The Research
Methodology
In the summer of 2021, we carried out an online survey of 613 chamber members and 800 members of the public.
How we’ll use our findings
- Broaden and deepen the evidence the ACC and local chambers can bring forward to articulate the perspectives of the province’s business community
- Compare and contrast the viewpoints of the public and business communities
- Make the research available to individual chambers
Key Findings
- A growing minority believe that the oil and gas industry will become less important to the province’s economy. This is particularly apparent among the public.
- 44% have a positive view of the province’s long-term future.
- In regards to the province’s finances, business views are slightly less negative than in 2020, but remain more negative than the public.
- No one factor is attributed to the poor shape of provincial finances, but include oil prices and the pandemic.
- The increased acceptance of a deficit found in 2020 (likely caused by the pandemic) has reversed to some extent, although it remains above 2019 levels of acceptability.
- Business and the public are aligned on the importance of diversifying the economy.