Calgary Morning Brief: Today’s Top 5 Stories – February 20, 2026

Good morning, Calgary. Here’s what’s happening across the city today, Friday, February 20, 2026.

1. Federal Energy Minister Sets April Deadline for Pipeline Agreement

Federal Energy Minister Tim Hodgson has established an April deadline for finalizing a pipeline memorandum of understanding between federal and provincial governments. The minister emphasized the urgency of capitalizing on current energy sector opportunities during Thursday’s announcement.

The MOU would establish framework agreements for pipeline infrastructure development between Ottawa and energy-producing provinces. Hodgson stated the timeline reflects immediate market conditions requiring swift action.

Officials indicated the agreement would address regulatory coordination and approval processes for pipeline projects. The deadline comes as energy companies seek clarity on cross-provincial infrastructure development.

The minister did not specify consequences if the April deadline is not met. Provincial energy ministers are scheduled to meet with federal counterparts in early March to advance negotiations.

2. Calgary Firms Shift Away from U.S. Markets as Trade Agreements Hit Record Low

Calgary Economic Development released data Thursday showing trade agreements with U.S. partners declined to 24% in 2025, marking an all-time low for the city’s business sector. The report documents a significant pivot toward international markets in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Local firms have increased trade agreements with European partners by 18% and Asian markets by 22% over the past year. Middle Eastern agreements rose 14% during the same period, according to the economic development agency.

The shift reflects ongoing trade uncertainty between Canada and the United States. Calgary businesses cited regulatory complexity and tariff concerns as primary factors driving diversification strategies.

Calgary Economic Development officials stated the trend represents a fundamental restructuring of the city’s export framework. The agency has expanded international trade missions to support businesses entering new markets.

The 24% figure represents the lowest U.S. trade share since Calgary Economic Development began tracking the metric in 2001. Previous low points occurred during trade disputes in 2018 and 2019, when U.S. agreements comprised 38% of total trade activity.

3. Three Calgary Speed Skaters Named to 2026 Olympic Team

Speed Skating Canada confirmed Thursday that three Calgary-based athletes have been selected for the 2026 Winter Olympics. The announcement follows strong performances during qualification events held at the Olympic Oval.

The selected athletes are competing in long-track speed skating disciplines. Their names were released as part of a broader Olympic team announcement that included athletes from multiple winter sports.

Canadian athletes have secured early medals in Italy as the 2026 Winter Olympics progress through preliminary competition stages. Speed skating events are scheduled to begin in the competition’s second week.

The Olympic Oval in Calgary has served as the primary training facility for the selected athletes. All three skaters have trained at the venue for a minimum of five years leading up to Olympic selection.

Canadian speed skating officials stated the Calgary contingent represents the city’s continued strength in developing elite winter sport athletes. The Olympic Oval opened in 1987 and has produced numerous Olympic medalists across multiple Games.

4. Guy Labine Appointed CEO of Telus Spark Science Centre

Telus Spark announced Thursday that Guy Labine has been named the Calgary science center’s new CEO. Labine joins the institution after spending over a decade at Science North in Sudbury, Ontario.

The appointment takes effect March 1, 2026. Labine will oversee operations at the 165,000-square-foot facility located in Calgary’s East Village.

Telus Spark officials stated Labine’s experience includes developing regional engagement programs and expanding educational initiatives. His tenure at Science North focused on community partnerships and interactive exhibit development.

The science center serves approximately 500,000 visitors annually. Programming includes permanent exhibits, traveling displays, educational workshops, and planetarium presentations.

Labine replaces the previous CEO who departed in December 2025. An interim leadership team managed operations during the search process.

The board of directors cited Labine’s track record in science communication and organizational growth as key factors in the appointment. Labine stated he plans to focus on enhancing regional partnerships and expanding educational programming for schools across southern Alberta.

Telus Spark opened in 2011 as the successor to the Calgary Science Centre. The facility underwent a $245 million construction and development process.

5. Calgary Resident Born in 2006 Recognized as City’s One Millionth Resident

City officials have recognized Dash Waite, born in 2006, as Calgary’s one millionth resident. The milestone acknowledgment comes as Calgary reflects on two decades of sustained population growth.

The designation is symbolic rather than precise, according to city demographers. Officials selected Waite based on census timing and birth registration data corresponding to the period when Calgary’s population crossed the one million threshold.

Calgary’s population stood at approximately 878,000 in 2000. The city has experienced consistent growth driven by economic expansion, immigration, and interprovincial migration.

Municipal planning officials stated the milestone highlights infrastructure challenges accompanying rapid urban development. The city has expanded transit systems, residential zones, and public services to accommodate population growth.

Waite, now 19 years old, was born at Foothills Medical Centre. City officials presented a ceremonial recognition during a Thursday event attended by municipal leaders and urban planning representatives.

The population increase has occurred alongside significant urban expansion. Calgary’s municipal boundaries have grown to encompass 848 square kilometers, making it one of Canada’s largest cities by land area.

Demographic projections indicate Calgary’s population will reach 1.5 million by 2030 if current growth rates continue. The city’s municipal development plan addresses infrastructure requirements for anticipated expansion through 2035.

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That’s this morning’s brief. Calgary Bureau will continue monitoring these developing stories throughout the day.