As the year comes to a close and we look ahead with our resolutions, let’s vow to leave behind our criticism and resignation and commit to building a place of distinction, prosperity, and character.

Edmonton is on the cusp of its greatest decade – filled with unprecedented opportunity for youth and overflowing with unlimited prosperity for those willing to shift to a growth-oriented mindset. The next decade will see Edmonton as Canada’s:

• Epicenter of artificial intelligence and life science innovation;
• Nexus of the traditional and circular economies;
• Heart of resource production and upgrading;
• Hub for immigration and inclusion;
• Centre for education and research excellence;
• Archetype for affordability and social mobility; and
• Leader for philanthropy and community connectedness.

Massive capital investments will continue to be made in the Edmonton region, building on Dow’s $11.5 billion net-zero ethylene cracking facility, Air Products’ $1.6 billon hydrogen facility, and paving the way for some of the largest Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) investments in North America. Net migration into the province will continue to drive consumption and the availability of labour. And our universities and colleges are accelerating the commercialization of highly skilled talent into the market.

No wonder the Conference Board of Canada anticipates that Edmonton’s growth will double the national average.

But wait.

Canada’s GDP is expected to drop from a paltry 1.2% growth in 2023 to a moribund 0.7% growth in 2024. Outperforming the national average can no longer be our goal. We can’t wake up every day and strive for mediocrity. This is our opportunity to lead, excel, and outperform.

To do so requires a shift in mindset – a 4% growth mindset – in everything we do. And an economic strategy that gets everyone pulling together in a unified direction.

I look forward to using this forum for some new thinking and writing – brainstorming and engagement – about opportunities and initiatives as to how Edmonton can take advantage of its greatest decade ahead.