Calgary's Executive Talent Landscape: Your Guide to Hiring in Western Canada

Calgary’s combination of a strong talent pool, a lower cost of living, and a business-friendly tax environment makes it an increasingly attractive destination for companies looking to establish or expand their presence in Western Canada. 

As the energy capital of Canada, Calgary is also emerging as a growing tech hub, making it a dynamic location for recruiting top executive talent in both industries.

In this post, we’ll explore what makes the city’s talent market distinct and how you can recruit top executive talent in Calgary.

Population and Growth

As of 2024, Calgary's population within city limits is estimated at 1,422,800, making it the third-largest city in Canada. The Calgary Census Metropolitan Area (CMA), meanwhile, has an estimated population of about 1.68 million.

According to Statistics Canada, Calgary experienced 5.9% population growth in 2023, which far outpaces the growth seen in the metropolitan areas of other major Canadian cities:

• Edmonton: 4.1%
• Vancouver: 4.1%
• Toronto: 3.3%
• Montreal: 2.9%
• Ottawa-Gatineau: 2.6%

International immigration is the biggest drive, although Calgary also saw more than 25,000 people arrive from other provinces, the largest interprovincial migration in the country and the highest for the city since 2001.

This growth provides a robust and diverse talent pool, with increasing opportunities to recruit executives from both local and international markets.

Compensation trends in Calgary

According to Statistics Canada, the average salary in Calgary (as of 2022) was approximately $66,800, about 17% above the national average. 

To attract top executive talent in Calgary, particularly in energy, tech, and finance, companies need to offer competitive compensation packages, including creative benefits like flexible work arrangements and performance-based incentives.

Accessibility and infrastructure

The city is well connected by Calgary International Airport, which handled over 18 million passengers in 2023. Calgary’s public transit system, operated by Calgary Transit, includes an extensive bus network and the CTrain light rail system. 

Calgary is also investing in infrastructure to support future growth, including expanding the CTrain network, increasing service frequency and coverage, and procuring more buses.

Talent Pipeline in Calgary

Calgary boasts several notable postsecondary institutions, including:

• The University of Calgary, which is consistently ranked among the top 10 research universities in Canada.
• Mount Royal University, known for its strong business, arts, and science programs.
• Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), a leader in applied technology and trades education.

In addition to these institutions, Calgary is home to the Alberta Energy Regulator and several innovation centers, such as the Calgary Economic Development and Foresight Cleantech Accelerator Centre, which support business growth and innovation.

Calgary's proximity to the University of Alberta and the Innovation Hub at the Calgary Research Park fosters collaboration between academia and industry. This collaboration creates a robust pipeline of talent for companies in clean energy, technology, and other growing sectors.

Alberta taxes and incentives

The province of Alberta offers attractive tax incentives for businesses, including:

• The Alberta Investor Tax Credit (AITC) provides a 30% tax credit to investors who provide equity capital to Alberta small businesses engaged in research, development, or commercialization of new technology, products, or processes.
• The Innovation Employment Grant provides up to 20% of eligible R&D expenditures for small and medium-sized businesses.
• Alberta has the lowest corporate tax rate in Canada at 8%. When combined with the federal rate of 15%, this results in a total corporate tax rate of 23%.

These incentives, combined with Calgary’s overall lower operating costs compared to other major Canadian cities, make it an ideal location for businesses looking to grow and expand their operations. Additionally, Alberta's investment in federal programs like the Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) investment tax credit further supports innovation and economic growth.

Outline:

Calgary: The Emerging Energy and Tech Hub

• Population: Overview of growth rates, immigration, etc. 
• Compensation: Calgary offers competitive compensation, especially in energy and engineering roles. The city also offers relatively lower salaries in comparison to Toronto and Vancouver, making it attractive for companies looking to recruit talent without the high costs of larger cities.
• Cost of Living: Lower cost of living, especially for housing, makes Calgary an attractive location for employees. The city's affordability can help businesses attract top candidates who may otherwise be priced out of cities like Toronto and Vancouver.
• Accessibility: Calgary is well-connected to the rest of Canada and the US, with a major international airport. It’s also a strategic hub for companies looking to tap into the Western Canadian market.
• Nearby Universities: University of Calgary, Mount Royal University. These institutions provide a steady stream of talent in fields like engineering, business, and energy.
• Competition: Calgary’s job market is less saturated than Toronto or Vancouver, but competition is strong in energy and tech sectors. Companies must act quickly to secure talent in these fast-moving industries.
• Taxes & Incentives: Alberta’s low corporate tax rates make it an attractive destination for businesses. The province also offers incentives for tech startups and innovation, which can help companies build a strong team in emerging industries.

How Pender & Howe Can Help: Whether you’re looking for leadership in energy or tech, we can help you identify the best candidates in Calgary’s growing job market. Our extensive local network and tailored approach ensure that you find the talent you need, even in a competitive space.