Who we are
Our Purpose
We believe long-term economic prosperity for Canadians requires responsible use of our resources to drive domestic primary manufacturing. Exporting manufactured products rather than just exporting raw materials leaves Canadians in control of the environmental footprint of both the extraction and manufacturing elements of the supply chain ensuring sustainable practices are used. This approach also creates jobs and drives the development of local expertise which in turn creates long term career paths and offers the potential to develop expertise that can be exported.
CPS sees an opportunity in Manitoba to act on our vision for sustainable economic prosperity. For too long, North America has had to import 100% of its patterned solar glass demand — even though Canada has an abundance of premium, accessible raw materials like high-purity silica sand and is an energy exporter.
Our state-of-the-art patterned solar glass manufacturing plant will be an economic catalyst for the industry and region, and make a meaningful contribution to Canada’s manufacturing sector. The facility will utilize the best technology available and renewable electricity to set a new standard for sustainable glass manufacturing.
Our vision for the future
We aim to be a transformative Canadian leader. This starts with operating Canada’s first sustainable solar glass manufacturing facility and establishing an anchor industry in Selkirk that could act as a catalyst to attract other silica based industries and related silica product users to the area.
This could one day include solar panel manufacturers, specialized coating operations, or specialized architectural glass companies. With the silica resource and with an anchor industry, this region has the potential to become a glass hub comparable to those in Europe and Ohio.
Leadership Team
Glenn Leroux
President & CEO
Glenn Leroux is a seasoned executive with over 40 years of experience. His career includes executive responsibility for startup and management of large international operations.
His recent experience demonstrates his ability to turnaround and grow companies through executive leadership. Prior to CPS, he served as President & CEO of Nilex Inc., a leading distributor of geo-synthetics and heavy civil construction products. He was previously President & CEO of BOS Solutions Inc. leading its revenue growth from a $22 million Canadian focused service provider to a peak of over $200 million through an aggressive USA growth plan.
Glenn holds a diploma in Petroleum Technology from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, a B.Sc. Petroleum Engineering from Montana Tech and is a member of APEGA.
ISHA KULAR
CFO
Isha Kular is an accomplished financial executive with over 17 years of experience, bringing a wealth of experience to CPS spanning audit, financial reporting, tax, treasury, insurance, debt, internal controls, and mergers and acquisition activities for both private and public companies.
Isha began her career with Deloitte & Touche as an Accountant and Auditor, progressing through roles with increasing responsibility and technical complexity, most recently serving as Vice President, Finance and Controller for Optiom (a subsidiary of Aviva PLC). She also served as Controller for CPS from 2019 to 2020.
Isha holds a Bachelor of Commerce, Accounting from the University of Calgary, a Master of Professional Accounting (MPAcc) from the University of Saskatchewan, and a CPA, CA designation.
ANSHUL VISHAL
Vice President, Corporate DEVELOPMENT
Anshul Vishal is an experienced business and venture development executive with over 15 years of experience and a background in developing financial and operating models, business case and commercial contracting strategy and managing investor relations for start-ups. His previous experience also includes project & construction management in mining and oil & gas sectors.
Prior to joining CPS, his experience includes early-stage venture development of a silica resource in Western Canada and venture development for a private consulting company.
Anshul holds an MBA (with Merit) from Warwick Business School in the UK where his dissertation focused on green innovation financing. He also holds the designation of Capital Markets Securities Analyst (CMSA) through Corporate Finance Institute, a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering (Honors First Class) from Queen’s University and is a member of APEGA.
DANA PARTRIDGE
Vice President, GLASS OPERATIONS
Dana Partridge brings significant glass manufacturing experience gained over a 20+ year career across a variety of roles with Guardian Industries in glass plant operations. While at Guardian, Dana had management oversight of multiple glass production facilities in the firm’s U.S., Latin America and Asia-Pacific regions and he managed the construction, commissioning and staffing of a 500 tonne per day greenfield glass manufacturing facility in Saudi Arabia.
Following his career at Guardian Industries, Dana contributed to the success of a number of manufacturing companies and is joining CPS from Tacoma Glass Manufacturing, in Burlington, Washington.
Dana’s academic credentials include a BA/BS in Business Management and Geology from Marietta College and a Juris Doctorate from Concord Law School, earned following his graduation from the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, RI.
Dana will be joining the Company initially as a management consultant pending his relocation to Canada.
ALASDAIR KNOX
Vice President, PROJECT ENGINEERING
Alasdair Knox has over 30 years of project management experience gained in the UK, New Zealand, the Middle East, and Canada.
He has worked for startups as well as multi-national organizations and has experience with complex projects including Public Private Partnerships in the UK, the restoration of Shackleton’s Hut in Antarctica and the design and construction of the International Terminal at Calgary Airport.
Alasdair holds an Honours Degree in Civil Engineering from Sheffield Hallam University (UK) and an MBA from Henley Business School (UK). He is a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers (UK), APEGA and is a registered Project Management Professional.
PATRICK KENNY
INDUSTRY ADVISOR
Patrick Kenny is a well-respected 35-year veteran of the flat glass industry. He has had a long career with major North American glass producers PPG Industries Inc., and Vitro Architectural Glass Inc., with the past 21 years in executive roles.
