Article content

Pipeline gridlock and unresolved NAFTA talks are affecting investor confidence and creating uncertainty, but the impact should only be temporary as these issues are sorted out, predicts the head of BMO Financial Group.

Despite these two ominous clouds hanging over the scene, the economic outlook for Calgary and Alberta should be strong through 2019, with the province projected to lead the country in growth next year, according to bank CEO Darryl White.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Varcoe: Alberta's economy will lead country next year, says BMO executive Back to video

“I would say we are really net bullish as we go forward on the Alberta economy,” said White, who became the bank’s chief executive last November.

“When I sit here today in Calgary and look out at the opportunities … we see (them) occurring in the strongest-growth economy in the country as we look forward in the next 12 to 18 months.”

According to the latest BMO forecast, Alberta’s economy will grow by about 2.4 per cent this year — second in the country — and expand by 2.5 per cent in 2019, “with the recent run in oil prices providing an income boost.”