Calgary has a better ranking because it has comparatively higher salary and placement, so that perhaps answers your question. In terms of programme design, Calgary seems to have a much wider range of electives, to support your focus on marketing or BA.

Also compare the alumni networks: How to use LinkedIn to find the best school www.find-mba.com/board/33571

As cities, Calgary is bigger, has much higher salaries and lower unemployment... so that is also a clear advantage.

Thanks Duncan for your response.
Really appreciate your time and advice. One thing I wanted to research about before making this decision is -
How is marketing and BA field in calgary. The main concern is, ottawa being in Ontario has a multiple locations nearby for work opportunity. I am not sure but Calgary doesn't have this advantage.
Also will explore the alumni network as suggested for sure.

LinkedIn is your friend. Truth is, for marketing or BA work you might be better off with a master's in those fields rather than an MBA.

I'm not sure what you mean about Ottawa's location. It's true that Ottawa is between Montreal and Toronto - but it's not like you can easily commute to one or the other, they are too far.

If you're talking about networking opportunities, maybe. I guess it's a longish drive to Montreal but with Montreal you've got language issues unless you speak French. Toronto is twice as far; I guess in terms of time commitment a train ride there would be similar to flying between Calgary and Vancouver, say.

Not sure why are you more inclined towards Ottawa? Most jobs there require to work as a government contractor / subcontractor requiring security clearance. Only citizens are considered.

Montreal has it's own sub market, language requirements, labor conditions, pension programs etc. Ottawa - as Larry pointed is - 4.5 hr by drive (on a good day) Or 1 hour away by flight - from Toronto.

Heck even within the GTA, someone living in Oshawa would spend a lifetime commuting on the 401 to say Mississauga for work using own vehicle. 407 charges $24 one way.
If for example someone finds employment in Kitchner/Guelph area then it makes no sense to travel from/stay let's say in Pickering or Scarborough.

Go for a specialized MS in Analytics type of a degree than a generic MBA. Go for the best education that acts as a feeder program for your target firms. Canada is not US. Everyone works in Toronto or Vancouver. Working in Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, Ottawa etc while could be fulfilling but won't present you with ample opportunities in Analytics.

I don't think deciding between these two schools is that hard. Calgary is clearly better for most applicants.

To be frank, there aren't a lot of great jobs in Alberta right now. Alberta used to be a great place for new immigrants to settle back in the days when oil was priced high. Nowadays, that province is struggling with high unemployment rates.

In my opinion, neither of those choices are good enough if you are planning to stay in Canada long term.

Of course, something Toronto-based, such as Rotman or Schulich, would probably be the best bet.

So intially I was thinking Carleton being in Ontario would give me an edge since I have read there are jobs available in analytics post my MBA. Yes there are mostly jobs in governement sector in ottawa but many start ups and MNCs are establishing their offices in Ottawa and Ontario in general. (Correct me if I am wrong)
So i was talking to couple of alumni from Calgary, some of them told me working in Ontario will be better, since the economy of Alberta Calgary specific fluctuates often.

You'll have to separate a city from a province. Start ups are coming up in Ontario - True , but it's a province not a city. Many MNCs plan to establish in Waterloo region. Waterloo is 130 Kms West of Downtown Toronto. 2 hours by personal vehicle 3 hours one way using public transportation.

You'll need to understand the local GTA geography. As I stated in my earlier post, anyone living in Oshawa could not travel to Waterloo / Kitchner / Guelph area and commute daily without going crazy.

I am not aware of any MNCs lining up to open offices in Ottawa. Calgary / Edmonton and Alberta province's economy in general is based on Oil & Mining & Transportation. These sectors are currently down.

Either get into highly ranked programs like Ivey, Rotman, Queens, Schulich or use geographic proximity to your advantage by enrolling into the likes of Ryerson, University of Guelph, University of Waterloo, McMaster University etc.