{UAH} Summit helps build Alberta's (Canada) economy

Summit helps build Alberta's economy
October 06, 2013 Media inquiries
Albertans took part in discussions on savings and how best to pay for public infrastructure as Alberta's population grows. Panel discussions included the importance of saving in both good and challenging times, how to maximize the potential of Alberta's resource revenue, what constitutes a "rainy day" and the need for critical infrastructure to facilitate business and economic growth.

"Alberta is in a very different situation today than we have been in the past when it comes to savings and how we invest in infrastructure. I appreciate everyone who attended the Alberta Economic Summit and took part in conversations on the art of the possible."

- Doug Horner, President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance
Participating in the summit's panel discussions were business and community leaders such as Stuart Langdon from the University of Alberta, Cliff Inskip from CIBC World Markets, Brad Severin of the Alberta Chambers of Commerce and Lucy Miller of United Way Calgary and area. The discussions were moderated by Angus Watt of National Bank Financial. Hundreds of Albertans, both in-person and online, were involved in the conversation.

"The Alberta Economic Summit brought forward some great ideas on creating innovative financial structures for attracting investors to finance some very worthwhile projects. Albertans are not afraid of exploring and employing new methods of innovative financing."

- David Tam, Parlee McLaws LLP (Economic Summit guest)
Points of discussion included:
saving for intergenerational fairness; investment in economic diversification to reduce dependence on non-renewable resource revenues; how to set appropriate savings targets; working towards a shared savings goal and communicating the value of savings with Albertans; different forms of financing for public infrastructure being used in other jurisdictions; the cost of public infrastructure in a rapidly growing province; innovation and entrepreneurship as catalysts for economic growth; and, a strong non-profit sector as a partner in building Alberta. The Alberta Economic Summit is the first event in the Government of Alberta's budget consultations. Starting October 9, Minister Horner will travel to communities across the province to discuss savings and alternative financing for public infrastructure. Albertans can also have their say on the online survey.

Our government was elected to keep building Alberta, to live within its means and to fight to open new markets for Alberta's resources. We will continue to deliver the responsible change Albertans voted for.

Related information
Budget 2014 consultations

Economic Summit


Media inquiries
Jessica Jacobs-Mino
780-935-8570
Office of the President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance Doug Horner