Working in Calgary

The province of Alberta is famous for its extensive oil resources, but Calgary’s job market has evolved significantly, diversifying into sectors such as technology, renewable energy, and financial services. Combined with Alberta’s business-friendly economic policies, this has led to a remarkably solid economy.

Job market in Calgary

Calgary’s economy revolves heavily around the petroleum industry. Petroleum companies such as BP, EnCana, Imperial Oil, Suncor Energy, Shell, TransCanada, and Nexen Inc. have headquarters here. Calgary was once an excellent destination for those with expertise in oil and gas, but securing a job in this sector has become increasingly challenging.

Fortunately, if you have the right qualifications and skills, you can also find opportunities in the city’s emerging industries, including technology, renewable energy, agriculture, tourism, and financial services. Calgary is rapidly becoming a tech hub, drawing in both scrappy startups and established firms in AI, fintech, and clean energy.

Calgary’s growth over the past decade has significantly impacted the city’s infrastructure. There has been a surge in suburban and inner-city developments. This has created plenty of opportunities for those in architecture, urban planning, and construction. The population growth in the city has also increased the need for teachers and healthcare professionals.

As Calgary seeks to shake its image as a less culturally rich major Canadian city, considerable investment has been made in media and the arts. Recent cultural investments such as the development of the East Village, the expansion of the National Music Centre, and the establishment of various art galleries and cultural festivals have helped create a more exciting arts scene.

Healthcare in Calgary
Lifestyle in Calgary

Finding a job in Calgary

If you want to work in Calgary, it is ideal to have permanent residence. Alternatively, you could have a work permit linked to a specific job offer before arriving. Many people are fortunate enough to relocate through an intra-company transfer.

If you don’t have a job offer yet, start your search with local job listings online. Popular job portals include Indeed, LinkedIn, and the Government of Canada’s Job Bank, which offer a wide range of listings across different sectors. Alternatively, you can consult a professional recruitment agency to support your job search.

Canada has introduced several pathways to facilitate employment for newcomers, including the Global Talent Stream, which offers expedited work permit processing for highly skilled workers in specific occupations. The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) also provides opportunities for skilled workers to obtain permanent residency, with streams tailored to meet the province’s labour market needs.

Work Permits for Canada

Useful links

• Alberta Job Centre
• Workopolis – Calgary Jobs
• Government of Canada Job Bank
• Indeed – Calgary Jobs

Work culture in Calgary

Canada has a large and thriving free-market economy. While there is more government intervention than in the US, it is still far less than in many European countries. People in Calgary tend to be open-minded and tolerant, so you can expect a warm welcome in the workplace.

Work culture in Calgary is shifting towards more inclusive and collaborative management styles. Traditional hierarchical structures are being replaced by flatter company structures that prioritise employee engagement and shared decision-making. Managers are increasingly taking a democratic approach, valuing team input and encouraging a sense of ownership among employees.

Industry-specific cultural norms do exist though. For instance, the energy sector tends to maintain more traditional structures, with clear hierarchies and defined roles. In contrast, tech companies prefer agile methodologies, promoting flexibility, rapid iteration, and teamwork. Creative industries, such as media and design, operate in more informal environments that foster innovation and unconventional thinking.

The concept of work-life balance in Calgary has also evolved significantly. The rise of remote work, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic, has given employees more flexibility, and many companies are adopting hybrid work models.

Newcomers to Calgary should consider a few key cultural practices. 

• Punctuality is highly valued, and being on time for meetings and appointments is a must.
• Canadians typically communicate directly, but politely, so active listening and respectful dialogue go a long way.
• Professionalism is key; dressing the part and ensuring respectful interactions contribute to a positive work environment.
• Calgary’s workforce is diverse, so embracing multiculturalism and demonstrating cultural sensitivity is key to building strong, harmonious workplace relationships.

Business Culture in Canada