Calgary businesses look beyond U.S. as international trade soars

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👀 In today's edition:

• Alberta pauses health coverage cuts for foreign workers

• Calgary needs $3B for crumbling infrastructure

• New schools built with lower energy standards

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QUICK POLL

Calgary businesses look beyond U.S. as international trade soars

Calgary companies are spreading their wings across the globe, with new data showing a major shift away from reliance on American markets following last year's tariff uncertainty.

Calgary Economic Development reports that only 24 per cent of trade deals it supported in 2025 went to U.S. customers, down from 35 per cent in 2024. Instead, local businesses are finding success across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Latin America, and beyond. Companies expanded into 21 countries across six continents last year, spanning sectors from clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and agrifoods to digital tech, life sciences, and aerospace.

The diversification is paying off. CED-supported companies secured $60 million in trade revenue through 45 international deals and created 187 jobs through business expansions in 2025. That trade revenue jumped roughly 500 per cent year-over-year as firms landed larger contracts in new markets.

Brad Parry, president and CEO of Calgary Economic Development, said Alberta companies aren't shying away from growth despite uncertainty. He said businesses are intentionally expanding into new global markets, taking advantage of Canada's trade agreements and forming strategic partnerships to future-proof their growth.

Casa Bonita Inc., which participated in FoodEx Japan with CED, secured partners in Japan, Korea, Thailand, and Australia that now outpace its former main export market in the U.S. ZeroSound Systems used CED's Trade Accelerator Program to establish presence in the UAE and Australia, close deals in Italy, and deliver projects in Chile.

CED plans to expand its trade support services in 2026, with new programming launching in the second quarter to help Alberta companies diversify faster and enter priority markets.

Need to know

🏥 Alberta paused a policy change that cut health coverage for some temporary foreign workers after employers and workers raised concerns, with the government calling the January decision premature and restoring eligibility while reviewing the policy.

💧 Calgary will need at least $3 billion over the next decade to address critical infrastructure in poor or very poor condition, with water systems making up most of the severe consequence failures.

⚖️ An Alberta man with 55 convictions spanning 40 years was declared a dangerous offender and given an indeterminate sentence after sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl he brought to his homeless camp near the Stampede grounds.

💔 One man died in a fiery single-vehicle crash on 16 Avenue NE near Stoney Trail on Tuesday afternoon, closing the highway for several hours while police investigate the cause.

👦 An 11-year-old boy escaped after a man allegedly tried to abduct him on a northeast Calgary pathway near Coventry Hills School on Friday evening, with police seeking witnesses or footage from the area.

🚔 A 22-year-old Calgary man died following a shooting in Raymond on Saturday morning, with RCMP believing the incident was targeted and isolated while investigating alongside Lethbridge police.

🏫 New Calgary schools are being built to lower energy efficiency standards than previous builds, with Alberta Infrastructure switching from LEED silver certification to the lowest tier of the National Energy Code despite higher long-term costs.

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🏡 The heart of downsizing is love: honouring memories, caring for aging parents, and supporting adult children. This weekend, show your future self some love by planning gently for your next move with these supportive resources.*

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The Grand presents February movie nights celebrating love and resistance

Calgary's oldest theatre is warming up winter with a lineup of films exploring first love, friendship, and moral courage throughout February.

Movie Nights at The Grand features themed cocktails, local food partners, and screenings beginning at 7 PM with doors opening at 5:30 PM. Tickets are $15 plus fees, with 15 per cent off using code GRAND15.

The series kicks off with Romeo + Juliet on Valentine's Day, Baz Luhrmann's bold reimagining of Shakespeare's tragedy featuring Portland Street Pizza. Spike Lee's Do the Right Thing screens February 20 with Uncle Fatih's pizza, while Bollywood classic Kuch Kuch Hota Hai plays February 21 with Mumbai Bites serving food.

The month closes with 3 Cold Dishes on February 27, a Nollywood thriller following three women confronting the men who trafficked them as teenagers. The special Black History Month event includes Black-owned market vendors, live poetry from aloT of Poetry, West African food from BUKA, and a post-screening Q&A with director Asurf Oluseyi.

Founded in 1912, The Grand is Western Canada's oldest theatre and continues blending heritage with contemporary culture through year-round programming.

Where to eat and drink

🍴 Bar Gigi: Hidden behind the facade of the former Halibut Hut, this European-style spot serves upscale shareable dishes crafted from seasonal ingredients in a small, cozy space that fills up quickly, making advance bookings essential.

🍴 Rain Dog: A beer-focused answer to the wine bar concept, this craft beer destination showcases an extensive selection from local breweries paired with Northern European-influenced cuisine that complements everything from IPAs to stouts.

Have a food or drink suggestion? Message us and we might share it!

Things to do

🎟️ Chinese New Year Festival 2026: The Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre celebrates Chinese New Year with two free weekends on February 14-15 and 21-22 from 11 AM to 6 PM, featuring traditional lion and dragon dances, multicultural performances, a food and craft market, and family activities including calligraphy and face painting.

🎟️ Family Day at Lougheed House: Lougheed House opens its doors for free admission on February 16 from 10 AM to 2 PM, offering crafts, free tours, and the chance to explore the historic house for all ages.

Have an event suggestion? Message us and we might share it!

That’s it!

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