MBiz | Winter 2019

WINTER 2019, VOL. 16

BEST IN BUSINESS Awards gala celebrates excellence and innovation P6 TECH SECTOR BOOM Manitoba technology companies poised for rapid growth P42

Video game giant Ubisoft sets up shop in the Exchange P24 MEET OUR NEW TECH WIZARDS

Travel Manitoba - Proud Partner of MBiz magazine.

CONTRIBUTING $1.7 BILLION AND 14,000 JOBS TO OUR MANITOBA ECONOMY EVERY YEAR

HyLife Foods Manitoba Pork Producer Neepawa, MB

Manitoba’s pork industry is a key economic contributor. As one of few industries creating new jobs in rural communities, it provides economic stability and opportunity right here at home. manitobapork.com/economy

Featured in this issue:

NORMAN: Churchill Chamber of Commerce Flin Flon & District Chamber of Commerce Gillam Chamber of Commerce Lynn Lake Chamber of Commerce Snow Lake Chamber of Commerce The Pas & District Chamber of Commerce Thompson Chamber of Commerce PARKLAND: Dauphin & District Chamber of Commerce Roblin & District Chamber of Commerce Rossburn & District Chamber of Commerce Russell & District Chamber of Commerce Swan Valley Chamber of Commerce CENTRAL: Carman & Community Chamber of Commerce Chambre de commerce Notre-Dame-De-Lourdes Gladstone Chamber of Commerce MacGregor & District Chamber of Commerce Oakville & District Chamber of Commerce Portage la Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce Treherne & District Chamber of Commerce CAPITAL: Headingley Regional Chamber of Commerce La Salle & District Chamber of Commerce Niverville Chamber of Commerce Ritchot Regional Chamber of Commerce Selkirk Biz Stonewall & District Chamber of Commerce Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce PEMBINA VALLEY: Altona & District Chamber of Commerce Crystal City & District Chamber of Commerce Morden & District Chamber of Commerce Morris & District Chamber of Commerce Plum Coulee & District Chamber of Commerce Rosenort & District Chamber of Commerce Winkler & District Chamber of Commerce Aboriginal Chamber of Commerce Assiniboia Chamber of Commerce Chambre de commerce francophone de Saint-Boniface East St. Paul Chamber of Commerce

EASTERN: Beausejour & District Chamber of Commerce Chambre de commerce Saint-Pierre-Jolys Chambre de commerce St. Malo & District Falcon/West Hawk Chamber of Commerce Grunthal & District Chamber of Commerce Lac Du Bonnet & District Chamber of Commerce Landmark & Area Chamber of Commerce Pinawa Chamber of Commerce Piney Regional Chamber of Commerce Reynolds & Whitemouth District Chamber of Commerce

cultural diversity. 10

This year's Manitoba Business Awards gala showcased the province's economic and

Springfield Chamber of Commerce Steinbach Chamber of Commerce WESTERN: Boissevain & District Chamber of Commerce Brandon Chamber of Commerce

north Winnipeg. 18

Nor'West Co-op is helping promote healthy living among people in

Carberry & District Chamber of Commerce Deloraine & District Chamber of Commerce Elkhorn District Chamber of Commerce Melita & District Chamber of Commerce Rapid City & District Chamber of Commerce Souris & Glenwood Chamber of Commerce Virden Community Chamber of Commerce Waskada & Area Chamber of Commerce INTERLAKE: Ashern & District Chamber of Commerce Central Interlake Chamber of Commerce Eriksdale & District Chamber of Commerce Fisher Branch Chamber of Commerce Gimli Chamber of Commerce Teulon & District Chamber of Commerce MIDWEST:

Winkler-based Ironmen Industries and its attention to detail has helped the company grow by leaps and bounds.

Hamiota Chamber of Commerce Minnedosa Chamber of Commerce

Neepawa & District Chamber of Commerce Rivers & District Chamber of Commerce Shoal Lake and District Chamber of Commerce Wasagaming Chamber of Commerce

North Forge Technology Exchange is providing a growing number of companies with much-needed advice and counsel. 36

A MESSAGE FROM MCC PRESIDENT & CEO CHUCK DAVIDSON

WINTER 2019, VOL. 16 MANITOBA CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE mbchamber.mb.ca PRESIDENT & CEO Chuck Davidson DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & POLICY Karen Viveiros WINNIPEG FREE PRESS winnipegfreepress.com PUBLISHER Bob Cox MANAGER OF NICHE PRODUCTS Barb Borden barb.borden@freepress.mb.ca EDITOR Jim Timlick jimtimlick@gmail.com

UNLIMITED RETURNS: INVESTING IN TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNITY

In this edition of MBiz magazine, you’ll embark on a virtual tour of some incredible Manitoba organizations. At our recent 36th Manitoba Business Awards, we recognized a number of outstanding leaders, including our Lieutenant Governor’s Award recipients DLH Group CEO, Doug Harvey, as well as Price Industries. We heard from them first-hand that they are consistently focused on giving back to the community – a strong message to share with the next generation of leaders. During conversations with leaders, we sometimes hear that we don’t spend enough time celebrating success, and that we focus too much on the failures. I believe this is one of the key roles that the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce can play in our province. We should all be very proud to be Manitobans, and to talk up the success stories being written right here at home.

