External Agencies

Reporting to the Minister of Finance and Enterprise

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External agencies operate separately from, and are not administered by, the department. In some cases, departmental staff offer services to them.

These agencies report to the Minister of Finance and Enterprise, and to the people and businesses they serve.  External agencies are also:

  • Operated at a distance from the Minister. The Minister is responsible for the overall direction of the organization; but is not involved in its day-to-day operations.
  • Created by a law.
  • Run by a board of directors.
  • Funded (in almost all cases) by charging for the services they offer. They receive little or no subsidy from government.
  • Set up so the organizations can contract services, own property and in engage in legal proceedings in their own name.

Nine of the largest external agencies that report to the Minister of Finance and Enterprise are:

Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo)

On January 1, 2008, the Alberta Investment Management division of Alberta Finance and Enterprise became a crown corporation - AIMCo.

AIMCo invests more than $70 billion, held in a number of public sector pension, endowment and special purpose funds. Formerly the Alberta government's investment operations, this organization has a long history of providing strong and consistent investment returns to its public sector clients.

AIMCo was formed as a crown corporation to provide the best structure from which to aim even higher and to deliver on its mission to establish investment excellence.

Please visit the official AIMCo website at www.aimco.alberta.ca.

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Alberta Capital Finance Authority (formerly Alberta Municipal FInancing Corporation)

The Alberta Capital Finance Authority ("ACFA") is a provincial authority and acts only as an agent of the Alberta crown. Its business is to provide local entities with financing for capital projects. ACFA is able to borrow in capital markets at interest rates which would not be available to local authorities acting independently.  ACFA makes loans to Alberta municipalities, school boards and other local entities at interest rates based on the cost of its borrowings.

Visit ACFA's website to learn more about their activities.

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Alberta Economic Development Authority

The Alberta Economic Development Authority (AEDA) is a partnership that provides businesses with a direct working link to the Alberta government. A network of business and industry sectors made up of private sector volunteers who study issues, consult with experts, debate ideas and make recommendations to the Alberta government on ways to strengthen the province’s economic performance.

AEDA provides a voice for large and small business and strives to ensure industry needs are addressed when policy is developed. It provides advice on business and economic development issues to help shape policies and strategies to benefit the economy, to increase Alberta's ability to create new opportunities at home and abroad.

Go to the Alberta Economic Development Authority (AEDA) website.

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ATB Financial

ATB Financial is a leading, full-service financial institution based in Edmonton, Alberta. With assets of $20.3 billion, ATB is the largest Alberta-based financial institution.

ATB is a leading financial services provider, serving over 600,000 Albertans in 244 communities through 156 branches, 134 agencies, as well as a Customer Contact Centre in Calgary, Alberta. Services are also available through Automated Banking Machines (ABMs) across Alberta, Internet and Telephone. A full range of wealth management products and services are provided under the banner of ATB Investor Services.

Visit the ATB Financial website to learn more about the corporation's activities.

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Alberta Pensions Administration (APA)

APA Corporation is a Crown Corporation incorporated in 1995 under the Business Corporations Act of Alberta. Prior to November 1995, APA Corporation was a division of Alberta Treasury. APA Corporation's core services are to collect pension plan contributions from employers and members, maintain members' accounts, calculate and pay plan benefits and provide information to members. APA Corporation is committed to providing cost-effective services through continuous improvements, value for money and effective communications.

APA Corporation is responsible for administering seven statutory pension plans under the direction of four pension boards and the Government of Alberta, as well as two supplementary retirement plans.

APA Corporation administers these pension plans:

  • Local Authorities Pension Plan (LAPP)
  • Management Employees Pension Plan (MEPP)
  • Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP)
  • Special Forces Pension Plan (SFPP)
  • Provincial Judges and Masters in Chambers Pension Plan (Registered)
  • Supplementary Retirement Plan for Provincial Judges and Masters in Chambers (Unregistered)
  • Members of the Legislative Assembly Pension Plan (Closed 1989)
  • Supplementary Retirement Plan for Public Service Managers
  • Public Service Management (Closed Membership) Pension Plan (Closed Plan)

Visit APA's website for more information.

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Alberta Securities Commission

The Alberta Securities Commission (ASC) regulates the capital market in Alberta and balances the interests of investors, issuers and persons registered to sell securities. It administers the Alberta Securities Act, which facilitates a fair and efficient capital market. The securities regulatory system is based on two fundamental principles:

  • To provide investors with full, true and plain disclosure so that they can make informed investment decisions.
  • Confidence in the integrity of the capital market must be maintained. Confidence in the capital market stems partly from confidence in the securities regulatory system. ASC plays a key role in maintaining confidence in the capital market in Alberta.

Visit the ASC website to learn more about the commission's activities.

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Automobile Insurance Rate Board (AIRB)

The Automobile Insurance Rate Board is a key component of the reforms to the auto insurance system.

The mandate of the board is to set premiums for basic coverage, monitor premiums for optional coverage and review and approve rating programs for new insurers entering the Alberta market.

The board annually sets the maximum premiums for basic coverage that all insurers can charge.

Visit AIRB's website for more information.

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Credit Union Deposit Guarantee Corporation (CUDGC)

CUDGC guarantees deposits held with credit unions in Alberta. That means if, for some reason, a credit union cannot return a customer's deposit, CUDGC ensures repayment of that deposit.

As well, CUDGC maintains the unclaimed deposits of people who cannot be located by the credit union.

CUDGC also assists, advises and, on occasion, directs credit unions to ensure that credit unions use sound business practices.

CUDGC monitors and regulates credit union performance by conducting examinations and working closely with credit unions on improving the regulatory environment of the credit union system. It also provides loan review and approval for certain credit union loans.

Visit the CUDGC website for more information.

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Northern Alberta Development Council

The NADC is a regional development council with a focus on advancing the development of the northern economy.

The mission of the NADC is to identify and implement measures that will advance northern development, as well as advise government on opportunities and issues. The NADC is involved with projects and initiatives in transportation, value-added agriculture, tourism, educational initiatives and inter-jurisdictional projects.

Visit the Northern Alberta Development Council (NADC) website.

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Page last updated:  August 12, 2008