Watch the replay of our recent Wealth and Wisdom After Hours event “What are you going to do about it?” with Michael Colborne and Steve Allan, hosted by Andersen Director, Elan Harper.
The theme “What are you going to do about it?” challenged attendees to reflect on the power of initiative and leadership. As highlighted by host Elan, the inspiration comes from a simple but pivotal moment in Calgary’s history when Jim Gray shared an idea for a major event inspired by a U.S. oil show, and his spouse responded with a question that would shape a legacy: “What are you going to do about it?” That question became a catalyst for action, helping spark a lifetime of leadership and community-building. It continues to resonate today as a call to move beyond ideas and take meaningful steps to create impact in our city and beyond.
About Michael
Michael Colborne recently retired as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Pacific Western Group of Companies (PWT), the largest privately owned passenger transportation company in North America.
Over a career span of more than 35 years, he helped transform the company from a regional bus operator, founded in Alberta in 1957, into a national provider serving nearly 50 communities across four provinces and the Yukon.
Under his leadership, the company expanded into four core business lines: Motorcoach, Student Transportation, Transit, and Employee Transportation and diversified into specialized sectors such as construction, mining, energy, petrochemicals, and oil and gas, broadening its service portfolio and solidifying its role as a critical contributor to Canada’s economy.
Michael fostered a customer-focused culture grounded in safety, innovation, and service excellence. He led major technological initiatives and successfully implemented an enterprise-wide ERP system, streamlining operations across finance, HR, logistics, and maintenance. He also championed environmental sustainability by introducing low emission buses and energy-saving initiatives, earning national recognition for leadership in green transportation.
A key highlight of his tenure was the ‘Safely Home’ program, which embedded a safety-first mindset throughout the organization. This initiative significantly reduced workplace incidents, improved employee engagement, and enhanced customer trust. His focus on training, professional growth, and open communication contributed to PWT’s reputation as an employer of choice.
Michael also advanced public-private partnerships with municipalities to improve transit access and community connectivity. His efforts led to innovative transit solutions and stronger ties between the company and the communities it served.
A lifelong Calgarian and graduate of the University of Alberta, Michael began his career with PWT in operational roles across Alberta and British Columbia. He rose through the ranks to become: Vice President, President, CEO, and eventually Chairman, demonstrating strategic leadership at every level.
Guided by the company’s mission to “exceed customer expectations by employing talented people committed to Safety and Service,” Michael prioritized leadership development, workforce diversity, and equipping staff with the skills and tools needed to meet evolving industry demands. He built a workforce renowned for its professionalism, technical expertise, and dedication to customer service.
Beyond his corporate achievements, Michael has contributed actively to the transportation sector and his community. A 35-year industry veteran, he has served on several professional boards and earned recognition for his leadership. He has also been a member of the Rotary Club for over 33 years, where he currently chairs the Rotary Employment Partnership Steering Committee. He was named an Inspiring Albertan by CTV and received the Paul Harris Fellowship for advancing employment opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities. Mike is also an active member of his community and sits on many volunteer boards and committees. He is also the past Chairman of both the Spruce Meadows Leg-Up Foundation and the Arnica Foundation.
Throughout his career, Michael Colborne has exemplified the Rotary principle of “service above self”, leaving a lasting legacy at the Pacific Western Group of Companies and within the Canadian transportation industry. Michael makes his home with his wife, Barbara, their daughter, Celeste, and son, James.
About Steve
Steve is a Fellow of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Alberta. He spent his professional career in public practice with a focus on corporate restructuring, insolvency, and forensic accounting. He is currently Vice Chair of Neyaskweyahk Trust of the Ermineskin Cree Nation and serves on the boards of several private companies. He is Chair of the Board of McMahon Stadium Society and is active with several community projects, including the Calgary Sports Infrastructure Strategy focused on upgrading existing, and building new sports infrastructure, with a vision for Calgary to be the healthiest, most active city in Canada.
Steve was involved with Jim Gray and several other community leaders on the Citizens Committee for a Responsible Green Line to avoid the risky and costly downtown tunnels that were proposed by the City. Through the Downtown Rotary Club, Steve is involved in projects to advance early childhood literacy, improve food security, advance Indigenous relations, and enhance the Club’s Stay in School and youth at risk programs. Steve supported Jim Gray in the founding of the Top 7 Over 70 program in Calgary. He remains active in building the program locally and is involved with efforts to expand the program nationally.
Steve served as Commissioner of the Public Inquiry into Anti-Alberta Energy Campaigns. He is Past Board Chair of Calgary Economic Development, a Past Governor of the University of Calgary, Past Trustee of the Calgary Zoological Society, and a Past Director of the Calgary Foundation. He also served as Board Chair of Destination Canada for seven years, was co-chair of the Calgary Poverty Reduction Initiative and chaired the Committee to Refresh Calgary’s Economic Strategy, that resulted in the strategy known as Calgary in the New Economy. He also served on the Committee to End Homelessness in Calgary. He is a past president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Alberta, the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede, the Calgary Stampede Foundation, and the Rotary Club of Calgary.
Steve was invested with the Alberta Order of Excellence in 2017, inducted into the Canadian Accounting Hall of Fame in 2025, named Calgary’s Citizen of the Year in 2006, and presented with an honourary chieftainship (Aa-koh-hki-to-pi/ Rides Many Horses) by the Five Tribes of Treaty Seven in 2005.
About Elan
Elan is a Director, Canadian Business Tax in our Calgary office.
With a rare blend of public and private sector expertise, Elan Harper shapes impactful policy and delivers pragmatic solutions at the intersection of finance, tax, energy, and governance. Harper’s mission is to drive responsible, forward-thinking strategies that balance economic growth with long-term public value. Whether advising national leaders, guiding corporate transformations, or leading governance in $2B+ institutions, Harper brings clarity to complexity, integrity to decision-making, and results to the table.
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