He has deep knowledge in strategic planning, marketing, business development and business start-up of flat glass operations, specifically in new markets. Through his wholly owned company, Value INgineering Consulting LLC, he provides independent advice and expertise to CPS.
As an independent consultant, Pat will work closely with CPS management team and Board of Directors to ensure the Company’s strategic planning and project execution aligns with the elements needed for success in the North American flat glass industry.
DENELLE BUSHIE
OPERATIONS Consultant
Denelle Bushie is responsible for managing all site related activities for our Wanipigow sand quarry. He is the longest serving employee of CPS having been involved in all drilling & exploration work completed by CPS along with managing civil related works including road & site clearing. He played a key role in community engagement activities leading to CPS being granted an environmental license for quarry operations and was a member of the team that negotiated participation agreements with Hollow Water First Nation & Community of Seymourville.
Prior to joining CPS in 2014, he gained significant experience working with various Manitoba stakeholders to advance several infrastructure related projects. He served as a councilor for Hollow Water First Nation for four years where he worked to improve their living conditions.
Denelle holds a B.Sc. in Civil Engineering from University of Manitoba and is a registered EIT. His previous experience gained from working with Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada and Manitoba Infrastructure is invaluable in planning and future operations of our Wanipigow quarry.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
LOWELL JACKSON, P. Eng
CHAIRMAN
Mr. Lowell Jackson has served on the Board of Directors for CPS since 2013 and has over 40 years of technical, operational and executive experience in the resource sector.
He has previously served as the CEO and President of both WestFire Energy Ltd. and Real Resources Inc. His past experience also includes senior management roles at Grad & Walker Energy Corporation from 1991 to 1997.
Theresa Jester
DIRECTOR
Ms. Theresa Jester brings over 40 years of experience as a corporate executive and board member in solar energy technology, engineering and hardware manufacturing organizations.
She previously managed a 700-employee solar panel manufacturing division at SolarWorld over the span of 26 years, with global operations that exceeded $500 million in revenue. She has held executive roles previously at Solaria and Hudson Energy Partners, a U.S. private equity fund focused on solar energy.
Rod Sousa, B. Comm., CFA
DIRECTOR
Mr. Rod Sousa has served on the Board of Directors for CPS since 2018 and is the Executive Vice-President of Corporate Development and Planning at Paramount Resources Ltd., a major shareholder of the company.
His past experience includes senior leadership roles at Athabasca Oil, TD Securities Inc. and Scotia Waterous Inc.
Todd Garman, B. Comm., MBA
DIRECTOR
Mr. Todd Garman has served on the Board of Directors for CPS since 2017 and is the President of Iron Horse Energy Services.
His past experience includes several years as a partner and analyst in the investment banking sector, primarily at Peters & Co. Limited.
John Assman
DIRECTOR
Mr. John Assman has served on the Board of Directors for CPS since 2013.
He is a third-generation owner, President & C.E.O. of Landtran Systems Inc. Mr. Assman also works to provide funding to young businesses in an angel investor capacity.
Glenn Leroux
President & CEO
Mr. Glenn Leroux is a seasoned executive with over 40 years of experience. His career includes executive responsibility for startup and management of large international operations.
His recent experience demonstrates his ability to turnaround and grow companies through executive leadership. Prior to CPS, he served as President & CEO of Nilex Inc., a leading distributor of geo-synthetics and heavy civil construction products. He was previously President & CEO of BOS Solutions Inc. leading its revenue growth from a $22 million Canadian focused service provider to a peak of over $200 million through an aggressive USA growth plan.
He holds a diploma in Petroleum Technology from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, a B.Sc. Petroleum Engineering from Montana Tech and is a member of APEGA.
Anshul Vishal
Vice President, Corporate Development
Mr. Anshul Vishal is an experienced business and venture development executive with a background in developing financial models and strategy for start-ups. His previous experience also includes project & construction management in mining and oil & gas sectors.
Prior to joining CPS, his experience includes early-stage venture development of a silica resource in Western Canada and venture development for a private consulting company.
He holds an MBA designation from Warwick Business School in the UK where his dissertation focused on green innovation financing. He also holds the designation of Capital Markets Securities Analyst (CMSA) through Corporate Finance Institute, a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering (Honors First Class) from Queen’s University and is a member of APEGA.
Ann-Marie Osinski
Ms. Ann-Marie Osinski is a registered CPA, CA who brings more than 30 years of global financial leadership experience from various industries. Prior to joining CPS, she was a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in the global utilities, mining, industrial products and energy practice.
During her time at PwC, she held leadership roles in various practice areas including sustainability, enterprise risk management and commercial assurance. She also successfully managed due diligence and filing requirements for numerous capital raises of $100 to $500 million in the Canadian, US and European markets.
She currently also serves as the Audit Committee Chair for Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO). She was previously a member of the Financial Advisory Committee for Alberta Securities Commission.
Alasdair Knox
Vice President, Project Engineering
Mr. Alasdair Knox has over 30 years of project management experience gained in the UK, New Zealand, the Middle East, and Canada.
He has worked for startups as well as multi-national organizations and has experience with complex projects including Public Private Partnerships in the UK, the restoration of Shackleton’s Hut in Antarctica and the design and construction of the International Terminal at Calgary Airport.
He holds an Honours Degree in Civil Engineering from Hallam University (UK) and an MBA from Henley Business School (UK). He is a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers (UK), APEGA and is a registered Project Management Professional.
