?
Lorant: Outside of the huge volumes of e-mails, trade publications and market research reports, The Harvard Business Review and The Economist.
Terry: Just finished Peter de la Billiere's Looking for Trouble. He was the general of the special forces in the U.K. He presents a fascinating picture of leadership exaggerated by war.
Dr. May Griffith Age 39
Associate Professor, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine at University of Ottawa
Griffith was educated at the University of Toronto and Harvard Medical School, and has an Executive MBA from the University of Ottawa. She created a method to grow cells into the structural equivalent of a human cornea--paving the way for a prototype artificial cornea for transplantation. She also developed a form of in-vitro toxicology testing as an alternative to animal testing that caught the attention of Procter & Gamble, which has promised to eventually eliminate product testing on animals.
How competitive are you, on a scale of 1 to 10?
With my family, friends, students and colleagues, I would say 1. With other people I don't know, especially at work, around 7.
What is the most useful advice you ever received?
If you don't try, you will never succeed.
If you could give the Prime Minister one piece of advice, what would it be?
It's useless to invest in heath care while cutting environmental programs.
Is money important to you?
It is important for keeping my research program going. Also, if I had a lot of it, I would use it to purchase wetlands for conservation.
What kind of car do you drive and why?
A Subaru with four- wheel drive--I live in Ottawa and don't like winter driving.
What was the most interesting thing you read or saw last year?
Natural Capitalism by L. Hunter Lovins, Amory Lovins and Paul Hawken. It's about how companies can be good to the environment while improving their bottom line. It's a bit preachy, but it presents an interesting paradigm.
Samuel Duboc Age 39
President and Managing Partner, NB Capital Partners Inc. (NBCP), Toronto
Duboc received a BSc in chemical engineering from Tufts and an MBA from Harvard. He moved to Canada in 1991 to co-found the Loyalty Group Canada, where he launched the Air Miles rewards program. He founded First Marathon Capital Partners which was bought by National Bank in 1999. He established an employee incentive program, with more than 200 staff co-invested in deals completed by the NBCP Capital Equity Fund.
What are your ambitions for age 50?
Kids who've grown into active young adults. A golf handicap of 5.
How competitive are you, on a scale of 1 to 10?
Pretty high. Definitely not a 10 but you can see that level from where I am.
What is the most useful advice you ever received?
Ask; those who don't ask, don't get.
If you could give the Prime Minister one piece of advice, what would it be?
To dramatically alter or accelerate his policies. Instead of growth-oriented policies, we have high tax rates, relatively low real income growth, and a dollar below 64 cents (U.S.).
Is money important to you?
My family, health, happiness are the most important things to me.
What kind of car do you drive?
Not important.
What was the most interesting thing you read or saw last year?
Who Moved My Cheese: An Amazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life by Spencer Johnson and Kenneth H. Blanchard.
Brock Furlong Age 34
President, Maple Leaf Poultry, Toronto
Furlong is president of Canada's leading processor of fresh and frozen chicken and turkey products. He has launched several new products and expanded the succesful "Prime" line. Branding is a focus for Furlong. While at Maple Leaf's Consumer Foods arm in 1998, he initiated a redesign of the Maple Leaf Foods logo.
What are your ambitions for age 50?
To lead a major business turnaround in an industry that does not even really exist today.
How competitive are you, on a scale of 1 to 10?
10.
What is the most useful advice you ever received?
The only key driver of career growth and change is learning.
If you could give the Prime Minister one piece of advice, what would it be?
Focus on education to produce people who can compete globally.
What kind of car do you drive?
A GM Yukon Denali because a big truck suits my organization and
my three kids.
What was the most interesting thing you read or saw last year?
First Break All the Rules: What the World's Greatest Managers Do Differently by Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman.
Rene Bourdages Age 37
Executive Vice-President, Programming, Sales and Marketing,
Astral Television Networks Inc., Montreal
Bourdages oversees Canal Indigo (the first French-language pay channel, which he launched in 1996) and the pay-TV station Super Ecran. He also plays a supervisory role at TMN (The Movie Network), Moviepix and Viewers' Choice.
What are your ambitions for age 50?
