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Ron Liepert gives budget recap at Calgary Chamber

Ron Liepert gives budget recap

If last week’s provincial budget is any indication of things to come – then Alberta could be in for a boom like no other.

At least, that’s the view of Alberta Finance Minister Ron Liepert, who last week gave a rosy forecast of things to come for Alberta when he made his traditional post-budget visit to the Calgary Chamber to reinforce the province’s key messages on the spending for the years ahead.  Liepert said the province needs to prepare for billions in revenue coming in from the oilsands, and that this “gusher” of new oilsands production could make the $5.2-billion surplus his budget forecasts for three years from now look like “nothing.”

This – of course – comes as welcome news.

Alberta has run up consecutive deficits for the past four years. It’s forecasted that the province will be in the red once again by $886 million this year. But Liepert noted the province will be back in the black by next year, and that “double-digit surpluses” may soon be on the horizon if oil prices stay strong.

Liepert admitted that a few problems, such as looming lack of pipeline capacity and the global financial crisis, could put the brakes on this gusher from happening.

If you had an extra day, what would you do?

Location: Calgary Chamber
Address: 100 6th Ave SW
Date: Wednesday, February 29th, 2012 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Nearly every day we hear someone protest their lack of time, so for the first iF series event of 2012, we are exploring the question: iF you had an extra day, how would you use it?

Imagine the possibilities of what you might do, or achieve. Would you use it to explore – physically or intellectuality – something you have always wanted to do? Or would you live that extra day like it was your last day – reaching out to make the world a better place?

We hope you will all join us for what will be another inspiring afternoon of conversations and creativity as a number of prominent people from the Calgary business community explore this question.

Click here to book your tickets.

ABC Series Presents: Shawn Atleo

Shawn Atleo

Location: The Westin Hotel - Ballroom
Address: 320 4th Ave SW
Date:  Thursday, March 1, 2012 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

National Chief Shawn Atleo is a hereditary chief from the Ahousaht First Nation. In July 2009, he was elected to a three-year mandate as National Chief to the Assembly of First Nations. 

Please join the Calgary Chamber for the fourth event in our Aboriginal Business Connections Series, “Renewed Relationships for Success,” as we equip businesses and aboriginal communities with the knowledge and tools to build successful working relationships.

Click here to register.

Taking on the top 10 barriers to Canadian competitiveness

Taking on the top 10 barriers to Canadian competitiveness

Location: Fairmont Palliser Hotel - Alberta Room
Address: 133 9th Ave SW
Date: Thursday, March 15, 2012 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.

Perrin Beatty, president and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, will discuss the top 10 barriers preventing Canadian business from competing in the global marketplace, and how breaking down those barriers will increase Canada's competitiveness.

Purchase your seat here.

Tell the world about your business

We’re looking to hear from you – our members – to find out what you do and how the Calgary Chamber has helped you grow and succeed as a business. These short stories can include everything from how a Chamber connection provided you with the business intelligence needed to overcome a problem, to how a Chamber event helped you connect with a new customer that’s benefited your business. 

If you’ve got a good story to share, please contact Jesse Semko at jsemko@calgarychamber.com. This information may be featured on the front page of our newly designed website – which we are now in the process of designing – or some of our other marketing materials scheduled to come out later this year.