More than 50 CEOs, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders from Alberta are currently in Ottawa to raise awareness about their province and promote collaboration on energy, climate, and economic issues. The delegation, led by a consortium of economic development agencies, chambers of commerce, and policy organizations, includes executives from major corporations as well as startups from various industries. This is the largest business delegation from Alberta to visit Ottawa in recent memory and has scheduled meetings with cabinet ministers, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
The delegation, known as the “One Alberta, One Canada” delegation, aims to educate people in Ottawa about the diversity of businesses and opportunities in Alberta, while also addressing important issues. The visit comes at a time when relations between Alberta’s UCP government and the federal Liberals have soured. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has threatened to utilize the province’s Sovereignty Act to challenge federal clean electricity regulations and has suggested the province could exit the Canada Pension Plan. In response, Alberta government-funded ads warning about the perceived risks of federal emissions reduction policies have been rolled out across various markets, including Ottawa.
During his address to the delegation, Prime Minister Trudeau acknowledged that there are politicians who prefer to stoke anxiety rather than focus on environmental and economic solutions. He expressed his belief that Alberta companies and entrepreneurs will play a crucial role in leading energy innovations that will contribute to a low-carbon economy. Trudeau emphasized the need for collaboration and unity, stating that Canada cannot build the right future without Alberta at its center.
Alex Pourbaix, executive chair of Cenovus Energy and a member of the delegation, emphasized the importance of focusing on policy rather than divisive political issues. He stated that Albertans are fully committed to Canada and share the federal government’s aspirations for decarbonization. However, Pourbaix also highlighted the need for thoughtful discussions on the pace of decarbonization and its impact on Canadians’ cost of living and quality of life.
Alberta has raised objections to the federal government’s goal of achieving a net-zero electricity grid by 2035, arguing that it could jeopardize reliability and affordability. The province is also strongly opposed to the upcoming cap on emissions from the oil and gas sector. However, many of Alberta’s major companies are seeking federal assistance for their own emissions-reduction plans.
The delegation from Alberta is also focused on promoting the province’s growing tech sector and attracting skilled labor. Alberta experienced a population growth of 4.1% in the 12 months leading up to July 1, outpacing other provinces. The provincial government’s “Alberta is Calling” ad campaign aims to entice Canadians from other parts of the country to move to Alberta. The co-founder of an Edmonton-based artificial intelligence company highlighted the emerging strengths in AI, biotechnology, and low-carbon energy in Alberta and stressed the importance of working together to unleash the province’s full potential.
In his speech, Prime Minister Trudeau addressed regional differences and emphasized the need for unity, stating that all Canadians are ultimately part of one country. He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to strengthening the Canada Pension Plan and ensuring a stable retirement for all Canadians.
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