CCI Response to the 2023 Alberta Election

Following Monday’s general election in Alberta, CCI President Benjamin Bergen issued the following statement on behalf of our members — 150 scale-up technology companies headquartered in Alberta and right across Canada.

“On behalf of CCI’s members in Alberta and across Canada, congratulations to Premier Danielle Smith and the United Conservative Party on securing a mandate from Alberta’s voters. We look forward to continuing a productive relationship with Premier Smith and her cabinet over the next four years.

“Alberta’s tech entrepreneurs need immediate red tape reduction in terms of restrictions on the use of the term “software engineer” during the hiring process. “Overly zealous regulation is limiting Alberta tech companies’ ability to compete in the global marketplace. We will also be looking to the new government to modernise practices around government procurement, and develop policies that prioritize intellectual property generation and protection in the innovation economy.

“We will also be looking to Premier Smith and her government to commit to an overall provincial digital strategy, which will give innovators the certainty they need to realize their professional ambitions.

“We have recently seen the tech sector (again) smash its own venture capital records in Q1 of 2023. Alberta’s innovation economy has all the components to be an engine of prosperity for the 21st century if the talent and natural entrepreneurial spirit of the province’s innovators are supported by a few essential practical policies at the government level. If Premier Smith works collaboratively with us to drive growth in the tech sector, the province will be better for it.”

•○•○•○•

Media Contact:

James McLeod

Director of Communications

jmcleod@canadianinnovators.org