News

The latest news, editorials, and conversations shaping Alberta’s business environment.

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Alberta Enterprise Group: New measures are a welcome sign for Alberta businesses

Over the past few months Alberta’s businesses have shown their dedication to our communities by supporting the provinces health measures and many have shut their doors. It is encouraging that the Government of Alberta is now here to support those who have given more than their share throughout this crisis.
Over the past few months Alberta’s businesses have shown their dedication to our communities by supporting the provinces health measures and many have shut their doors. It is encouraging that the Government of Alberta is now here to support those who have given more than their share throughout this crisis.

Alberta’s Pre-Election Budget Biggest Surprise? Fiscal Prudence!

Pre-election budgets are rarely admirable. Money is spread around like pixie dust to curry the support of voters and to knee-cap opposition parties by borrowing their ideas. To a certain extent, the pre-election good news budget that Alberta Finance Minister Travis Toews delivered Tuesday follows this time-honoured political path, helped by $27.5 billion in oil and gas revenues in the 2022/23 fiscal year. And so, it is easy to chide the budget for populist policies like freezing insurance rates and capping post-secondary tuition fee increases at 2 per cent and for industrial policy measures for politically favoured industries (such as agricultural processing and film and television production). And there is the usual scattering of minor tax credits instead of a general cut in personal taxes – with no mention of a tax review geared to major reform, which the United Conservative Party proposed when it took office.
Pre-election budgets are rarely admirable. Money is spread around like pixie dust to curry the support of voters and to knee-cap opposition parties by borrowing their ideas. To a certain extent, the pre-election good news budget that Alberta Finance Minister Travis Toews delivered Tuesday follows this time-honoured political path, helped by $27.5 billion in oil and gas revenues in the 2022/23 fiscal year. And so, it is easy to chide the budget for populist policies like freezing insurance rates and capping post-secondary tuition fee increases at 2 per cent and for industrial policy measures for politically favoured industries (such as agricultural processing and film and television production). And there is the usual scattering of minor tax credits instead of a general cut in personal taxes – with no mention of a tax review geared to major reform, which the United Conservative Party proposed when it took office.

AEG Podcast, Ep. 10: The Alberta International Air Show: More Than Just an Air Show

In this episode of AEG’s podcast, host Catherine Brownlee welcomes Richard Skermer, a representative of the Alberta International Air Show, to discuss the event’s mission and goals. Richard explains that the air show is not just a typical barnstormer event, but rather a conference and networking center for the aerospace industry with a rodeo as a backdrop. He emphasizes the importance of attracting human capital to the region for economic diversification and the need to showcase Alberta as a dynamic and forward-thinking destination. Richard also discusses the STEAM initiative and the importance of incorporating arts into STEM education. He explains that the success of the air show is measured in metrics and aligning with corporate and government objectives, making it an investment opportunity for sponsors rather than just a weekend event. The air show is set to take place on an August long weekend this year.
In this episode of AEG’s podcast, host Catherine Brownlee welcomes Richard Skermer, a representative of the Alberta International Air Show, to discuss the event’s mission and goals. Richard explains that the air show is not just a typical barnstormer event, but rather a conference and networking center for the aerospace industry with a rodeo as a backdrop. He emphasizes the importance of attracting human capital to the region for economic diversification and the need to showcase Alberta as a dynamic and forward-thinking destination. Richard also discusses the STEAM initiative and the importance of incorporating arts into STEM education. He explains that the success of the air show is measured in metrics and aligning with corporate and government objectives, making it an investment opportunity for sponsors rather than just a weekend event. The air show is set to take place on an August long weekend this year.