Calgary Region Connector
Shared with Calgary region stakeholders,
Below you will find a scan of news, programs, and important deadlines that may be relevant to the Calgary region. To learn more about the programs listed below, click the underlined link.
Mental Health Resources
Highlights
Congratulations to all new and returning elected officials. Find a municipal official. Municipal Affair provides the following website to search for elected and administrative municipal officials online. https://www.alberta.ca/find-a-municipal-official (website is being updated).
Mandate Letters: The Premier's mandate letters outline the objectives and priorities of the work ministers and parliamentary secretaries will focus on in their roles.
Speech from the Throne October 23, 2025
Tourism Industry Association of Alberta has developed a new resource, Alberta’s Visitor Economy: The Economic Significance of Travel in Alberta.
BDC Monthly Economic Newsletter Tariffs: Current and future impacts on the Canadian economy (October newsletter)
Statistics Canada, Research to Insights: Canada's Economy During Recent Canada-U.S. Trade Developments
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Northern and Regional Economic Development Funding (NRED) program Deadline Nov 28 Details about the program, including the Program Guidelines, Application Companion Guide, and the link to the Online Application Portal can also be found on the NRED webpage. For your reference:
view an online NRED Information Session here Oct 7, 2025 webinar
find attached a copy of the presentation for your reference
Please feel free to reach out to me at lisa.houle@gov.ab.ca if you’d like coaching, advise or simply want to brainstorm for your NRED project.
Questions about your NRED application? Ask them in one of our two remaining sessions:
*Right click on the session that works for you and copy the hyperlink into your calendar
Nov 4, 2025 – 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – Click here to join Nov 4 meeting
Nov 6, 2025 – 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. – Click here to join Nov 6 meeting
Don't forget to celebrate the success of your past NRED project by submitting it for an award! The EDA Annual Awards of Excellence Call for Entries opens November 17, 2025 with winners announced at the EDA Xperience 2026 Leaders' Summit & Conference, April 15-17, 2026.
Looking for tips on Grant Writing to support your NRED application? Choose one of the options of the "Grant Writing 101" webinars listed below and hosted by Alberta's Community Development unit:
Grant Writing 101 – Tuesday, Nov 4, 2025 (7:00 - 9:00 p.m.) https://1571973417809.eventbrite.ca
Grant Writing 101 – Wednesday, Nov 5, 2025 (1:30 - 3:30 p.m.) https://1571975814979.eventbrite.ca
Grant Writing 101 – Saturday, Nov 8, 2025 (9:30 to 11:30 a.m.) https://1571978573229.eventbrite.ca
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New and updated resources!
Snapshot of Alberta’s Economic Development Resources attached
Alberta’s government supports the economic development ecosystem with access to tools, services and programs that boost our collective efforts to enhance Alberta’s competitive advantage and contribute to our province’s prosperity.
The following list includes resource links that may be useful for community and regional economic development organizations, and resources for businesses and employers.
Please visit www.alberta.ca/economic-development-resources for the latest information.
Employer Resources - a list of resources and funding opportunities for employers, attached
Welcome to the first edition of Alberta Trade Division's new Navigator newsletter! Read it online / Like it? Subscribe here
We’re excited to share this new resource with you - whether you’ve connected with JETI's trade team, joined a trade mission, accessed the Alberta Export Expansion Program, participated in the Trade Accelerator Program or engaged with us in other ways. JETI's trade team launched this quarterly newsletter to help keep you informed about opportunities, resources and supports to drive your international growth. Feel free to share.
If you have feedback or ideas for future content, reach out to the team at trade@gov.ab.ca. Thanks for being part of Alberta’s trade community!
Alberta Small Business Profile 2025 the small business profile, updated October 9, 2025, details the importance of small business to Alberta's economy, using facts and statistics about small businesses in Alberta.
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Engagement Opportunities
Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) Global Affairs Canada launched its second phase of public consultations regarding the CUSMA Agreement
Consultation closes November 3, 2025.
Share your experience with tariffs. Tariff Survey
The Nonprofit Chamber is gathering input to better support Alberta’s non-profit sector, and they’re interested in hearing from you. (This isn’t a Government of Alberta survey, and its completely optional.)
