A Tale of Two Elections

BY SHANE WENZEL

By the time this goes to print the federal election will be over and Canada will either be on a new path for getting our economy back to normal or will continue a straight trajectory to where we have been going for the past six years. If the choice is wrong and the random spending continues, all the ‘handouts’ will distort the economy, unleash inflation and a possible recession.

Talk of “The Great Reset” keeps many of us awake at night, as it essentially is a rebuke of the way we have been living, suggests it has failed and things needs to change to a new way. Apparently, a wise and noble government would guide our every step and tell us what to do. This reset is touted as a world where ‘you will own nothing and be happy about it.’ Sounds like something to keep most awake at night.

The upcoming civic election is now back in the headlines. I have lost count of how many times I have seen the slogan, ‘It’s Time for Change.’ Of course, there will be change and without much effort as there are nine vacant seats to fill. So how meaningful has that ‘time for change’ message become? It is even more noticeable when it is said by incumbent candidates who have been part of what they now say needs to change. In casual conversation I hear a common question is being asked of incumbent campaigners: “Why did they wait so long to talk change – they were there?” At the moment in council there seems to be a lack of full dimensional leadership and vison. So perhaps what is needed is a ‘new approach rather than change.’ If asked what I would see as priorities, I would answer: leadership, accountability, economic growth and quality of life. If asked directly about overall priorities on civic policies, they might look like the following:

• Freeze property taxes for up to three years while you get a grip on spending.

• Streamline bureaucracy at City Hall.

• Set performance standards and spending goals for city bureaucrats.

• End duplication of services.

• Cut the red tape to make it easier to attract new business to the city and for existing business to thrive and effectively deal with City Hall.

When I see 27 candidates vying for the one position of mayor, and up to 12 council candidates in one ward alone, I can’t help but wonder if these positions are higher paying than I thought. There seems to be a lot of interest. When I try to sort it out, I find myself missing the opportunity to call my uncle who just passed away for his insight and the threads of his program on the ‘Future of Great Cities.’ He could always connect the dots on ideas and trends and getting things done. With so many after these jobs it appears there is a need for some dots to be connected, or reconnected, at City Hall.

Shane Wenzel is president of the Shane Homes Group of Companies. Follow him @shanewenzel on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.His column is written for the Alberta Enterprise Group, @AEG on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

CHANGE EQUALS OPPORTUNITY IN THE INNOVATION ECONOMY

From addressing energy and climate to embracing diversity and inclusion, we are all trying to get to a better place. For Calgarians, that place is right here. And right now.

This is a city that is both changing with the world and helping to change the world.

The commitment to new ways of thinking in the economic strategy Calgary in the New Economy has enhanced our reputation as a destination for bright people and companies applying innovative ideas and advanced technology to solve some of the world’s biggest challenges.

Disruption and digitalization are creating new economic opportunities for the companies and cities that embrace them. Calgary’s advantage is we have the business environment and entrepreneurial mindset that have always encouraged and rewarded creative problem solvers.

As a result, companies are placing their bets on Calgary. Multinational companies including NYSE-listed tech giants Infosys and Mphasis, and Royal Bank of Canada, have chosen to expand to Calgary with major tech and innovation centres. Top global business accelerators Endeavor and SVG Ventures | THRIVE also established operations in Calgary this year to help us build an ecosystem that will create 1,000 new tech companies by 2030.

When Calgary Economic Development hosts our 2022 Economic Outlook presented by ATB Financial on Oct. 27, change will be a major topic of conversation. The pandemic has accelerated digital transformation and ushered in a new economic era.

Calgary will also have a new mayor for the rst time in over a decade and most members of council will have just been elected to their rst term.

As we bring new perspectives into conversations about our economy and ensure there is equity of opportunity for everyone to share in our future prosperity, there is con dence we can build on and improve what we’ve achieved.

Calgary companies are set to lead the $20 billion in spending on digital transformation in Alberta from 2021 to 2024 as clean tech drives economic and environmental progress. A headline in the Globe and Mail in August about the global XPRIZE carbon removal competition stated: “Calgary is becoming the Centre of Canada’s carbon innovation.”

Oil and gas prices have helped the economic recovery but the momentum around sustained economic growth is driven largely by innovation and digital transformation across diverse sectors.

The four sectors forecasted to lead employment in the coming years are healthcare, advanced manufacturing, interactive digital media and clean tech.

For all companies, one big advantage that Calgary o ers is the low cost of doing business, from real estate to corporate taxes. That a ordability means companies have the space and supportive business environment to grow and experiment with big ideas.

The ability to try, learn, iterate and adapt to make a better world is vital in today’s constantly changing world. The value proposition Calgary can o er is greater than ever and the time is now.