To stay physically and mentally fit. To start a new career: writing. To build a nice log home. To learn piano, painting and Tuscan cuisine.
What is the most useful advice you ever received?
Success is never permanent and failure is never final.
If you could give the Prime Minister one piece of advice,
what would it be?
Encourage and reinforce Canadian culture through Canadian-owned vehicles such as broadcasting, film and television production.
Is money important to you?
I come from a very humble family. We had no running water at the house when I was born in 1963, yet we were surrounded by simple values: integrity, respect. That's better than money to build your character.
What kind of car do you drive?
A Mercedes 430CLK Coupe. I got emotional when I saw the lines. On snowy weekends we use my partner's car: a Chevrolet Blazer 4X4.
What was the most interesting thing you read or saw last year?
Five Frogs on a Log: A CEO's Field Guide to Accelerating the Transition in Mergers, Acquisitions & Gut- Wrenching Change.
Greta Podleski Age 34; and Janet Podleski Age 35
Co-authors and Vice- Presidents, Granet Publishing Inc.,
Waterloo, Ont.
The Podleski sisters are co-authors of the low-fat cookbooks Looneyspoons and Crazy Plates. Both titles have hit No. 1 on the Canadian paperback, non-fiction bestseller list, with Looneyspoons selling 800,000 copies across North America since publication in 1996. The Podleskis founded Granet Publishing with David Chilton, author of The Wealthy Barber.
What are your ambitions for age 50?
Greta: Since my sister and I are launching a new line of frozen entrees,
my ambition is to become the next [food marketer]Dave Nichol.
Only slimmer.
Janet: Right now, I'm thinking of starting a family. So when I'm 50, I very well may have a teenager.
How competitive are you, on a scale of 1 to 10?
Greta: I'm a 10, but in metric. That makes me about a 22 in imperial.
Janet: 10 squared. I began competitive sports (soccer, tennis, basketball) when I was five years old.
What is the most useful advice you ever received?
Greta: Don't eat anything bigger than your head.
Janet: "Go big or stay home." I learned this from Corel Corp. CEO Michael Cowpland. I worked at Corel from 1990 to 1995.
If you could give the Prime Minister one piece of advice, what would it be?
Greta: Dear Jean, in order to improve the health of all Canadians, purchase
30 million copies of our cookbooks and distribute them with everyone's
tax returns.
Janet: To work on his golf game. He once played in a foursome behind me at
a course in Ottawa, and I think he could use a good swing doctor.
Is money important to you?
Greta: I was born with expensive taste, so I blame my need for money on my genes.
Janet: How I use my money is important--and I choose to help out my mother and my four older sisters and their families.
What kind of car do you drive and why?
Greta: A 2000 BMW 328 Ci. Greta is, after all, a German name.
Janet: A 2000 Toyota Solara--sporty, fast yet sensibly priced.
What's the most interesting thing you read or saw last year?
Greta: A rerun of the "Serenity Now!" episode of Seinfeld. Every time
I get stressed, I say "serenity now!"
Janet: A book called The Worldwide Laws of Life by John Marks Templeton. It draws from a vast array of sources--the major scriptures of the world, various schools of philosophical thought, storytellers, scientists and historians.
Mark Foote Age 39
President, Canadian Tire Retail, Toronto
Foote began working at Canadian Tire at age 16 as a fast-lube attendant. He was appointed president of Canadian Tire Retail, Canadian Tire Corp.'s main operating entity, in October, 2000. He oversees more than 400 stores, 200 gas stations and Canadian Tire's on-line business. Previously, as chief information officer, Foote helped expand the role of technology throughout the company.
What are your ambitions for age 50?
I want to be at the helm of a $10-billion Canadian Tire Corporation. [Revenues last year were $5.3 billion.]/p>
How competitive are you, on a scale of 1 to 10?
11.
What is the most useful advice you ever received?
Everything in life and business is about attitude.
If you could give the Prime Minister one piece of advice, what would it be?
Create an environment where the best talent apply their trade here.
Is money important to you?
Of course. Money provides you with flexibility. Plus, I have my eye on a very nice boat.