The Nonprofit Chamber (NPC) supports Alberta’s 27,000+ non-profit organizations by amplifying their voices on key policy issues. Right now, tariffs are raising costs that affect everything from vehicles and building materials to program delivery. The NPC wants to understand how this is affecting your organization.
News from the Province
For a comprehensive list of Government of Alberta News, please check the website.
Speech from the throne: Moving Alberta forward with results, Alberta’s government is focused on action and turning plans into results Albertans can count on.
Tourism powers Alberta’s future, Alberta’s government invested $17 million in the tourism sector through 2024-2025 to create jobs and economic prosperity.
Cutting wait times for water, Alberta’s government has cut wait times for Water Act licences nearly in half over the last year, saving Albertans time and money.
Small Business Week: Parliamentary Secretary Yao, Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business and Northern Development Tany Yao issued the following statement on Small Business Week:
Fostering strong U.S.-Alberta relationships, MLA Shane Getson will be in Washington D.C. Oct. 19 to 22 to deepen Alberta-U.S. partnerships and advance shared economic, trade and investment priorities.
Less red tape, more Alberta natural resources, Alberta’s government is supporting silica sand exploration and extraction on public land, reducing the province’s reliance on imports.
Strengthening North American Ag trade, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation RJ Sigurdson will travel to Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico to attend the 34th Tri-National Agricultural Accord.
Laying down tracks for connectivity with the U.S., Parliamentary Secretary Shane Getson will promote stronger trade corridors across the Pacific Northwest at a regional economic forum and rail summit.
Post-secondary panel delivers final report, Alberta’s expert panel on post-secondary institution funding has delivered a final report with 11 recommendations to modernize and strengthen the post-secondary system.
Showcasing Alberta’s digital leadership, Minister of Technology and Innovation Nate Glubish will travel to Dallas, Texas to promote new partnerships and investments for Alberta’s booming tech sector.
Protecting Alberta from droughts and floods, Alberta’s government is investing $25 million to help protect people, homes, businesses and communities from floods and droughts.
Fuelling community partnerships, Alberta communities can apply for funding to strengthen regional collaboration and enhance the long-term sustainability of municipalities.
Promoting Alberta: iGaming and blockchain investment, Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Minister Dale Nally will visit Las Vegas and Dallas to strengthen industry partnerships and investment in Alberta.
Rooted in adventure, Alberta agri-tours grow Alberta’s is helping farmers, ranchers and rural entrepreneurs turn their way of life into new opportunities that showcase our western heritage.
News from the Region
SAIT and Lufthansa Technik Canada are fueling Alberta’s aviation future. Read more
Premier's AIHA Conference address highlights Alberta’s role in net-zero innovation and job creation. Read more
Premier expands ministerial team leading Alberta’s $100-billion AI data centre push. Read more.
Industry experts see ‘steep barriers’ to Keystone XL revival. Read more
Calgary's real estate market is shifting gears. Read more
IRCC Lifts 2025 PNP Allocations for Four Provinces as Canada Rebalances Immigration. Read more
Calgary’s labour market struggles with oversupply and wage stagnation. Read more
Mustard processor expands in southern Alberta with $30 million expansion announcement. Read more
Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund invests up to $1 million in Xpand Commercialization Hub to accelerate defence and dual-use tech. Read more.
Sixth downtown Calgary conversion completed with opening of Dominion Civic Apartments. Read more.
Calgary Games Kiln prepares local game creators to bring their products to market. Read more.
Small Business Week: BDC Encourages Entrepreneurs to Prepare for the "Economic Revolution". Read more.
Province eyes big tourism growth in Kananaskis Country — but that comes with challenges. Read more.
Calgary energy company breaks Canada's IPO dry spell - and gets some investor love. Read more
Alberta's oil production now more than double 2010 levels, but analysts expect slower growth. Read more
E3 Lithium marks new milestone with its central Alberta pilot project. Read more
Okotoks Pickleball and Tennis Centre construction making steady progress. Read more
CN and Congebec to build cold storage facility at Calgary hub. Read more
The Business Renewables Centre-Canada (BRC-Canada) released its report, 'From Pledge to Power:
‘Translating ESG Goals into Renewable Energy Demand', a national analysis that translates corporate climate commitments into measurable renewable energy demand. Read more.
