1. Doug Bruce
403.669.7370
dgbruce19@icloud.com
Doug Bruce is an accomplished business executive with over 40 years cumulative experience in the industrial/government
contract service industry including operations, finance, business development, and management and governance. Specific areas
of expertise include strategic integration, business development, mergers & joint ventures (JV), investments and real estate.
Doug has excellent strategic vision and a demonstrated ability to link solutions with opportunities that cover a broad range of
diverse issues. He understands political, social and economic issues and executed a full financial recovery during his tenure as
Town Manager for the town of Norman Wells, NWT. An expert in understanding and integrating complex policy issues, Doug has
a talent for seeking out and capitalizing on opportunities, translating them into innovative and effective strategies. A strategic
mindset underscores management decision making, ensuring direction is supported with pragmatic business understanding.
Born in Alberta, Doug was raised in the west and has lived in the three western provinces, the Yukon and the Northwest
Territories.
Doug began his career in the finance industry and started his own real estate/mortgage company in Whitehorse in 1972. He later
moved to Dawson Creek, B.C. where he operated a construction and development company. In 1986 he moved to Norman Wells
to work for the Department of Economic Development & Tourism, where he provided ‘hands on’ assistance to regional band and
Metis Local development corporations who were able to enjoy profitable participation in the Sahtu Region’s business
opportunities. He was actively involved with the Chevron/Fort Good Hope Joint Venture to conduct a $42 Million exploration
program. Doug’s participations with the Employment, Training & Business Development Committee (E.T.B.D.) of the Joint
Venture resulted in the establishment of many local small businesses and extensive local employment from the project.
From July 1990 to 1994, Doug successfully managed the Town of Norman Wells. During his term, the Municipality received
Territorial and national awards for its solid waste handling and recreational facilities. Doug has also made presentations to the
Public Utilities Board resulting in Norman Wells being exempted from a Territorial power rate increase.
In 1995 Doug joined ATCO Frontec Logistics Inc. as Manager of Northern Operations in Yellowknife, NWT. During his seven year
tenure, Doug was responsible for business activities throughout the Yukon, Northwest and Nunavut Territories and grew the
division from $5M revenue in 1995 to combined income, both direct to ATCO Frontec and through Joint Ventures, to over
$140M/yr. In addition, Doug established Two significant Aboriginal Joint Ventures; Uqsuq Corporation, a JV with the business
development arm of the Inuit people of Nunavut where he won a 10 year contract for fuel concession, tank farm and distribution
facilities for Iqaluit and Tli Cho Logistics Inc. a JV with Dogrib First Nation where he directly negotiated long term contract for
total Site Services of Diavik Diamond Mine Operation (80+ employees)
Most recently, from 2002 – 2015, Doug held key executive positions within Guthrie Group of Companies, an integrated group of
operating companies and investment portfolios anchored by Guthrie Mechanical Services Ltd. in Fort McMurray, AB, where Doug
was President and CEO. During his first six years, Doug grew Guthrie Mechanical Services Ltd. from $20M revenue and 75
employees to over $100M revenue and 600 employees and sustained >$100M for the duration of his tenure.
Throughout his career Doug has excelled as a leader and business executive. He is best known for his capacity to create and
communicate a call to action, set clear goals and realistic accountabilities. His ability to broker and manage multiple stakeholder
relations and achieve consensus within diverse groups has contributed to Doug’s success and consistent achievement of goals
and outcomes.
A leader in goal oriented accomplishments with successful end results, Doug brings an understanding of political, social and
economic issues.
Memberships and Affiliations
Chairman – Financial and Lending, Community Futures Committee
Town Council representative to Norman Wells & District Chamber of commerce and Mackenzie Highway Sub-committee
Western Arctic Business Development Services/ Review Committee
Western Arctic Community Futures Society
Northern Host Committee – Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators – 1993 AGM
Department of Municipal & Community Affairs Focus Committee to establish a Senior Administrator’s certificate training
program.
Association of Municipal Administrators of the N.W.T.