Bedford's task will not be easy.
She must build a team of up to 25 players from around the world who are ready to compete within four months. Only nine have been recruited so far.
Local trio Sarah Kelty-Dilling, Grace Sturdy and Callie Bokks have signed, along with three-time New Zealand Olympian Michaela Moore – one of seven foreign players allowed in the squad, according to league rules.
Multi-year partnerships have already been agreed with broadcasters CBC and TSN to show live coverage of the NSL, and league sponsors and logos have also been in place.
There is a salary cap of $1.6m (£1.29m) in the NSL, with a minimum salary cap of $50,000 (£40,247).
This differs from the WSL in England, which has a salary cap, allowing clubs to spend up to 40% of their revenue on player wages.
“Everyone can be on the same page and have the same financial limit,” Bedford said. “In the WSL, when I was working at Leicester, the amount of money we budgeted was different to the top of the league. Here, everything will be the same.
“It gives you a really good opportunity as a coach to develop players well – so I'm looking forward to that.”
Bedford was the last coach to be appointed, leaving her role as manager of Brentford's under-18s.
At the end of the season, Bedford hopes Calgary will be one of the top four clubs to qualify for the NRL playoffs, with the goal of competing for the title.
“I knew the league was starting here and I didn't necessarily think I was going to be in it but I jumped at the chance,” Bedford said.
“I thought, if I were to live somewhere else, it might be in a wonderful country with nature and the outdoors. This place would be amazing.”
“With all things, you get the initial excitement, and then you think about the fact that you need to rent out your house, get away from family and time zones.
“But mainly it's excitement. Life is too short to worry about what will happen tomorrow. I see this as a great opportunity to develop myself as a coach.”