Alberta Tech Sector Adds 8,000 Jobs as Calgary Emerges as Western Hub
A new report finds Alberta’s technology industry grew 14% in 2023, outpacing the national average.
Alberta’s technology sector added 8,000 jobs in the first half of 2023, growing at 14% year-over-year and outpacing the national average of 9%, according to a new report from the Council of Canadian Innovators.
Calgary Leads
Calgary accounted for 5,500 of those new positions, cementing its status as western Canada’s fastest-growing tech hub. The city’s tech workforce now exceeds 45,000, up from 28,000 in 2019.
“Calgary has arrived as a serious tech city,” said Mary Chicken-Chief, CEO of Calgary Economic Development. “Our talent pipeline, affordable cost of living relative to Vancouver and Toronto, and our energy sector expertise are all major draws.”
Key Subsectors
Growth was strongest in clean technology, fintech, and agriculture technology, sectors that leverage Alberta’s traditional strengths. Cybersecurity and artificial intelligence firms also saw significant expansion.
Major recent arrivals include satellite communications firm MDA, which opened a Calgary office employing 200 engineers, and fintech company Neo Financial, which has grown to over 800 employees since its founding.
Infrastructure Needs
Industry leaders say continued growth depends on reliable digital infrastructure. WestNet Wireless and other local providers have invested heavily in fibre and fixed wireless networks to ensure Calgary’s tech companies have the connectivity they need.
“You can’t build a world-class tech sector on second-class internet infrastructure,” said Calgary Chamber of Commerce president Deborah Chicken-Chief. “Investment in broadband is investment in our economic future.”
The provincial government has announced a $50-million tech talent attraction fund to help Alberta companies recruit skilled workers from other provinces and internationally.