O ne of the best parts of my job is that I have opportunities to visit regions throughout the province and tour local businesses, many of which are innovative, leveraging technology, highly adaptable, and surprisingly agile. I also get to meet with business leaders who are operating thriving organizations critical to the Manitoba economy, while at the same time, steadfastly committed to putting energy towards improving the community.

WRITERS Jim Bender Trina Boyko Sherry Kaniuga Wendy King Geoff Kirbyson Todd Lewys Jennifer McFee

Pat Rediger Jared Story Karen Viveiros PHOTOGRAPHY Darcy Finley Numerous organizations supplied DESIGN Jane Chartrand

CHUCK DAVIDSON President and CEO Manitoba Chambers of Commerce

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View online at: winnipegfreepress.com/ publications

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MANITOBA BUSINESS AWARDS

Doug Harvey, CEO, DLH Group, recipient of the Lieutenant Governor's Award for Outstanding Contribution to Community by an Individual.

36TH MANITOBA BUSINESS AWARDS HONOUR EXCELLENCE, INNOVATION AND COMMUNITY SPIRIT CELEBRATING LEADERS AND LEGACIES

luckier we get,” says Fehr. “I also know that the more you give away, the more you get in return. I am very lucky to be able to give back as a result of our success, and to have found something I love doing every day.” And he was clearly not the only finalist energized by entrepreneurship. “I am so proud of my team and what we accomplished this year,” says Prairie Fava founder and president Hailey Jefferies, a former Brandon Chamber of Commerce employee who was so inspired by the business owners with whom she connected every day that she pursued her own venture. Prairie Fava has been a labour of love for Glenboro-based Jefferies, who works alongside her husband, Cale, a farmer who grows fava beans for the company. Prairie Fava received hard-earned funding from famed investor and Dragons’ Den star Arlene Dickinson’s District Ventures for the company’s industry-leading foray into the virtually untapped world of fava bean processing. This year,

BY KAREN VIVEIROS O

ur province’s business leaders and icons took centre stage at the 36th Manitoba Business Awards gala on Oct. 25, as we celebrated their contributions and explored their chapters in the Manitoba story.

Ralph Fehr, President and Chief Executive Officer of Winkler- based Elias Woodwork & Manufacturing, and recipient of our 2019 Outstanding Large Business Award, seemed to capture the finalists’ common experience and sentiment – all while winning the hearts and minds of gala guests with his humility and humour. Fehr, one of seven self and peer-nominated category award winners, received a lengthy standing ovation at the close of his acceptance speech from the crowd of 430 guests at the Victoria Inn Hotel and Convention Centre. “People tell us we’re lucky, but the harder we work, the

WINTER 2019

The evening’s Master of Ceremonies, Michelle Aitkenhead, RBC.

Ralph Fehr, CEO, Elias Woodwork & Manufacturing, 2019 Outstanding Large Business Award winner and inspirational speaker!

(Top right) Cheers to a double-header for Farmery Estate Brewery: Outstanding Small Business and Business of the Year! From left: Paul Holden, MCC Board Chair; brothers Lawrence & Chris Warwaruk, Farmery Estate Brewery; Dave Angus, President, Johnston Group; Chuck Davidson, MCC President & CEO. (Below right) “Start-up of the Year” Hailey Jefferies, president & founder, Prairie Fava Ltd., and husband Cale Jefferies.

they can add to their credentials the distinction of Manitoba Chambers of Commerce Start up the Year. Chuck Davidson, Manitoba Chambers of Commerce President and CEO, says it’s stories like these that make the awards such a privilege to confer. “Manitoba is rich in so many ways because we are diverse – economically and culturally – we are abundant in resources, and we are supportive of one another in business,” says Davidson. “The awards give us a chance to acknowledge our colleagues who are shaping the future of our province – and we get to recognize community champions who work hard every day to enhance our way of life.” And once again, this year’s nominees were exceptional. “Choosing finalists and award recipients is so challenging for our selection committee and jury panel because we receive many excellent submissions,” Davidson adds. “We are genuinely thankful to be able to discover Manitoba business success stories and to share them.” The year’s big winner was Outstanding Small Business, Farmery Estate Brewery – also crowned Business of the Year – an announcement that appeared to stun brothers and co-founders Chris and Lawrence Warwaruk. Neepawa-based Farmery is one of just a handful of estate breweries in all of North America with deep Manitoba roots, borne out of a tough history of family farming.

“We owned a little pub and restaurant on Winnipeg’s Osborne Street once upon a time. We launched our craft beer while we still operated that place, and although we closed the restaurant and thought about going west at one point, we are so glad we didn’t,” says Chris. “We are still a small operation, but we are doing so many different things. We grow prairie crops like hops and barley, we brew beer and non-alcoholic beverages, we process crops into products like flour and pancake mix, and we host tours of the estate.” Every year, Farmery welcomes approximately 20,000 tourists, meeting people from all over the world. Although they credit receiving Travel Manitoba’s Star Attraction designation as their big break, the bottom line is that Farmery has innovated, creating a unique destination product in a rural area, and invested in their local community. That same powerful drive and determination seems to fuel all our award recipients. “Manitobans are enterprising and resilient, and there are countless stories of entrepreneurs, large companies, and agencies making an impact and driving growth. And sometimes, they’re doing it very quietly,” says MCC Board Chair Paul Holden, President and CEO of the Education Canada Group. “When you hear the stories behind the leaders and discover how these brilliant folks have made their mark, it is a reminder of the strength and potential of our business sector.”