What kind of car do you drive?
A Volvo S80-T6. I bought it because it's distinctive-looking, fast and apparently the safest car in the world. I think it's the safest car in the world because it spends a lot of time in the shop.
What was the most interesting thing you read or saw last year?
Winning Everyday, a book by ex-Notre Dame football coach Lou Holtz. Lou is about the wisest guy in the world.
Darren Entwistle Age 38
President and CEO,
Telus, Burnaby, B.C.
Entwistle's career in telecommunications spans 21 years, beginning with summer jobs at Bell Canada and continuing with senior positions at telcos in Europe. Since taking the helm at Telus last July, the company bought Clearnet Communications Inc. for $4.6 billion in cash and stock, the largest acquisition ever in Canadian telecommunications. He revamped the corporate culture, initiating one-on-one meetings with staff as well as incentive programs.
What are your ambitions for age 50?
To play a round of golf with my father at Royal County Down and watch him shoot his age: 85.
How competitive are you, on a scale of 1 to 10?
I think in relative rather than absolute terms; so one point higher than the person or company I am up against.
What is the most useful advice you ever received?
"Get your sorry ass on that airplane and make a success of your secondment to the U.K. and if you embarrass me, I will come over and wring your neck"--Dan Somers, CFO of Bell Canada International in 1993.
If you could give the Prime Minister one piece of advice, what would it be?
Make everyone spend a year abroad; you are never so patriotic as when you are looking at your country from outside its borders. And when Canadians come back, keep them. Talent is our most important resource, but one that is presently seeping away.
Is money important to you?
No, not at all. Well, maybe a little bit. Okay, it's bloody important.
What kind of car do you drive?
It's a rocket called Telus.
What was the most interesting thing you read or saw last year?
My twin boy and girl taking their first steps.
Dr. Steffany A.L. Bennett Age 34
Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa
Bennett completed her PhD at the University of Ottawa in 1995. She was named a Lefler Scholar at Harvard Medical School in 1999, and she visits Harvard frequently to conduct research in neurobiology. She has received numerous awards and fellowships, and she is an adjunct research professor at Carleton University. Bennett is a leading researcher into the causes and treatment of Alzheimer's.
What are your ambitions for age 50?
To live up to the faith that charities and individuals have placed in my research. If we can delay and ultimately prevent cognitive failure, basic Alzheimer's research will have made a difference.
How competitive are you, on a scale of 1 to 10?
Paradoxically 1 and 10. Science requires a willingness to collaborate--a very uncompetitive trait. That said, my underlying assumption with this work is: There has got to be a better way, which demands very competitive characteristics.
What is the most useful advice you ever received?
"If you don't love what you do, get out of the business"--my parents.
If you could give the Prime Minister one piece of advice, what would it be?
Foster strong and innovative basic medical research programs, specifically in neural degeneration.
Is money important to you?
Money to keep the lab running and to recognize the achievements of my research team.
What kind of car do you drive?
Whatever...something with four-wheel drive. I hate getting stuck.
Marc P. Tellier Age 32
President and CEO, Sympatico-Lycos Inc., Toronto
Tellier was hired at Bell Canada in 1990 as a summer student and has been with BCE ever since. He is responsible for negotiating and implementing the new web partnership between BCE and Lycos. Tellier wrote BCE's B2C internet strategy and launched more than 35 new web products and services in 2000.
What are your ambitions for age 50?
My biggest hope is for my wife and I to have guided our kids on the road to happiness and success.
How competitive are you, on a scale of 1 to 10?
I would like to think that I am a gracious loser, but I absolutely hate to lose. About a 9.99.
What is the most useful advice you ever received?
Sleep on it--since I tend to want to move things along quickly. Having said that, a bad decision is better than indecision.
If you could give the Prime Minister one piece of advice, what would it be?
No matter how hard Canada tries, we'll be forever in the shadow of the U.S. I recommend a common currency platform for North America.
Is money important to you?
You don't get up excited in the morning by counting your pennies. You do get excited by stimulating work.
What kind of car do you drive and why?
Chevrolet Suburban 4-by-4--with two kids and a third one on the way, space is at a premium for those road trips.
