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The Importance of Building Local to Keep the Economic Footprint of Post Secondary Education Strong (2022)
The Importance of Building Local to Keep the Economic Footprint of Post Secondary Education Strong
The economic footprint of post secondary education has taken a dramatic hit through the pandemic along with the reductions of government funding. Access to education is essential in the economic recovery of Alberta and its future access to human capital and intellectual development. Post secondary education serves as a catalyst for innovation, entrepreneurship, and strategic organization for both the management and advancement of social and economic progress.
The Economics of Addiction (2022)
Substance use in Canada costs almost 46 billion dollars each year, with alcohol and tobacco use together causing the most harm accounting for 63% of the total amount. Divided 46 billion becomes almost $1,258 for every person in Canada. Alcohol and tobacco cost the Canadian economy and public health more than all other substances combined. Use of these substances caused over 66,000 preventable deaths in 2017, with that number increasing annually . As of 2017, substance use in Alberta resulted in costs more than $6.7 billion which amounts to $1,579 per person regardless of age .
Creating a New Pharmaceutical Industry in Canada (2022)
Creating a New Pharmaceutical Industry in Canada
A thriving pharmaceutical industry is growing poppies for medicinal use in the United Kingdom, Europe, and Australia, but not in Canada. This not only presents a large diversification option for the Southern Alberta agricultural sector but offers long term employment and growth opportunities for this and numerous other industries
Ensuring the Future of Canadian Oil and Gas (2022)
Ensuring the Future of Canadian Oil and Gas
Canada has an abundance of natural resources that generate direct wealth for Canadians through production and export. Increasingly, these commodities represent a large contribution to Canada’s economic growth; however, Canada still spends $20 billion or more on oil imports annually. Access to markets for commodities, specifically oil and gas, represents a significant obstacle in Canada’s ability to secure a competitive position in the global economy. Further, failure to develop these projects leads to negative impacts on Canadian businesses and ultimately their families.
Dual Credit Opportunities in Alberta (2022)
Dual Credit Opportunities in Alberta
There is a need for the continuance of provincial investment in Dual Credit Opportunities for high school and post-secondary students to assist their transition from secondary to post-secondary education and journeyperson apprenticeship programs.
Fixing the Temporary Foreign Worker Program to Ensure the Viability of Domestic Agriculture & Agri-Food Industry (2021)
The Agriculture and Food Manufacturing industries are economic drivers for Canada, contributing to the national GDP as well as ensuring that the supply chain is maintained, and our people are fed. However, labour shortages have plagued the industries. These shortages could be partially solved using the existing Temporary Foreign Workers program, however deficiencies in the program make it cumbersome and unappealing for business owners across all sectors.
A Pathway to Fixing the Affordable Housing Crisis in Canada (2021)
A Pathway to Fixing the Affordable Housing Crisis in Canada
Affordable stable housing is an integral part of economic growth and a healthy social environment. Investment in affordable housing is often overlooked and absent from economic development plans and job proposals. To ensure long-term community sustainability the role of affordable housing in the shifting economy must be considered. Access to affordable housing is not caused by individual factors and decisions alone. Some people face disadvantages due to the structure of our systems in our society and the ways in which our systems operate. The responsibility of this development towards economic stability begins and should be led by the Federal Government as outlined in the continually evolving National Housing Strategy.
A Pathway to Fixing the Affordable Housing Crisis in Alberta (2021)
A Pathway to Fixing the Affordable Housing Crisis in Alberta (2021)
Housing in an integral part of economic growth. Indeed, the connections between affordable housing investment and economic growth have been well recognized in literature (Skaburskis, 2004; Mao, 2017; Pinki, 2019). For example, in a recent report, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) identified that roughly 17 percent of the Canadian economy is generated through the construction, purchase, resale and renovation of housing and related spending (CMHC, 2020), and yet investment in affordable housing is often absent from economic plans and job proposals. To ensure long-term community sustainability, local and regional economic development and growth plans must consider the role of affordable housing in the growing economy.
