EDMONTON METRO REGION’S ACTION PLAN FOR ECONOMIC SUCCESS

The Edmonton Metropolitan Region Economic Recovery Working Group (EMRER), launched by the Government of Alberta in February 2022, delivered its report on recommendations in April 2023 for supporting economic recovery, growth and resiliency for the Edmonton Metropolitan Region. EMRER brought together the unique perspectives of 12 leaders from diverse industries and backgrounds.

Over the past 12 months, EMRER met with Edmonton-region leaders, businesses and organizations to gather perspectives and solutions for how the government and local industries can support the Edmonton region’s economy, which shaped the

The report outlines a series of priorities and recommended actions including:

• economic diversification, particularly in areas where the Edmonton region has global strengths o hydrogen o artificial intelligence o life sciences and pharmaceutical infrastructure o mines and minerals processing capacity

• talent retention and attraction o increase access to post-secondary institutions including funding for enrolment increases, tuition grants and micro-credentialling investment attraction and marketing o lower cost of utilities o establish special economic zones o expand market access by improving direct o establish a $10M marketing fund to build awareness of the region in key international

Indigenous economic sovereignty o enable Indigenous-led economic development including the establishment of a $500M fund o support Indigenous entrepreneurship with matching capital o enhance Indigenous procurement opportunities o increase Indigenous representation on public boards, agencies and commissions downtown vibrancy and social support o introduce funding and incentives to bring people back to the core o accelerate downtown beautification o increase mental health and addiction supports

“Hearing directly from stakeholders in this process was illuminating. It allowed us to put together a list of priorities and action items directly inspired and shaped by the people they seek to serve,” explained co-chair Lisa Baroldi. “We’re looking forward to bringing government, industry and Indigenous leaders together to deliver on these priority areas for the betterment of the regional economy and downtown Edmonton’s future. This is a vision for our region and our province. All hands are on deck to realize the working group’s thoughtful and important recommendations.”

“Our region is at the forefront of significant global opportunities in hydrogen and the net-zero economy, global food security, life sciences, and the technology that will transform the way we do everything – artificial intelligence,” said co-chair

Malcolm Bruce. “These world-scale opportunities are within our reach. We need the courage and vision to go after them with determination and speed. No one is waiting for us to succeed, we need to drive this ourselves. This report is a call to action – a rally cry – for our business community, and for governments at all levels. The report is a clear roadmap for how the right investments, supports, and policies can build a prosperous and sustainable economic future for our region.”

About ERMER: This group was established in February 2022 to suggest actions to inform government on solutions to attract new investment, grow existing businesses, diversify the economy, and build upon existing strengths to ensure that the Edmonton Metropolitan Region continues to be an economic driver for Alberta and Canada.

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