The Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF), in partnership with the Government of Alberta, is investing up to $4.15 million in Mount Royal University (MRU) to establish the Alberta Logistics Centre of Excellence (ALCoE). The Government of Canada, through Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), also previously announced $1.5 million in funding for the ALCoE initiative.
This investment will bring industry, government, academia and talent together to address industry ecosystem fragmentation, trade disruptions and workforce shortages in the transportation and logistics sector.
“Calgary’s global connectivity, skilled workforce and large‑scale distribution capabilities position our region to lead in building resilient supply chains and generate opportunities in emerging areas like advanced manufacturing," said Brad Parry, CEO, Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund and President and CEO, Calgary Economic Development.
" ALCoE will help local companies solve industry-relevant challenges, strengthen our talent pipeline and accelerate innovation in the sector — driving long‑term economic growth and diversification for our province."
Building a connected and resilient transportation and logistics network in Alberta
ALCoE will help local companies diversify markets and strengthen supply chains, accelerate the adoption of new technologies and develop talent to meet evolving industry needs. It will offer targeted training, proof‑of‑concept projects and applied research and innovation programs.
“Strengthening how we move goods is essential to supporting our city’s growth. The Alberta Logistics Centre of Excellence represents the type of strategic investment needed to create local jobs, keep our region competitive and build a more efficient and connected transportation and logistics network," said Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas.
Over four years, this investment is expected to train 150 individuals, create 80 high-skilled jobs and support 75 companies in Calgary. Federal investment from PrairiesCan will support the launch of the ALCoE as well as specialized programming to help prove and commercialize innovative transportation and logistics products and technologies.
Helping local talent and businesses adapt through innovation
ALCoE will be guided by an industry-led advisory committee, with MRU serving as the primary lead and providing access to existing infrastructure, logistical support and industry relationships. The Centre will also leverage MRU’s supply chain management program and provide work-integrated learning opportunities for students.
“The transportation and logistics sector sits at the centre of how Alberta trades with the world. At a time of rising trade uncertainty, technology disruption, and workforce pressures, companies need practical ways to adapt as the pace of change accelerates," said Tom McCaffery, Executive Director, Alberta Logistics Centre of Excellence.
"The Alberta Logistics Centre of Excellence will help industry leaders test new technologies, develop talent, and build the strategies needed to strengthen supply chains and ensure Alberta remains competitive in global trade."
Calgary is globally connected by air, rail and road
At the nexus of major transportation routes, Calgary is strategically positioned to lead the sector as North America’s most connected mid-sized city by air and rail access to the coasts, the U.S. and Mexico.
The region is also advancing the Prairie Economic Gateway, which will unlock rail-served industrial land and expand access to interprovincial and international trade routes.
In 2024, Alberta’s transportation and logistics sector contributed $22.5 billion to GDP and employed more than 178,000 people (StatsCan, 2025).
Advancing Calgary's Innovation Strategy through strategic investments
As part of Calgary’s Innovation Strategy, ALCoE is another step forward in establishing Calgary as Canada’s innovation capital by creating sector-specific hubs around the city.
This investment builds on hub announcements in 2025, including the ETC Foundation, Xpand Commercialization Hub and AgSphere, and supports a broader roadmap designed to strengthen Calgary’s innovation ecosystem and attract investment.
Successful implementation of the strategy estimates Calgary could generate 187,000 new jobs and contribute more than $28 billion to the local economy by 2034.
Learn how OCIF is fuelling Calgary’s economic future at opportunitycalgary.com.