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Doug Harvey, CEO of DLH Group, delivered a touching and hilarious acceptance speech for the 2019 Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to Community by an Individual.

The Outstanding Social Enterprise/Not-for-Profit Award was presented to the Bear Clan Patrol and Executive Director James Favel. (Right) Clear Concepts’ managing partner Phil Proctor (centre) and Outstanding Medium Business Award winner. Pictured here with Paul Holden, MCC board chair and Tech Manitoba CEO Kathy Knight.

WE ARE HONOURED TO PRESENT THE

PRICE INDUSTRIES Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to Community by a Business presented by

works closely with the Winnipeg Police Service and other agencies to enhance neighbourhood safety. With a mandate to protect and empower women and children, as well as elderly and other vulnerable community members, the team works non-violently, without judgment, and in

MANITOBA BUSINESS AWARDS CLASS OF 2019:

harmony with those they serve. Finalists: Manitoba Technology Accelerator, The Dream Factory PRAIRIE FAVA LTD

Established in 1946, Price Industries is a privately-held family company with deep heritage and an incredible commitment to philanthropy and community support. Their founding principles – business integrity, first class service, innovation, and a commitment to people – have never changed. After more than 70 years, the company’s vision, values, and the “Price way of doing business” are the cornerstones of their market leadership in the non-residential air distribution industry. According to Gerry Price, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer: “Success isn’t just a reward; it’s a responsibility. As a successful member of the community, we have a responsibility to help those who are less fortunate and contribute to the common good.” BEAR CLAN PATROL INC 2019 Outstanding Social Enterprise/ Not-for-Profit sponsored by Winnipeg Free Press The Bear Clan Patrol’s mission is to build better lives through relationships, empowerment, and harm reduction. Operating patrols in four Winnipeg communities (North End, West Broadway, West End, Central Park), and often supporting disaster evacuees and those living with addiction, the BCP

Outstanding Start-up of the Year sponsored by Canadian Footwear Hailey Jefferies incorporated her agri-food ingredient company in 2015 and began processing fava in 2017. PF’s vision is to be “the fava bean company,” supplying high-quality, healthy fava beans, fava ingredients, and fava consumer products to the world. Jefferies has become the expert in all things fava, securing funding to undertake research into its functionality, develop recipes, and share knowledge with clients in the food manufacturing and food service areas. Finalists: BodyMeasure Inc., Ion Coating FARMERY ESTATE BREWERY Outstanding Small Business sponsored by 6P Marketing Farmery Estate Brewery is North America’s original estate brewery and three related businesses in one: a self- sustaining brewer of beer and other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages; an agri-tourism destination; and a family farm operation. This agricultural company produces beer, flour mixes,

DOUG HARVEY, CEO, DLH GROUP Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to Community by an Individual presented by Doug Harvey is an influential and highly- respected business leader who believes that when a city has the opportunity to do something world-class, the local community needs to get behind it. He leads by example, contributing his time and talents to numerous boards and industry committees. Harvey serves as Chair of the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, Chair of Yes! Winnipeg, and Chair of the FortWhyte Legacy Society. In 2015, the Association of Fundraising Professionals of Manitoba named him their Outstanding Philanthropist. Today, Harvey’s successful DLH Group of enterprises employs approximately 1,000 people across Canada.

WINTER 2019

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malted sodas, and hops oil-infused wellness products from raw commodities, generating revenue and creating opportunities in smaller and agricultural communities. Finalists: Brows by G, Coal & Canary Candle Company Inc CLEAR CONCEPTS Outstanding Medium Business sponsored by Tech Manitoba Clear Concepts takes an innovative approach to solving client IT challenges by revolutionizing how organizations operate with breakthrough technologies. The company helps clients optimize workflow, limit IT infrastructure, reduce risk, enjoy clarity, and access transformational cloud services and support for critical business functions. Founded in 2001, Clear Concepts empowers its clients to get the best out of their technology investment by assessing, deploying, managing, and maintaining the health and security of those technologies – all without a contract! Finalists: Bison Fire Protection, The Forks Renewal Corporation ELIAS WOODWORK & MANUFACTURING Outstanding Large Business sponsored by Taylor McCaffrey Lawyers Established in 1983, Elias had humble beginnings as a family-owned manufacturer of wood cabinet doors, RV components, and furniture. The company is now Canada’s largest manufacturer of cabinetry components, employing 370 employees from local communities, and nearly doubling in size in the last five years. In the past two years alone, the company’s sales grew by 60 per cent, and by the close of 2019, facilities will measure more than 375,000 square feet following multiple expansions. In 2018, the company was named the fastest growing in its industry by FDMC Magazine and has been featured in Woodworking Network’s WOOD 100 several times. Finalists: Civility Experts Inc Worldwide, GoodLife Fitness

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WINTER 2019

Photo above: The Winners' Circle! (Top right) Rebecca Ramos, Triple V Building Maintenance, took home the prize of two airfares anywhere Air Canada flies in North America, courtesy of our partner Air Canada. Pictured here with guest Ronald Ramos (left) and Chris Isford (right), Air Canada vice- president and controller. (Right) Barry LaRocque (centre), President/Owner, Brandon-based Atom-Jet Group accepts the Long-term Achievement Award for 50-plus years of business from MCC board chair Paul Holden and Ron Gauthier (right), president and CEO of CPHR Manitoba.