What was the most interesting thing you read or saw last year?
If December 20, 1999, counts as being close enough, I would have to say the birth of our second child.
Sonia Baxendale Age 38
Executive Vice-President, Global Private Banking and Investment Management Services, Wealth Management, CIBC, Toronto
CIBC's Wealth Management unit has a sales force of 2,900. Each of Baxendale's departments has exceeded its targets since she became executive VP in 1999. She has also developed a dual employment strategy, requiring financial advisers to be employed by the bank and by the investment dealer.
What are your ambitions for age 50?
Spending more time with my family; using the skills I've acquired for a small entrepreneurial venture.
How competitive are you, on a scale of 1 to 10?
9 or 9.5, says my husband, Dean.
What is the most useful advice you ever received?
Where there is a will, there is a way.
If you could give the Prime Minister one piece of advice, what would it be?
Having obtained the ultimate position of influence, use that privilege wisely and pass on the flame while you are at your peak.
Is money important to you?
Money can certainly contribute to your life experiences and afford opportunities that enhance your own life and, of course, that of your community.
What kind of car do you drive?
A Mercedes SUV because it provides safety and space for a family of five. And it's reasonably fun to drive.
What was the most interesting thing you read or saw last year?
The most interesting experience was the birth of my son.
Alexander Reford Age 38
Director and President,Les Jardins de Metis,
Grand Metis, Que.
In 1995, Reford founded a non-profit corporation that took over the directorship of Les Jardins from the provincial government. The 40-acre botanical garden was founded by his great-grandmother, Elsie Reford, and has plant collection of 3,000 varieties. In 2000, Redford launched an International Garden Festival, which brought in 127,000 visitors over seven weeks.
How competitive are you, on a scale of 1 to 10?
About 7. I'm a collaborator rather than a take-it-or-leave-it kind of person.
What is the most useful advice you ever received?
If you don't play, you can't win.
If you could give the Prime Minister one piece of advice, what would it be?
Create a national trust: a non-governmental body modelled on similar organizations in England and Scotland dedicated to the protection and preservation of historic buildings and landscapes.
Is money important to you?
I make a modest salary and have not given myself a raise since 1995. For
the moment, it is more important for me to see the business progress than to profit from it.
What kind of car do you drive and why?
A 1983 Volvo, which I bought from my grandmother's estate and drove across Canada from Victoria, adding more mileage to it in a day than she did in a year.
What was the most interesting thing you read or saw last year?
Seeing our International Garden Festival take form. We hosted eight teams
of garden designers from around the world, and watched and collaborated as they brought their drawings to life.
Richard O'Connor Age 38
Chief Technology Officer,Tundra Semiconductor Corporation, Kanata, Ont.
An electronics engineering technologist and Executive MBA from the University of Ottawa, Rick O'Connor joined Newbridge Networks in 1991. Tundra was created when Newbridge spun off Newbridge Microsystems in 1995. O'Connor was a senior manager. Since then, he has led Tundra through its successful IPO in 1999, and led development of products that account for 90% of the firm's revenue.
What are your ambitions for age 50?
To be healthy and surrounded by the ones I love.
How competitive are you?
An 8 or 9. I play to win.
What is the most useful advice you ever received?
My parents always said "Do your best, let your conscience guide you through right and wrong, and don't worry about what others think."
If you could give the Prime Minister one piece of advice, what would it be?
Focus on increasing national productivity and implement a taxation system that rewards aggressive success instead of penalizing it.
Is money important to you?
To a degree, to establish a standard of living for
my family.
What kind of car do you drive?
A Mercedes ML320. As a hockey coach, I need lots of room for equipment. Also for passenger safety (the car has six air bags).
What was the most interesting thing you read
or saw last year?
The explosive growth in Ottawa's high-tech sector.
Joel Leonoff Age 37
Executive Vice- President and Chief Operating Officer, SureFire Commerce Inc., Montreal
SureFire is a business-to-business e-commerce company co-founded by Leonoff in 1999. Within two months of its launch, the firm bought Boston-based Stumpworld Systems Inc. for $70 million in stock. Within a year, SureFire had clients such as AOL Canada and CIBC, and a market capitalization of $400 million. Recently the market cap dipped below $250 million.
