Medicine Hat, AB – March 19, 2026 – The Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce has submitted 11 comprehensive policy resolutions to the Alberta Chambers of Commerce for consideration at their annual policy plenary session in May, representing one of the most extensive policy advocacy packages in the organization's recent history.

The wide-ranging policy submissions address critical economic, infrastructure, and regulatory challenges affecting businesses and communities across Alberta, with particular focus on issues impacting southeastern Alberta's diverse economic base.

"These 11 policy resolutions represent the collective voice of our business community and demonstrate our commitment to advancing solutions that will strengthen Alberta's economic competitiveness," stated Aaron Fleming, Board of Directors President for the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce. "From transportation infrastructure to agricultural innovation, from healthcare reform to regulatory modernization, these policies address the real challenges some of our members are facing every day."

The policy submissions span diverse areas of economic importance:

Infrastructure and Transportation: The Chamber is advocating for accelerated work on the remaining sections to twin Highway 3, addressing the truck driver shortage, and modernization of Alberta's Registry Agent network to ensure continued service delivery across rural communities.

Agriculture and Agribusiness: Multiple resolutions focus on supporting Alberta's vital agricultural sector, including improved risk management programs for producers, enhanced agricultural education in K-12 curricula, and national promotion of Canada's agriculture industry to combat misinformation and build public trust.

Healthcare and Professional Services: The Chamber is pushing for equitable billing and referral privileges for allied health professionals to improve access to care.

Beverage and Hospitality Industries: Policy submissions address federal support for Canadian beverage manufacturers facing U.S. tariff challenges, liquor remittance model reform for small manufacturers, and equitable regulation of commercial short-term rentals.

Public Service Excellence: The Chamber is also advocating for embedding economic stewardship principles into Alberta's public service code of conduct to strengthen fiscal accountability and long-term planning.

The policy package reflects the diverse economic base of southeastern Alberta, which includes significant agricultural production, manufacturing, and growing tourism and hospitality sectors.

"These policies aren't just about regulatory changes – they're about ensuring southeastern Alberta remains competitive and that our businesses can thrive in an increasingly complex economic environment," further remarked Aaron Fleming. "Whether it's ensuring our agricultural producers have access to effective risk management tools or making sure our transportation corridors support trade and commerce, these resolutions address some of the foundations of our regional economy."

The policy submissions call for action at both provincial and federal levels, recognizing the interconnected nature of Canada's regulatory environment. Federal-focused policies include support for beverage manufacturers facing U.S. trade challenges and national agricultural promotion initiatives, while provincial policies address healthcare delivery, infrastructure investment, and regulatory modernization.

"Our approach recognizes that effective advocacy requires engagement at multiple levels of government," noted Lisa Dressler, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director. "With 5 renewing policies last updated in 2023 and 6 new policies, they are written to ensure they are current, clear, and provide evidence-based recommendations that can guide government decision-making and support economic growth."

The 11 policy resolutions will be reviewed by the Alberta Chambers of Commerce policy committee and presented for debate and voting at the annual policy plenary session in May. Policies approved by the provincial body become part of Alberta Chambers' advocacy agenda and may be forwarded to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce for national consideration.

The Southeast Alberta Chamber developed these policies through extensive consultation with members, industry stakeholders, and subject matter experts, ensuring each resolution is grounded in real-world business challenges and supported by current data and research.

Please direct all media inquiries to:

Aaron Fleming

Chamber of Commerce President, 2025-2026

Phone: (403) 527-5214 ext. 225

The Chamber of Commerce is a member-driven, volunteer-led organization, proudly representing the interests of businesses in our region, and working diligently to stimulate a strengthened and vibrant economy through our connections, support and influence. For over 125 years, the Chamber has stood for promoting business, monitoring government and championing managed growth in the local economy. The Chamber represents close to 900 businesses in our region and is aligned with the Alberta Chambers of Commerce (ACC), which represents over 24,000 businesses, the Canadian Chambers of Commerce (CCC), which represents over 200,000 businesses and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), representing over 45 million companies in more than 170 countries. With the largest and most influential business organizations locally, provincially, federally and internationally, the Chamber network is the most unified, valued and influential business network in Canada and works together to shape policy and programs that will make a difference to businesses in our region.