Imperial Oil to cut 900 jobs and sell its Calgary headquarters. Read more.
Alberta to apply to Major Projects Office for new bitumen pipeline to northern B.C. coast. Read more
Government of Canada making strategic investments to grow Alberta’s defence industry. Read more
Polarizing large-scale Canmore development nears construction start. Read more
Cochrane Council adopts Active Transportation Guidelines. Read more.
Varcoe: Calgary drone interceptor maker among defence firms eyeing growth from higher military spending. Read more.
Calgary Chamber of Commerce Report: Small Business, Big Impact. Read more.
Calgary Chamber of Commerce Release: 48% of businesses call for increased public transit investment. Read more.
The Downtown Calgary Gift Card is a one-size-fits-all gifting solution that can be spent at all participating downtown businesses. Read more.
Neo Financial, Orennia, and ZayZoon represented Calgary in Deloitte’s 2025 Fast 50, with Neo topping its category for a third consecutive year. Read more.
Mixed Investment Positions Alberta as an ‘Aerospace and Defence Innovation Leader’. Read more.
Alberta Tech Firms Shine in Canada’s Top Growing Companies 2025. Read more.
Calgary Robotics Facility Reaches Full-Scale Production to Help ‘Unlock Housing Supply'. Read more.
Cologix acquires Calgary data centre hub DataHiveOne. Read more.
Housing supply grows in areas around Calgary. Read more.
Diamond Valley council adopts plan to govern growth. Read more.
FortisAlberta Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Network and Meter Upgrade Project in Okotoks. Read more.
Wheatland County continues hydrogen industry discussion. Read more.
City of Chestermere buys struggling golf course for $10M. Read more.
MRU Aviation Opens New Campus At Springbank Airport. Read more.
RCG Group kicks off Calgary-area spec warehouse build. Read more.
YYC Calgary International Airport breaks summer passenger record. Read more.
Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation Opens Office on Tsuut'ina Nation. Read more.
Federal and provincial investments fuel EV charging expansion across Canada. Read more.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency delivers 7 measures to cut red tape and support Canada's agricultural sector. Read more.
BDC commits $100 million to boost rural entrepreneurship across Canada. Read more.
Bank of Canada (BoC) lowers key interest rate to 2.25% in second straight cut. Read more.
Text related to BoC interest rate decision. Read more.
Federal budget to include millions for job retraining. Read more.
Funding
Government of Alberta - see attached
Economic Development Funding and Grants varies Tax credits, grants and other funding programs to stimulate regional economic development.
Investment and Growth Fund Companies with demonstrable barriers to making a final investment decision in Alberta may be invited to apply to this deal-closing incentive.
Drought and Flood Protection Program applications open to Dec 1, 2025. Municipalities and Indigenous communities can apply for funding to help build drought and flood protection projects.
Government of Canada
CanExport Community Investments applications open Jan 5 to 30, 2026.
Review the list of CanExport Funded Communities in 2025-26
Community-Based Justice Fund ongoing This fund supports indigenous community-based justice programs, which are cost-shared with provincial & territorial governments. Applications are ongoing.
Indigenous Navigator Service - Indigenous businesses and owners, organizations, and communities can contact navigator@sac-isc.gc.ca to get help accessing various federal programs and services. You can get help with accessing capital, attaining expert advice, community economic development planning, and more. Check the website for funding programs, along with programs and services.
Mental Health Promotion Innovation Fund ongoing This fund provides national funding to support the delivery of innovative, community-based programs in mental health promotion.
NRC IRAP support for clean technology The National Research Council of Canada's Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) has launched new support for Canadian small-and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to develop and advance clean technologies.
Regional Homebuilding Innovation Initiative (RHII) in the Prairie Province continuous intake
Partner Programs
Ag-Pal Agricultural Grants and Programs a list of grants and financing opportunities for various agricultural businesses.
