Alberta, U.S. leaders focus on shared priorities

Angela Pitt, MLA for Airdrie-East, Glenn van Dijken, MLA for Athabasca-Barrhead-Westlock, and Chelsae Petrovic, MLA for Livingston-Macleod, will join state legislators from across the U.S. at the 2026 National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Legislative Summit in Chicago, Illinois.

The summit will provide Alberta’s government with the opportunity to strengthen existing ties and build new connections with state-level decision makers from across the United States. Alberta’s government representatives will advance the province’s priorities on cross-border issues including barrier-free trade, secure supply chains and economic corridors, and Alberta’s role in North American energy security and dominance.

As part of the conference, MLA van Dijken will promote Alberta’s interests in agricultural trade and rural development in a meeting of NCSL’s Agriculture Task Force. During the meeting, he will highlight how mutually beneficial agricultural trade helps ensure Canadian and American consumers on both sides of the border have access to safe, affordable and reliable food.

“Alberta and the United States benefit from a long history of agricultural trade and cooperation. Through discussions with state legislators and industry leaders, we will continue advocating for open markets, reliable supply chains and thriving rural communities.”

Through the International Legislative Advisory Council, MLA Pitt will further strengthen Alberta's relationships with U.S. state legislators by participating in specialized policy task force meetings and opportunities that foster the exchange of ideas, best practices and mutually beneficial policy initiatives.

“Strong relationships with our U.S. partners create opportunities for Albertans and Americans alike. This year’s conference is another important opportunity to strengthen those ties and advance shared priorities that support mutual economic growth, investment and long-term prosperity.”

As part of team Alberta, MLA Petrovic will leverage sessions and networking opportunities throughout the conference to advance the province's priorities and lay the foundations for ongoing partnership and engagement in the months ahead.

“Collaboration between Alberta and U.S. states is key to advancing our shared economic and energy interests. Alberta has an important story to tell, and I am proud to help showcase our province as a reliable trade partner and the answer to North American energy security.”

The NCSL was established in 1975 and brings together lawmakers and government leaders from all 50 U.S. states, commonwealths, territories and the District of Columbia.

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

Quick facts

• In 2025:
  • Alberta’s exports to the U.S. totalled $152 billion, accounting for 85.7 per cent of total provincial exports. Top exports included crude oil, petroleum gases and beef.
  • Energy products accounted for about $125 billion, or 82.3 per cent, of Alberta’s exports to the U.S.
  • The U.S. was Alberta’s top agri-food export market, with agri-food exports totalling $8.7 billion.
• Alberta participates in a number of transboundary organizations with membership open to both U.S. states and Canadian provinces to advance Alberta’s interests, including the NCSL, Council of State Governments (CSG) National, CSG Midwest, and the Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER).

Itinerary for MLAs Angela Pitt, Glenn van Dijken and Chelsae Petrovic*

July 25	Travel to Chicago, Illinois.
July 26	Participate in NCSL’s Agriculture Task Force and Executive Committee meetings. Participate in the NCSL’s International Legislative Advisory Council Meeting.
July 27	Meetings and policy sessions at the NCSL Legislative Summit.
July 28	Meetings and policy sessions at the NCSL Legislative Summit. Networking and relationship building with legislators and industry leaders at a reception co-hosted by the governments of Canada, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec.
July 29	Meetings and policy sessions at the NCSL Legislative Summit.
July 30	Travel to Alberta.

*Subject to change.

Related information

• National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL)