Technology and AI Proposal

Technology and Artificial Intelligence is a sector that has proven that it can be an economic driver and create jobs for Albertans. Employment in Alberta’s technology sector grew by 25 per cent in 2020. This puts the technology sector in a rare position as one of the few sectors in Alberta’s economy that continues to grow, and create jobs despite the pandemic and economic decline.

Globally, the technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) industries are showing enormous growth potential. As the world moves toward a knowledge-based economy,innovation and technology are increasingly becoming key factors in value creation. Alberta has the building blocks in place to be a leading jurisdiction in research and development. We can attract new tech companies, invest in training and post-secondary excellence, and the development of patents. We can create much-needed jobs by leveraging our skilled workers and existing specialized knowledge in energy, renewables, medical research, and agriculture and agribusiness in order to diversify, innovate, and grow our economy.

Alberta’s NDP is committed to ensuring that Alberta is once again a competitive destination for these investments by creating the best possible innovation environment that will attract new business and grow the industry here at home.

Our Proposal

Our proposals are aimed at supporting Alberta start-ups throughout the entire timeline illustrated above. As companies move across the timeline their ability to raise capital increases. A secure funding environment must be in place in order to retain the most promising and innovative companies, support job creation, and further diversify Alberta’s economy.

 

Growth Capital 

  • Establish the Alberta Venture Fund
  • Grow and Modernize Alberta Enterprise Corporation
  • Attract a Global Accelerator
  • Reinstate the Alberta Investor Tax Credit

Digital Growth

  • Establish a Dedicated Research & Development Fund
  • Invest in Applied Research in AI
  • Create a Competency Centre for Digitalization
  • Reinstate the Digital Media Tax Credit

 

Alberta’s tech and AI sectors have enormous potential to create jobs and grow our economy but they need consistency and certainty when it comes to support for their area. Together, we can harness these strengths to create and expand on innovative made-in-Alberta technologies that are needed on the global stage - Rachel Notley

 

Leave a Comment

Matthew Farahzadi

Posted

I came to this website with the idea that We will generate our value by converting a stranded resource (natural gas) into a value-added product: ammonia fertilizer. By converting the natural gas into ammonia we can sell the new product for a significant margin. We will need 665 million dollars to build a high-class facility to maximize profit further economic analysis will be provided in the scope

Hunt Tanya

Posted

Hi Rachel We need to secure our cpp pensions and old age pensions and cpp disability benefits for seniors and make our health care better and affordable utilities and groceries , etc.

Jim Stone

Posted

Hi Rachel... my thoughts: - first and foremost: "business" wants stability, predictability, and they want fairness in policy. - I still believe (naively?) that SMALL business is the life-blood of community, are those who are committed to their local communities and economies, and our best opportunity to provide goods and services, employment, fair taxation revenue, and responsible governance. - "technology" (as in computers/internet/AI, etc) is a great direction to be going. - remember, as "technology" rises, vitally important "hands-on" industries cannot be left behind. no AI robot that I am aware of is capable of repairing an engine, installing or repairing plumbing, wiring a house, welding together pieces in an on-site situation far from urban settings, or tending to a sick animal. TRADES are crying for people and it seems to me that therein is an opportunity to create thousands of well-paying jobs... all that is lacking is promotion and educational supports. The jobs are there, the people aren't. when planning a viable and sustainable economic future for Alberta, lets not forget about those industries that are still - and will remain long into the future - vital to the well-being of Albertans. thanks for the opportunity to express these things. regards, Jim

Michael Mauws

Posted

If government is going to get into the venture capital game, it should be by “matching” private sector investments. In other words, let investors decide which projects are worthwhile and then piggy back on their expertise, thereby giving startups access to more capital. We should NOT use tax breaks to invent investment. All that does is distort the process. If any breaks are to be offered, they should go to the companies themselves: e.g., a postponement of payments of any amounts owed to the GOA until certain thresholds have been met.

Scott

Posted

Alberta needs to match Quebec on its SR&ED program rates if it wants to foster innovation in the economy.

Irene

Posted

We should not forget research in nanotechnology ; another area for further diversification.

Alice Nycholat

Posted

Go for it! Technology is our future.

Helge Nome

Posted

I see nuclear energy as the ultimate candidate for generating baseload power. People have many irrational fears in regards to nuclear power that need to be worked on. Alberta, with its energy sector know-how is well positioned to take on a leading role in this sector of the economy.

ray Keith

Posted

OK. But do it in conjunction with a "social services tax" (SST, the old name for PST, provincial sales tax). As this vision kicks in, and grants/subsidies/tax credits kick-in...it should be balanced with an overall consumption tax at provincial level...the dreaded Provincial Sales Tax. All other provinces have one, and I will google now to see if the 3 territories have them. Start off with a nominal 3%. Total GST + PST = 8%. Some provinces have an 8% or more PST alone! Ray

Laurence Zbitnew

Posted

We need to look to the future but still keep our society viable. Not so much for me but for future generations. Purchasing power in the hands of the people and a meaningful involvement in society.

Ann Armstrong

Posted

Alberta definitely needs to diversify. We can be a province of both O & G and technology, AI, Green initiatives and lead Canada in these areas. The UCP is trying to take Alberta back a century it seems. We need the world as well to see that Alberta has the foresight to move forward into the future. Support for education, research, health care, municipalities ( big & small) will make Alberta the place to be! Keep the UCP's feet to the fire until we can rid Alberta of them! Thanks to the NDP for keeping all Albertans first and foremost!

Irene Gouin

Posted

I'm not sure what "timeline" your referring to in your proposal?