Alberta Ecotrust Retrofit Accelerator a free coaching program to guide your sustainable building upgrades.
Alberta Real Estate Foundation (AREF) initiatives that support and advance education, research, law reform, and other activities related to real estate across our three Funding Priorities of Real Estate Leadership, Built Environment, and Land
Check out AREF's Development Grants, Sponsorships, and Legacy Grants
CMHC Affordable Housing Innovation fund open Funding for innovative housing providers driving innovation across the housing continuum.
Carthy Foundation please review eligibility private foundation based in Calgary, Alberta. Established in 1965, the Foundation supports national and regional charitable initiatives in four funding areas focused on youth and the environment.
Cooperatives First - Team Up on a Start-up Contest pitch your co-op business idea for a chance to win $15,000 in start-up support. Deadline Nov 14, 2025
Digital Skills For Youth open offers eligible employers 80% wage coverage up to $18,000 toward a candidate's salary for a placement in a new full-time or part-time 3 to 12 month position.
Electricity Human Resources Canada’s (EHRC) Discovering Potential Program open Canada’s youth work placement initiative for the electricity industry, providing subsidies of up to $22,000 to employers who create relevant and meaningful internships or on-the-job
EMC Canada. Pre-Apprenticeship Training & Wage Subsidy - WILWorks Skilled Trades in Advanced Manufacturing The program offers employers wage subsidies of 50% of participant’s wages to a maximum of $5,000 for a training period of 8 or more weeks. email Kristy McKee for training opportunities.
EMC Canada. Green Skills in Manufacturing Certification Training is an industry driven program designed to help Canadian manufacturers and other related sectors prepare for a more rapid transition to a green and low carbon net zero, clean manufacturing ecosystem.
Emissions Reduction Alberta open call for proposals two funding streams to help Alberta prosper while reducing emissions - including funding for innovative technology projects, as well as infrastructure upgrades for industrial and manufacturing facilities.
Green Municipal Fund review the website and funding portal to determine funding options available. Every community has unique challenges - and an opportunity to take charge of their future by mitigating and adapting to climate events in a way that best serves their communities. Use this tool to find GMF funding that could work for your municipality.
Municipal Climate Change Action Centre Application deadline: March 2026 or upon funding becoming fully allocated, whichever comes first
Community Energy Conservation (CEC) program provides financial rebates to municipalities to help identify energy-saving opportunities and implement retrofit projects in municipally-owned facilities.
§ Submit an Expression of Interest to get the ball rolling.
Net-Zero Communities Accelerator (NCA) program The program introduces communities to new ways of thinking and working, supporting them on their pathway to net-zero. There may be opportunities for additional participants. To stay aware of application opportunities, subscribe to the MCCAC newsletter.
Municipal Electricity Generation (MEG) Program provides financial rebates to municipalities to install grid-connected alternative electricity generation systems on municipally owned facilities or land.
Richardson Foundation ongoing Over $1 million annually to initiatives in communities where their customers and employees live and work.
Rocky Mountain Equipment Community Investment To support community and sector growth in agriculture and construction advocacy, youth development and safety.
Training & Workshops
Economic Developers Alberta (EDA) Webinars and Courses
Wednesday Luncheon Webinars Watch Past Webinars on EDATV
Upcoming EDA Hybrid Training Economic Development Establishing the Foundation Opens Nov 11
Placemakers, A Speaker Series by CMLC Community-Building for a Growing Calgary
Nov 17, 2025, Calgary Central Library (4:00 pm - 6:00 pm)
The Cleantech 50 to Watch An Early Signal for Cleantech Innovation in 2026
Nov 18, 2025 (9 am MST) Free Webinar
Employer Wage Subsidy Webinar with Canada Summer Jobs & Student Work Placement Program Hosted by JETI's Work Force Consultant team
Nov 19, 2025 (9:00 am - 10:30 am) Free webinar
Utilities Consumer Advocate (UCA) UCA’s Power Hour: Utilities for Small Businesses UCA offers trusted guidance on energy options, retailers, and consumer rights.
