CCI Statement on the new Alberta Cabinet
July 26, 2023
Today in Edmonton, Premier Danielle Smith unveiled her new cabinet, replacing several key ministers who lost their seats in the May 29 general election. In response, CCI President Benjamin Bergen issued the following statement on behalf of our members — 150 of Canada’s fastest-growing scale-up technology companies:
“On behalf of Alberta’s fastest-growing technology companies, and CCI’s members right across Canada, I was pleased to see that Premier Danielle Smith has moved so swiftly to appoint a new cabinet and get back to the work of governing.
“In recent years, we have appreciated the consistent, ongoing engagement of key ministers in the UCP government. There is incredible momentum behind the Alberta tech sector, and now is the time to work closely and collaboratively to drive growth, and position the innovation economy as a key driver of future Alberta prosperity.
“We’re pleased to see that Nate Glubish will continue to serve as Minister for Technology and Innovation. Minister Glubish has proved to be a valuable ally in the past, speaking to the importance of an overall Government of Alberta digital strategy and changes to the way intellectual property is managed in the province. We look forward to working with the Minister and his team on the more granular policy items that will keep Albertans’ data protected, and encourage the government to work with more Alberta-based companies.
“We are also looking forward to engaging with Minister Matt Jones, who is taking over the Ministry of Ministry of Jobs and Economy and Trade. For more than a year, CCI has been ringing the alarm bell about red tape and regulatory overreach when it comes to restrictions around use of the term “software engineer” that are hamstringing Alberta’s tech entrepreneurs. If Alberta is, indeed, calling, we need government to ensure that in-demand technology professionals can come here and work for Alberta companies, using the globally standard titles used in other jurisdictions around the world. We are hoping that we can swiftly resolve this issue, working with Minister Jones.
“More broadly, as all of Alberta’s new cabinet ministers get down to work, we hope they will take every opportunity to support Alberta innovators by boosting the supply of skilled talent, procuring technology solutions from local innovators wherever possible, and championing our homegrown scale-ups at every opportunity.”
Media Contact
James McLeod
Director of Communications
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