(Above) Actionmarguerite’s chief HR officer Sheila Bayda says that their partnership with Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba has greatly improved their safety record and return-to-work process. WCB director of case management Dan Holland (right), presented Bayda with the 2019 Return to Work Award. (Above middle) Brothers Chris and Lawrence Warwaruk, co-founders of Farmery Estate Brewery, celebrate winning the Outstanding Small Business and Business of the Year awards. (Far right) Gerry Price, chairman and CEO of Price Industries, accepted the 2019 Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Community by a Business, from Holden and Minister Ralph Eichler, Economic Development and Training.

THE MANITOBA CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE WISHES TO EXPRESS OUR SINCERE THANKS TO OUR 36TH MANITOBA BUSINESS AWARDS SPONSORS:

ATOM-JET GROUP 2019 Outstanding Long-term Achievement sponsored by CPHR Manitoba Atom-Jet Industries was established in 1962 as a manufacturer of humidifiers. As industry grew in the Brandon area, the need for mechanical repair and machining services increased, and the machine shop quickly became the company’s primary business. It has also built up to accommodate the manufacture of a new product that created the opportunity for additional new products in the agricultural seeding and fertilizing sector. Today, Atom-Jet Group employs 70 staff at two facilities, and the company is pursuing new products and initiatives to gain market-share in Alberta, some U.S. states, and regions in Southwestern Australia. Finalists: Aikens Lake Wilderness Lodge, Century 21 Westman Realty Ltd

ACTIONMARGUERITE

Presented by Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba Actionmarguerite operates personal care homes, specialized care programs for the elderly and adults living with acquired brain injuries, as well as two community foundations. As an employer of 1,000 staff, Actionmarguerite recently invested heavily in training, equipment, and new therapy approaches to support person-centered care and safe work practices. It has adopted Gentle Persuasive Approaches (GPA) to retrain staff working with clients with advanced forms of dementia or acquired brain injuries. To date, 17 GPA-trained coaches have trained 300 staff with a plan to train 100 per cent by October 2020. Finalists: Birchwood Automotive Group, Donwood Manor Personal Care Home

Legacy Sponsor

Platinum Sponsors

Thank you also to Honourable Minister Ralph Eichler; MCC Board Chair Paul Holden; Selection Committee and Jury Panel; our gala Master of Ceremonies, Michelle Aitkenhead, RBC; as well as to all award category sponsors (and presenters!), partners, and suppliers for making the 36th Manitoba Business Awards a great success. Check out the finalist videos we played at the gala! Go to Manitoba Chambers of Commerce on YouTube to see Coelement’s creative work.

WINTER 2019

MCC MOVE

WE'VE MOVED!

BY KAREN VIVEIROS W elcome to 550-201 Portage Ave., the new home of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce. After 20 years occupying a storefront one block west, the MCC now overlooks the iconic corner of Portage and Main. This move is part of the MCC’s modernization strategy — efforts that President and CEO Chuck Davidson says will enable technology, infrastructure, and process enhancements, including the accommodation of several important developments.

“With the recent announcement that the MCC will administer the Manitoba Mineral Development Fund (MMDF), we will need to bring on board additional staff, and we just didn’t have the physical space in our previous location. Now we do,” Davidson says. “Plus, as a member-driven organization, we have a responsibility to champion progress and welcome enhancements to the benefit of our members. We are proud to be modernizing.” The new space gives the MCC excellent

amenities, a great location, collaborative workspace, and access to a premium board room on the concourse level. “On behalf of all MCC staff, thank you to 201 Portage and all tenants here who have stopped by to give us such a warm welcome. We’ve truly made ourselves at home here.” ■ The new Manitoba Chambers of Commerce offices at Portage and Main. (Above) MCC president and CEO Chuck Davidson. Photos by Darcy Finley

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WINTER 2019

SCIMAR

DAUPHIN-BASED BUSINESS ADVANCES DIABETES SOLUTION Innovative research took root in 1996

S ciMar Ltd., a Dauphin-based life sciences company, is advancing a powerful research initiative to stem the tide of the global Type 2 diabetes epidemic. “The worldwide explosion of Type 2 diabetes is frightening and we see the effects of it in Manitoba in a significant way, given the prominence of this terrible disease in our Indigenous communities,” says Mick Lautt, SciMar’s Chief Executive Officer. “Prevention initiatives have been largely unsuccessful around the world, and the treatment paradigm has lagged. We aim to change the story.” According to the World Health Organization, the number of people living with diabetes rose from 108 million in 1980 to 422 million in 2014. Left unchecked, some believe that by 2035, about 600 million people will have Type 2 diabetes, which can lead to kidney failure, stroke, heart attacks, lower limb amputations, and death. “Our research will inform new prevention strategies and will lead to a suite of products to diagnose and prevent the disease,” says

