The Western Legislative Academy (WLA) is a multi-day training experience that focuses on providing participants with the skills they need to excel in a legislative environment. The intensive interactive sessions forge new bonds between class members and deepen understanding of public policy and legislative systems.

WLA will provide MLA Brandon Lunty with the opportunity to connect with western state legislators to build bridges and share challenges, while also promoting the importance of Alberta’s relationship with the U.S., particularly in energy security and trade.

“I am excited to join the ranks of fellow Alberta MLAs who have been invited to participate in such an esteemed training program. I am looking forward to connecting with decision makers to ensure that Alberta’s economic and energy priorities are top of mind when looking for solutions to the issues they are facing, and that Alberta is truly a partner of choice.”

Brandon Lunty, MLA for Leduc-Beaumont

The WLA is part of CSG West, a regional, multilateral forum comprised of the following member states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. Alberta, British Columbia and the U.S. territories of Guam, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands are associate members.

Mission expenses will be posted on the travel and expense disclosure page.

Quick facts

  • The U.S. is Alberta’s largest trading partner, and Alberta is the second largest provincial exporter to the U.S. after Ontario.
  • In 2024, Alberta’s exports to the U.S. totalled $162.1 billion, accounting for 88.7 per cent of total provincial exports. The U.S. is also an important source of industrial inputs and consumer goods for the province.
    • Energy products accounted for approximately $133.4 billion, 82.3 per cent of Alberta’s exports to the U.S. in 2024.
  • The U.S. Midwest is the most important trading region for Alberta in the U.S. In 2024, bilateral trade between Alberta and the CSG Midwest member states totalled over $107.7 billion, the largest of any region in the U.S.
  • In 2024, Alberta’s exports to the region totalled $95.7 billion.
    • Top exports included: energy ($87.9 billion); plastics ($1.9 billion); machinery ($842.3 million); meat ($597.7 million); and animal and vegetable fats and oils ($551.1 million).
  • In 2024, Alberta imported $11.9 billion from the CSG Midwest region.
    • Top imports included: energy ($8.6 billion); machinery ($513.7 million); beverages ($452.1 million); motor vehicles and parts ($286.8 million); and railroad equipment ($216.3 million).

Itinerary for MLA Lunty*

Dec. 15
  • Travel to Colorado Springs, CO.
  • Attend WLA training.

Dec. 20
  • Attend WLA training.
  • Return to Alberta.

*Subject to change.

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