Catherine Roozen is a household name in Edmonton and throughout Canada, synonymous with success, resilience, and a profound commitment to community building. Through her professional savvy and tireless advocacy, she has reached the pinnacle of both the business and non-profit sectors. Her dedication to social causes has earned her some of the nation’s highest civilian honours. Discover the life, achievements, and charitable work of Catherine Roozen at edmontonka.com.
Early Life and Education: Shaping a Future Leader
Born Catherine Allard on March 28, 1956, to Dr. Charles and Marguerite Allard, Catherine grew up in Edmonton as one of six children. Her formative years were spent in French immersion, and she frequently visited her father at the hospital, where she witnessed firsthand the importance of empathy and care for others. The loss of her mother in 1974 forced Catherine to mature quickly, developing a grounded perspective and resilience beyond her years. Her father remained her greatest champion, encouraging her to pursue a top-tier education that would set the stage for her future success.
A Career in Business: From Banking to Investment Leadership
Catherine’s transition into the business world was a natural progression; she inherited the entrepreneurial drive and sharp instincts that allowed her father to manage a medical practice while building massive assets in broadcasting, energy, and banking. After earning her Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Alberta in 1977, she joined the family-owned North West Trust Company (which later became part of Canadian Western Bank). She started as a teller, but her talent for finance quickly propelled her to the role of Vice-President of Investments.
In 1981, she married businessman Harold Roozen, whom she met through her work. A year later, she moved to the family holding company, Cathton Holdings Ltd., where she served as Vice-President of Investments, earning a reputation as one of the most respected experts in the business community. Her influence grew through her roles on the boards of major corporations, including Melcor Developments Ltd., Corus Entertainment Inc., Shaw Communications Inc., and the American Bank of Commerce in Phoenix, Arizona. Notably, Catherine was one of her father’s most trusted advisors until his passing in 1991. Her steadfast leadership eventually led to her appointment as Chair of Cathton Investment Ltd. in 2009.
While navigating the heights of the corporate world, Catherine remained dedicated to service. A central pillar of her legacy is her work with the Allard Foundation, established by her father in the mid-1970s. For decades, this family foundation has made a quiet yet profound impact on the quality of life across Alberta.
Philanthropy and the Impact of the Allard Foundation
In 1983, Catherine stepped into the roles of Director and Secretary of the Allard Foundation, where she focused on strategic investments in healthcare, education, social well-being, and the arts. Under her guidance, the foundation has supported premier medical facilities, such as the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute and the Lois Hole Hospital for Women. Catherine has also been a champion of medical innovation, providing significant funding to the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital and established research grants for cancer and experimental oncology at the University of Alberta.
Her leadership has also transformed Alberta’s educational landscape. The Allard Foundation has invested in numerous institutions, including St. Joseph’s Seminary, TELUS World of Science, and Red Deer Polytechnic. Students have also benefited from initiatives like the Allard Chair in Business at MacEwan University and the Allard Nursing Program awards, providing the resources needed for the next generation to succeed.
The foundation’s reach extends deep into the community, supporting organizations such as:
- The Edmonton Humane Society
- The YMCA
- WINGS (Women in Need Growing Stronger) and many others.
Known for her sharp, organized, and direct approach, Catherine Roozen has been an invaluable asset to various public boards. Her service includes roles on the Strategic Board of the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, the Alberta Health Services Board (serving as both Vice-Chair and Chair), and the STARS board of directors. She also spent seven years on the University of Alberta’s Board of Governors, where she chaired the highly successful Millennium Campaign, raising an unprecedented $200 million. Her commitment to her fellow Albertans is evident in her personal involvement in local programs, as well as her support for institutions outside the province, including the University of Saskatchewan and Queen’s University.
Honours, Achievements, and Lasting Influence
Catherine’s immense contributions have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards. She is a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Alberta Centennial Medal. She has also been honoured with MacEwan University’s Distinguished Citizen Award, the University of Alberta’s Alumni Honour Award, and was named a Global Edmonton Woman of Vision. In 2009, she received an honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Alberta, an institution she personally supported with a $1.5 million donation to establish a chair in musculoskeletal research.
Catherine Roozen has always championed a low-profile approach to philanthropy, preferring to stay out of the limelight and let her actions speak for themselves. However, the scale of her impact is impossible to overlook. She has poured her energy and compassion into the lives of her fellow citizens, serving as a powerful role model for women in business. Her efforts have helped create a more cohesive and supportive society, and her dedication to charitable causes continues to change lives. Today, Catherine continues to serve the public and lead business initiatives that drive both economic and social progress in Canada.