Page 33 - XperienceAlberta-EDA-2025

with a youthful energy, mirroring Alberta’s position as the province with the highest rate
of entrepreneurs.
“Meetups are where everything happens,” says Francis Pouliot, founder and CEO of Bull
Bitcoin. “You learn through mentorship, and meetups are a safe space where like-minded
individuals can exchange information. If you want to learn about Bitcoin, you really have
to surround yourself with other Bitcoiners.”
One of those meetups is YYC Bitcoin, whose biweekly meetings have been taking
place since 2017, helping attendees understand Bitcoin’s unique value amid the influx of
alternative coins. YYC Bitcoin meetings now offer more accessible education through
online resources like YouTube while still providing valuable in-person learning.
Information about cryptocurrency was not always so accessible. Bitcoin Talk, the first
online forum for discussing Bitcoin, required technical knowledge to use. Today, anyone
interested in Bitcoin can find information easily on YouTube.
One of those educational Bitcoin YouTube accounts belongs to Calgary’s Ben Perrin.
With over 355,000 subscribers, BTC Sessions is one of the largest Bitcoin-related accounts
on the platform.
At the end of the day, perhaps the biggest draw of Bitcoin meetups is the community
they help foster around an industry still in its infancy.
“There’s zero substitute for that in-person experience,” says Adam O’Brien, founder and
CEO of Bitcoin Well, who also helps organize YEG Bitcoin, Edmonton’s Bitcoin meetup.
“Bitcoin might be represented digitally, but it’s all of us in reality that make it happen.
Having a ground-level community that has no other incentive other than to grow responsi-
ble Bitcoin ownership is the move.”
This community is instrumental in helping make Alberta the pre-eminent destination
for Bitcoin mining in Canada, thanks to natural advantages like its temperate climate
helping keep cooling costs for mining down, its geographical location away from coastal
vulnerabilities and its proximity to energy resources. And with government supports like
its financial concierge, a service designed to guide companies through the regulatory
process, the landscape has never been more welcoming.
With a pro-crypto stance gaining momentum in North America, Alberta is positioned
to become a hub for Bitcoin and blockchain growth. With applications in numerous other
industries — from health care, where blockchain technology is used to collect and secure
patient data in clinical trials, to supply chain management, which enables organizations
to detect issues in food processes, monitor product temperatures and track shipped
equipment — the uses for blockchain are endless. The future of Bitcoin has never seemed
brighter — and Alberta is uniquely positioned to reap the rewards.
“Alberta is ripe for Bitcoin adoption,” explains O’Brien. “Our climate and stranded energy are
an incredible attribute for Bitcoin mining, and our government seems to understand the values
of freedom and sovereignty. Alberta could turn out to be the Bitcoin capital of Canada.” BY THE NUMBERS
8 PER CENT
Alberta’s general corporate income tax rate, the
lowest in Canada
30 PER CENT
Lower corporate income tax rate in Alberta than
the next lowest Canadian province
>75 PER CENT
Of the Top 20 global investment banks have a
presence in Alberta
$19 BILLION
Is Alberta’s tax advantage for 2024-2025
ALBERTA TAX ADVANTAGE
Albertans across all income ranges continue to
pay the lowest overall taxes when compared to
other provinces.
ALBERTA’S TAX ADVANTAGE
2024-25 ($ BILLIONS CAD)
19.0
British Columbia
Saskatchewan
20.0
Ontario
21.3
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Sales tax
Other taxes/
charges
25.7
28.5
Quebec
Nova Scotia
Prince Edward Island
Newfoundland & Labrador
28.8
33.0
33.0
34.3
Graph shows the total additional provincial tax and carbon
charges that individuals and businesses would pay if Alberta
had the same tax system and carbon charges as other
provinces. Reflects tax rates as of February 2, 2024.
Source: Government of Alberta, Alberta Treasury Board and Finance
AT A GLANCE
Joining Forces
Two of Alberta’s top credit unions have closed the biggest merger
in Canadian credit union history. ConnectFirst and Servus Credit Union
(CFSCU) closed their historic deal on May 1, 2024. Together, CFSCU manages
total assets of $29 billion — making it one of Canada’s largest credit unions.
Credit unions are co-operatives — their customers are part owners
who receive annual profits. Together, the credit unions offer Albertans
an even stronger alternative to the big banks.
The newly formed credit union now serves more than 500,000
members across the province, at over 140 branches.
Open for Business
Montreal-based National Bank of Canada, one of the country’s Big
Six banks, is set to acquire Canadian Western Bank (CWB) this year for $5
billion. Based in Alberta’s capital city, Edmonton, CWB is a true Alberta
success story.
With 39 branches across Western Canada and southern Ontario, CWB
focuses on serving small and mid-market western Canadian businesses
— the acquisition opens new markets for CWB’s clients, and adds
more full-service choice for Canadian businesses.
The takeover announcement has caused CWB’s stock price
to double on the Toronto Stock Exchange, pointing to investor
confidence in the partnership’s potential to drive growth. National
Bank’s interest in the Alberta market indicates the province’s growing
importance in Canadian commerce and finance.
AMPLIFY. ATTRACT. ACCELERATE.
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