Martha Hall Findlay is a distinguished Canadian entrepreneur, policy expert, and advocate for economic growth, sustainability, and regional development. As a key leader at the Canada West Foundation, her influence in shaping policies that foster economic prosperity in Canada’s western provinces has been significant. With a rich background in business, public policy, and leadership, Martha’s entrepreneurial journey has made a lasting impact on both the corporate world and Canadian society.
In this blog, we’ll explore Martha Hall Findlay’s educational background, entrepreneurial journey, the challenges she faced along the way, and her successes at the helm of the Canada West Foundation.
Early Life and Educational Background
Martha Hall Findlay was born in Toronto, Ontario, but her life and career would come to be heavily influenced by the dynamics of Canada’s western provinces. Her educational foundation played a crucial role in shaping her career trajectory. She attended the prestigious University of Toronto, where she earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree, further honing her understanding of business and economics.
After completing her undergraduate degree, Martha’s passion for public service and policy led her to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Harvard Business School, one of the most esteemed business schools in the world. Her time at Harvard exposed her to a global perspective on business practices, economic trends, and leadership, providing her with the tools to become a forward-thinking leader in both the private and public sectors.
Entering the Business World
After finishing her studies, Martha began her career in business and finance, where she gained valuable experience in both the private and public sectors. Her first role was in management consulting with one of Canada’s leading firms, providing her with exposure to a broad range of industries and business practices.
However, Martha Hall Findlay’s entrepreneurial spirit soon led her to venture into business leadership. In the early 2000s, she made her mark in the energy sector, specifically in the realm of oil and gas. In 2003, she became the CEO of a Canadian energy company specializing in natural gas production. Her leadership in this role helped her understand the complexities of the Canadian economy, especially in the context of energy and its impact on regional development.
Her entrepreneurial mindset and problem-solving abilities allowed her to make key decisions that contributed to the growth of the company. During her time as CEO, she helped lead the company through an expansion phase, improving operational efficiencies and strengthening its competitive position within the Canadian energy market.
Transitioning into Public Policy and the Canada West Foundation
Though Martha Hall Findlay had already achieved considerable success in business, her interest in public policy and regional economic development led her to transition into the non-profit and policy sectors. Martha had always been deeply committed to enhancing the economic vitality of the Western Canadian provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and British Columbia. She understood that fostering sustainable, inclusive economic growth in these provinces was critical for the overall prosperity of Canada.
Her transition from business to public policy culminated in her appointment as the President and CEO of the Canada West Foundation in 2014. The Canada West Foundation is one of Canada’s leading public policy think tanks, focusing on issues that impact Western Canada’s economic development, including trade, innovation, sustainability, and public policy.
Under her leadership, the Foundation sought to build stronger relationships between governments, businesses, and communities in Western Canada. Martha’s expertise in both business and public policy positioned her to offer insightful recommendations and foster collaboration on key regional issues.
Martha’s vision for Canada West Foundation was to ensure that Western Canada remained competitive and economically prosperous by promoting the development of policies that encouraged investment, innovation, and growth. Her leadership helped steer the foundation to become a respected voice in Canadian policy, pushing forward initiatives on energy, environment, and trade, all while keeping an eye on the unique needs of the Western provinces.
Challenges and Struggles
Martha Hall Findlay’s entrepreneurial journey, while marked by great success, also came with significant challenges. One of the early struggles she faced was navigating the complexities of the energy sector, where fluctuating commodity prices, political pressures, and environmental concerns added layers of difficulty. Leading a company in such a volatile industry required astute decision-making, foresight, and the ability to pivot when necessary.
Transitioning from the private sector to the non-profit policy world also presented its own set of challenges. As the CEO of Canada West Foundation, Martha had to balance the demands of running a policy organization while dealing with government regulations, stakeholder interests, and the dynamic issues of a rapidly changing economy.
Her role at the Foundation required a careful balance of advocating for business interests while promoting policies that could ensure long-term sustainability and economic growth for the region. In particular, she had to navigate the complex relationship between environmental concerns, resource extraction, and economic prosperity—a challenging task in Canada’s energy-heavy Western provinces.
Additionally, advocating for Western Canada on a national stage required persistent efforts to raise awareness of the region’s unique challenges, especially when the country’s political and economic focus often leaned toward Ontario and Quebec. Martha’s leadership and strategic approach helped elevate the profile of Western Canada’s concerns at the federal level.
Successes and Achievements
Despite the challenges, Martha Hall Findlay achieved remarkable success both as a business leader and as an advocate for Western Canadian economic interests.
- Leadership at Canada West Foundation: Under her leadership, the Foundation played a pivotal role in advocating for policies that supported Western Canada’s economic interests. Martha’s strong leadership and clear vision ensured that the Foundation remained a highly influential voice on key policy issues. Her efforts were instrumental in fostering a collaborative approach to dealing with Western Canada’s economic, social, and environmental challenges.
- Advocacy for Trade and Innovation: Martha helped shape policies around trade relations, especially with the United States and Asia. Her work focused on increasing the global competitiveness of Western Canadian businesses by supporting free trade agreements and expanding market access for goods and services from the region. She was also a vocal advocate for innovation in sectors such as technology, agriculture, and energy.
- Sustainability Focus: One of her most significant accomplishments at the Canada West Foundation was her focus on environmental sustainability in the resource extraction and energy industries. She recognized the need for balanced policies that would encourage green technologies and sustainable practices in energy while ensuring economic growth.
- Public Service and Leadership: Martha’s commitment to public service and leadership also extended to her involvement in federal politics. In the early 2010s, she ran for Liberal Party nomination in her region, showcasing her passion for public service and her desire to contribute at the highest level of government. Although her political aspirations did not lead to a seat in office, her candidacy further amplified her commitment to improving Canadian society.
Martha Hall Findlay’s Legacy
Martha Hall Findlay’s legacy as a policy expert, business leader, and champion of Western Canada is well-established. She helped shape discussions on regional economic development, environmental sustainability, and trade, ensuring that Western Canadian provinces remain at the forefront of Canada’s economic agenda. Her work continues to influence the direction of public policy in Canada, particularly regarding issues that matter most to the West, such as resource management, trade, and economic diversification.
In addition to her leadership at the Canada West Foundation, Martha’s work has contributed to broader conversations about Canada’s future direction. Her ability to balance business, policy, and environmental concerns has made her an invaluable thought leader in Canadian public policy.
Conclusion
Martha Hall Findlay’s entrepreneurial journey and leadership at the Canada West Foundation stand as a testament to her dedication to improving Canada’s economy, particularly in the Western provinces. From her early experiences in business to her current role as a leading policy advocate, Martha has consistently demonstrated a unique ability to drive change and make a difference in Canadian society. Her work continues to inspire those who are committed to creating a prosperous, sustainable, and innovative future for Canada.
