The Fort Saskatchewan & Lamont County Regional Chamber of Commerce proudly hosted the MLA Ministers Fireside Chat: Shaping Alberta’s Economic Future, bringing together Senior Government Officials, Chamber members, regional employers, industry leaders, and community stakeholders for an important discussion on the opportunities and challenges shaping Alberta’s economy. Hosted at the Dow Centennial Centre, the event positioned our region often called ‘Alberta’s Industrial Heartland’ at the centre of an important discussion on trade, competitiveness, infrastructure, and the future of our economy.
The Chamber extends sincere thanks to all sponsors who helped make the event possible, including presenting sponsor Keyera, as well as event sponsors Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP), ATCO, Nutrien, FortisAlberta, Surerus Pipeline Inc., Farnese Insurance and Registries, and Local Union 488.
The event focused on several key issues impacting Alberta’s business community, including international trade relationships, economic opportunities, and ongoing global uncertainty. Discussions also explored the Alberta-Ottawa Memorandum of Understanding and recent pipeline-related announcements, the future development of energy corridors, and the importance of attracting value-added investment opportunities within Alberta’s Industrial Heartland. In addition, panelists addressed Alberta’s evolving role within Canada and what these conversations could mean for the region’s long-term economic growth, competitiveness, and investment potential.
The Chamber’s Executive Director, Colin Fagnan, moderated the fireside discussion alongside a distinguished panel including our local MLA Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk, Parliamentary Secretary for Settlement Services and Ukrainian Evacuees; MLA Shane Getson, Parliamentary Secretary for Economic Corridor Development; and Minister of Municipal Affairs, Dan Williams. Together, the panel engaged in a thoughtful conversation surrounding Alberta’s economic future and regional growth opportunities.
The Chamber was also pleased to welcome several additional elected officials to the event, including provincial representatives Minister Adriana LaGrange, MLA Garth Rowswell, Minister Searle Turton, and MLA Scott Sinclair. As well as municipal leaders including Fort Saskatchewan’s Mayor Lisa Makin, alongside Councillors Allan Wesley, Gale Katchur, Arjun Randhawa, Birgit Blizzard, Patrick Noyen, and Gordon Harris; Town of Lamont Mayor Jody Foulds; and Lamont County Reeve Aaron Wick, alongside Councillors Roy Anaka and John Uganecz.
The Chamber also recognized the support and attendance of its Board of Directors, including Vice President Gerald Corbiere, Secretary/Treasurer Tamara Dabels, and Directors Anke Schroeder, Cathy Goulet, Kathryn Dragowska, Mikael Sarkozi, and Robin Johnston.
As a non-partisan organization, the Fort Saskatchewan & Lamont County Regional Chamber of Commerce remains committed to creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue between government, industry, and the business community, while continuing to advocate for policies, partnerships, and investments that support long-term regional and provincial economic growth. The Chamber looks forward to continuing these important conversations and hosting more events like this in the future that bring together leaders, decision-makers, and the regional business community.
