Best Competition Bureau Podcasts (2025)

1
Venture for Canada Teaches You How to Buy a Business (w/Scott Stirrett) 28:16

22d ago28:16

28:16

What if the best way to start a business is to buy one that already exists? In this episode of The Unsure Entrepreneur Podcast, host Roger Pierce speaks with Scott Stirrett, Founder and CEO of Venture for Canada, a national charity helping young Canadians gain entrepreneurial experience and skills. Since 2013, Scott and his team have raised more th…

1
S1 E95 STEVE SCORFINA - Early legacy member of REO Speedwagon 1:18:15

24d ago1:18:15

1:18:15

Steve Scorfina and Kathleen Sullivan had only met your host Tim Larson two weeks prior to the recording of this episode. They were all attending a charity event at the Hard Rock Casino in Rockford, Illinois. One conversation led to another very quickly and the next thing ya know Tim was photographing the REO Speedwagon Legacy Reunion Concert in the…

1
Accounting Truths That Could Save Your Business (w/Daryl Ching) 37:38

2M ago37:38

37:38

Most small business owners rely on a part-time bookkeeper and an accountant who shows up once a year. My guest explains why that setup leads to inaccurate financials and lost opportunities: “We lost deals because the financials were a mess—expenses were recorded in the wrong months, balance sheets were out of whack, and investors walked away.” In t…

1
Criminal Matter Enforcement in Flux: Cross-Border Insights and Trends 32:09

2M ago32:09

32:09

In this episode of the Counterfactual Podcast, we hear from Bruce McCulloch from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and Joe McGrade from Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP provide US and Canadian perspectives on the key highlights and additional insights from the panel discussion at the 2025 Annual Criminal Matters Committee Town Hall hosted by the CBA Crimi…

1
S1 E94 MARK FINNEGAN - Vets Roll trip to Washington, DC 47:07

2M ago47:07

47:07

Mark Finnegan has directed a caravan of veterans to Washington, DC since 2010. You'll hear about the logistic magic and also that of Bill Hunter. The emotional floods are overwhelming and the partnerships are incredible. Mark lives the passion for our military heroes and you can hear it in his voice. Recorded at Finnegan's RV Center in South Beloit…

1
Better Know the Bureau Series: Getting to Know Kristen McLean 31:07

3M ago31:07

31:07

In this episode of the Counterfactual podcast, we hear from Kristen McLean, a Senior Competition Law Officer in the Monopolistic Practices Branch about her background and role within the Competition Bureau. This is the latest episode of the new “Better Know the Bureau” series where we “demystify” the Competition Bureau and better get to know the pe…

1
S1 E93 FRED WINSTON - Chicago Radio Legend 1:03:20

3M ago1:03:20

1:03:20

It was a thrill to visit with Fred Winston in southwest Michigan. I have been a huge fan of his performances on Chicago radio for forty seven years (since 1978). He's very quick witted and an all around good guy. Don't worry. If you're not familiar with Fred since you live far away from Chicago, I will gladly bring you up-to-speed in the first fift…

1
Overcoming Doubt and Building a Purpose-Driven Business (w/Leigh Mitchell) 27:39

3M ago27:39

27:39

In this episode of The Unsure Entrepreneur Podcast, Roger Pierce talks with Leigh Mitchell—founder of Women in Biz Network and ChangeMaker Collective—about pushing through fear and insecurity to build a business with purpose. Leigh gets honest about self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and the quiet fears that creep in at 4 a.m. “Even when you think you’…

1
Treatment of Foreign Investment in the Critical Minerals Sector Under the Investment Canada Act: In Conversation with Globe & Mail mining reporter Niall McGee 28:49

3M ago28:49

28:49

The government’s approach to foreign investment in the critical minerals sector, including in circumstances where the target minerals are located outside of Canada, has evolved significantly over the last three years. Niall McGee shares his perspectives based on first hand experience reporting on key developments in this area, including, among othe…

1
S1 E92 DUNCAN GEDDES - Former Head Golf Pro at Aldeen Golf Club 54:41

3M ago54:41

54:41

Duncan and Tim Larson are connect eight ways to Tuesday. You'll find out how during the episode. Learn about The Masters at Augusta, Georgia, Norris Aldeen and the restoration of the golf course's famous barn. You don't have to be a golfer to enjoy this episode. After the exit of the show, listen for the song "Hooked on Hayward" referenced in the c…