What are your ambitions for age 50?
To be very active in business, increase my involvement with charitable organizations, travel with my family, improve my golf game.
How competitive are you, on a scale of 1 to 10?
Off the scale--20, which is probably because of my extensive background in competitive sports.
What is the most useful advice you ever received?
A balance between family, business and community is vital.
If you could give the Prime Minister one piece of advice, what would it be?
Introduce significant incentives for young entrepreneurs to launch businesses in Canada.
Is money important to you?
Money is important to everyone to attain a certain quality of life.
What kind of car do you drive?
A sports car that is very unique and has a certain sense of style.
What was the most interesting thing you read or saw last year?
Read: my daughter's report card. Saw: my kids' school plays.
Cindy Burton Age 37
President and Chairperson, iWave.com Inc., Charlottetown
In 1990, Burton founded Rainforest, a publisher of guides and directories for fundraisers. She also helped develop Prospect Research Online (PRO) fundraising software, used by many major charities and institutions, including Harvard University. Rainforest was acquired by iWave in 1999.
What are your ambitions for age 50?
I'd like to work at a UN agency or on a project to help redistribute wealth and resources. I want to participate in the Iditarod Dog Sled Race in Alaska, as a contestant or volunteer.
How competitive are you, on a scale of 1 to 10?
11.
What is the most useful advice you ever received?
Only hire people who can do the job as well or better than you.
If you could give the Prime Minister one piece of advice, what would it be?
Do the right thing even if people don't agree.
Is money important to you?
It's important in what it can do. I'm notorious for giving away more than
I have, but a little bit can have an incredible impact.
What kind of car do you drive?
A 1996 Jeep Cherokee because it gets through the PEI snowdrifts and holds my daughter and our five big dogs.
What is the most interesting thing you read or saw last year?
The X-Men movie. I love it when comics come to life. Stats on global infant mortality made me think.
Blake Hutcheson Age 39
President, CB Richard Ellis Limited (Canada), Toronto
With more than 10,000 employees, 250 offices in 44 countries, CB Richard Ellis Inc. is the world's largest commercial real estate services company. Since becoming COO and later president in 1999, the Canadian company--with 11 offices and 500 employees nationwide-- has increased revenues by over 60%, of which 25% was in the last two years. As part of Hutcheson's IT and research initiatives, the company continues to push global, web-enabled applications. It recently purchased 50% of RealNet, a web-based real estate information service.
What are your ambitions for age 50?
No regrets, no jealousies, no health problems.
How competitive are you, on a scale of 1 to 10?
Pushing 10 on most fronts, but hoping to mature in the years to come to pick the spots where I can lower the number.
What is the most useful advice you ever received?
From one of my professors at Columbia University: "There are two kinds of people in this world--elevator people and basement people. Elevator people bring you up, basement people bring you down. Surround yourself with the former."
If you could give the Prime Minister one piece of advice, what would it be?
Do not underestimate, underfund or undervalue the youth of today. Make them the priority and your legacy will shift from staying in power to brainpower.
Is money important to you?
It has never been my primary motivator or even my scorecard.
What kind of car do you drive and why?
A 10-year-old Mercedes. It's safe, well-engineered and it still works--so
why replace it?
What is the most interesting thing you read or saw last year?
Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela because
I love history but would rather read it through the eyes of others--I am
a big fan of biographies and autobiographies.
Dean Hopkins Age 32
Co-founder, President and CEO, Cyberplex Inc., Toronto
Cyberplex, a publicly traded company, provides internet professional services to blue chip clients such as Royal Bank, 3M and Handspring. It is headquartered in Toronto with offices in several other cities.
Before launching the firm in 1994, Hopkins was a management consultant at McKinsey & Company. Under his leadership, Cyberplex has doubled its revenues annually.
What are your ambitions for age 50?
Professionally, I hope to have helped build a number of successful new businesses.
How competitive are you, on a scale of 1 to 10?
In business I am reluctantly a very competitive 8, although I'm mostly competitive with myself.
