University of Calgary President Ed McCauley on Preparing for a 2 Million-Person City
Calgarians must look beyond mere population growth and focus on strategic preparation for the future, according to University of Calgary President Dr. Ed McCauley. As part of a virtual think-tank initiative with Postmedia's Calgary project Countdown to 2 Million, McCauley joins three dozen community leaders in contributing guest columns to address the city's evolving needs.
Reflecting on Four Decades of Growth
McCauley first arrived at the University of Calgary over 40 years ago as a young biology professor. In the mid-1980s, Calgary was less than half its current size, embodying a small-town atmosphere with ambitious big-city dreams. The city was brimming with untapped potential, setting the stage for transformative development.
As Calgary has expanded and matured, so have the institutions that support it. For generations, university education has equipped young people with essential skills for meaningful lives, offered evidence-based guidance during challenges, and cultivated highly skilled workers and entrepreneurs to propel the economy forward.
From 4,000 to 38,000 Students: A Legacy of Impact
When the University of Calgary opened in 1966, it welcomed just over 4,000 students. Now, in its 60th year, more than 38,000 learners are preparing for their careers on campus. Graduates hold key positions in downtown C-suites, perform surgeries in hospitals, lead political offices, and drive the innovation ecosystem. Many choose to remain in Calgary, contributing directly to the local economy.
Currently, over 120,000 university alumni reside in the city, with an additional 75,000 expected to graduate in the next decade. This influx of talent is pivotal as Calgary approaches the milestone of a two-million-person population. The critical question is not just how large the city will become, but how effectively it prepares for the future.
The Test of Generational Progress
The ultimate measure of success is whether the next generation will be better off than the preceding one. McCauley asserts that the community is ready for this challenge. Support from Calgary's community, donors, and partners has helped build a powerhouse institution that generates new knowledge daily, empowers students with leadership and disciplinary skills, and rapidly mobilizes these assets as one of Canada's top entrepreneurial universities.
The university is committed to enhancing quality of life and economic prosperity for all two million future Calgarians. Talent will be a decisive factor in this endeavor. Education serves as human capital, directly translating into competitiveness, productivity, and improved living standards.
Calgary's Educational Advantage and Future Needs
Calgary already boasts one of the most highly educated populations in Canada. According to Calgary Economic Development, 68 percent of the city's workforce has post-secondary education. Notably, Calgary has the highest percentage of post-secondary graduates with STEM degrees among all major Canadian cities. Additionally, approximately 70 percent of the labor force falls within the prime working age range of 25 to 54, laying a solid foundation for long-term success.
However, maintaining this advantage requires intentional effort. Across Alberta, an estimated 43,000 additional post-secondary seats will be needed over the next decade to meet population demands. At the University of Calgary alone, about 10,000 new seats must be added in the coming years.
Investing in Research and Economic Diversification
This investment promises significant returns, with discoveries playing a definitive role. Research universities function as economic engines, developing the talent and ideas necessary for economic prosperity and diversification. It is their responsibility to anticipate future economic directions.
Key areas of focus include the brain economy, quantum computing, cybersecurity, agriculture and food security, new earth-space technologies, and the evolution of the world-class energy sector. These are not distant possibilities but are already reshaping how people live and work, underscoring the urgency of proactive preparation.
By fostering innovation and skill development, the University of Calgary aims to ensure that Calgary not only grows in size but thrives in capability, ready to meet the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.