Nov 19, 2025 (12:00 pm) Free Webinar
CAO/Council Toolkit Alberta Municipalities and Rural Municipalities of Alberta have launched a governance toolkit for elected officials. To introduce it, ABmunis is hosting a webinar with Berlin Communications to walk through the toolkit and answer questions on using it effectively
Dec 3, 2025 (12:00 pm - 1:00 pm) Free Webinar
Alberta Community Development Non-profit learning centre
Check out the latest webinars - online courses and training resources on non-profit governance to support board members of non-profit organizations.
Alberta Employment Standards Webinars View & Register
Procurement Events and Seminars:
Procurement Assistance Canada Webinars check out the variety of events and free seminars for businesses interested in learning about the procurement process and how to sell goods and services to the Government of Canada.
Procurement Assistance Canada (PAC), part of Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) is excited to announce the launch of our new sessions called “Ask PAC LIVE” within the Calgary region. During these sessions, PAC will host a booth in the Calgary Government Building - Harry Hays where suppliers, entrepreneurs and the public can meet with one of our team members to obtain more information on Federal Procurement. *For more information, please visit the event page here.
Dates: Second Wednesday of every month
Time: 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Location : Booth will be set up on the second floor (up the escalators)
Community Futures Launch Pad Free online courses to support small businesses with must-have business knowledge.
Housing co-op webinars Co-operatives first shares info on what a housing co-op is, how it works, and how to move one forward! Links to request support and information about starting your own housing co-op.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Each session features a new topic and gives employers an opportunity to ask questions. Attend one or all sessions based on your interests and needs. Virtual learning sessions for employers across Canada - Canada.ca
Supporting Indigenous Co-operatives Your Way, Together promoted a Guide to Starting an Indigenous Co-operative, and has since grown to a website that highlights Indigenous co-op creation, a series of informative webinars, and more.
Momentum - About the Organization
The Financial Literacy Training program trains frontline staff who are or will be working with people living on a lower income and builds the necessary foundations of financial literacy, sustainable livelihoods, and adult learning.
Next session: Wed Nov 12, 2025
The Financial Coaching Training program helps professionals deepen their financial coaching skills to better support individuals one-on-one. It covers both theory and practical tools for guiding people to take control of their finances.
YW Calgary FREE entrepreneurial/career focused programs and services.
Municipal Climate Adaptation Certificate a forward-thinking initiative by the University of Waterloo’s Climate Institute, specially tailored for Indigenous community members, municipal staff, and elected officials across Canada.
Highlighted Economic Development Resources
Alberta Buy Local Business Toolkit download the free toolkit.
Alberta Energy Regulator Alberta Energy Outlook offers information and data points Data and Performance Reports
Alberta Regional Dashboard a platform to view detailed regional-level data on over 400 Alberta communities with tools to compare municipalities and to build and embed a custom dashboard.
Alberta's Regional Innovation Network, subscribe for business resources, valuable programs, and more.
Alberta's Site Selector Tool Investing in Alberta just got easier
view the promotional video here!
Alberta Spatial Price Index 2024 Alberta Spatial Price Index Dashboard
Business Benefits Finder find the right (federal) programs and services, whether you're starting out or scaling up.
Canadian Renewable Energy and Battery Energy Storage Map
Community Futures Exit Navigator a new program providing both sellers and prospective buyers with support for business transitions. Services include business consultations, valuations, mediation, business loans and other transition-related support.
Co-operatives First Co-operatives First promotes and supports the creation of co-operative businesses. We are about vibrant and sustainable rural and Indigenous communities across Western Canada. subscribe to their newsletter.
Emission Reduction Alberta's Mapped List of Provincial Projects
Food News provides Alberta’s Agri-Food industry with current events and programs to support its growth and help with diversification, competitiveness, and market readiness - access past editions of Food News here.
Invest Alberta’s refreshed Partner Portal is now live - your one-stop hub to showcase community assets, upload profiles, and get investment-ready as part of the Regional Investment Initiative. Contact communications@investalberta.ca for details. Invest Alberta Corporation.
