Canada, Alberta and Calgary: A Great Place to Live, Work, and Play

As Chair of the Council of Alberta Order of Excellence, I have had the opportunity to reflect on what makes Canada, Alberta, and Calgary great places to live, work, and play. Despite their imperfections, these places have tremendous potential to be worldclass destinations for people looking for opportunity, community, and quality of life.

FIRST, LET’S START WITH CANADA.

The country has built its reputation on diversity, inclusivity, and social justice. Canada consistently ranks among the top countries in the world for quality of life, education, and healthcare. Our natural landscapes are breathtaking, from the rugged coastlines of British Columbia to the pristine lakes of Ontario and the expansive prairies of Alberta. We have a vibrant arts and culture scene, a thriving economy, and a solid commitment to innovation and technology. Canada is a place where people can feel safe, welcomed, and supported.

Now let’s focus on Alberta, a province often referred to as the economic engine of Canada. With abundant natural resources, a highly educated workforce, and a business-friendly environment, Alberta has attracted investment worldwide. Our energy sector, particularly, has helped fuel Canada’s economy for decades. But Alberta is more than just oil and gas. We are also a hub for agriculture, forestry, and technology. We have world-class universities, research institutions, and hospitals. Our cities, including Calgary and Edmonton, are modern, dynamic, and growing.

Finally, let’s talk about Calgary. As a born and raised Calgarian, I’ve seen the dramatic growth of this city since I was born in 1962. It’s truly a remarkable place to live, and I’m not alone in thinking that. The Economist Intelligence Unit has named Calgary one of the best places in the world to live, and I wholeheartedly agree.

When I reflect on the opportunities afforded to my family and me, I’m filled with gratitude for this city and this province. My parents were both born in Alberta but returned to China before World War II. They returned to Canada without an education and not speaking English. My dad started with a small corner grocery store in Hayesboro in Calgary. I remember helping him in the store when I was ten.

Looking back on where I am now, I never would have dreamed that I would have the chance to travel to the places I’ve been, meet the people I’ve met, and see the things I’ve seen. And for that, I credit Calgary, Alberta, and Canada for affording me these opportunities.

Calgary granted me opportunities that were not even fathomable growing up. It’s a testament to the potential of this city and this province, and I look forward to seeing how we continue to grow and thrive in the years to come.

As someone who has lived and worked in this city for many years, I can attest to its unique charms. Calgary is a place where the entrepreneurial spirit thrives. We have a highly educated and diverse workforce, a low cost of living, and a high quality of life. Our arts and culture scene is second to none, with world-class museums, galleries, and festivals. We are also home to some of North America’s most beautiful parks and green spaces, including Banff National Park, just a short drive away.

Of course, every place could be better. Canada, Alberta, and Calgary face social inequality, climate change, and economic uncertainty. But what sets us apart is our willingness to confront these challenges head-on, to innovate and adapt, and to build a better future for ourselves and future generations.

As someone who has lived and worked in Alberta and Canada for many years, I know this province and country’s quality of life and opportunity is unmatched. While some may have complaints, I encourage them to have a perspective and compare what we have here to other parts of the world. With hard work and determination, anyone can decide to move to Calgary and find success.

Despite the imperfections of our country, most people would be hard-pressed to find a better place to live than Canada. And within Canada, it’s hard to beat the quality of life and opportunity that Western Canada offers, particularly in a city like Calgary. We have a vibrant economy, a diverse and educated workforce, world-class institutions and infrastructure, breathtaking natural landscapes, and a commitment to social justice and inclusivity.

So, while there are certainly challenges that we face, Alberta and Canada have tremendous potential to be world-class destinations for people looking for opportunity, community, and quality of life. And as someone committed to promoting policies that enable the movement of opportunity in Western Canada, I will continue to work towards building a brighter future for all.

As Chair of the Council of Alberta Order of Excellence, I am committed to promoting policies that enable the movement of opportunity in Western Canada. We must invest in infrastructure, education, and research to remain competitive in the global marketplace. We must foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship where people can take risks and pursue their dreams. And we need to work together to build more inclusive and sustainable communities where everyone has a chance to thrive.

In conclusion, Canada, Alberta, and Calgary have tremendous potential to be great places to live, work, and play. We have the resources, talent, and determination to succeed in the 21st century. As we navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, let’s remember what makes us great and work together to build a brighter future for all.

You can catch Gary Mar’s full interview on Calgary Petroleum Club’s Back to Business podcast.

Gary Mar is an accomplished and respected leader with experience in government and business, is appointed chair of the Council of Alberta Order of Excellence, he strives to create policies that will enable movement of opportunity in Western Canada, while acknowledging the irony of a place as imperfect as Canada being one of the best places to live.