The experience of tackling uniquely Canadian business problems is made possible by a new case competition, the Canadian Case Series (CCS). This initiative came to life when alumnus Patrick Cameron recognized a gap in the case competition landscape. He found that few, if any, competitions addressed challenges unique to Canada’s economy. To address this, CCS was launched to offer students nationwide a platform to solve real Canadian business issues while developing the skills necessary for management consulting and commercial banking careers.
This year’s competition, proudly sponsored by BDC, unfolded over six weeks and brought together 19 teams representing 13 schools from five provinces. The first round was held virtually, where teams competed to secure one of six spots in the final round. The finalists—representing Schulich School of Business at York University, McGill University’s Desautels Faculty of Management, HEC Montréal, UBC Sauder, DeGroote at McMaster, and the Beedie School of Business at SFU—advanced to the in-person finals hosted at BDC’s stunning office in Vancouver’s Stack building.
What set CCS apart wasn’t just the competition itself but the whole process. Finalist teams were matched with seasoned BDC consultants who provided one-on-one coaching to help refine their final recommendations. Participants consistently ranked this mentorship experience as one of the most valuable aspects. Alongside the coaching, teams had the opportunity to tour BDC offices in their home cities, creating additional touchpoints for professional growth and meaningful connections.
The results saw Schulich take home first place, followed by McGill and HEC Montréal. But the real win was the sense of community, collaboration, and the career development CCS offered. With over a dozen judges lending their time and expertise and an excellent organizing team, CCS 2025 proved to be more than a competition. It was a community-building event that equips the next generation of business leaders with the tools needed to create a lasting impact on the Canadian economy.
About the Author
Natasha Cameron holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and is currently enrolled in the full-time MBA program at Simon Fraser University’s Beedie School of Business. She is a registered nurse at BC Children’s Hospital, where she brings a patient-centered approach to leadership and care. Natasha serves as the President of the Graduate Women’s Council, fostering community and advocating for gender equity for graduate cohorts at Beedie. Actively involved in case competitions, she represents Beedie in various business challenges and has participated in MBA Games, exemplifying her commitment to both professional and academic excellence.