1
S1 E91 TIM LARSON - Songwriting and Ai 1:01:02

3M ago1:01:02

1:01:02

Your host Tim Larson decided about two months ago to try his hand at songwriting. Actually laying down his thoughts that were scribbled on many small sheets of paper over the previous year. With absolutely no musical skills, he sent the lyrics to London, England. The producers magically use Ai to combine genre, tempo and singer gender choices into …

1
How to Build a Smarter Business with AI (w/Emily Baillie) 33:00

3M ago33:00

33:00

What does it really take to leave your 9-to-5 and build a successful business? Emily Baillie did it — but not by jumping in blindly. On this episode of The Unsure Entrepreneur Podcast, host Roger Pierce speaks with Emily, a digital marketing strategist, AI educator, and founder of Compass Content Marketing—recently nominated for a Canadian SME Smal…

1
Compliance Compass: Guiding Your Business Through Canada's Competition Laws 49:46

3M ago49:46

49:46

In this episode, host Kirsten Cirella and guests Majid Charania, Director of Competition Compliance and Outreach with the Competition Bureau, and Beth Riley, partner in the Competition and Foreign Investment Group at McMillan LLP dive into the world of competition law compliance. This episode kicks off our compliance series, providing timely insigh…

1
S1 E90 BOBBY ROTH - Veteran Hollywood Film Director 1:18:48

4M ago1:18:48

1:18:48

Bobby Roth and I met briefly just three hours before our conversation. He was conducting a Director's Panel at the Beloit International Film Festival in Wisconsin. He's made films and television shows for over fifty years. You will instantly recognize nearly the entire list. We agreed on an afternoon meeting time and location for recording this epi…

1
S1 E89 JERRY SVEUM & DAWN STADELMAN - Beloit Art Center 29:17

4M ago29:17

29:17

Learn about the workings, volunteers and the community reach of the Beloit Art Center. There's never a shortage of appealing art in Beloit, Wisconsin. It's easy to be impressed. Jerry is a long time volunteer and the main gallery bears his name. Dawn is the CEO of this group who fills four galleries in this ever growing southern Wisconsin city. Rec…

1
Fair Trade?: North American Competitiveness, Tariffs and Trade with Professor Meredith Lilly 40:23

4M ago40:23

40:23

Host Kate McNeece speaks with Professor Meredith Lilly of Carleton University about the topic that is top of mind for everyone in North America: trade policy! What does the shift from the Biden Administration to the Trump Administration mean for North American competitiveness? How does trade policy impact foreign investment in Canada and interact w…

1
S1 E88 KAT WILLIAMS - International Women's Baseball Center CEO 45:45

4M ago45:45

45:45

Kat Williams and her group are spearheading the monumental project of bringing an International Women's Baseball Center to Rockford, Illinois. The Rockford Peaches at Beyer Stadium put Rockford on the women's sports map in the 1940's. The world zeroed in on that compass in 1992 through the film A League of Their Own. Learn about the past and the fu…

1
How the Competition Bureau Ensures Fair Play for Small Businesses (w/Majid Charania) 30:32

5M ago30:32

30:32

Ever feel like the big players in your industry have the game rigged against you? Find out how one government agency is working hard to level the playing field during this talk with Majid Charania, Director of Compliance & Outreach at the Competition Bureau Canada. From price fixing and bid rigging to deceptive marketing and monopolistic practices,…

1
“Cut!” To the Chase: Reflections on the Competition Tribunal’s Cineplex Drip-Pricing Decision 43:56

5M ago43:56

43:56

Host Charles Tingley speaks with Competition Bureau counsel Irene Cybulsky, lawyer Michael Osborne and Professor Alix Barasch about the Competition Tribunal’s recent decision in the Cineplex case, which is the first litigated proceeding involving allegations of deceptive or misleading “drip-pricing” and resulted in a Tribunal order to pay nearly $3…

1
S1 E87 - WHITNEY MARTIN - Director of Made For Rockford at Visitors Bureau 53:39

6M ago53:39

53:39

Whitney Martin and Tim Larson have known each other for a long time. Sharing the back stories of television and radio is just the beginning. Charity work together, bloopers and dancing. You'll have to tune in to sort it all out. Recorded at the Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau in downtown Rockford, Illinois on January 30, 2025.…

1
Building a Consulting Business That Lasts (w/Bruce Mayhew) 35:04

6M ago35:04

35:04

In this episode of The Unsure Entrepreneur Podcast, host Roger Pierce interviews Bruce Mayhew, founder of Bruce Mayhew Consulting, who shares his experiences in leadership development and communication training. He helps leaders and organizations to address challenges like time management, bridging generational gaps, and fostering respectful commun…