A Systems Approach for Provincial Transportation Systems (2021)
A Systems Approach for Provincial Transportation Systems (2021)
That transportation systems are intrinsically linked to economic development is a self-evident truth. However, there is a growing trend in the transportation planning literature, and in the developed plans of both national and provincial organizations, to consider best-practice for this discipline in terms of multimodal transportation planning. A cost-effective and efficient transportation network in Alberta requires a systematic planning approach collaboratively directed by a provincial body. Specifically, it requires all key public and private sector organizations in the province to work together in coordinating a holistic transportation system where long-term development objectives that provide an equitable, cost-effective, and reliable means of moving people and goods are examined.
Small Scale Renewable Energy (2021)
Small Scale Renewable Energy (2021) Policy PDF
Literature has long suggested that Alberta has the natural assets and technical feasibility to support further renewable energy development (see: Banks, 2017). That being said, Alberta’s renewable energy generation is low compared to the other provinces (Government of Canada, 2016, Government of Alberta, 2018, and National Energy Board, 2019). Despite the importance and potential of renewable energy as part of a low carbon future, Alberta generated 11% of its electricity in 2017 from renewable sources (NEB, 2019), which is significantly less than the national rate of 66% renewable generation (CER, 2020). Alberta’s largest source of renewable energy is wind power, generated from turbines often built together at wind farms on rural land, producing roughly 5% of total electricity in the province.
Water for Sustainability: A National Water Strategy (2021)
Environment and Parks Water for Sustainability (2021)
Canada has been facing significant pressure on its water resources, both surface and ground water. There are ever-increasing demands for the water resource. The limits of available water have been reached in the southern portion of the province, and concerns are rising about the adequacy of water resources to support continued economic development in the central and northern parts of the province.
The Business Cost of Cybercrime (2021)
The Business Cost of Cybercrime (2021)
In an increasingly interconnected and digitized world, data breaches have become ever more common. The wealth of personal information that corporations have in their possession means that such breaches can occur in even the most benign circumstances. Although many corporations have developed sophisticated privacy and cybersecurity protocols to minimize these risks, data breaches have become a prominent feature in the 21st century and particularly in the COVID-19 world.
The Economics of Childcare (2020)
The Economics of Childcare (2020)
Access to childcare will play a critical role as we transition and adapt in the post-COVID-19 economy. As daycare facilities begin to re-open, they face both pre-existing challenges as well as new burdens precipitated by the spread of the pandemic that threaten their collective viability. Leadership by all levels of government is urgently needed to stabilize existing childcare services and build towards a new system that will stimulate and sustain economic recovery.
Digital Broadband the Key to Economic Prosperity (2020)
“Whether you are self-employed, a small business owner or a large enterprise, you should not have to worry about losing your business, and your employees should not have to worry about loosing their jobs” (CBRN, 2020). Broadband internet has long posed a challenge from some Canadians to effectively participate and compete in the economy. Certainly, COVID-19 has heightened the rural and urban digital divide, highlighting challenges faced by more than 2 million Canadians without reliable internet. It is essential for policymakers, regulators and all interested stakeholders to work together to deliver equitable broadband so that Canadians are well positioned for economic recovery.
Reuse of Greywater to Help Address Unsustainable Water Resource Demand (2020)
Of the overall available water resources on earth, approximately 97% is in the oceans with the remaining 3% available for direct use; however, out of this 3% the water available for use by humans is estimated at one one-hundredth. Survival remains one of the key factors of water use along with food production, industry, and domestic needs.
Global demand for water has or will soon reach or exceed natural capacity of watersheds. Much of the world is affected by acute water shortage and over-exploitation of water resources resulting in the destruction of these resources and high levels of freshwater pollution resulting from anthropogenic factors. Urbanization, industrialization, and population growth have resulted in unsustainable water demand. Canada is not immune to these problems.
As growth and demand continues where will the water come from to sustain industry, food production, ecological and human activities? The widespread reuse of grey water is a viable option that should be explored to meet some of this demand for water.
Reuse of Greywater to Help Address Unsustainable Water Resource Demand (2020)
Telecommunications and the Canadian Economy (2020)
Telecommunications are the backbone of Canada. Technological advances have birthed a knowledge economy where ideas and information matter more than physical resources. Participating in the information age has enabled Canada and other members of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to maintain a strong economy. The continued prioritization of fibre and broadband services are essential to Canada preserving its market position.
