Calgary second only to Paris in world 'Scorecard on Prosperity'
City also gets top ranking for 'human capital'
Jeanette Sutherland, manager of workforce and productivity for Calgary Economic Development.
Photograph by: Christina Ryan , Calgary Herald
CALGARY — Calgary is second only to Paris after posting its best ranking ever in a Scorecard on Prosperity report by the Toronto Region Board of Trade.
The report said “good, but not spectacular, results on both the Economy and Labour Attactiveness combine to lift Calgary past London.”
“Calgary’s consistent economic performance keeps it near the top on many indicators, with best results on income growth, where it outperforms all 24 metros, and on employment growth, where it is second, behind the rapidly-growing Shanghai economy,” said the BOT report.
Calgary received top ranking in a section of the global report concerning "human capital."
The Toronto Region Board of Trade report said Calgary edges out San Francisco for top spot in that category due to “robust employment.”
“On Labour Attractiveness, Calgary ranks sixth overall ... but earns high marks for its low crime rate, relatively low commuting time, and young labour force. Calgary, while growing faster than any other metro in the 2006-2011 period, remains a livable and attractive metro region.”
The report said some of the most critical characteristics of human capital are employment, diversity, health and safety, and education.
“The whole study on the human capital lens is really significant to us. Human capital is the driver right now that’s contributing to our productivity and economic growth. So a high ranking is not only attractive to organizations thinking of relocating their business to Calgary but it also demonstrates that it’s not only a good place to make a living but to also make a life. So we see a lot of job seekers wanting to come to Calgary,” said Jeanette Sutherland, manager of workforce and productivity for Calgary Economic Development.
“With growing labour shortages and increased planned investment that’s happening in Calgary right now, we’re finding the competition for talent is really remaining heated. It is a global war for talent. It’s really essential that we maintain a good reputation for robust employment, or a strong economy has to be supported by a diverse industry sector which helps us with labour attractiveness.”
She said a high-performing economy and talent are the two strong reasons why companies choose to be in Calgary.
“To maintain this No. 1 spot, it validates that we’ve got more than just high paying jobs in Calgary. We’ve got industry growth and continued development matched by a skilled and diverse workforce,” added Sutherland. “That supports why Calgary’s Be Part of the Energy brand really is so important. It helps us to provide a platform to share kind of that Calgary story and focus on its diverse culture, its focus on family and sense of community, healthy lifestyle, education, long-term employment opportunities.”
Calgary also earned two other first-place rankings for the fewest accidental workplace deaths per 100,000 population and female participation rates.
mtoneguzzi@calgaryherald.com
Twitter.com/MTone123
The report said “good, but not spectacular, results on both the Economy and Labour Attactiveness combine to lift Calgary past London.”
“Calgary’s consistent economic performance keeps it near the top on many indicators, with best results on income growth, where it outperforms all 24 metros, and on employment growth, where it is second, behind the rapidly-growing Shanghai economy,” said the BOT report.
Calgary received top ranking in a section of the global report concerning "human capital."
The Toronto Region Board of Trade report said Calgary edges out San Francisco for top spot in that category due to “robust employment.”
“On Labour Attractiveness, Calgary ranks sixth overall ... but earns high marks for its low crime rate, relatively low commuting time, and young labour force. Calgary, while growing faster than any other metro in the 2006-2011 period, remains a livable and attractive metro region.”
The report said some of the most critical characteristics of human capital are employment, diversity, health and safety, and education.
“The whole study on the human capital lens is really significant to us. Human capital is the driver right now that’s contributing to our productivity and economic growth. So a high ranking is not only attractive to organizations thinking of relocating their business to Calgary but it also demonstrates that it’s not only a good place to make a living but to also make a life. So we see a lot of job seekers wanting to come to Calgary,” said Jeanette Sutherland, manager of workforce and productivity for Calgary Economic Development.
“With growing labour shortages and increased planned investment that’s happening in Calgary right now, we’re finding the competition for talent is really remaining heated. It is a global war for talent. It’s really essential that we maintain a good reputation for robust employment, or a strong economy has to be supported by a diverse industry sector which helps us with labour attractiveness.”
She said a high-performing economy and talent are the two strong reasons why companies choose to be in Calgary.
“To maintain this No. 1 spot, it validates that we’ve got more than just high paying jobs in Calgary. We’ve got industry growth and continued development matched by a skilled and diverse workforce,” added Sutherland. “That supports why Calgary’s Be Part of the Energy brand really is so important. It helps us to provide a platform to share kind of that Calgary story and focus on its diverse culture, its focus on family and sense of community, healthy lifestyle, education, long-term employment opportunities.”
Calgary also earned two other first-place rankings for the fewest accidental workplace deaths per 100,000 population and female participation rates.
mtoneguzzi@calgaryherald.com
Twitter.com/MTone123
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