If you could give the Prime Minister one piece of advice, what would it be?
Be much more aggressive at making Canada the place to operate and grow a business.
Is money important to you?
It is low on my priority list. I am much more interested in spending time with my wife and raising great kids.
What kind of car do you drive and why?
In the winter, a 1996 Nissan Pathfinder.
In the summer, an orange 1978 Porsche 911 because I needed a second car
and it was either that or a new Jetta.
What was the most interesting thing you read or saw last year?
Built to Last by James C. Collins. It is one of the only business books I could make it past the first chapter. It looks at businesses that have been successful over 50 years.
Jo Mark Zurel Age 37
Senior Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer,
CHC Helicopter Corporation, St. John's
After taking over in 1998 as CFO and, eventually, senior VP, Zurel has helped triple CHC's share price. CHC is the second-largest helicopter services company in the world, providing helicopters for exploration and production in the oil and gas industry. In 1999, CHC acquired Helicopter Services Group in Norway.
How competitive are you, on a scale of 1 to 10?
I'd say 1. At least, that's what I tell my competitors before driving them into the ground.
What is the most useful advice you ever received?
"Son, always wear one of these."
If you could give the Prime Minister one piece of advice, what would it be?
It's great to see the tax rate dropping. Keep up the good work.
Is money important to you?
Yes, it gives me the confidence to make the right decisions.
What kind of car do you drive and why?
A car small and nimble enough to manoeuvre around the potholes.
What was the most interesting thing you read or saw last year?
Seeing our share price move from $3 to $14.
Dr. Deborah Fels Age 38
Director, Centre for Learning Technologies, and Associate Professor, School
of Information Technology Management, Ryerson Polytechnic University, Toronto
A PhD in engineering and instructor at Ryerson since 1995, Fels has designed and developed several education-based programs, including PEBBLES (Providing Education By Bringing Learning Environments to Students), a video-communications system that links hospitalized children to their classrooms at school.
What are your ambitions for age 50?
To get there safely and soundly.
How competitive are you, on a scale of 1 to 10?
About a 4. I'd rather collaborate than compete.
What is the most useful advice you ever received?
Never burn bridges.
If you could give the Prime Minister one piece of advice, what would it be?
Know when it is time to quit. Increase funding for research and development,
and for education.
Is money important to you?
No, not as long as I have enough to feed, house and clothe my children.
What kind of car do you drive?
A 1988 Volvo. My first car was a 1966 Volvo that my dad purchased for $25. I learned how to fix cars then and I still like Volvos.
What was the most interesting thing you read or saw last year?
I read Memories of a Geisha while en route to Japan.
Francois Rainville Age 38
CEO, Elix Inc.,
Nun's Island, Que.
Rainville negotiated the merger last year of Prima Telematic and MediaSoft to form Elix--a telecom services company that provides hardware and software, and builds call centres for clients such as Air Canada, Telus and Fido.
What are your ambitions for age 50?
Invest in tech startups; help my children succeed in their professional and personal lives; play the 45 most beautiful golf courses in the world.
How competitive are you, on a scale of 1 to 10?
11. The most important thing is not to participate, it's to win.
What is the most useful advice you ever received?
Actually two things: Don't sweat the small stuff. Hire people who are more qualified and more intelligent than yourself.
If you could give the Prime Minister one piece of advice, what would it be?
Do not get in the way! Let business develop without putting too many laws
and taxes as obstacles.
Is money important to you?
Yes, but making money is a means to do something and not the ultimate goal.
What kind of car do you drive and why?
A Ford Expedition--lot of space, very safe.
What was the most interesting thing you read or saw last year?
Seeing Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus in person at the U.S. Open.
Wade R. Cachagee Age 27
Co-founder and President, Cree-Tech Inc.,
Chapleau, Ont.
A status Cree Indian, Cachagee founded Cree-Tech at age 21 after obtaining his Geographic Information Systems (GIS) diploma from Algonquin College.
The company focuses on GIS and forestry sectors, offering specialized applications, native resource management and other products and services. Cachagee helped create one of the largest cultural inventories of aboriginal lands in Canada. He also launched a database search engine with information on every First Nation in the country.
