MLAs Angela Pitt (Airdrie-East), Glenn Van Dijken (Athabasca-Barrhead-Westlock), and Chelsae Petrovic (Livingstone-Macleod) will represent Alberta in discussions with lawmakers and legislators from across the U.S. at the National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL) 50th annual summit.

MLAs will participate in a series of policy sessions, meetings and networking events to highlight Alberta as a secure and reliable energy and agricultural partner of choice, advocate for cross-border pipelines to bring even more product to our U.S. customers, and protect and strengthen our trade and investment relationship that promotes mutual economic growth and stability.

“It is vitally important that Alberta is well-represented in discussions that have the potential to significantly affect our province’s future – especially as Canada strives to reach a new economic deal with the U.S. In my discussions with decision makers, I will stress the benefits of enhancing two-way trade with Alberta that builds bridges to prosperity.”     

Angela Pitt, MLA for Airdrie-East

“Promoting increased access to U.S. markets for Alberta’s farmers, ranchers and agri-processors will be at the top of my agenda when I take my seat on this year’s NCSL Agriculture Task Force. Our producers put top-quality food on American tables, and I will leverage these discussions to reinforce the key role Alberta can play in establishing North American, and global, food security.”

Glenn Van Dijken, MLA for Athabasca-Barrhead-Westlock

“Given the sheer number of influential American legislators attending the NCSL, it’s crucial to make sure Alberta is well represented in the room. I look forward to joining my MLA colleagues at this year’s annual summit to advance our province’s priorities with high-level decision makers who have shown time and again that they are willing to champion calls for repairing and strengthening ties with Alberta in conversations at the state-level and beyond.”

Chelsae Petrovic, MLA for Livingstone-Macleod

The NCSL, established in 1975 by state legislators and legislative staff, brings together lawmakers and government leaders from all 50 U.S. states, commonwealths, territories and the District of Columbia. The conference promotes co-operation and information exchanges between state legislatures in the U.S. and in other countries. Alberta formalized its role in the NCSL by becoming an affiliate member of the organization and a member of its International Advisory Council last year.

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.
    • Energy products accounted for about $133.4 billion, 82.3 per cent of Alberta’s exports to the U.S. in 2024.
    • Other important export categories to the U.S. in 2024 included plastics ($4.3 billion), machinery ($3.4 billion), meat ($3 billion), organic chemicals ($2.1 billion) and forestry products ($2 billion).
    • The U.S. is Alberta’s most valuable export market for agricultural products. In 2024, Alberta exported $9.2 billion in ag products to the U.S., a four per cent increase from 2023.

Itinerary for MLAs Pitt, Van Dijken and Petrovic*

Aug. 2
  • Travel to Boston, MA.

Aug. 3
  • Participate in the NCSL-led international and executive committee meetings and roundtables prior to the start of the annual summit.

Aug. 4-6
  • Participate in meetings and roundtables at the NCSL annual summit, including a gathering of the NCSL Agriculture Task Force and a session titled “Building Bridges: 50 Years of NCSL’s Global Partnerships.”
  • Host key U.S. decision makers at an Alberta government reception.

Aug. 7
  • Travel to Alberta.

*Subject to change.

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