Lautt. “For people who are already diabetic, we are working on ways to halt the disease’s progression and even reverse it.” SciMar’s work is based on the discoveries of Dr. Wayne Lautt, Professor Emeritus, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics at the University of Manitoba. In 1996, Dr. Lautt discovered a previously unidentified hormone secreted by the liver. He was struck by the hormone’s impact on metabolic health and how it affects the body’s uptake of glucose. He dubbed the hormone “hepatic insulin-sensitizing substance” or HISS, for short. Dr. Lautt and his colleagues learned that when there is an adequate supply of HISS, the body can partition glucose effectively into muscle. When there is an inadequate supply of HISS, the pancreas produces additional insulin, which causes nutrient energy to be partitioned into fat. The goal of the work is to confirm ways to keep the production of HISS and insulin in appropriate balance. “It’s a process called nutrient partitioning and we believe that this approach is the missing link in our understanding of obesity

and Type 2 diabetes,” says Dr. Lautt, who has published over 220 articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals. “Everything we have been doing in the lab has been validating our hypotheses and we are confident that our next clinical trials will position us to change the course of Type 2 diabetes.” Through the early years of his work, Dr. Lautt and his colleagues attracted numerous research grants to move the work forward. In 2009, Dr. Lautt, his wife Melanie, and son Mick established SciMar Ltd. to ready themselves to attract investors and to work together toward the commercialization of a product pipeline. The company opened the door to investors in 2017 and enthusiastic investors from the Parkland Region walked right in. SciMar’s seed round attracted nearly $3 million from 28 initial investors, almost all from the Dauphin area. The initial investment allowed SciMar to expand its research staff, purchase state-of- the-art research tools and equipment, and rent space in the world-class Albrechtsen Research Centre at St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg.

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(Far left) The Albrechtsen Research Centre and Asper Clinical Research Institute at the St. Boniface Hospital are home to SciMar's research and human clinical trials. (Centre) Dr. Wayne Lautt (centre) discusses data with Dr. Randall Gieni (left) and Dr. Kawshik Chowdhury (right) in the SciMar laboratory. (Above) Dr. Wayne Lautt is the co-founder and chief scientific officer of SciMar Ltd. “I was humbled by the support, but I wasn’t surprised,” says Mick Lautt. “Each and every SciMar investor is looking for a return, of course, but they were all excited about being on the ground floor of something that could have so much impact on global well-being. Our investors are positive, forward-looking, and eager to make a difference.” To help move SciMar’s understanding of metabolic health and the impact of HISS forward, the company has launched an outreach initiative called the Wellness Transformation Network (WTN). The initiative is designed to help communities and organizations test a variety of lifestyle interventions to measure their impact on health, including the production of HISS. Winnipeg’s Reh-Fit Centre and Youville have joined the network with other institutional members to follow. WTN is expected to be operational in early 2020. SciMar is working on a pipeline that comprises four products: a daily preventative to protect the HISS mechanism; a revolutionary drug to halt or reverse the disease in people already diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes; the HISS hormone itself, which would be used alongside insulin; and NuPa Test, an early screening diagnostic with its name derived from the concept of nutrient partitioning. Health Canada gave SciMar an initial green light in August to move forward with clinical trials of NuPa Test. “We’re very excited about the progress we are making and the results we are seeing,” says Lautt. “Medical research is a long process. We’re grateful for the skill and focus of our team and for the support and engagement of our investors.” For more information on SciMar Ltd., visit scimar.ca. For more information on the Wellness Transformation Network initiative, visit wellnesstransformation.org. ■

Maximizing Potential

M ick Lautt has fulfill their potential, and build community. Whether leading wilderness- based youth programs, or working as SciMar’s CEO, built a career on helping others raise the bar, Lautt has always focused his attention on driving results and promoting wellness. “I’ve always believed that the pursuit of excellence inspires well-being,” says the Dauphin-based executive. “Through coaching and entrepreneurship, I have always tried to help others be the best they can be.” Prior to immersing himself full-time as SciMar’s CEO, Lautt ran his own training and consulting practice focused on management, team-building, and leadership development. Among other career milestones, he co-launched and ran Adventure Education Manitoba, a wilderness-

based life skills development company that served youth- at-risk living mainly in Winnipeg’s core area, among other people. He founded a white-water kayaking school, worked as a senior consultant with People First HR Services, and continues to work as an occasional sessional instructor in the Executive Education program at the Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba. “I like teaching, and I love working with new ventures that are designed to address pressing social needs. That’s why I focused much of my early work on helping youth-at-risk and supporting community development,” says Lautt. “Today, through SciMar, my colleagues and I are focused on solving a very serious health crisis with severe social and personal consequences. We are working to create change.” ■

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EXPAND YOUR BUSINESS.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TOURS CAN HELP YOU PROSPER IN NORTHERN MANITOBA.

The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce can help you explore new markets right here at home.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TOURS 2020 April 2020: July 2020: Thompson / Nelson House Churchill

Our Economic Development Tours provide business leaders with a greater understanding of the economic opportunities that exist throughout Manitoba , and enable host communities to showcase their value proposition with the goal of expanding the local economy. The two-day tours are chock-full of opportunities to network with decision-makers and business leaders, tour local operations, and assess future prospects. Expand your market and experience the north.

(Limited to 20-25 participants per tour.)

For more information, and to submit your expression of interest visit: tours. JOIN THE CHAMBER .CA

TRAVEL MANITOBA

Thompson

Growing Tourism in Northern Manitoba THE NORTH IS CALLING

T hanks to our province’s incredible wildlife, vibrant skies and incredible landscapes – and the tourism experiences that come with those amazing features – Manitoba was named by Lonely Planet as one of the Top 10 Regions to visit in 2019. This designation by one of the world’s leading travel companies shows that there is worldwide interest in Manitoba’s tourism experiences. This win for our province’s tourism industry comes as tourism stakeholders in Manitoba’s North aim to grow the importance of that sector to the region’s economy through the Northern Manitoba Tourism Strategy, a Travel Manitoba initiative supported by the Province of Manitoba. “North of the 53rd parallel, Manitoba has incredible natural assets and is rich in Indigenous culture and history,” said Growth, Enterprise and Trade Minister Blaine Pedersen. “Sharing these experiences with travellers from across the province, Canada and the world is an opportunity to enrich the lives of many and contribute to the economic future of the region.” The Northern Manitoba Tourism Strategy was launched a year ago, with the aim to increase tourism expenditures in Manitoba’s North from the current $116 million annually to $151 million by 2022.

