Business Council of Alberta

How does a country with world-class universities, strong talent and well-developed capital markets fall eight spots in global innovation rankings? Turns out, Canada’s strengths can’t overcome weak conditions for entrepreneurship and risk-taking. With the country ranking 32nd in the broader business environment and 114th in labour productivity growth, the results point to a deeper challenge: creating the conditions for businesses to turn ideas into economic growth. Read our latest EconMinute to learn why Canada’s resource strengths aren’t translating into greater innovation and why more support programs may miss the bigger issue: businesscouncilab.com/insigh…

What will shape Alberta’s economic future in 2027? That question ran through BCA’s final General Council Meeting of the year. We heard from Premier Danielle Smith (@ABDanielleSmith) on Alberta’s path forward following the referendum, and Stéfane Marion (@StefaneMarion), Chief Economist and Strategist at National Bank of Canada, on Canada’s economic outlook. A cross-sector panel of BCA members — Bill Blais of Maclab Development Group, Shaun Vey, MBA of Syngenta Canada, Alison Sunstrum of Nya Ventures, and Scott Stauth of CNRL — shared what geopolitical developments, workforce needs and policy decisions mean for their businesses as they plan for the year ahead. Thank you to Premier Smith, Stéfane, our panelists and all the BCA members who joined us in Calgary for the candid discussion and thoughtful perspectives. @mdgdevelopment @Syngenta @CanadianNatural

The Business Council of Alberta is delighted with Albertans’ decision to remain in Canada. Alberta and Canada are stronger together. With a majority of Albertans voting to stay, it’s now time to move forward. Enough time has been lost to this referendum. There’s much work to do. Let’s get going. Read our full statement: businesscouncilab.com/advoca…

Today is referendum day in Alberta, and a final opportunity to make your voice part of this decision. If you’re heading to the polls today, take one last look at the details before you go, including your assigned voting location, ID and the logistics of your day. Whatever your perspective on Alberta’s future, today’s decision is not one to leave to someone else. Find official voting information at elections.ab.ca and your assigned location at map.elections.ab.ca #AlbertaReferendum #AlbertaVotes #ABPoli #Alberta

Advance voting for Alberta’s referendum is now underway and runs until October 17. If you’re planning to vote in advance, our second checklist covers a few things to keep in mind before heading out. Catch up on our first checklist, with more general voting information: nitter.cf/BizCouncilAB/status/21… Find official information on advance voting locations and hours, time off for voting, ID requirements and how to vote in person at elections.ab.ca. #AlbertaReferendum #AlbertaVotes #ABPoli #Alberta

Alberta’s strongest future is within Canada. Join Forever Canadian in Calgary on October 15 and Edmonton on October 16 to show Prime Minister @MarkJCarney that we are proud Albertans—and forever Canadians. We hope to see you there! Learn more and register: forever-canadian.ca/en/rally…

With Alberta’s referendum just a week away, this Thanksgiving comes with more than the usual questions around the table. It’s also a moment to think about the future of the province we call home. Whether you’re spending time with loved ones or enjoying some much-needed downtime, our special episode of C-Suite Unplugged offers some food for thought. Lauren Stewart and Adam Legge (@awlegge) go beyond the politics of separation to unpack: - what Alberta actually gains from staying in Canada - what separation could mean for families, jobs and finances - why certainty matters more than it may seem - why we believe Alberta can push for a better deal without starting over Whether you listen today or save it for after the long weekend, we hope it helps inform your conversations and your vote on October 19. Listen here: Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcas… Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/6jW… YouTube: youtu.be/reU4KvTXtyY?si=A2Jg… Explore BCA’s referendum resources, including practical voting information and checklists to help you prepare: businesscouncilab.com/refere…

