Economic experts look towards Alberta’s future and upcoming election
With eight weeks to go until election day, over 100 members of the southern Alberta business community gathered to listen as fellow professionals, including some of Alberta’s top economists, spoke on key issues facing the province, both internally and externally.
It was all part of the SouthGrow Southern Alberta Economic Development Forum, which took place Thursday at Lethbridge's Sandman Hotel on Mayor Magrath Drive.
"I think it's important to focus on southern Alberta, but then to see what's happening outside of southern Alberta so then we can strengthen southern Alberta and that's a lot of what the messages are today," said Cyndi Bester, CEO for the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce.
Keynote speakers for the event were Jack Mintz and Todd Hirsch who've both spent time working as economic advisors in Alberta and across the country.
FUTURE OF ALBERTA ECONOMY
Mintz spoke to the future of Alberta’s economy and major trends that will affect growth.
"We sometimes need to get out of our own climate or locality we live and to think about what are the trends that are happening, not just in Canada but around the world, that can impact on the economy," Mintz told CTV News.
When asked about the upcoming election and the main topics of debate, Mintz touched on one issue affecting all Albertans.
"There'll be a tremendous discussion around health care and trying to fix health care, but the challenges there I think go beyond just management of the system, I think management is part of the issue, but I think it goes well beyond that."
Jack Mintz speaking at the SouthGrow Southern Alberta Economic Development Forum on Thursday, March 30, 2023
GLOBAL ISSUES
While Mintz spoke in the morning, Hirsch gave his keynote in the afternoon, directing it towards global issues such as spiking interest rates and price volatility that could toss a stick in the spokes of the provincial economy.
"I think Alberta's in good shape, but there are a lot of things going on around the world that could interrupt that and we need to be prepared for some economic disruptions," Hirsch said.
When speaking about the coming election, Hirsch brought up the major industries that need to be addressed to keep Alberta moving.
"Food security, energy security, the technology industry, tourism. Growing these industries," Hirsch said, "I think that's what we should be focusing on.
"I'm looking for our political leaders as we move into this election campaign to really be explaining to Albertans how we are going to grow our economy," he added.
With just under two months until the coming provincial election, all eyes will be on party leaders and the issues they base their campaigns on.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Live updates as Stormy Daniels testifies at Trump hush money trial
Adult film star Stormy Daniels will take the stand a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump’s hush money case continues in Manhattan. Follow live updates here.
BREAKING Toronto Maple Leafs fire head coach Sheldon Keefe
The Toronto Maple Leafs have announced that Sheldon Keefe has been relieved of his duties as head coach. The move comes in the wake of the Leafs being eliminated in the first round of the NHL playoffs.
Bank of Canada says financial system is stable, but risks remain
The Bank of Canada says the Canadian financial system is stable, but risks remain due to debt servicing costs among households and businesses and stretched valuations of financial assets.
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Court to hear about search for remains as Winnipeg murder trial enters second day
A courtroom in Winnipeg is expected to hear testimony today about the search for the remains of the four victims of Jeremy Skibicki.
Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
'We can and we must do better': First ever Air Accessibility Summit hits Ottawa
Federal ministers, airline executives and members of the disability community are gathering in Ottawa today for the first ever Air Accessibility Summit.