Alberta CEO Rick Christiaanse Suddenly Departs from Role
The sudden departure of Rick Christiaanse, the chief executive officer of Invest Alberta, has raised eyebrows in the province. He resigned after leading the economic development organization for four years. Invest Alberta was established in 2020 under the guidance of the Alberta Premier’s office, with a budget of $17 million aimed at fostering economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Invest Alberta’s Mission and Achievements
Invest Alberta’s primary objective is to attract investments across various sectors. These include:
- Agriculture
- Aviation
- Carbon capture and storage
- Data centers
- Energy
- Petrochemicals
- Technology
As part of a global initiative, Invest Alberta maintains offices in North America, Asia, and Europe, working directly with investors. These efforts aim to facilitate business startups and expansion within the province.
Leadership Transition
In the wake of Christiaanse’s departure, Keith Bradley, the former chief operating officer, has stepped in as acting CEO. In a communication to stakeholders, he emphasized the continuity of the organization’s mission, stating, “Our mandate, priorities, and strategy remain unchanged.” This reassurance reflects Invest Alberta’s commitment to its partners and stakeholders.
Travel and Expenses
During his tenure, Christiaanse traveled extensively to promote Alberta’s investment opportunities. His international travels included visits to cities like:
- Vienna
- Dubai
- Tel Aviv
- New York
- Brisbane
- Tokyo
- Copenhagen
- Milan
- Zurich
- London
- Guernsey
He also frequently visited Alberta’s popular Rocky Mountain destinations. Reports indicate that Christiaanse’s travel and hospitality expenses totaled $615,073.67 from January 1, 2022, to June 30, 2025. In 2024, he earned a salary of $281,280.
Looking Ahead
Christiaanse recently commented on Alberta’s potential for growth in sectors such as agri-food, aviation, and technology. His January 26 blog post, titled “Alberta’s Next Trillion-Dollar Trajectory,” underscored the province’s opportunities.
Commenting on this transition, Sam Blackett, press secretary to Premier Danielle Smith, highlighted Christiaanse’s contribution to attracting significant investments. As of now, Invest Alberta has yet to release a statement regarding his sudden resignation.
