Our Team

John Simpson

Founder, Chairman of the Board,
CEO of the CANA Group of Companies

Mr. Simpson, a born and raised Albertan, is the owner, Chairman and CEO of the CANA Group of Companies – a family-owned private construction services and development company. John and his wife Jollean live on the Simpson Ranch in the foothills of Alberta.  The ranch is home to one of Canada’s largest Hereford herds. John is not only a serious rancher but a serious equestrian. His passion for riding started at the age of five and continued to bloom from there. He represented Canada in the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games, the 1978 World Show Jumping Championships in Aachen Germany, and the 1979 Pan American Games in Puerto Rico, where he helped the jumping team win a Silver medal. In 2005 John was awarded the Alberta Centennial Medal in recognition of his outstanding service to the people and Province of Alberta. In 2008 John was inducted into the Spruce Meadows Hall of Fame. As a result of his years of community service, John has received an Honorary Degree – Bachelor of Applied Small Business and Entrepreneurship from Mount Royal University, as well as an Honorary Degree – Doctors of Laws from the University of Calgary. Through Simpson Ranching, John continues to make his mark in agriculture in Alberta. His two children, Christie and Luke, are fully involved in the family business and the ranching operation. John is a generous philanthropist, donating money to Calgary charities and educational institutions.