1
S1 E86 - KELLIE OLIVENCIA & LAURA GIBBS-GREEN - ILLINOIS SNOW SCULPTING COMPETITION 2025 33:22

6M ago33:22

33:22

Tim Larson founded his promotional advertising company the very same year the Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition handed out their first awards. Tim has sponsored, volunteered and supplied trophies even since. Between the three of them, Laura, Kellie and Tim will draw back the curtain and share little know facts about what it takes to conduct this …

1
Lessons from a Bootstrapped Startup Acquired for Millions (w/Dave Sinkinson) 39:02

6M ago39:02

39:02

Canadian Entrepreneur Dave Sinkinson, co-founder of AppArmor, shares what it takes to build a successful business without outside funding. Starting with a simple idea for improving campus safety, Dave and his brother Chris turned their vision into a trusted solution used by institutions across North America. Their journey ended with a multi-million…

1
S1 E85 - TIM JOHNSON - General Manager of KSAM & KHVL radio in Texas 1:18:52

7M ago1:18:52

1:18:52

Tim Johnson and Tim Larson worked side by side at WROK radio in Rockford, Illinois in the med '80s. Our promotional meetings were always a high level of brainstorming. They mastered the art of connecting listeners and sponsors to the overall on-air experience for the good of the station. Say it was simply fun would be a huge understatement. Tim Joh…

1
S1 E83 - PHIL RAINES - Beekeeper at Raines Honey Farm 1:12:29

7M ago1:12:29

1:12:29

Phil and Sharon Raines have been vendors at Edgebrook's Farmers Market for as long as I can remember. He's never met a stranger and is filled to the brim with bee knowledge. It was a fun conversation which ranged from "going commando" in a bee suit to selling live bees to veterinarians to treat horses. Recorded in Rockford, Illinois at our Edgebroo…

1
How Carbon Accounting Helps Businesses Stay Competitive (w/Sanders Lazier) 32:43

7M ago32:43

32:43

Host Roger Pierce talks with Sanders Lazier, the founder and CEO of Carbonhound. Sanders leads a groundbreaking platform that empowers businesses to achieve low-carbon futures through accessible carbon accounting and climate intelligence tools. With a background in Fintech and sales, Sanders brings a unique perspective to addressing the growing cha…

1
“The Big Fix” with Denise Hearn and Vass Bednar 52:16

8M ago52:16

52:16

In this episode of the Counterfactual podcast, we are joined by Denise Hearn, author, applied researcher, advisor, and resident senior fellow at the Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment, and Vass Bednar, the Executive Director, Master of Public Policy Program at McMaster University and host of the Globe and Mail podcast Lately to discuss corpo…

1
S1 E82 - BRIAN THOMAS - Professional photographer 1:04:03

8M ago1:04:03

1:04:03

Brain Thomas and Tim Larson have known each other since the late 80's. They met as members of the Ski Broncs Water Ski Show Team in Loves Park, Illinois. They have literally shared life with each other on so many levels...projects, business, campfires, photo shoots and more. Recorded on November 20, 2024 in the twelfth floor bar of the Embassy Suit…

1
Live Software & Service Bureau Fee Breakdown 20:27

8M ago20:27

20:27

In this episode of The Service Bureau Accelerator Podcast, we dive deep into the world of software and service bureau fees. We break down real-life examples and show you how to uncover hidden revenue in your tax business. Whether you're a seasoned service bureau or just starting out, understanding these numbers can significantly boost your bottom l…

1
Why are newcomers leaving Canada?; New domestic violence shelter for men; Canada's energy opportunities under Trump; Oilsands emissions relatively flat; ISIS arrests on the rise in Canada; The need to ... 54:20

8M ago54:20

54:20

Today's guests Daniel Bernhard - CEO of the Institute for Canadian Citizenship Bill Fitzsimmons - Alberta Executive Director at The Canadian Centre for Men and Families Eric Miller - President of Rideau Potomac Strategy Group Kevin Birn - Vice President, leader of the Center of Emissions Excellence, and serves as the Chief Analyst for Canadian Oil …

1
Mom jailed for letting 10-year-old walk alone into town; A push for a strategic approach to trade with US; Why the oil & gas emissions cap makes no economic or scientific sense 39:03

8M ago39:03

39:03

Today's guests: Lenore Skenazy – Founder of Free Range Kids Gary Mar – President & CEO of the Canada West Foundation Jock Finlayson – Senior Fellow at the Fraser Institute Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy CHQR / Curiouscast

