The Fort Saskatchewan & Lamont County Regional Chamber of Commerce was proud to represent the interests of our local business community at the 2026 Alberta Chambers of Commerce (ACC) Annual General Meeting and Policy Plenary held this week in Whitecourt, Alberta.

Representing the Chamber were Executive Director Colin Fagnan and Board Treasurer Tamara Dabels, who joined chamber leaders, business advocates, and policymakers from across the province for several days of networking, collaboration, and grassroots economic advocacy.

The annual ACC Policy Plenary serves as one of the province’s most important business advocacy forums, where chambers of commerce debate and vote on policy resolutions that shape the Alberta Chambers of Commerce’s advocacy priorities with provincial and federal governments over the coming years.

This year, the Fort Saskatchewan & Lamont County Regional Chamber of Commerce took an active and direct role in the process by speaking to policy amendments on the plenary floor and contributing to discussions on issues critical to both our region and Alberta’s broader economic future.

The Chamber was pleased to successfully advocate for two policy amendments that were ultimately adopted by voting delegates, helping ensure provincial advocacy better reflects the realities and opportunities facing industrial and regional economies such as Alberta’s Industrial Heartland.

One amendment strengthened proposed policy around Special Economic Zones (SEZs) by emphasizing the importance of learning from Alberta’s existing industrial development experience — including the lessons of the Alberta Industrial Heartland and Designated Industrial Zone framework — while ensuring local and regional voices help shape future economic development strategies.

A second amendment sought to improve clarity and practicality in a proposed transportation and agricultural policy, reinforcing the importance of well-defined, workable frameworks for Alberta businesses and producers.

Throughout the conference, particular attention was given to policies affecting energy, industrial competitiveness, transportation, agriculture, investment attraction, and regional economic development — all areas deeply connected to the businesses and industries represented by our Chamber.

“Participating in these policy discussions is both an honour and an important responsibility,” said Colin Fagnan, Executive Director of the Fort Saskatchewan & Lamont County Regional Chamber of Commerce. “The decisions made at ACC help shape the advocacy agenda for chambers across Alberta. It is essential that our region’s voice is heard, particularly given the economic significance of the Alberta Industrial Heartland and the opportunities and challenges facing our local business community.”

Delegates also heard an inspiring address from ACC President & CEO Candace Laing, who underscored the importance of supporting Canadian businesses and removing interprovincial trade barriers to unlock economic growth and competitiveness across the country.

The Fort Saskatchewan & Lamont County Regional Chamber of Commerce extends its thanks to the Alberta Chambers of Commerce, the Whitecourt & District Chamber of Commerce, local hosts, and fellow delegates for a productive and collaborative week focused on strengthening Alberta’s economy and advocating for business success.

As the voice of business for our region, the Chamber remains committed to ensuring local priorities are represented at the provincial and national level through strong advocacy, strategic partnerships, and active participation in the broader chamber network.