While hunting and fishing tourism has prospered in Manitoba’s North for many decades, the growth of Churchill as an international destination for polar bear and beluga whale viewing has created global brand recognition for the North. There remains significant potential for other adventure tourism opportunities in Manitoba’s North, such as outdoor experiences on the abundance of lakes, waterways and parks, as well as further careful development and presentation of Indigenous culture to visitors to the region. “The first year of the Northern Manitoba Tourism Strategy has been filled with successes and interesting learning experiences,” said the Chair of the Northern Manitoba Tourism Advisory Committee, Gary Bell. “Connecting stakeholders across the region has provided important insight into the opportunities and challenges that exist in the North in terms of tourism development.” Travel Manitoba’s Northern Tourism Consultant has visited 11 communities across the region, identifying potential tourism products and experiences, such as the ongoing development of the Boreal Discovery Centre in Thompson and the completion of snowmobile trails between Snow Lake and Cranberry Portage.

“There is an appetite for the North – and we will be continuing to offer up compelling stories, videos and images to show people what amazing tourism opportunities exist in the region.” - Colin Ferguson, Travel Manitoba President & CEO

Churchill

With Travel Manitoba taking the lead on marketing the region, the aim has been to get Manitobans more familiar with this vast area of the province. A new Manitoba North website and travel guide were created, along with a robust content campaign featuring blog posts, videos and social media. “What were seeing is that our audiences are really interested in stories featuring the North,” said Travel Manitoba President and CEO Colin Ferguson. “They are spending upwards of 10 to 15 minutes reading these blog posts, way above the industry benchmark of two minutes. There is an appetite for the North – and we will be continuing to offer up compelling stories, videos and images to show people what amazing tourism opportunities exist in the region.” In addition, place brands have been created for The Pas/ Opaskwayak Cree Nation as well as Flin Flon, with Thompson’s place brand still in development. These place brands were developed after significant stakeholder consultation and offer a tangible starting point for tourism development in those regional hubs by identifying the destination’s unique selling proposition highlighted through professionally crafted wordmarks created by McKim Communications. And with the results from destination area assessments completed on Thompson and area, The Pas/OCN, Flin Flon and area as well as Churchill, these tourism hub communities are being provided with concrete recommendations to support tourism growth. Increases in tourism expenditures do not just benefit the tourism industry. The flow-through effect of travel means that a portion of every dollar spent by a visitor ends up in the hands of a secondary business and contributes to the development of the community. And a strong tourism industry enhances the overall quality of life for Manitobans by providing access to exciting experiences, unique attractions, cultural and outdoor activities, festivals and events. It is these types of immersive experiences that Manitoba offers visitors: once-in-a-lifetime experiences that will envelop them in culture, authenticity, exploration and adventure; creating memories that will stay with them forever.

Learn more at travelmanitoba.com

Pisew Falls

NOR’WEST

HEALTHY ATTITUDE, HEALTHY

(From left) Margaret Day, Grant Mitchell, Adam Emerson and Shannon Burns serve up free, healthy meals through Nor’West’s food service centre. Photo by Darcy Finley

COMMUNITY Nor’West Co-op engaging neighbourhood on health and wellness BY JIM BENDER O ffering a variety of different services has often paid off for the Nor’West Co-op Community Health. areas of mental health and addictions. One in four Manitobans aged 10 and over have been diagnosed with a mood or anxiety disorder, Horodecki says. It has also been reported that 75 per cent of mental illness starts before the age of 24. “So, the window of intervention is really small and really important,” Horodecki says.

For example, one of the programs offered as part of the co-op’s relatively new Youth Hub centre is fun recreational activities. It also includes services in the areas of mental health, primary care, addictions, Indigenous cultural support and training for employment. “We had one 15-year-old youth who did not come in for counselling, she just wanted to visit (during the recreational activities),” recalls Laura Horodecki, a project manager who oversees many programs, including the Youth Hub. “So, it was just a matter of spending some time at the Youth Hub and the youth got comfortable enough that she eventually asked to see a counsellor. It turned out that she experienced some serious mental health issues and, after a number of visits to the counsellor, she recognized how much it helped her. “For our staff, it’s wonderful that they can make such an impact on youth. It’s rewarding.” The Youth Hub was established to help youth aged 14 to 24, particularly in the

The Youth Hub also trains the youth for both part-time and full-time jobs, and helps some get into post-secondary schools. It has helped more than 2,000 young people since it started in 2017, including about 500 high-risk youth, Horodecki says. It was recently reported that the Youth Hub will get $823,000 over three years from the Province of Manitoba. That money will be used to expand the program, hire more employees and lower the age of eligibility to 12 from 14, increasing the number of kids it can help, Horodecki says. The Youth Hub is just one of 31 programs offered by Manitoba’s only healthcare co-op. Members pay $10 for a lifetime membership which can be waived depending on their financial circumstances. That gives them a say in how the co-op is operated, to vote on

