Bouchier Group and the Changing Oil Sands Industry

Abstract

In this case, students are introduced to Nicole Bourque-Bouchier, an Aboriginal business owner and the co-founder of Bouchier Group, a construction and maintenance company in Fort McKay First Nation, Alberta. Nicole is the CEO of Bouchier Group and her husband David Bouchier is the co-founder and President of the company. There has been a shift in the Alberta oil sand industry as clients are increasingly hiring larger contractors, known as EPC firms. These firms, however, do not necessarily have strong connections or commitments to the local community. One of Bouchier Group’s greatest strengths is its understanding of local communities and its reputation working with them. As a smaller contractor, Bouchier Group is facing growing competition. Nicole Bourque-Bouchier must decide how to respond to changes in the oil sand industry.