The Need to Invest in Truck Driver Training (2020)
Measuring the Effects of Increased Minimum Wages in Alberta (2020)
Investing In Market Access for Southern Alberta Businesses (2020)
Creating an Effective Workforce for the Changing Economy (2020)
The Application Process and Farmer Involvement in the Wetland Policy (2020)
Improving Safety in the Downtown through the Ambassadors Program (2018)
A Systems Approach for Regional Transportation Systems (2018)
A Systems Approach for Regional Transportation Systems (2018) PDF
That transportation systems are intrinsically linked to economic development is a self-evident truth. However, there is a growing trend in the transportation planning literature, and in the developed plans of both national and provincial organizations, to consider best-practice for this discipline in terms of multimodal transportation planning. A cost-effective and efficient transportation network in Southern Alberta requires a systematic planning approach collaboratively directed by a regional body. Specifically, it requires all key public and private sector organizations in Southern Alberta region to work together in coordinating a holistic transportation system where long-term development objectives that provide an equitable, cost-effective and reliable means of moving people and goods are examined.
Engaging the Voice of Business in Municipal Planning (2017)
Engaging the Voice of Business in Municipal Planning (2017) Policy PDF
This policy recommends a series of steps that could be taken by the City of Lethbridge to create a more strategic planning process in regards to the selection of community projects. The focus is on developing a planning process that drives economic and social development with the projects that are selected.
Investing In Market Access for Southern Alberta Businesses (2017)
Investing In Market Access for Southern Alberta Businesses (2017) Policy PDF
This policy recommends that the Provincial Government invest in transportation networks in southwestern Alberta in order to facilitate more efficient access to new markets and to spur economic development in our region as new opportunities and demand opens up for agri-food products in the international market. We have already seen the government respond favorably to our recommendations, investing planning dollars for airport redevelopment and there is a growing sense of movement within the provincial administration on these topics.
Maintaining a Fair Balance on the Alberta Labour Relations Board (2017)
Maintaining a Fair Balance on the Alberta Labour Relations Board (2017) Policy PDF
This policy recommends that the Provincial Government maintain a rigid level of fairness regarding sector-representation on the Alberta Labour Relations Board, particularly among the Vice-Chairs. We asked for, and received, assurances from the Provincial Government, and the Chair of the Board, that this balance, and the strictneutrality of the Vice-Chairs, would be respected and maintained.
Measuring the Effects of Increased Minimum Wages in Alberta (2017)
Measuring the Effects of Increased Minimum Wages in Alberta (2017) Policy PDF
The minimum wage in Alberta is on course to increase by 47% over a 4 year period. Our recommendation to the Provincial government is to slow down this reckless course, measure the effects and impacts of the changing cost of labour, and move forward only after careful evaluation of the impacts and environment. The government has not yet been receptive to our recommendations.
Solicit Bids from Private Industry for Recycling Contracts (2017)
Solicit Bids from Private Industry for Recycling Contracts (2017) Policy PDF
This policy was born out of a long-standing policy of our Chamber which recommends that the City of Lethbridge avoid competition with private industry unless a very specific set of conditions are fulfilled that necessitates government involvement. In this instance, these conditions were not fulfilled and an RFP was never issued to gather quotes from private companies. While the Chamber supports curbside recycling, we do not support the way in which this service was added to the public purse without the proper investigation of private industry options.
Considerations for Bio-Energy and the Future of Alberta's Electricity Production (2016)
Considerations for Bio-Energy and the Future of Alberta's Electricity Production (2016) Policy PDF
As part of the Climate Leadership Plan, the Government of Alberta has unveiled a proposal to shift the province’s reliance on coal-powered electricity production towards more environmentally sustainable models. This proposal has set 2030 as the target date for this shift. Consumers, namely businesses, have expressed concern with this timeline, specifically with the ability for specific renewable energy sources to direct power over sustained periods onto the electrical grid.
Alberta Farm Safety Legislation (2016)
Alberta Farm Safety Legislation (2016) Policy PDF
The Government of Alberta has passed legislation enacting changes to Employment Standards, Labour Relations, Occupational Health and Safety, as well as Workers Compensation Board (WCB) coverage on farms and ranches. The contents of the Enhanced Protection for Farm and Ranch Workers Act (Bill 6) remains vague in its effect on industry and the lack of consultation limited the ability for industry stakeholders to seek clarity on the bill and be engaged in the process of providing input towards the bill and subsequent regulations.
