Alberta is the place to be for people seeking opportunity and prosperity. With companies making massive investments in tech, clean energy, manufacturing, oil and gas, and film and television, our province is once again expected to lead the country in growth in 2022.
The opportunities being created in our province have led to an increase in people moving to Alberta. U-Haul’s annual growth index indicates Alberta saw more trucks arriving than leaving last year — experiencing the highest provincial growth in the country. The moving and storage giant also named Calgary the No. 5 growth city in all of Canada.
"There are initiatives in Alberta that are creating more job opportunities and attracting residents," said Naga Chennamsetty, U-Haul area district vice-president of Western Canada. Although Calgary secured top spot in terms of people moving to Alberta, U-Haul added that smaller municipalities like Red Deer and Lacombe, Medicine Hat and Redcliff as well as Airdrie are also attracting more residents. According to the Calgary Real Estate Board, Airdrie, Cochrane and Okotoks saw record sales this past year.
This isn’t spontaneous growth either, this recovery has been purposefully built since the spring of 2019. From policies aimed at cutting corporate taxes and reducing red tape to actively seeking out major projects and investors to come to Alberta, our government has been laying the framework for this thriving economic situation since taking office.
Alberta’s Recovery Plan is working. In 2022 we will continue to recover from the triple whammy or a global economic recession, a downturn in oil prices and the pandemic. The Alberta
government is committed to continuing to bring back investment and create opportunities for new, emerging, and diverse business investment. We can see Canadians are voting with their feet and moving back to our province where there is a renewed hope for the future thanks to the return of the Alberta advantage. Alberta is back.
Avalanche awareness
It’s that time of year when hikers and skiers can get out on the slopes and enjoy Alberta’s beautiful mountains. Those who have been exploring our incredible landscape also need to be cautious of avalanches and other hazards. Minister of Environment and Parks Jason Nixon has released a statement urging recreationalists to enjoy Alberta’s winter safely.
He states, “Avalanche Awareness Days on Jan. 15 and 16 are a national celebration of our winter heritage. This is also an opportunity to enhance our understanding about our winter environment and raise awareness about backcountry safety. Avalanche Canada, in partnership with the federal government and other jurisdictions, agencies and organizations across Canada, offer a variety of services, such as daily avalanche forecasts, avalanche safety training and focused outreach programs and events that can teach everyone – regardless of knowledge or skill level – how to stay safe in avalanche areas.” You can find more information about avalanche safety and sign up for webinars at www.avalanche.ca.
Nominations open for Alberta’s highest honour
We are currently seeking nominations for up to 10 individuals who will receive the Alberta Order of Excellence. Albertans are encouraged to nominate remarkable citizens, leaders, and innovators for membership in the Order. Nominations are accepted year-round but must be received by Feb. 15 to be considered for investiture this year. Nominations not selected in 2022 will be considered for up to three years. Information about the Order, including nomination guidelines, nomination forms and biographies of previous inductees is available on the Alberta Order of Excellence website. I encourage everyone to think of the people in their lives who have made outstanding contributions to their communities, and to nominate them for this honour.
Growing Alberta’s tech sector
Tech sector stakeholders continue to experience challenges in attracting and retaining workers with the training and skills needed to fulfill positions in Alberta. The Government of Alberta launched an accelerated immigration pathway for the tech sector under the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program Alberta Express Entry Stream in December 2021. Our government is attracting highly skilled tech professionals to Alberta to strengthen our workforce, support investment and diversify our economy. We need to support the growing momentum of Alberta’s technology sector by helping to attract and develop a highly skilled workforce in Alberta.
Martin Long, MLA
West Yellowhead