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NOR’WEST

(From left) Lila Knox, Ken Grove, Nancy Heinrich, Elizabete Halprin, Trina Raine and Dr. Kadirah Lupitasari are part of the team at not-for- profit Nor’West Co-op Community Health in north Winnipeg. Photos by Darcy Finley

By setting up a co-op, the clients’ and community’s needs would be the focus rather than the physicians.” The main issues addressed were access to healthy food, economics and education because they affect healthcare so dramatically. “It was a primary care clinic at the start,” Grove says. “They had a doctor, a nurse practitioner, a nurse and I think they had a

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who sits on the board of directors and to run to sit on that board. The co-op’s mission is “to engage the community in cooperative health and wellness” in a dignified way, its website says. The co- op currently boasts more than 850 members. The co-op employs between 150 and 160 people, with about 80 “very robust volunteers,” Horodecki adds.

counsellor. They had five or six people. They had a vision of mental healthcare needs and very quickly expanded.” The co-op now has five full-time doctors, eight full-time nurse practitioners and a number of nurses, therapists and counsellors. The co-op also started up a food service centre about four years ago. Anyone can eat a free sit-down lunch three times a week and one supper a week. If someone can afford to pay for a meal, it’s only $1.50 and they may be asked to pay for one other person’s meal. The food centre also teaches people how to cook and grow gardens.

It now costs about $11 million per annum to operate and the not-for-profit organization gets funding from the provincial government, United Way, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, the Winnipeg Foundation and a host of others, says Ken Grove, the co-executive director alongside Nancy Heinrichs. Other services the co-op offers include a walk-in clinic, pharmacy, counselling for adults, counselling and legal advice for victims of domestic abuse, and job training. It has won the Aon Award for Best Small Business three times. The co-op has come a long way since it was founded on Nov. 27, 1972.

Another relatively new program is the Hans Kai, adapted from Japan, where participants get together to improve their health through nutrition and exercise. While there are no plans to add any additional programs at this time, many of the existing ones will be expanded, Grove says. For more information, visit www.norwestcoop.ca. ■

“Our understanding is that a group of physicians and some others were concerned about what was happening in their neighbourhood in terms of healthcare,” Grove says. “The Inkster and Tyndall Park area was kind of a barren wasteland. So, they decided to set up a co-op that would include patients having a voice in how it’s run.

WINTER 2019

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WINTER 2019

BREATHING EASIER Careica Health establishing itself as a leader in respiratory care

BY PAT REDIGER

W hat began as an inquiry into new technology in Wales in 1988 has led to the formation of Western Canada’s leader in respiratory care. Little did Earl Gardiner realize that when he approached Rimer Alco to see if he could bring their oxygen container technology to Canada that he would ultimately create Careica Health, which is headquartered in Winnipeg and has staff and offices from British Columbia to Manitoba. “We focus on creating innovative respiratory care programs that support sufferers of sleep disordered breathing and respiratory disease,” says Careica Health president and CEO Cory McArthur. “With Careica Health’s relentless focus on long-life care and support, our clients experience a new standard of comfort, mobility and freedom.” Careica Health officially formed this year

after the merger of RANA Respiratory Care Group, Provincial Sleep Group, and Provincial Home Oxygen. The new company employs 230 staff in 25 locations throughout Western Canada. The company origin dates back to 1988 when Gardiner received approval to sell Rimer Alco’s oxygen systems in Canada. He quickly pioneered on-site oxygen systems in Canada, thereby reducing the cost of bulk oxygen. Over the years the company expanded with its own manufacturing facilities, the creation of a rural community respiratory program in Manitoba; sleep apnea clinics; a pulmonary function testing lab in Calgary; and a provider of ventilator- assistive device aids. After the company sold its manufacturing division in 2016, it concentrated its efforts on home oxygen and sleep studies programs, eventually winning the 2017 Canadian

Business Excellence Award for Private Businesses from Excellence Canada and PwC Canada. The synergies created by purchasing Provincial Sleep Group and Provincial Home Oxygen expanded the company into more markets and enhanced its existing products and services. “Part of the reason we did the acquisition was because the geography fit really nicely,” explains McArthur. “The Provincial Home Oxygen business was very strong in Saskatchewan, central northern Alberta and it had a presence on the west coast. RANA was very strong in Manitoba and had a small presence in Saskatchewan and was really strong in southern Alberta, so we fit together fairly well.” The rebranded company is now able to better fulfill its mission, which McArthur explained is to improve the quality of life for people with respiratory issues. Since

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CAREICA HEALTH

Staff at Winnipeg-based Careica Health are focused on providing support to patients who suffer from sleep disordered breathing and respiratory disease. Photos by Darcy Finley

“We deal with a lot of people who have very compromised health and we use our expertise to help improve their quality of life.”