1
Entrepreneur Helps Solo Travelers See the World (w/Janice Waugh) 32:05

8M ago32:05

32:05

In this episode of The Unsure Entrepreneur, host Roger Pierce interviews Janice Waugh, Founder of Solo Traveler and Co-founder of the nonprofit organization Northstar Startups. Janice’s company Solo Traveler has transformed the solo travel industry by advocating for affordable travel experiences, partnering with companies that limit single suppleme…

1
New challenges for Canada's EV targets; Confirmed human case of avian flu in BC; "Whatever it Takes" documentary on eBay stalking scandal; Taylor Swift mania descends on Toronto 47:45

8M ago47:45

47:45

Today's guests: Brian Kingston – President & CEO of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association Dr. Angela Rasmussen – Virologist at the Vaccine & Infectious Disease Organization at the University of Saskatchewan Jenny Carchman – Director of the documentary “Whatever It Takes” (Alberta debut next week at the Calgary Underground Film Festival) F…

1
Rethinking EV Charging; Ending the Supply Management sacred cow; Confusion over small business carbon-tax rebates; NATO’s new northern flank 52:50

8M ago52:50

52:50

Today's guests: Blake Shaffer, Professor of Economics - University of Calgary David Clement, North American Affairs Manager - Consumer Choice Center Jasmin Guenette, VP of National Affairs - CFIB Alex Dalziel, Senior Fellow - Macdonald Laurier Institute Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Everyone Wants To Be A Service Bureau 22:14

8M ago22:14

22:14

In this episode of The Service Bureau Accelerator Podcast, we dive into why "Everyone Wants to Be a Service Bureau...Sorry." We explore the growing interest in becoming a service bureau and discuss the misconceptions and realities of this business model. We break down what it truly means to be a service bureau, the importance of understanding your …

1
S1 E81 - RILEY O'NEIL - Veteran Morning show host at WROK radio in Rockford, Illinois 1:46:38

8M ago1:46:38

1:46:38

Tim Larson and Liz Wylder have known Riley O'Neil since the 80's. He celebrated his twenty third anniversary as WROK's morning show host on Halloween 2023. We all grew up in the radio industry together...getting our feet wet, stumbling and setting several broadcasting milestones. Our memories of course are all contributions to the one hundred year …

1
Opposition reaction to AIMCo firings; Senator proposes amendments to supply management bill; Ottawa bans Tik Tok company but not the app; Gun violence on the rise in Canada 43:28

8M ago43:28

43:28

Today's guests: Naheed Nenshi - Alberta NDP Leader Peter Harder - Ontario Senator, Progressive Senate Group Richard Lachman - Associate Professor, Media Production & Director at RTA School of Media at Toronto Metropolitan University Dr. Noah Schwartz - Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of the Fraser Valley / Author - “On Ta…

1
Better Know the Bureau Series #2: Getting to Know Matt Chiasson (LIVE Episode Recording) 38:12

8M ago38:12

38:12

In this episode of the Counterfactual podcast, we hear from Matt Chaisson, a Senior Policy Advisor, about his career and responsibilities at the Competition Bureau, particularly relating to the process and experiences around the adoption of recent amendments to the Competition Act. This is the second episode of the new “Better Know the Bureau” seri…

1
How Trump won back the White House; What the election means for US-Canada relations; Business Council launches Can-Do Campaign; What the future holds for Ukraine; State of the Oil & Gas industry heading ... 53:07

8M ago53:07

53:07

Today's guests: Noah Rothman, senior writer - National Review / author - "The Rise of the New Puritans: Fighting Back against Progressives’ War on Fun" and "Unjust: Social Justice and the Unmaking of America" Brian Lee Crowley, managing director - Macdonald-Laurier Institute GUEST: Goldy Hyder, President & CEO - Business Council of Canada Adam Zivo…

1
The legal and economic issues around Ottawa's proposed oil & gas emissions cap; Why oil prices have been softening; How Canada can improve its relationship with the U.S. 45:00

8M ago45:00

45:00

Today's guests: Andrew Leach - energy and environmental economist who holds a joint appointment with the University of Alberta’s Faculties of Arts and Law. Also a co-director of the Institute for Public Economics at the U of A. Kenneth Green - Senior Fellow, Fraser Institute Rory Johnston - Toronto-based oil market researcher, the founder of Commod…

1
Canada’s seniors are already well supported - time to invest in the younger generation; High-Skill Migrants Should be Our Goal; The case for involuntary treatment for severe addiction 30:39

8M ago30:39

30:39

Today's guests: Peter Copeland - Public policy professional, and Deputy Director of Domestic Policy at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute. Christopher Worswick - Professor and Chair at the Department of Economics at Carleton University Robert Tanguay - addiction psychiatrist and clinical assistant professor at the University of Calgary Learn more abou…

