March 2022 Archives - Resource In Focus

March 2022

Women on the Rise
Challenge and Opportunity in the Resource Sector

We take an unblinking look at the challenges and opportunities women face in the natural resource sector from a Canadian perspective. It’s been a long, long road for women, but one that’s worth the journey.

Mind the Gap
Growing the Role of Women in Natural Resources

by Robert Hoshowsky

From greater land holdings in developing nations to working in North America’s mining industry, much can be done to boost the role of women in natural resources. And the time to do it is now.

Innovation in Alberta: Bringing New Technologies to Solar Power
Borea Construction

by David Caldwell

As Canada works toward total carbon neutrality by 2050, a future rich in renewable energy moves ever closer. Canada’s largest renewable-energy constructor, Borea Construction, is making renewable energy more accessible and smaller in size and environmental impact than ever before.

All Hands on Deck: Committed to Customers, Community, and Collaboration
Brannon Steel

by Allison Dempsey

As a company that has experienced steady, impressive growth since 1968, Brannon Steel has not only enjoyed successful expansion, but has managed to maintain its initial goals and focus of caring for its employees, clients and community. Fostering a deep commitment to family and teamwork, this ISO certified manufacturer with three facilities in Brampton, Ontario offers a wide range of services processing carbon steel plate while expertly handling an array of top-level clients.

Leading the Way in Laser Manufacturing Solutions
Virtek Vision

by William Young

Virtek Vision International is a Canadian manufacturer with international reach. Operating out of Ontario, this company primarily provides solutions to a diverse clientele based around the implementation of lasers and laser-outfitted products. These solutions include 3D laser projection systems, assembled from proprietary software and laser projection units assembled in-house. Virtek’s products are, in turn, used across a number of different industries to enhance the capabilities of manufacturing, projection, vision positioning, and quality assurance processes, among other areas.

Over a Century of Diverse Construction Solutions
McMullen & Pitz

by William Young

McMullen & Pitz Construction Company has over a century of experience in America’s construction industry. In 1918, Oliver McMullen, the owner of a small construction company in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, teamed up with businessman Arthur Pitz to form the company that still bears their names. This new company touted a special focus on marine construction with attention paid to Manitowoc, Sheboygan, and the surrounding areas.

Always Moving Forward
Gainsborough Waste

by Robert Hoshowsky

While running Carl Construction and Carl Custom Homes about 30 years ago, Noble Carl saw that there was a growing need at building sites for building waste removal and disposal services. Other needs then presented themselves, each one an opportunity.

Shine On – How DIY Solar Power Pays Off
altE Store

by Karen Hawthorne

While Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk and Richard Branson are sending rockets to explore space and make Mars habitable for humans, there’s a strong argument to be made for housekeeping changes on Earth, especially if you can’t afford to relocate to the Red Planet.

The World is Yours

December 2022

PAST EDITIONS

The Economics of Influence

November 2022

Positive Potential

October 2022

The Ups & Downs of Crypto

September 2022

More Past Editions

Cover Story

A Pipeline of Talent
Women in the Field

Featured Articles

Water, Water Everywhere…
… and Everywhere a Concern

In mining, oil and gas, and heavy industry, water is essential—but let’s remember that it’s essential to life, too…

Promoting Aquaculture with Advocacy and Action
The Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association

The Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association (ACFFA) has been keeping busy with advocacy, public education, and conferences, among other activities, since Resource in Focus last profiled the organization in May of 2022. The ACFFA, which represents Atlantic Canada’s salmon farming sector, has also been enjoying the transition “back to a normal work environment,” now that the worst of COVID is hopefully over, says Executive Director Susan Farquharson.

Aquaponics Solutions for a Better Fishery Industry
Alberta Aquaculture Association

The Alberta Aquaculture Association is dedicated to promoting aquaculture and its related practices in Western Canada. The association has been promoting environmentally friendly technologies, like aquaponics, to produce fish. Aquaponics is an integrated food production method that combines aquaculture (breeding and raising fish in a farm-like ecosystem) and hydroponics (cultivating plant life without soil, using water-based nutrients).

Helping Sea Farmers Meet Their Business Goals
Aquaculture Association of Nova Scotia

From its base in Halifax, the Aquaculture Association of Nova Scotia (AANS) operates across the province “from Yarmouth to Cape North, Cape Breton, and all points in between,” according to association Executive Director Tom Smith. The not-for-profit, membership-based industry trade group was founded in 1977 by a volunteer group of sea farmers. Today, it represents over 95 percent of all aquaculture farming in Nova Scotia across three sectors: finfish such as salmon, trout, and striped bass; shellfish such as oysters, mussels, clams, quahogs, scallops; and sea plants such as sugar kelp.

A CLEAR Commitment to H2S Management
AMGAS

AMGAS Services Inc. is a Rocky View, Alberta-based company with an international presence and several proprietary solutions for H₂S management in oil and gas operations and other sectors. By removing contaminants such as hydrogen sulphide (H₂S), benzene, toluene, and xylenes, its integrated solutions benefit both the environment and its clients’ bottom line. The company has continued to refine its offerings with a special emphasis on its ground-breaking CLEAR Technology.

“What Don’t We Do?” This Crew Celebrates Continued Success
Blue Flame Crew, LLC

Gas management systems provider Blue Flame Crew, LLC specializes in the design, installation, and service of systems across the United States. It serves as a division of Boos Resource & Technology Group, a conglomerate of companies providing a wide range of services including consulting, construction, maintenance, architectural design, and engineering for the environmental markets.