Post Event Recap | Calgary Chamber hosts Minister Horner to discuss Budget 2024

On March 4, the Calgary Chamber of Commerce hosted Hon. Nate Horner, Alberta’s Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board, for a keynote address and fireside chat with Deborah Yedlin, President and CEO of the Calgary Chamber, focused on Alberta’s Budget 2024.

The Minister’s address highlighted details of a balanced budget that pays down debt, saves for the future and enhances services across the province. Pointing to strategic investments relevant to Calgary’s business community, Minister Horner highlighted significant investments for arts, culture and entertainment, and a plan for saving in the Alberta Heritage Trust Fund – with a $2 billion contribution this Budget.

The Minister outlined the government’s focus on a responsible plan for a growing province, citing investments in services such as refocusing the healthcare system, modernizing education, investing in post-secondary institutions – including $55 million for a multi-disciplinary hub at UCalgary – and maintaining Alberta’s competitive advantage through targeted immigration plans and expanded apprenticeship programs. Minister Horner emphasized the importance of diversifying the economy through advancements in the Alberta Petrochemicals Incentive Program (APIP) and the Alberta Carbon Capture Incentive Program (ACCIP).

The fireside chat covered topics including labour shortages, immigration and the increased load on public services, new programs to support decarbonization in the province, and affordability in both housing and utilities. The discussion also touched upon support for small businesses and the tech sector, and what role economic diversification will play in the future of our province. Minister Horner closed the conversation by noting that engagement with the business community across Alberta would be ongoing, citing trips to Lethbridge, Medicine Hat and Northern Alberta in the coming days and weeks to share the highlights of Budget 2024.

Thank you to our presenting sponsor who made this event possible, Chartered Professional Accountants of Alberta, and our supporting sponsors, the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, Enbridge, Imperial Oil and Intact Insurance.

To learn more, read our response to Alberta Budget 2024.