Canada, Alberta and Calgary: A Great Place to Live, Work, and Play

As Chair of the Council of Alberta Order of Excellence, I have had the opportunity to reflect on what makes Canada, Alberta, and Calgary great places to live, work, and play. Despite their imperfections, these places have tremendous potential to be worldclass destinations for people looking for opportunity, community, and quality of life.

Canada has established its reputation on diversity, inclusivity, and social justice. Consistently ranking among the top countries globally for quality of life, education, and healthcare, Canada’s natural landscapes are awe-inspiring, ranging from British Columbia’s rugged coastlines to Ontario’s pristine lakes and Alberta’s expansive prairies. The country boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene, a thriving economy, and a strong commitment to innovation and technology. Canada is a place where people feel safe, welcomed, and supported.

Turning our focus to Alberta, this province is often referred to as Canada’s economic engine. Thanks to abundant natural resources, a highly educated workforce, and a business- friendly environment, Alberta has attracted worldwide investment. The energy sector has been particularly instrumental in fueling Canada’s economy for decades. However, Alberta is more than just oil and gas; it serves as a hub for agriculture, forestry, and technology. The province is home to world-class universities, research institutions, and hospitals, with cities like Calgary and Edmonton being modern, dynamic, and growing.

Now, let’s discuss Calgary. As a born and raised Calgarian, I have witnessed the city’s dramatic growth since my birth in 1962. It’s a truly remarkable place to live, and I’m not alone in thinking so. The Economist Intelligence Unit has named Calgary one of the best places in the world to live, and I wholeheartedly agree.

Reflecting on the opportunities granted to my family and me, I feel immense gratitude for this city and province. My parents, both born in Alberta, returned to China before World War II and came back to Canada without an education and not speaking English. My father started with a small corner grocery store in Calgary’s Hayesboro, where I helped him when I was ten.

Looking back, I never would have imagined the places I’ve visited, the people I’ve met, and the experiences I’ve had. For that, I credit Calgary, Alberta, and Canada for providing these opportunities.

Calgary has afforded me unimaginable opportunities, testifying to the potential of this city and province. I eagerly anticipate witnessing our continued growth and prosperity in the years to come.

Having lived and worked in Calgary for many years, I can vouch for its unique charm. The city fosters an entrepreneurial spirit, with a highly educated and diverse workforce, a low cost of living, and an excellent quality of life. Our arts and culture scene is unparalleled, featuring worldclass museums, galleries, and festivals. Calgary is also home to some of North America’s most beautiful parks and green spaces, including Banff National Park, just a short drive away.

Of course, every place has room for improvement. Canada, Alberta, and Calgary face social inequality, climate change, and economic uncertainty. What sets us apart, however, is our willingness to confront these challenges headon, to innovate and adapt, and to build a better future for ourselves and future generations.

Having lived and worked in Alberta and Canada for many years, I know the quality of life and opportunities here are unmatched. While some may have complaints, I encourage them to maintain perspective and compare what we have here to other parts of the world. With hard work and determination, anyone can move to Calgary and achieve success.

Despite our country’s imperfections, most people would struggle to find a better place to live than Canada. Within Canada, it’s hard to surpass the quality of life and opportunity that Western Canada offers, especially in a city like Calgary. We have a vibrant economy, a diverse and educated workforce, world-class institutions and infrastructure, stunning natural landscapes, and a commitment to social justice and inclusivity.

While we undoubtedly face challenges, Alberta and Canada possess incredible potential to be world-class destinations for those seeking opportunity, community, and quality of life. As someone dedicated to promoting policies that enable the movement of opportunity in Western Canada, I will continue to work towards building a brighter future for all.

As Chair of the Council of Alberta Order of Excellence, I am committed to advocating for policies that advance opportunities in Western Canada.

We must invest in infrastructure, education, and research to stay competitive in the global marketplace. We must nurture a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship where people can take risks and pursue their dreams. Furthermore, we need to collaborate to create more inclusive and sustainable communities where everyone has a chance to thrive.

You can catch Gary Mar’s full interview on Calgary Petroleum Club’s Back to Business podcast.

Gary Mar is an accomplished and respected leader with experience in government and business, is appointed chair of the Council of Alberta Order of Excellence, he strives to create policies that will enable movement of opportunity in Western Canada, while acknowledging the irony of a place as imperfect as Canada being one of the best places to live.

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