A message from Edmonton Global's departing CEO, Malcolm Bruce:
Reflecting on my time as CEO of Edmonton Global, one truth stands out — collaboration drives outcomes. From the beginning, this organization was born out of a shared vision: That by working together, by hunting as a pack, the Edmonton Metropolitan Region could not only compete, but could win on a global stage. It was a bold idea. And today, we see how vision tied with shared purpose creates lasting impact.
When Edmonton Global was founded, few regions in Canada were thinking this way. We were early movers — taking a leap where others are only now beginning to catch up. Calgary, for example, has only recently announced its intent to pursue regional economic development. Here in the Edmonton region, we've already spent years building a firm foundation of regional collaboration — a foundation of shared purpose, and a foundation we can continue to build on.
Over the last eight years, this shared purpose has redefined how our region shows up to the world. Together, we've built a stronger, more unified voice, one that carries from local boardrooms to international tables. Together, we've positioned the Edmonton Metro Region as a leader in the industries that will shape Canada's future — clean energy, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, agriculture, and global logistics. We're no longer just part of the conversation — we're helping to lead it.
This impact isn't captured in a single headline or investment announcement; it's written in the people who are making this possible. It's because of the entrepreneurs who take risks, the innovators who challenge limits, and the community builders who turn opportunity into lasting impact.
It's because of these people that the Edmonton region is no longer just on the map, but firmly on the radar of global investors. Companies around the world are looking at our talent, our resources, and our community — and they're choosing to come here. That recognition wasn't automatic; it was earned. Together, we've told a story about this place that's not only nationally distinct, but globally relevant. Our message to the world is simple: Welcome to real opportunity.
That global recognition is reflected in the real-world results we're seeing across the region.
One of the earliest and best examples is Polykar. In 2019, the company invested $40 million to build a state-of-the-art plastics manufacturing facility in our region, creating approximately 70 high-quality jobs. But the real impact goes far beyond the economic numbers. Polykar's CEO, Amir Karim, has become a true community builder — volunteering his time on the Mayor of Edmonton's business advisory council, supporting local talent through donations to the University of Alberta and MacEwan University's School of Business, and giving back through the Polykar Foundation. With the recent announcement of Polykar's expansion, investing another $20 million and creating an additional 25 jobs, this investment has come full circle — demonstrating how one deal can ripple across a community, driving both economic prosperity and social good across an entire region.
If the last eight years leaves behind one legacy, let it be confidence — confidence that this region has what it takes to win. Confidence that collaboration is our defining strength. And confidence that bold ideas — like Port Alberta, developing the hydrogen economy, or initiatives such as Canada Critical Drug Initiative — are worth pursuing as nation-building efforts.
The Edmonton region has everything it needs to succeed: world-class talent, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a community unafraid to take risks. The path forward is about building on that foundation — strengthening our infrastructure, aligning around nation-building priorities, and deepening the partnerships that drive progress.
As I step away from my role as CEO of Edmonton Global, I do so with immense gratitude — for the people I've worked alongside, the partners who took chances with us, and the community that continues to inspire me. Every community needs an azimuth — a true north that aligns people with purpose. For the Edmonton region, that direction is collaboration. Guided by that shared compass, this region is poised for transformational growth.