The Research
Methodology
Between September 27th and October 13th, 2023, and online survey was completed by local businesses through the province’s 108 local Chambers of Commerce. In all, 450 businesses participated in the research which was administered by the Alida platform by the Alberta Chambers of Commerce to members and other affiliated businesses.
Further questions were asked to Alberta Perspectives Hub members and are documented in this report.
Purpose of the Research
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To reinforce ongoing advocacy efforts by undertaking regular province-wide efforts to gather, prioritize, and articulate perspectives of the business community on core economic and policy issues of relevance to municipal and provincial government leaders; and
- To make the research findings available to individual Chambers of Commerce.
Key Findings
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The shift noted in 2022 has been sustained this year with almost two-thirds (63%) saying they have a positive view. However, few report being very positive (14%) about the long-term future.
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Almost all (91%) businesses in the province now express some level of concern about electricity prices and seven-in-ten (71%) are very concerned.
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The insurance premium tax is identified as a major barrier to competitiveness.
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Municipal utilities continue to be cited and had increased to 39% this year – up from 21% in 2021.
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Just 17% of businesses report that they have been contacted by an elected representatives over the last year to assist with their business.
- Two-thirds (68%) of businesses report that a government agency has reached out to them in the last year, many of them economic development agencies.
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The Net Promoter Score for recommending their municipality as a place to set up a business or invest, remains well into negative territory (-44).