Accountability at the U of C
COMMUNITY
Calgary is the 5th largest metropolitan area (CMA) in Canada with an unprecedented growth rate. Between 2005 and 2006, the Calgary census metropolitan area experienced the largest growth rate of all CMAs at 36.8%. Our community is also a highly educated one that runs near the top in terms of the proportion of population with university qualifications.
The University of Calgary makes a significant educational, cultural and social contribution to the city. What is less well known is the large annual economic stimulus it provides. The University is the city’s 5th largest employer and ranks ahead of any private sector employer. When the employment multiplier for the Calgary area is applied, some 9,500 jobs are supported or created by the University’s presence in the city. When the multiplier effect is considered the total gross domestic product induced by the initial local business volume is approximately $877 million. The economic vitality of Calgary will continue to be greatly enhanced by the employment the institution provides and by the local purchases of goods and services made by the institution, its faculty and staff, students and visitors. The millions of dollars injected into the local economy represent a stable buying power, not prone to the cyclical fluctuation of many other industries.