You're a young woman in your twenties, stepping onto Canadian soil for the first time. The icy Manitoba winter air burns your throat and sends chills down your spine, but it tastes like freedom—a freedom you've never known, growing up in a small fishing village in Guangdong Province, China. Your conservative father would disown you if you left, and your mother suffered under his hand.
Your aspirations and thirst for freedom outweigh your fear of the unknown. So, you choose differently. You choose to move across the globe to pursue an education. You choose growth. You choose independence. You choose opportunity.
The air may be cold, but the warmth of the people you meet keeps the fire inside you alive. Your diverse perspective allows you to see value where others don't. Your tenacity helps you rise every time you fall. Your determination and work ethic lead you to new opportunities.
Before you know it, you are the founder and CEO of one of Canada's largest integrated resource recovery companies—a company that truly embodies your personality and values, with people and the planet at its heart.
What aspects of Canadian culture and values resonate most with you, and how do they reflect in our company?
Freedom to choose, democracy, and equal opportunities. Here, everyone can strive to be their best, no matter their gender, race, or background. In our company, I encourage our staff to manage their departments independently. I also believe in treating everyone equally, not just as a metric to be met, but as a core value.
Do you feel being Canadian-owned and operated gives us a competitive advantage in the global market? What are some challenges and opportunities you see for Canadian businesses in the current geopolitical climate?
Truthfully, it has not been a competitive advantage. Canadian businesses often don't have as much influence or financial resources as American companies. But we are a smart and cohesive bunch. I like to believe that for a lot of Canadian companies, ethics come first, and this to me is what sets us apart.
As Confucius, Chinese philosopher, once said, “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
Our counterparts may try to make things harder for us to gain more power. But I believe our Canadian spirit is strong and we can unite to create more opportunities that support our economy and rise against those attempting to tear us down.
What message would you like to convey to our customers and stakeholders about the importance of supporting Canadian-owned businesses?
Our freedom and livelihood are under threat, and it's crucial that we work together to overcome these challenges. It's important to value the resources available to you and not rely solely on the financial institutions that can be affected by geopolitical changes.
Secondly, invest in yourself.
From my own experience, I've learned to make the most of what I have. Our business has grown organically by reinvesting our earnings, one dollar at a time, allowing us to thrive despite difficulties and be independent.
Remaining authentic and always remembering why you started and what you value is crucial to any business in today’s market.
Our business is an embodiment of Emmie’s personality—resourceful, resilient, and relentless. Our values - integrity, diversity, sustainability and entrepreneurialism - are a reflection of her beliefs.
Her story reminds us of the strength and perseverance that define Canadians and Canadian businesses. It's a call to action for all of us to support and uplift each other and our local enterprises. Together, we can overcome any adversity and build a future that honours the spirit of resilience and tenacity—a true Canadian legacy.
Emterra Group is proud to announce that it has been named one of Canada's Greenest Employers for the tenth consecutive year. This prestigious award, presented by Mediacorp Canada Inc., recognizes employers that lead the nation in creating a culture of environmental awareness and action.