Alberta’s government is restructuring how it attracts global investment, moving the oversight of the Invest Alberta Corporation to better align with provincial economic priorities.
Beginning April 1, Invest Alberta will transition from reporting to Executive Council and instead fall under the Ministry of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration. The change is aimed at strengthening coordination between the corporation and key government departments responsible for economic growth.
According to the province, the realignment is intended to improve Alberta’s ability to pursue new global investment opportunities in sectors such as energy, technology, defence, agriculture and agri-food.
Deputy ministers from Agriculture and Irrigation; Energy and Minerals; Intergovernmental and International Relations; Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration; and Technology and Innovation will now participate as board observers. While observers will not have voting authority, their role is to enhance information sharing and ensure stronger alignment across ministries.
The government also announced leadership changes to the board. Robert Fernandez has been appointed chair and Bob Dhillon vice-chair. Outgoing chair R. Scott Hutcheson and former vice-chair the Honourable Anne McLellan were thanked for their leadership since the corporation’s launch in 2020.
Since its creation under the Alberta Investment Attraction Act in July 2020, Invest Alberta reports securing 79 investments valued at $28.4 billion, contributing to the creation of 38,849 jobs across the province.
Premier Danielle Smith said the restructuring reflects the need for Alberta to remain competitive in a rapidly shifting global economic landscape.
Joseph Schow, Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration, credited the outgoing board with helping establish Alberta’s investment ecosystem during challenging economic conditions.
Invest Alberta works alongside provincial ministries and local economic development partners to attract high-value investment projects and promote Alberta internationally.
