On February 6, the Calgary Chamber hosted the Hon. Joseph Schow, Alberta’s Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration, for a conversation on the province’s economic path forward.
Minister Schow opened by highlighting his government’s efforts to stimulate economic growth and its long-term vision for Alberta’s economy. He emphasized that his government’s role is not to create wealth, but to create an environment that enables capital investment and job creation to allow businesses to succeed. He pointed to red tape reduction efforts that have saved Alberta businesses more than $3 billion and have allowed them to reinvest into growing the economy.
Addressing the market mismatch of high unemployment alongside persistent labour shortages, the Minister noted ongoing work to reduce barriers to credential recognition and to fill workforce gaps with both domestic and international talent. These efforts are aimed at ensuring Alberta companies remain competitive and well-positioned for growth.
In the fireside chat with Calgary Chamber President and CEO Deborah Yedlin, the Minister highlighted:
- Calgary’s growing attractiveness as a business and tourism destination, citing newly announced direct flights to the U.A.E. and South America.
- The need to continue strengthening the visitor economy, including the possibility of hosting a future Winter Olympics in Calgary.
- Ongoing efforts to reduce interprovincial trade barriers to ensure Alberta has the labour required to meet demand, particularly as the government seeks to incentivize development of energy infrastructure.
- Increased labour needs in hospitality and the trades, and the need to ensure businesses have access to temporary foreign workers and permanent residents, while better attracting young people to these sectors.
The Calgary Chamber extends its thanks to presenting sponsor De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited and supporting sponsor Bow Valley College for their support of this event.