most clients will experience these issues for the rest of their lives, he says it is important for Careica Health to develop long-term relationships with its clients and ensure they are properly supported. “We defined our purpose about two-and-a- half years ago to help people live their best lives,” he says. “We deal with a lot of people who have very compromised health and we use our expertise to help improve their quality of life.” As part of this process, the company started a panel discussion with various healthcare professionals to determine the best ways to assist people suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Individuals with COPD typically suffer from progressive lung diseases such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and refractory (non-reversible) asthma. This discussion eventually focused on what an

oxygen provider can do to assist them. “One of the things we determined that could have the biggest impact was socialization,” McArthur says. “Socialization is extremely important when somebody’s mobility is compromised because they need supplemental oxygen. We’ve gone out of our way to ensure that the frequency of contact we have with our clients stays the same, and if we can find ways to enhance their lifestyle, then that’s so much the better.” Another aspect the company focusses on regarding its clients is helping them maintain an active lifestyle. Their staff work diligently with clients to help them slow their deterioration due to respiratory disease. The more active a lifestyle they can maintain, the greater the opportunities they will have to increase their socialization. McArthur says that business continues to grow for the company. The prevalence of

smoking remains one of the primary drivers of COPD and emphysema. The sleep side of the business is a bit different since the important of quality sleep has increased over the last decade. There is also more recognition about obstructive sleep apnea and how it can be treated. One of the organizations that has helped Careica succeed has been the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce. “We certainly want to be part of an organization that is going to advocate for Manitoba businesses,” McArthur says. “We’ve got challenges and we’ve got opportunities and we need a single voice that advocates for Manitoba businesses. We also need to have an organization that draws businesses to Manitoba. The healthier and thriving businesses we can draw into this province, the more potential clients that we can support.” ■

WINTER 2019

UBISOFT

ASSASSINS EXCHANGE Ubisoft Winnipeg studio leading innovations for video game maker BY JARED STORY

W innipeg has been recruited into the Order of Assassins. Ubisoft, the French video game giant behind the action-adventure series Assassin’s Creed, as well as the popular Far Cry and Watch

Dogs franchises, set up shop in the city’s Exchange District last fall. Located in the Merchants Building on McDermot Avenue, the Winnipeg studio will play a specific strategic role for Ubisoft. CONTINUED >>

WINTER 2019

Managing director Darryl Long says Ubisoft’s Winnipeg studio is dedicated to innovation and developing new technologies that will make the company’s video games even better. Photo by Darcy Finley

WINTER 2019

UBISOFT

Ubisoft’s Winnipeg studio already boasts a staff of 60 people in just its first year of operation and is looking to boost that number to more than 100 within a five-year period. Photo by Darcy Finley

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already boasts 60 employees one year into its operations. Long says its staff includes many Manitobans, including some returning expats. “AAA video game development is completely new to Manitoba,” Long says. “The people who have dreamed of making AAA video games since they were kids, they previously had no choice, they had to move away if they wanted to pursue their dream.” “This studio is putting Manitoba on the video game industry map as a destination for creators and video games.” However, not everyone at Ubisoft Winnipeg comes from the gaming world. “We’ve got engineers, programmers, designers and artists, all working together under the same roof, sharing ideas with each other and collaborating together to make these games,” Long says. “We’re made up of veterans from the video game industry, as well as people who have spent their career in completely different industries.” Long believes diversity can drive innovation, pointing to such Ubisoft initiatives as community partnerships and the Ubisoft Winnipeg Scholarship for Women in Computer Science. “Diversity is very important to us and encouraging women in technology is a very big part of that initiative,” Long says. “There are absolutely barriers for women to get into technology fields and that is our way of helping them get over those barriers and start a career in technology.”

“We know that diversity makes us more creative. When everybody in the room is exactly the same and thinks exactly the same way, it’s a lot harder to generate great ideas. But, if you take two people that think very differently and you get them working together, they will absolutely generate ideas that are better than they could do alone.” Long says that diversity, combined with the studio’s emphasis on creativity, makes for an electric atmosphere. “Sometimes it can get pretty loud,” he says. “There are a ton of conversations happening on the floor all over, people discussing ‘How do we solve this problem?’ or ‘What’s a different way of doing this?’ while others are standing in front of a white board inventing some new technology.” “It’s very fast-paced, it’s very dynamic, it’s very creative, and it’s a lot of fun.” That dynamic culture is boosted by comprehensive health benefits, a flexible work schedule, monthly office festivities, environmental sustainability initiatives, and training and workshop opportunities. “It’s just empowering people to know they can chase their vision,” Long says. “When people realize ‘Oh, I can define a new way of making video games, I can define what video games will be in the future’ they will respond and chase that idea. “It doesn’t feel like work here, because you wake up every morning and you’re just ready to go.” ■

“We’re affiliated with the other Ubisoft Canadian studios in Montreal, Toronto and Quebec City, and they’re really the powerhouses of AAA (big budget) video game development,” says Ubisoft Winnipeg managing director Darryl Long. “We wanted to do something different in Manitoba. We’re more of a boutique studio and we specialize in doing one thing and doing it extremely well. We dedicated the studio to innovation, to developing new technologies to make our video games even better. We’re the only Ubisoft studio with a focus on innovation, and as far as I know, we’re the only video game studio in the entire industry that is completely focused on developing new technology.” That means made-in-Manitoba technologies will power future installments of Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry. Currently, Ubisoft Winnipeg is developing technologies related to cloud gaming and mobile gaming. “Every year, more and more players are playing video games on their phones, so we need to be on top of that,” Long says. “Video games, they’re not what they used to be. It used to be you made the game, you put it in a box, you put it on store shelves and that was it. Now, video games live for years. We’re able to develop games that keep our players engaged for years on end.” Ubisoft Winnipeg originally pledged to create 100 jobs over five years and

WINTER 2019

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