About CANA Construction

The CANA Group of Companies originated in Calgary, Alberta and is owned 100% by the Simpson family. It is comprised of CANA Construction, CANA Utilities (infrastructure and utility construction), CANA High Voltage and Shepard Development Corporation (commercial, retail and industrial land development).

CANA Limited was incorporated in 1942 with the incorporation of Burns and Dutton Concrete & Construction Co. Ltd. A subsidiary of Standard Gravel, Burns and Dutton was owned by three individuals: Red Dutton (a former player and president of the NHL), Reg Jennings, and Bob Burns. In 1949, the company hired Jack Simpson as Chief Engineer, who had been proclaimed by Time Magazine as a "brilliant young engineer." Irv Thomas joined Burns & Dutton in 1949 and retired in 1984 as President and C.E.O. of CANA Limited. As the Chairman of the company, Jack solidified the company by assembling successful bids and overseeing construction projects through to completion.

In 1984 when Jack Simpson passed away, his son, John became the President of the CANA Group of Companies.

John Simpson is a former member of the Canadian Equestrian Team, he rode for Canada from 1972 until retiring to focus on his career with the family business in 1982. John represented Canada in the 1976 Olympic Games, the 1978 World Championships and the 1979 Pan American Games.

John's interest in horses continues through his ownership in Simpson Ranching which was established in 1956.

John Simpson's contribution to the community includes serving on the Foothills Hospital Board, the Calgary Regional Health Authority, the Canadian Council of Public-Private Partnerships, the Olds College Board, the Canadian Equestrian Team Board, the Alberta Alpine Ski Foundation, the Canadian Olympic Foundation and the Chair of the Deans Advisory Board for the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.

As a result of his years of community service to Calgary John has received an Honorary Degree - Bachelor of Applied Small Business and Entrepreneurship from Mount Royal College as well as an Honorary Degree - Doctor of Laws from the University of Calgary. In 2005 he was also personally awarded the Alberta Centennial Medal in recognition of outstanding service to the people and Province of Alberta.

Shepard Development Corporation is a Calgary based land development company providing commercial, retail, professional and multi family residential opportunities in Southeast Calgary and Northwest Calgary.

In 2008 The CANA Group of Companies became a Platinum member of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies.

We provide quality construction strategies and solutions in a safe environment, on budget and on schedule, using a think straight, talk straight, do it right once attitude with no surprises.