Partner Perspectives: Canadian Beverage Association

The OLIP interns greatly appreciated the opportunity to meet with the Canadian Beverage Association (CBA), our esteemed partner, and engage in a fascinating discussion with President Krista Scaldwell and Erich Schmidt, Senior Director of Communications and Public Affairs.

Prefacing our discussion, we explored the CBA’s role in leading Canada’s sustainable and collaborative non-alcoholic beverage sector. For example, the beverages represented by the CBA range from soft drinks to teas and coffees to water and juices. From a membership comprising over 60 brands of non-alcoholic beverages to maintaining more than 250 facilities across the country, it was an incredible opportunity to learn about the nuances of CBA’s circular economy and their regulatory environment.

Namely, we discussed the organization’s initiatives to protect watersheds and create a sustainable future so as to preserve the welfare of our environment. Narrowing the scope, we also spoke to CBA’s strong community focus, including the significant role the Canadian beverage industry plays in the economy by establishing 45,000 full-time careers through their country-wide facilities, and simultaneously supporting local businesses.

Following this, we discussed President Scaldwell’s experiences in depth, ranging from her perspectives about leadership and government, as well as her views regarding navigating international corporate decision-making at executive levels. We particularly appreciated her anecdotes focusing on moral leadership and risk-taking, as these are skillsets and endeavours we hope to apply to our own careers moving forward.

We would like to extend our gratitude to the Canadian Beverage Association for partnering with our programme, as well as thank President Scaldwell and Erich for taking the time to meet with us and hosting this riveting fireside chat!