Economic Development Strategy background

In 2002, then-Mayor Dave Bronconnier invited Murray Edwards, one of Canada’s top business leaders, to chair a task force made up of representatives from the public, non-profit and private sectors to review Calgary’s economic development model.

The Edwards Task Force identified the need to develop a comprehensive economic development strategy that would guide the activities of all three levels of government within the Calgary region, as they relate to economic development, but most significantly, guide the activities of the four City-funded economic development agencies: Calgary Economic Development; Tourism Calgary; Calgary Technologies Inc.; and the Calgary Convention Centre Authority.

A 17-member Steering Team, comprised of individuals from private sector, senior levels of government and the four City-funded economic development agencies, led the creation of the Calgary Economic Development Strategy. An extensive public consultation process was undertaken to ensure a broad and diverse range of public opinions and ideas were captured and explored. Calgary Economic Development project managed the process and an external consultant was retained to assist with the data analysis, public input and documentation. 

In addition to serving as a guide for the four City-funded economic development agencies, it was hoped that other economic development partners, senior levels of government and the private sector would align their priorities with the overall Calgary Economic Development Strategy.

The Strategy was the culmination of the recommendations made by the Edwards Task Force. It identified those strategic sectors and drivers that Calgary should focus its resources on in order to ensure that it remains at the peak of competitiveness amongst global jurisdictions.

Steering committee – organizations represented:

• Calgary Economic Development Board of Directors
• Tourism Calgary Board of Directors
• Calgary Convention Centre Authority Board of Directors
• Calgary Technologies Inc.
• Western Management Consultants
• Calgary Airport Authority
• City of Airdrie and Chair
• Calgary Regional Partnership
• Meyers Norris Penny
• Calgary Economic Development
• Tourism Calgary
• Calgary TELUS Convention Centre
• Alberta College of Art + Design
• Calgary Chamber of Commerce
• Tristone Captial
• City of Calgary
• University of Calgary
• Encana Corporation
• United Way of Calgary and Area
• Western Economic Diversification Canada