Edmonton and Calgary, AB – Qualico has partnered with CKUA, Alberta's first public broadcaster and donor-funded community radio station, to help strengthen CKUA's mission of connecting all Albertans through music, arts, and culture. 

As part of the partnership, CKUA's recording and broadcast studio in downtown Edmonton has been officially named The Qualico Studio. This space is used for recording interviews and broadcasting live programs that reach listeners from Calgary to Edmonton and across Alberta, celebrating stories that unite communities through creativity and culture. 

This collaboration between the Northern and Southern Alberta regions highlights Qualico's long-standing commitment to supporting organizations that make a difference in the community where we live and work. Since 1954, Qualico has played a key role in shaping both Edmonton and Calgary, and this partnership continues that legacy by helping amplify voices and talent that reflect the diversity and vibrancy of Alberta. 

 Recently, Brad Armstrong, Regional Vice-President, Northern Alberta, and Claudio Palumbo, Regional Vice-President, Southern Alberta, joined award-winning host Grant Stovel on CKUA's Alberta Morning program to talk about Qualico's community investment and the story behind The Qualico Studio. 

"At Qualico, partnership means working together with others who share our commitment to community, culture, and sustainability," said Brad Armstrong, Regional Vice-President, Northern Alberta. "Whether we're collaborating with cities, builders, or organizations like CKUA, we believe that meaningful partnerships make stronger and more connected communities."   

Choosing to partner with CKUA aligns with Qualico's corporate responsibility initiatives.   

"We want to support a variety of community groups," said Claudio Palumbo, Regional Vice-President, Southern Alberta. "Including those that focus on music, arts, and culture."  

Claudio notes that CKUA's focus on storytelling, community connections, and Canadian arts complements Qualico's commitment to building better cities. "Our support of CKUA reflects our belief that strong communities are not built on bricks and mortar alone, but also through shared culture, creativity, and connection," Claudio said. 

The partnership comes as CKUA approaches its 100th anniversary in 2027, and Qualico celebrates 75 years of building better cities in 2026, a milestone both organizations see as a reflection of Alberta's enduring spirit. 

"CKUA and Qualico are both focused on building communities," said Kevin Fitzgerald, Chief Development Officer, CKUA. "One of Qualico's corporate responsibility areas of giving is healthy lives, and we know that the arts sector plays a vital role here. The more we spoke with Qualico, the more we saw an alignment of values. CKUA is thrilled to be entering into this new partnership with Qualico, and we thank them for their donation."   

Brad is looking forward to seeing how connections between Qualico and CKUA develop. 

"Thriving communities are shaped by the creativity and diversity of the people within them," Brad said. "Supporting the arts allows us to celebrate that. We want to see local talent and culture continue to inspire future generations."  

Through these partnerships, Qualico continues to invest in meaningful initiatives that celebrate creativity, connection, and the people who make Alberta a great place to live and work. 

If you missed Grant Stovel's conversation with Brad Armstrong and Claudio Palumbo during Alberta Morning on November 6, catch it here: Stream Qualico Strengthens Community Connection with CKUA by CKUA Radio | Listen online for free on SoundCloud