Economic Prosperity (part two)

​Calls for economic diversification have been happening for years. Let’s be clear, Calgary is not lacking any economies but we can no longer be a one trick pony. No single sector is for the foreseeable future going to guarantee robust wages and spending like oil and gas did for years. We need to move into strong sectors, that combined, provide stability and consistency in hiring, growth, and investment into our city. It will be a balance and a cooperation between industries which moves Calgary forward.

When we talk about economic development in Calgary, especially using the City budget, I believe we need to be thoughtful about which industries can and should be bolstered to provide to most impact. Right now I believe those sectors are tech (and tech adjacent), arts (including film), and the non-profit/social sector. There is also the case for the trades and the building industry as we take on large city building projects and improve our built form in our existing neighbourhoods. Economic growth and development must be a balance between resourcing and support for small to medium sized businesses while also attracting (and retaining) medium to large scale businesses, especially those who are looking to scale.

Where it is important for the City to be involved is supporting arms length organizations which focus on programming and resources specific to their sector. There are a few industries that are ripe for development and Calgary needs to continue to be a supporting player.

The tech sector continues to show impressive gains. In order for the sector to grow, entrepreneurs need opportunities to test their ideas through programming and guidance. 

• The City’s investment into the Platform Calgary space is great news as a central hub for collisions and partner organizations to support growth. In order to increase the number of entrepreneurs and companies in our city, Calgary should consider investing more into Platform Calgary, matching Edmonton’s investment into their tech sector. 

• The migration of skilled workers is as much about a culture shift and as it is about skills adoption. Technology companies embrace failure and risk as a strategy and for the many who have come from traditional industries, this isn’t a mindset they’ve been used to performing under. (This is one more reason we need to teach kids critical thinking and problem solving and de-emphasize memorization and rote learning).
• I support the move from Calgary Economic Development to use OCIF funds to bring in a global accelerator program. This is a big move which will attract growth stage companies to Calgary to hire and expand their companies.

I strongly believe a new fieldhouse is key to Calgary’s opportunities around life sciences, medical, and sport technology. Our elevation and seasonal changes make studying athletes and related technology ideal. We have already seen the likes of Garmin relocate to nearby Cochrane. Continuing to have world class facilities to study physiology, anatomy, and sports performance will help Calgary companies be leaders in their field.

In the arts, Calgary Arts Development continues to improve their offerings. Spaces, grants, and mentorship programs are all critical to the development of artists across disciplines from performing arts to visual arts.

• Improving Arts Commons is one step to the improvement of Calgary’s arts scene. We must continue to invest in smaller production companies and solo artists as well. 
• Local venues like restaurants and bars are also vital facilities for local performers so we need to ensure these businesses are able to thrive in our economic climate.

• Critical to the success of Calgary's art and culture scene and downtown revitalization is the use of public spaces for festivals and outdoor events.
  
• As a winter city we need to support this work happening year round, not just in our summer and fall months.
  
• Festivals and performances are great community builders. They bring together different organizations, give people a chance to volunteer, and blend both local and international talent. 

One thing I cannot fail to mention is women’s economic participation. We must recognize the important role women play in the local economy, as major purchase decision makers, as business owners, and as volunteers.

• Women make up the backbone of our public service in education and healthcare, this work is fundamental to the functioning of our society. 
• Affordable and accessible childcare is an absolute necessity for women’s economic participation. I support a call for $10 a day childcare and that if the province fails to ratify a deal, the City should step in.
• I will be highly critical that the tech sector does not fair much better than traditional industries for women in leadership roles at this current time. (I will say it is similar for BIPOC individuals). We need to be mindful that what we’re offering by way of programming, resources, and direction is attentive to building a more inclusive workforce.

While economic recovery is a city wide issue I want to ensure you that Ward 11 residents are top of mind for me. How we get people to and from their work, what kind of opportunities exist in neighbourhoods after work hours, and opportunities for participation in economic activities close to home (shopping, food, festivals) is top of mind for me. We need economic prosperity at the neighbourhood level as much as we do for the overall city.

Kourtney