Darryl Hay

Posted

Let us not ignore the Technology and AI that have degenerated into Blockchains and NFT's, now wasting TWh's of energy per year globally. Where are your ethics and environmental responsibility reviews?

Bernadette Hartel

Posted

Hell yes..we will become the place to be in the future starting right now...I am so ecstatic that there are people out there who get it..ALBERTA WILL ROCK AGAIN!!!!!!

johnny lee

Posted

sounds like a bunch of political talk that says nothing substantial at all, except that you're inviting more foreign investors here to steal more resources from the Indigenous People, MY PEOPLE! https://youtu.be/FQKnzm2tJ1M

Jacqueline Shaw

Posted

I think the venture fund - Proposal 1 is expensive, maybe a slower rollout and finding partners (private, federal government) would be better. The Accelerator proposal sounds too risky, it might be better to put it into select higher education institutions to spur research and train/educate students.

Loren Kargard

Posted

Unfortunately this is a slippery slope that’s going to benefit only big companies: example the Shell refinery by Edmonton has started to integrate two robotic machines called dogs( to sound more friendly maybe) for the price of 100,000 dollars each. They are manufactured by Boston Dynamics they have interesting videos on YouTube showing what the robots are capable off. Future jobs will be programming and repair but the unemployment of 50+ age workers will massive. Thank you for your time Loren Kargard

Jocelyn Beyea

Posted

Great proposal. Alberta needs to increase diversification immediately to keep up with the demand technological advancement will require the need to invest into economic stability, as well as AI as we create a transformative vision into future markets of innovative changes to come.

James Singbeil

Posted

Thank you for this. I plan to read and pass on to my tech savvy sons in hopes they will read and respond. James

Don McTaggart

Posted

I am definitely in favour of all your proposals, especially if you can promote Tech sectors to look at start-ups in rural municipalities. They are really hurting under the UCP.

tammy moreau

Posted

Over the years Alberta has enjoyed the profitability of O&G but that is at an end, and we MUST diversify into new and growing industries. Investing in AI, R&D and alternative renewable resources is a solid plan for the future of Alberta. Cudos to the NDP for having the foresight to see this!

Dave Carnell

Posted

I agree with all the proposals, but unless there is province wide access to high sped internet, I think many opportunities will be missed. Most high tech businesses can be operated from virtually anywhere and if they have reliable internet, a less urban or industrial setting would broaden the appeal to prospective businesses.

Tony Hladun

Posted

This plan might be the right answer to the wrong question. Alberta's resources are agriculture, forestry, mining and petroleum. In Alberta the people who need jobs have backgrounds in construction, manufacturing and operations. When those people work all the other people in the service industries also work. Let's focus applied (and I mean applied) research in these areas. For example, AI technology in agriculture or pumped energy storage as in Australia. We don't need to write a better video game because there are too many other smart people in the world doing that.

Darlene Stone

Posted

It’s a start but don’t forget our essential services as we require this too! Sorry I was not available but thanks for update! Just wanted you all to know and remind that we need these services to! They do so much for us in times of need! Lest we forget!

Darlene Stone

Posted

It’s a start but don’t forget our essential services as we require this too! Sorry I was not available but thanks for update! Just wanted you all to know and remind that we need these services to! They do so much for us in times of need! Lest we forget!

P.

Posted

Thank you for proposals for revisiting investment in tech sector after the UCP all but annihilated everything the NDP had begun in this area. Very important to pursue training and investment in this area. Very important to diversify our 1 horse pony (energy) economy. The Klein government of the past also destroyed attempts at diversification like tourism in Alberta in the 90's. UPC destroyed all attempts at diversification including investment in the renewable energy sector! Thank you for all you do!

Michael White

Posted

Good plan.

Sharon Swan

Posted

I think all of these Albertans that are unemployed many of them have to be re-educated in many depts as now asking for computer skills which they never had before... that is why many are not able to find work... my suggestion would be to finance these adult men and women computer courses so they can get back to work .. and never mind spending money on consultants. The govt with this covid-19 has shut down so many jobs, and now not reopening as they have no incoming business. Other businesses stayed open, employees never missed a day since covid-19.. time to start thinking about the thousands of unemployed who have been out of work for over a year now.. how would you like to be out of a job that long, you would feel the crunch as well .. think of these guys now .. plus federal govt put in that carbon tax making it harder to keep the bills paid... everyone struggling except city and govt employees.. so it seems Also the money from federal govt seems to be about $132 million short from what they sent and we received. Where has this money gone to and why has it not been accounted for. Why do we the people need to check up on all of these things, when apparently we are being transparent. But are we really being transparent when things are being hidden from us .. thank you for your time.

Bernadette Hartel

Posted

I fully support any new ideas that are related to new and exciting advances in AI and making Alberta the major hub for all companies around the world to come to our beautiful province and beautiful city Calgary and show the world that Alberta is the place to be...check" out the movie "Tomorrow Land" this is the vision I see for Calgary and Alberta

D. Patel

Posted

Appreciate all the NDP does and keep up holding present government to account. Thank you

John Hemmingway & Lenore

Posted

We would like to know if it is correct that Alberta received $465 million for Frontline workers one time payment (from the Federal government) but there is only $333 million being disbursed. Is this correct? If so can the UCP account for the difference? So very glad that the NDP are on our side and on the side of ALL Alberta's. THANK YOU.

Stan Whitson

Posted

As a retired baby boomer the proposals are comprehensive and well thought out. Buy in from the general public and rural areas are important. The tech sector needs greater transparency. Every jurisdiction supports AI but it's more rhetoric than practicality. I definitely agree universities and tech institutes need more support. You need people with expertise, something the general public and politicians don't necessarily have. Stan Whitson

Ken Bainey

Posted

Excellent proposal for Alberta Diversification