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Alberta’s economic growth is gearing down in 2019 as the energy sector sputters, but a new study shows the digital component of the province is picking up speed.

And two new reports highlight both the short- and long-term obstacles and opportunities facing Alberta today — and the need to move boldly on both fronts.

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In its latest economic forecast, ATB Financial has chopped its growth outlook for the province in half to just 0.7 per cent, down from modest 2.3 per cent growth reported last year.

Weak capital investment and limited expansion of the oil and gas industry are the main forces behind the diminished expectations.

“Unfortunately, the overall picture is gloomy,” ATB economist Rob Roach said in an interview Tuesday.

“You don’t have to be an Agatha Christie to figure this out. It really just comes down to our main economic driver is stymied until we can get that pipeline issue figured out.”