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Last week, our Executive Director, Colin Fagnan, traveled to Mississauga to take part in the Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CCC) and Canadian Chamber Executives of Canada (CCEC) Annual Conference and AGM. Over the course of a week, Chamber leaders from across the country gathered at the Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel for a full schedule of conferences, workshops, policy debates, and networking sessions — all focused on strengthening Canada’s business competitiveness and collaboration from coast to coast to coast.
It was noted that Alberta’s Chambers had a strong showing this year, ranking only second in total votes by province after Ontario. All 13 Alberta policy resolutions were successfully passed, many of which centered on energy and natural resources — key sectors driving not only our provincial economy but Canada’s broader prosperity.
What stood out most was a renewed sense of unity across regions. Chambers from Ontario and Alberta (and beyond) were closely aligned in their priorities, reflecting a shared recognition that Canada’s business community must pull together during this transformative period — especially as we navigate evolving trade relations and tariff challenges with our southern neighbour.
Across the floor, the message was clear: Canadian Chambers are committed to building a more competitive, productive, and resilient economy that supports innovation, major infrastructure projects, and the development of Canada as a true energy superpower.
Representing our local business community and Alberta’s Industrial Heartland, Colin addressed the national assembly twice during the conference. His first intervention came in support of Alberta’s oil and gas industry — specifically petrochemicals — during a debate on removing the federal production cap. The motion passed, marking a meaningful step forward for the industry.
“The truth is this,” Colin stated. “Canada’s oil and gas sector is our country’s greatest economic asset, whether we admit it or not; the literature on this is very clear. At a time when Canada is experiencing what the federal government itself calls a ‘productivity crisis,’ oil and gas remains our best-performing — and most productive — sector. The data simply doesn’t lie.”
Colin also supported Fort McMurray’s Chamber of Commerce by recommending an amendment to include hydrogen in a policy on resource development and infrastructure — ensuring Canada’s emerging hydrogen economy remains part of the national conversation. Representing one of Canada’s key hydrogen hubs, our Chamber is helping lead the dialogue on how Alberta’s Industrial Heartland can shape the country’s low-carbon future.
During the event, Colin also had the opportunity to speak with Federal Minister of Industry Mélanie Joly (in French), regarding Canada’s international energy strategy. While the conversation somewhat left the door open to energy corridors to Eastern Canada, which are not entirely off the table, Ottawa’s current focus seemingly remains on the West Coast for energy export capacity, at least in the short term.
These national discussions and policy debates underscore the important role local Chambers like ours play in shaping Canada’s economic future. We are proud to have represented the interests of businesses across Fort Saskatchewan, Lamont County, and the Industrial Heartland — ensuring that our voice is heard on the national stage.
Our Chamber has also invited a number of national business leaders, including members of the CCC’s executive team, to visit Alberta’s Industrial Heartland in the coming year to see firsthand the scale of innovation and opportunity here at home.
As we look ahead to next year’s national gathering in Victoria, British Columbia, your Chamber remains deeply committed to advocating for local business interests and ensuring our region continues to play a central role in shaping Canada’s economic growth story.