1
Why Peace in Ukraine requires Russia’s Defeat; Call for Competition Bureau to investigate e-transfer fees; The need for new safeguards around medical assistance in dying 38:41

9M ago38:41

38:41

Today's guests: Aurel Braun - Professor of Political Science, and International Relations, University of Toronto; Associate, Davis Center, Harvard University Michele Rempel-Garner - Member of Parliament. Calgary - Nose Hill / Committee Member -Standing Committee on Industry and Technology Shawn Whatley – Physician / Munk Senior Fellow with the Macd…

1
Marc Garneau, "A Most Extraordinary Ride" 16:05

9M ago16:05

16:05

Today's guest: Marc Garneau, former Canadian astronaut and the first Canadian in space / former federal MP and cabinet minister / author - "A Most Extraordinary Ride: Space, Politics, and the Pursuit of a Canadian Dream" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy CHQR / Curiouscast

1
The case against a ban on flavoured vaping products; "Fleeced: Canadians Versus Their Banks"; How to reform the CBC; Can video games improve your cognitive performance?; How Canadian farmers are getting ... 57:41

9M ago57:41

57:41

Today's guests: Sam Tam - President of Canada Vaping Association Andrew Spence - Author of "Fleeced: Canadians Versus Their Banks" David Clinton - Publisher of The Audit (www.theaudit.ca) and a contributing writer to the Macdonald-Laurier Institute. Dr. Adrian Owen - Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience, Western University Keldon Bester – Executive …

1
The Competition Bureau’s AI Summit 55:25

9M ago55:25

55:25

Join us for a spirited discussion with three participants in the Competition Bureau’s 5th Annual Competition Summit entitled “Market Dynamics in the AI Era”. We review the highlights of the AI Summit from the perspectives of a senator, journalist and competition law practitioner. What are the Competition Bureau, domestic regulatory agencies and for…

1
How to Buy Your Ideal Franchise Business (w/ Gary Prenevost) 35:34

9M ago35:34

35:34

In this episode of The Unsure Entrepreneur, Roger Pierce interviews Gary Prenevost, a Franchise Expert with over 30 years in the industry and author of the USA Today top-selling book, The Unstoppable Franchisee. As the President of FranNet Southern Ontario and Eastern Canada and a Board Member of the Canadian Franchise Association, Gary has guided …

1
Nazem Kadri, "Dreamer: My Life on the Edge”; Denise Hearn, "The Big Fix”; B.C.'s uncertain election results; Canada slides on International Tax Competitive Index rankings 52:49

9M ago52:49

52:49

Today's guests: Nazem Kadri - NHL player for the Calgary Flames / first Muslim hockey player to win the Stanley Cup/ Author - "Dreamer: My Life on the Edge” Denise Hearn - Co-author of The Big Fix: How Companies Capture Markets and Harm Canadians" Keith Baldrey - Global BC’s Legislature Bureau Chief Jake Fuss - Director of Fiscal Studies for the Fr…

1
"You Don't Have To Quit"; Why family physicians are leaving the province; Calls for Bank of Canada to cut its rate further; How to fix auto insurance in Alberta 50:51

9M ago50:51

50:51

Today's guests: Maureen Palmer - Critically acclaimed documentary filmmaker / Author - "You Don't Have To Quit: 20 Science-Backed Strategies to Help Your Loved One Drink Less" Dr. Shelley Duggan - President of the Alberta Medical Association William Robson - President and CEO of C.D. Howe Institute Jack Mintz - President’s Fellow of the School of …

1
Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar is dead; Explaining security clearance & parliamentary privilege; More Canadians feel immigration levels are too high 38:09

9M ago38:09

38:09

Today's guest: Jonathan Conricus - Senior Fellow - Foundation for the Defense of Democracies / Lt. Col (Ret.) - IDF Philippe Lagassé - Associate professor and the Barton Chair at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs. Jack Jedwab - President and CEO of the Association for Canadian Studies and the Metropolis Institute Learn more about …

1
Canada's response to India's foreign interference; Call to cut Alberta small business tax; How a GST change could help with housing affordability; Why the Supreme Court needs to respect precedence 38:34

9M ago38:34

38:34

Today's guests: Vincent Rigby - The Slater Family Professor of Practice at McGill University / former National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the Prime Minister (2020 - 2021) Deborah Yedlin - President & CEO at the Calgary Chamber of Commerce Mike Moffatt - Senior director of the Smart Prosperity Institute and co-host of the podcast The Missi…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Competition Bureau Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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