Calgary, November 15, 2022 – The Calgary Chamber of Commerce launches part three of its four-part series, Unlocking our Talent Potential: Investing in people, culture and infrastructure, which highlights the investments needed to ensure Calgary is vibrant, in order to attract and retain talent, and address the labour shortage.

"Investing in our city and the people who power it is critical to attracting and retaining talent," said Deborah Yedlin, President and CEO, Calgary Chamber of Commerce. "Investments in micro-credentialling and skill development, in physical infrastructure like transit and sporting facilities, and in arts and culture help make Calgary a magnet for talent."

The Calgary Chamber recognizes the work underway by governments to enhance and modernize Calgary’s infrastructure, however, further investments are required.

Recommendations

Invest in infrastructure to ensure Calgary remains a destination of choice to live, work and play

Significant infrastructure investments must be made to create vibrancy and attract talent. With young people accounting for 18 per cent of the city’s population, we must prioritize investments that attract and retain them.

• Collaborate across government bodies to advance Calgary’s Event Centre and Culture + Entertainment District.
• Commit to funding public and shared transit including the Green Line, to the airport, and to the Rocky Mountains.
• Work with post-secondary institutions to establish residences and teaching spaces in Calgary’s downtown core.
• Fund community development and regentrification projects including the West End.

Invest in sports and entertainment

Invest in initiatives that attract and promote arts, entertainment, and cultural events across the city.

• Invest in recreational and elite sporting infrastructure, including an inner-city recreation center and refreshing aging facilities.
• Provide free public transit access in the city during major events.
• Create a city-wide events calendar to promote arts, entertainment, and cultural experiences across the city.

Position Calgary as a talent leader

Skill vacancies currently account for $25 billion in unrealized economic value nationally. We therefore must invest in skills programs to create an adaptable and flexible workforce.

• Provide grants and bursaries to research organizations that promote labour force adaptability.
• Create a “Continuous Learning” tax incentive for businesses that support professional development for employees.
• Commit to multi-year funding for Alberta educational institutions that deliver micro-credential courses.

Leverage businesses as talent developers

Collaboration among governments and businesses to develop the future workforce is needed as businesses are key to developing talent across the city.

• Develop a city-run municipal student work experience program.
• Offset the costs associated with hiring and training talent by offering grants and tax incentives that supporting continuous learning.
• Create a “Business-to-Government” secondment program that offers work experience in both industry and government.

Implementing these initiatives will further advance Calgary, making it the destination of choice to live, work and play. Investments must be prioritized to attract the talent of tomorrow and retain the talent of today.

To read the full report and recommendations, please visit: www.calgarychamber.com/unlocking-our-talent-potential

About the Report: Unlocking our Talent Potential

Unlocking our Talent Potential is a four-part series that provides policy recommendations and tangible solutions to some of the most pressing issues concerning the city’s talent crisis. Local businesses, thought leaders, and young Calgarians came together to share their insights on day-to-day labour challenges. These recommendations provide a framework for addressing the talent crisis today to ensure a resilient future.

Priorities

• Refine our immigration policies to grow our talent pool
• Build an inclusive and values-driven workforce
• Invest in people, culture, and infrastructure
• Strengthen Calgary’s reputation and brand

ABOUT THE CALGARY CHAMBER 

The Calgary Chamber exists to help businesses thrive. As the convenor and catalyst for a vibrant, inclusive, and prosperous business community, the Chamber works to build strength and resilience among its members and position Calgary as a magnet for talent, diversification, and opportunity. As an independent, non-profit, non-partisan organization, we build on our 131-year history to serve and advocate for businesses of all sizes, in all sectors, and across the city.

Media opportunities

For media inquiries, please contact Shannon Hazlett, Senior Public Relations Advisor, at media@calgarychamber.com.