Invest in Canada supporting investment attraction
Rural Data Lab (StatsCan) explore data, analyses and tools from the Rural Data Lab focused on the vibrant rural and small town communities and regions of Canada.
Rural Health Professionals Action Plan (RhPAP) Attraction, Integration & Retention Toolkit this toolkit aims to help rural communities attract, integrate and retain health professionals.
Tariffs summary attached
Travel Alberta Industry Hub tourism resources, research, newsroom, and destination development information.
Travel Alberta Investor Services Website a powerful platform that creates awareness of Alberta as the premier destination for tourism investment. Check out the site and connect with Travel Alberta's Investor Concierge Services.
Government of Alberta - Subscriptions
Government of Alberta News Latest Alberta government news announcements
Subscribe to News Sign up to receive government news and emergency updates.
Economics and Statistics Subscription Service Select what publications you would like to receive (Indicators, trends, labour market, demographics, etc.)
'Weekly Economic Review' & 'Alberta Economy - Indicators at a Glance' publications - examples below.
Alberta Trade Updates - Trade and export information and events by government and partners, subscribe online and/or contact the person identified to subscribe directly:
Alberta Aerospace and Defence Newsletter (contact aaron.poirier@gov.ab.ca)
Alberta Cleantech Industry Newsletter (contact julia.mah@gov.ab.ca)
Alberta Energy Industry Newsletter (contact darcy.kirtzinger@gov.ab.ca)
Alberta Life Sciences Sector Newsletter (contact svenja.chenikel@gov.ab.ca)
Alberta Technology Sector Newsletter (contact svenja.chenikel@gov.ab.ca)
Agriculture and Irrigation: What’s new in International Markets Newsletter, Read it online (Contact: Nimrit.Anand@gov.ab.ca)
Events
EMC's Regional Manufacturing Excellence Forum Nov 4, 2025, Calgary
Calgary Innovation Week Nov 3-6, 2025, Calgary
Alberta Co-operative Conference Nov 3-5, 2025, Edmonton
Airdrie Business Breakfast & Economic update, Nov 5, 2025, Airdrie
Building for Sustainability Symposium Nov 6-7, 2025, Canmore
Alberta Municipalities 2025 Convention and Trade Show Nov 12-14, 2025, Calgary
Transportation & Logistics: A Calgary Chamber Alberta Next series event, Nov 13, 2025, Calgary
Rural Municipalities Fall Convention and Trade Show Nov 17-20, 2025, Edmonton
ICTC Alberta Digital Economy Summit, Nov 18, 2025, Edmonton
2025 Future Summit on AI and Innovation Nov 18-20, 2025, Calgary
2026 Calgary Economic Development - Economic Outlook, Nov 19, 2025, Calgary
2025 Talent Development Symposium Nov 19, 2025, Edmonton
National Housing Day Conference (RDN) Nov 20, 2025, online
Alberta Chambers of Commerce 2025 Fall Board Meeting & Deputy Ministers Dinner Nov 20, 2025, Edmonton
Tourism Industry Assoc of Alberta Economic Budget Forum Nov 24, 2025, Edmonton
Materials that Matter: Sustainable Construction in Alberta. Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA) & Smart Sustainable Resilient Infrastructure Association (SSRIA), Nov 26, 2025, Platform Calgary
International Indigenous Tourism Conference (IITC) Feb 17-19, 2026, Edmonton
DEFSEC West Mar 24-26, 2026, Calgary
EDA Xperience 2026 Leaders’ Summit & Conference Apr 15-17, 2026, Kananaskis.
Alberta Aviation, Aerospace & Defence Summit 2026 May 3-5, 2026, Edmonton
For details, please contact Vaibhav Sharma, Project Manager at vaibhav@albertaaviationcouncil.com or visit https://www.albertasummit.com
Taste of Place Summit Jun 15-16, 2026, Edmonton
Events | Platform Calgary Platform Calgary community event calendar
Mental Health Resources
If you need urgent help or support, it’s available 24/7 in Alberta.
Need Help? Call 2-1-1 to access a helpline and online database of Alberta’s community and social services and be connected to highly-trained specialists.
For emergencies, please call 9-1-1.