Edmonton International Airport - EIA Corporate

2.4 Business Environment
Edmonton has a diverse and dynamic economy,
strongly influenced by the energy sector. In 2009,
65 per cent of Edmonton’s major projects were oil
and gas-related. Infrastructure followed by a distant
second at eight per cent, while mining accounted
for five per cent. The services sector including
finance, real estate, business services, education,
health, and tourism are becoming more important
in the local economy. This section will focus on the
city’s business profile and major industries.
2.4.1 Business Profile
Demand for aviation services is based on the health
of the economy, both locally and globally. Key
indicators are Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and
Personal Disposable Income (PDI). These services
are also affected by the population and the working
conditions in and near to Alberta. Alberta’s GDP
per hour translates to $47.79, $6.78 higher than
the national average. As one of Canada’s leading
financial centres, Edmonton is home to a host of
top ranking national and international companies.
By virtue of its accessibility to the key markets in
the north, Edmonton and its international airport
continually renew a business relationship vital for
each other’s prosperity.
2.4.2 Major Industries
The city’s major industries include the energy sector,
agriculture, forestry, telecommunications and retail.
The transportation and warehousing industries
gained more than 14 per cent over the same time
period. Edmonton’s retail sector also grew by over 22
per cent; employing over 110,000 people. Edmonton’s
phenomenal economic output has jumped from $37
billion in 2000 to $50 billion annually in 2007, an overall
increase of about 34 per cent.
• y From 2004 to 2008, the annual average
employment growth rate in industries that
produce goods was 10.8 per cent.
• y Among the goods industries, the greatest job
increases occurred in forestry, fishing, mining,
oil and gas at 33.9 per cent and construction at
28.5 per cent (Exhibit 2.8).
Percentage of growth
Exhibit 2.8 | Major Industries in Alberta (2004-2008)
40%
35%
30%
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
Forestry,
Fishing, Mining,
Oil and Gas
Construction
Public Sector
Source: Government of Alberta – Office of Statistics and Information
Good
Producing
Industry
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