In 2026, Calgary sits at the centre of “the case for Canada.”
So goes the narrative of Calgary Economic Development’s 2026 Report to the Community.
The report, presented by WestJet and TELUS Business, suggests—following a a year of trade disruptions and geopolitical instability—that Calgary’s best response to economic headwinds is industry and trade diversification and global recognition as a reliable trading partner.
“At a time of escalating global uncertainty, our long‑term resilience will be defined by the choices we make at home,” posits Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas.
Canada is taking steps to decrease trade reliance with the United States, reset relations with China, and deepen ties with the Indo Pacific region and strengthen commercial and the European Union, noted Farkas.
“Our quality of life and economic strength depend on standing together within Canada,” the mayor remarked. “When we act as one nation, we are stronger, more competitive, and more secure.”
Alberta-based companies supported by Calgary Economic Development programming leveraged Canada’s free trade agreements in 2025, according to Farkas, expanding overseas rather than the US.
“As global relationships are being reshaped, Calgary has the opportunity to win the century for Canada: diversifying our industries, expanding our trading partners, and setting the pace rather than reacting to change,” stated the mayor.
As the economic development agency for Calgary, CED is responsible for elevating Calgary’s global reputation, attracting capital and talent, and investing in initiatives that contribute to long-term prosperity.
Brad Parry, CEO of Calgary Economic Development, says that “in times of uncertainty there is always a temptation to pull inward, to raise barriers, and to become more insular.”
“But we know that capital follows the path of least resistance,” he says, “and in a volatile global environment, it will simply go elsewhere.”
“There is strong demand for Calgary-made and Alberta-made solutions in markets around the world,” Parry believes. “We need to remain outward looking, maintain a global perspective, and build new trade relationships so we can support local company expansion and create more opportunities here at home.”
In 2025, Calgary Economic Development supported more than $1 billion in investment and created or retained almost 8,000 jobs across the Calgary region.
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