Government Competing with Private Industry (2016)
Government Competing with Private Industry (2016)
If private enterprise is fulfilling a market need for goods and/or services, local municipal government should not be competing with private enterprise unless there are good policy reasons to allow or encourage that competition.
Workers Compensation Board Coverage for Farm and Ranch Workers (2016)
Workers Compensation Board Coverage for Farm and Ranch Workers (2016) Policy PDF
The Enhanced Protection for Farm and Ranch Workers Act (Bill 6) has implemented changes on how farms and ranches operate, specifically mandating coverage from the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) for all paid workers. The specified timelines for implementation do not allow these businesses to make the adjustments to their operational structure in accordance with the competitive and volatile nature of this industry.
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Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce Broadband Report (2019)
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The Need to Invest in Truck Driver Training (2020)
Issue
The trucking industry continues to be chronically impacted by driver shortages (Canadian Trucking Alliance, 2016). Estimates from the Canadian Trucking Alliance (2016) suggest that by 2024, there will be a need for 34,000 truck drivers. Some of that demand will come from an expanding industry, while a significant percentage will be needed to replace a retiring workforce.
It is essential that the trucking industry work alongside the government to ensure that they can leverage the skilled professionals that are necessary, while still being conscientious of public safety.
Background
The transportation industry - which includes trucking - is very important to the Canadian economy. Statistics show that trucks haul 90% of all consumer goods and food across Canada (Beck, 2014). They are also responsible for two-thirds of Canadian trade with the US, including more than 80 percent of all US exports to Canada (Beck, 2014).
Data suggest that trucking in Canada is a $65 billion industry that employs over 260,000 drivers and somewhere in the order of 400,000 employees including dispatchers, office staff and managers (Beck, 2014).
Our Recommendations
- Create a minimum standard for accreditation of commercial driving programs based on the benchmarks created in Alberta.
- Work with high schools to introduce students to professional truck driving at a much earlier age and provide them with opportunities to train for a professional driving career.
- Change the National Occupation Classification Code (NOC) for the occupation of truck drivers and give individuals the opportunity to qualify for funding and grants to support their training.
- Better promote provincial programs, services and funding opportunities so that the industry is aware of and can leverage them.
Creating an Effective Workforce for the Changing Economy (2020)
Issue
Alberta is a prosperous province, with a strong entrepreneurial spirit, and a skilled and energetic workforce. Albertans - like many Canadians - are struggling with transitions between learning and work, which is resulting in social and economic implications. If Alberta is to remain competitive with the rest of Canada, it must adapt to and address the coming labour market disruptions.
Background
Skills gaps can be costly. A 2016 study estimated that unmet skills needs are costing British Columbia up to $7.9 billion in foregone GDP and over $1.8 billion in tax revenues each year (Kachulis and McKean, 2018). While Alberta’s economic outlook is favorable with a low unemployment rate and projected continued economic growth, meeting the demand for skilled workers in the province is essential for ensuring long-term prosperity. Data shows that as of 2019, there were 52,890 (or 2.6%) vacant jobs in Alberta – a figure that does not approach pre-recession levels, but is on an upward trend (Statistics Canada, 2018). Projections developed by the Centre for Spatial Economics confirm, Alberta’s labour shortage is likely to grow to about 49,000 by 2025, with in-demand occupations requiring a variety of skill types and levels (Government of Alberta, 2015).
Our Recommendations
- Through incentives and initiatives, encourage employers to invest more and become more involved in providing training opportunities to their current staff;
- Promote increased and diversified enrollment in post-secondary tech education programs in Alberta by providing subsidies for micro-credential training;
- Develop and invest in the essential skills of tomorrow, such as sustained support and investments in STEM education and trades training both within post-secondary and also through career transition programming;
- Position the delivery of career development services to ensure a seamless, coordinated system that provides effective transition within the high school system and the workplace, for all Albertans;
- Partner with interested stakeholders to create career development and market information resources and training for target audience; and
- Continue to track outcomes associated with these programs and initiatives in a transparent manner to allow for continual adjustments when necessary.