What are your ambitions for age 50?
I have a 23-year journey ahead of me before I reach 50, but I'm up for the challenge.
What is the most useful advice you ever received?
There are no limits. My family keeps repeating this!
If you could give the Prime Minister one piece of advice, what would it be?
Provide more opportunities for IT-based companies and professionals of all categories.
Is money important to you?
I don't measure success by how much money I make.
What kind of car do you drive and why?
I have two white sports cars and two SUVs.
What was the most interesting thing you read or saw last year?
The most exciting time for me was representing Canada at my second World Summit of Young Entrepreneurs held in New York City.
Stephane Boisvert Age 37
Net Generation Business Unit Executive, IBM Canada, Markham, Ont.
Boisvert joined IBM in 1985. He identified the opportunities that prompted the company to create the Net Generation Business Unit in 1999. The unit builds business strategies for web-based companies.
Its revenues increased by 1,000% in 2000.
What are your ambitions for age 50?
More time to spend with my family; being more involved in the community.
How competitive are you, on a scale of 1 to 10?
8. I am competitive, but not at all costs.
What is the most useful advice you ever received?
Love to read and learn.
If you could give the Prime Minister one piece of advice, what would it be?
Invest more of our hard-earned dollars in health care and education.
Is money important to you?
What my family and I can do with money is important. We love to travel, we enjoy good food and entertainment, so, yes, I love money. But I also appreciate what money can do to help people in need.
What kind of car do you drive?
BMW 540. Drives like a Porsche.
What was the most interesting thing you read or saw last year?
Being at the Sydney Olympics when Cathy Freeman ran the 400-metre. You felt the crowd actually carried her at the end--an intense feeling of human energy.
CANADA'S TOP 40 UNDER 40tm
National Board of Directors
2000/2001
Ms. Barbara Bruce
President, Winds of Change
Winnipeg, Man.
Dr. Angus Bruneau
Chairman, Fortis Inc.
St. John's, Nfld.
Dr. J.-Pierre Brunet
Chairman, PEAK Investments Inc.
Beaconsfield, Que.
Mr. Pierre Brunet
Vice Chairman, National Bank of Canada
Montreal, Que.
Mr. Brendan Calder
Corporate Director
Toronto, Ont.
Dr. Elizabeth Cannon
Professor & NSERC Chair, Geomatics, University of Calgary
Calgary, Alta.
Mr. Pierre Choquette
President and Chief Executive Officer,
Methanex Corporation
Vancouver, B.C.
Mr. Rob Dexter
Chief Executive Officer, Maritime Marlin Travel
Halifax, N.S.
Mr. Jean-René Halde
President and Chief Executive Officer,
Livingston Group Inc.
Toronto, Ont.
Mr. Stanley Hartt
Chairman, Salomon Smith Barney Canada
Toronto, Ont.
Mr. Dale Lastman
Co-Chair, Goodmans LLP
Toronto, Ont.
Mr. Jeffrey Lozon
President & Chief Executive Officer,
St. Michael's Hospital
Toronto, Ont.
Ms. Marg McGregor
Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Interuniversity Athletic Union (C.I.A.U.)
Ottawa, Ont.
Ms. Wendy Paquette
President and Chief Operating Officer, MTT
Halifax, N.S.
The Honourable Marie-P. Poulin
Senator, Senate of Canada
Ottawa, Ont.
Ms. Barbara Rae
Corporate Director
Vancouver, B.C.
Mr. Kenneth A. Shields
President and Chief Executive Officer,
Raymond James Ltd.
Vancouver, B.C.
Mr. Doug Stewart
Corporate Director
Oakville, Ont.
Ms. Stella Thompson
President, Governance West Inc.
Calgary, Alta.
Mr. Arni Thorsteinson
President, Shelter Canadian Properties Limited
Winnipeg, Man.
Mr. Mike Tims
President and Chief Executive Officer,
Peters & Company Limited
Calgary, Alta.
Mr. Kip Woodward
President, Woodcorp Investment Ltd.
Vancouver, B.C.
Mr. Victor Young
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer,
Fishery Products International Ltd.
St. John's, Nfld.