Advance voting for Alberta’s referendum begins Tuesday, October 13, with referendum day on October 19. Between now and referendum day, we’ll be sharing a short series of practical voting information to help Albertans prepare, plan ahead and make sure they have the information they need before heading to the polls. First up: a quick checklist to get your ducks in a row. For official information from Elections Alberta 👇 General information: elections.ab.ca/ Where to vote: elections.ab.ca/current-elec… ID requirements: elections.ab.ca/voters/id-re… How to vote in person: elections.ab.ca/voters/how-t… #AlbertaReferendum #AlbertaVotes #ABPoli #Alberta

With Alberta’s referendum less than two weeks away, it’s becoming increasingly important to understand the very real ways separation could affect Albertan families, businesses and economy. In a new conversation with @Sean_Speer of @TheHubCanada, Adam Legge (@awlegge) makes the case for staying in Canada while acknowledging the frustrations that have brought Alberta to this point. From currency and trade to jobs and investment, he raises the practical questions every Albertan should consider before October 19. However you’re approaching this decision, it’s a conversation worth hearing before you vote. Watch here: thehub.ca/podcast/video/they…

After nearly nine years as President and CEO, Gord Johnston has stepped into a new chapter as Vice Chair of @Stantec's Board of Directors. Before that transition became official, we had the chance to hear firsthand how he was thinking about the move and what this next chapter would look like. Tune into the latest C-Suite Unplugged as Gord joins Adam Legge to reflect on a 40-year career that took him from engineer to CEO, why he initially said no to the top job, the culture and decisions behind Stantec’s growth, and why he’s excited to stay connected to a company he loves. Catch the full conversation 👇 YouTube: youtu.be/oHFZnPJDx5Q?si=c6Dr… Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcas… Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/22v…

Public opinion polls can give us a sense of where things stand, but they can’t predict exactly who will show up to vote. With Alberta’s referendum approaching, voter participation will play a meaningful role in the outcome. That’s why our latest EconMinute takes a closer look at why turnout matters. A few things we unpack: - Why polling can miss important groups of voters - How turnout has differed from expectations in other consequential votes - Why voter motivation can matter as much as voter intention - What turnout could mean for the October 19 result BCA believes Alberta is stronger and better positioned for the future as part of Canada. But whatever your perspective, we encourage all Albertans to participate in this important decision. Read the full EconMinute and make a plan to vote on October 19: businesscouncilab.com/insigh…

Canada benefits enormously from Alberta staying in it. But if you ask many Albertans what Alberta gets in return, the answer isn't always clear. In this special episode of C-Suite Unplugged, BCA President Adam Legge steps out of his usual role as host and into the guest seat. Lauren Stewart, BCA’s Vice President of Communications and External Relations, sits down with Adam to ask the big questions about Alberta’s place in Canada. Together, they dig beyond the surface of the separation debate to get at the roots of why BCA believes Alberta’s strongest path forward is within Canada. Spoiler: it’s not about settling for the status quo or overlooking legitimate frustrations with Ottawa. Wherever you stand on separation, give it a listen, consider the implications for Alberta and participate in the decision. Tune in wherever you get your podcasts. Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcas… Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/6jW… YouTube: youtu.be/reU4KvTXtyY?si=A2Jg…

A major step forward for Alberta and Canada. BCA welcomes today’s designation of the West Coast Oil Pipeline, now known as Pacific Link, as Canada’s first project of national interest and urges swift action on the work and consultations needed to move it toward construction. Read our full statement: businesscouncilab.com/advoca…

Today, on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, we remember the children who never returned home from residential schools and honour the survivors, families and communities who continue to carry their impacts. Reconciliation begins with learning about Canada’s residential school history. Today is an opportunity to listen, reflect and deepen our understanding, while recognizing that reconciliation is not limited to one day. It is an ongoing responsibility that calls for continued learning and meaningful action. There are events and opportunities to learn and reflect taking place across Alberta today. Here are two resources for events in Calgary and Edmonton: Calgary: calgary.ca/events/orange-shi… Edmonton: edmonton.ca/attractions_even… Learn more about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: canada.ca/en/canadian-herita… #NationalDayForTruthAndReconciliation #OrangeShirtDay #EveryChildMatters

