Calgary Economic Development (CED) says Calgary’s best response to economic headwinds is continued industry and trade diversification and global recognition as a reliable trading partner.
It’s been a year of escalating tariffs, trade disruptions and geopolitical strife that have led to uncertainty and instability that have reshaped the global economy. President Trump has continued to impose tariffs, mused about annexing Canada and threatened to withdraw from the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). At the same time, escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are straining global supply chains and disrupting long-standing trade routes, said the organization.
“In 2026, Calgary is at the centre of the case for Canada. At a time of escalating global uncertainty, our long‑term resilience will be defined by the choices we make at home. Our quality of life and economic strength depend on standing together within Canada. When we act as one nation, we are stronger, more competitive, and more secure. When we allow ourselves to be divided, we all lose,” said Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas.
“As global relationships are being reshaped, Calgary has the opportunity to win the century for Canada: diversifying our industries, expanding our trading partners, and setting the pace rather than reacting to change.”
In the face of global uncertainty, Canada’s global trade relationships continue to shift towards a multi-bloc trade strategy. The country has taken steps to decrease its trade reliance with the United States, reset relations with China, deepen ties with the Indo Pacific region through the CPTPP agreement, and strengthen commercial and digital trade ties with the European Union. This rebalancing of international trade relationships is expected to continue in 2026, as markets closely monitor outcomes tied to the renegotiation of CUSMA, said the organization.
“As the only G7 nation with comprehensive trade access to all other G7 members, Canada’s unique trade architecture provides a competitive advantage for companies to export tariff-free to 51 countries representing nearly two-thirds of the global economy; an asset Alberta companies are accessing to grow their businesses and create jobs locally, despite headwinds, it said.
“Alberta-based companies supported through CED trade programming leveraged Canada’s free trade agreements, and expanded into countries in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and Oceania in 2025. Last year marked the lowest year on record for trade deals made with the U.S. as local companies turn to other markets as a more reliable option.”
CED said this follows the national trend that shows Canadian exports to the U.S. in 2025 ended at the lowest level outside pandemic years, while exports to the rest of the world jumped more than 17 per cent, according to Statistics Canada.
Brad Parry
“In times of uncertainty there is always a temptation to pull inward, to raise barriers and to become more insular. But we know that capital follows the path of least resistance — and in a volatile global environment, it will simply go elsewhere,” said Brad Parry, President and CEO of Calgary Economic Development.
“There is strong demand for Calgary-made and Alberta-made solutions in markets around the world. We need to remain outward looking, maintain a global perspective and build new trade relationships so we can support local company expansion and create more opportunities here at home.”
As the economic development agency for Calgary, CED said it is responsible for elevating Calgary’s global reputation, attracting capital and skilled talent, and investing in initiatives that contribute to its mandate to position the city for long-term economic prosperity. Intentional diversification – of Calgary’s sectors and trade markets – is the foundation of this work.
Highlights for Calgary in 2025 despite global volatility:
- Calgary Economic Development supported more than $1 billion in investment and created or retained almost 8,000 jobs across the Calgary region;
- Last year through its Trade Accelerator Program (TAP) and trade services, Calgary Economic Development enabled $60 million in international trade revenue for Alberta companies through 45 trade deals, the most revenue and number of deals annually on record;
- To date, every dollar by the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF) delivered a 12 times return on investment and has generated more than $1.1 billion back in additional economic activity. OCIF has also created or retained nearly 4,000 jobs, helped create or scale more than 1,000 companies and supported 5,470 training or work placements;
- Annual external perceptions research indicated 73 per cent of Canadian and U.S. business decision makers would consider moving to Calgary, up from 54 per cent the previous year. The same research saw a 22 per cent increase in those who see Calgary as having a diverse economy and a 20 per cent increase in those who view Calgary as a place to build a career.
Mario Toneguzzi
Mario Toneguzzi is Managing Editor of Canada’s Entrepreneur. He has more than 40 years of experience as a daily newspaper writer, columnist, and editor. He was named in 2021 and 2024 as one of the top business journalists in the world by PR News. He was also named by RETHINK to its global list of Top Retail Experts 2024, 2025 and 2026.
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