Professional development in Calgary

Hi everybody,

I intend to move to Calgary, but I would like to know more about the career development there.

Actually I'm living in France, where there is a big problem in the career development.

To give you an example, here in France, a person can work for the same position for years and years ... I mean 10 years in the same position before getting a professional upgrade and without a good salary increase - the great majority that grow in the career here is french, also there is a big level of xenophobia.

So my question is really related to the work environment and career growth:

Generally it is a positive environment?

They encourage the exchange of ideas? The companies are dynamic?

Is there a formal or informal hierarchy? If you disagree with the bosses could bring you a headache in the future?

How about the work culture related to foreigners? We foreigners are well received or not so much? 

It is possible to progress in the career and to obtain higher positions?

Thanks for your help.

Augusto