Focus on economic diversification critical to Alberta's future success in the global economy

The following statement is attributable to Murray Sigler, interim CEO, Calgary Chamber of Commerce

Calgary, September 17, 2020 – “For Alberta to emerge from this pandemic on its front foot and ready to lead in the global economy, we must tell our story of innovation, resilience, and unrelenting entrepreneurship. Today’s provincial announcement of Alberta’s Investment and Growth Strategy (IGS) provides the outline to that story. Now, we must move forward in a way that provides certainty and stability for business.

“The IGS contains important fundamentals for attracting private sector investment. This includes leveraging our strengths while simultaneously focusing on economic diversification, funding the Invest Alberta Corporation, investing in Alberta’s workforce, and promoting Alberta as a hub for renewable energy, artificial intelligence, value-added food processing, and many others.

“We look forward to future announcements on tangible initiatives for business, and urge the provincial government to consider these key opportunities:

• Stimulate an inclusive economic recovery to allow everyone to participate and help shape Alberta’s future;
• Take concrete steps towards economic diversification, in partnership with business;
• Continue to make progress on red tape reduction; and
• Ensure there is certainty and stability for business to attract and retain investment in the long-term.

“A close partnership between all levels of government – provincial, federal, and municipal – is critical to our future success, and the Chamber was encouraged to see this prioritized and reflected in the IGS.

“On behalf of Calgary’s business community, we stand ready to contribute to this work, which will ensure Alberta is an attractive and competitive place to do business.”

Media Inquiries

For all media inquiries, please contact media@calgarychamber.com or (403) 750-0401.

About the Calgary Chamber

The Calgary Chamber is an independent non-profit, non-partisan business organization. For 129 years the Chamber has worked to build a business community that nourishes, powers and inspires the world.