Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors Devin Dreeshen will attend this year’s Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER) Annual Summit and take part in a panel discussion and fireside chat to highlight the importance of economic corridors to facilitating Alberta’s mutually beneficial trade with the region.
Associate Minister of Water Grant Hunter will participate in two panels: Aquatic Invasive Species: Lurking Threat to the Regional Economy and Environment, and Technology and the Future of Water.
MLA for Lac Ste. Anne-Parkland Shane Getson, MLA for Vermilion-Lloydminster-Wainwright Garth Rowswell, MLA for Cypress-Medicine Hat Justin Wright, MLA for Chestermere-Strathmore Chantelle de Jonge and MLA for Leduc-Beaumont Brandon Lunty will also attend the summit, teaming up to advance Alberta’s priorities in meetings, working groups and sessions.
Alberta’s delegates will bring the province’s perspective to future-focused discussions on a broad range of priorities when meeting and engaging with U.S. state legislators, officials and influential corporate leaders from across the Pacific Northwest region. These priorities include making the case for enhancing Alberta-U.S. energy collaboration and working together to support the key policies, infrastructure and pathways needed to move even more of Alberta’s traditional and emerging energy products to our growing list of customers in the U.S.
Alberta’s government and industry partners have begun preparations to host the 2026 PNWER Annual Summit. MLA Shane Getson will also take the opportunity to formally invite PNWER delegates to make the trip to Edmonton next July to see firsthand why Alberta’s vast resources and homegrown solutions are the answer to the United States’ prosperous future.
“Alberta is a leader in collaborating with other jurisdictions to advance strategic trade corridors to position Canada as a global gateway and unlock access to new markets, strengthen national security and drive economic growth. I look forward to meeting with our U.S. partners and sharing Alberta’s successes in establishing economic corridors as well as highlighting our vision related to new corridors and nation-building projects.”
“Water is one of our most valuable resources, and this summit is a chance to have meaningful conversations that help to drive regional solutions for the issues that matter to Albertans. From drought and water infrastructure to the fight against aquatic invasive species, this is an opportunity to work with our neighbours, share what’s working and shape what comes next.”
“As the president of PNWER Canada, I am eager to strengthen our trade relationships with member states. I am confident that this year will grow the long list of influential U.S. decision makers who are committed to working with Alberta, aiding in decision-making that will benefit people on both sides of the border.”
“We are a trading province, and our goal is to strengthen Alberta’s ties with the U.S. Pacific Northwest for the benefit of the people of Alberta, and every province and state represented at PNWER.
I look forward to highlighting the countless opportunities to grow our economies, and our trading relationship as long-standing allies.”
“Along with our fellow Canadians in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Yukon and the Northwest Territories, Alberta has been a member of PNWER since its founding more than three decades ago. Our time at this year’s summit is a great opportunity to continue building on that legacy as Alberta prepares to host the 2026 PNWER Annual Summit in our capital city next July.”
“Alberta’s strengths in agriculture, energy, ground-breaking technologies, emissions reduction solutions and more make our province the perfect fit for addressing the priorities of our PNWER partners. I look forward to showcasing the important role that Alberta can play in building a resilient future through regional collaboration, innovation and enhanced trade across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.”
“Alberta is a powerhouse of economic opportunity. Working alongside U.S. legislators to maintain and enhance cost-effective and efficient corridors between Alberta and our long-standing customers in the Pacific Northwest is key to ensuring our two nations contribute to one another’s overall success, including job security and economic stability for all our citizens.”
PNWER is a non-partisan, public/private partnership that was established in 1991 to advance the economic well-being, quality of life and common interests of its 10 member jurisdictions, which include the states of Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Montana and Washington, the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan, and the Yukon and Northwest Territories.
Minister Dreeshen will travel with one staff member and Associate Minister Hunter will travel with two staff 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 C$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.
- The Pacific Northwest is an important trade region for Alberta. In 2024, bilateral trade between Alberta and the PNWER U.S. member states totalled C$21 billion.
Itinerary for Minister Dreeshen*
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July 22 |
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July 23 |
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July 24 |
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*Subject to change.
Itinerary for Associate Minister Hunter*
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July 20 |
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July 21 |
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July 22 |
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*Subject to change.
Itinerary for MLAs Getson, Rowswell, de Jonge and Lunty*
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July 20 |
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July 21-24 |
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*Subject to change.
Itinerary for MLA Wright*
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July 20 |
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July 21-23 |
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*Subject to change.