Yesterday, BCA President Adam Legge joined the Canada West Foundation for Alberta in Confederation: The Economic, Trade and Constitutional Realities of Separation, a panel discussion on what separation could mean for Alberta and Canada ahead of the Oct. 19 referendum. The conversation brought together experts from across economics, trade, constitutional affairs and business. Contributors expanded on their work in CWF’s “Alberta in Confederation” report, and Adam shared a business perspective on the uncertainty separation could create for investment and competitiveness, while also encouraging Albertans to consider what would be at stake if Alberta were to leave Canada. Thank you to Canada West Foundation and Gary G. Mar for convening the conversation, and to fellow panelists Dr. Ted Morton, Dr. Audrey Doerr, Dr. Greg Anderson, Dr. Paul Boothe and Jeffrey J. McCaig for sharing their perspectives. Read the "Alberta in Confederation" report: cwf.ca/research/publications…

If Ottawa is rewriting the rules to approve major projects faster, why does a West Coast Pipeline still need national interest status? You're not alone if you’ve been wondering how the proposed Building Canada Strong Act (Bill C-39) fits with the existing Building Canada Act (Bill C-5). One way to think about it is to picture Canada’s approvals system as a highway. Bill C-5 creates a fast lane for designated projects, while Bill C-39 aims to fix the entire highway, including that fast lane. With Bill C-39 still awaiting passage and its proposed one-year review timeline untested, national interest designation under Bill C-5 remains vital to advancing a West Coast Pipeline quickly. Read our latest EconMinute on how the two bills fit together and why designation still matters: businesscouncilab.com/insigh…

One project could advance three of Canada’s biggest economic goals: diversifying trade, becoming an energy superpower and accelerating economic growth. With a national-interest listing expected by October 1, BCA is urging the Government of Canada to designate the proposed West Coast Pipeline as a project in the national interest and advance it quickly. The case for designation is clear: - Trade diversification: BCA estimates that a pipeline with capacity comparable to the Trans Mountain Expansion could increase the share of Canadian crude exports reaching non-U.S. markets from around 15 per cent to 23 per cent. - Economic and fiscal benefits: The project is estimated to increase Canada’s long-term GDP by approximately 0.3 per cent, generate tens of billions of dollars in construction activity and contribute billions in government revenue. - Greater Indigenous economic participation: The proposed structure includes opportunities for employment and procurement, along with an Indigenous equity purchase right supported by federal and Alberta loan guarantee programs. Read our full submission on why the West Coast Pipeline is in Canada’s national interest: businesscouncilab.com/advoca…

The Western Business Coalition came to Ottawa on behalf of 10,000 businesses and left encouraged to see some of our most critical recommendations reflected in the Building Canada Strong Act. Bill C-39’s regulatory changes will help the country knock down some of the largest barriers to investment and importantly, uphold Canada's world-class environmental and consultation standards. Thank you to the WBC’s leaders for bringing a united Western business voice to Ottawa: Adam Legge, President of the Business Council of Alberta; Laura Jones, President and CEO of the Business Council of British Columbia; Prabha Ramaswamy, CEO of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce; and Bram Strain, President and CEO of the Business Council of Manitoba. We also appreciate those who met with us throughout the visit, including Dominic LeBlanc, Mélanie Joly, Steven MacKinnon, Eleanor Olszewski, Isabelle Mondou and Goldy Hyder. For a closer look at the coalition’s case for Bill C-39 and why it matters for Canada’s competitiveness, read the National Post’s coverage of our Parliament Hill news conference: nationalpost.com/news/canada… @awlegge | @DLeBlancNB | @melaniejoly | @stevenmackinnon | @EleanorO_MP | @imondouisabelle | @goldyhyder |@BCBCLaura | @prabharama2022 | @bizcouncilmb | @BizCouncilBC | @SaskChamber | @BizCouncilofCan