The city is the most important economic centre for northern and central Alberta. It is also a major centre for the oil and gas industry. The city has earned its nickname “Oil Capital of Canada” because it has traditionally been a hub for Albertan petrochemical industries. Aside from this, its economy is derived from the technology sector, such as Stantec Inc., General Electric, Matrikon, BioWare, Canadian Western Bank, Intuit Canada, Telus, and IBM. Edmonton is also considered Canada’s premier research and education centre.