July 23, 2026:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Edmonton, AB – United Conservative MLAs joined legislators and industry leaders from across western Canada and the northwestern United States this week at the Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER) 2026 Annual Summit in Edmonton, strengthening partnerships and showcasing Alberta’s strengths on a continental stage. The summit’s return to Edmonton marks the first time the city has hosted the annual gathering since 2006.
PNWER is a non-partisan partnership of the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan, the Northwest Territories and Yukon, and the U.S. states of Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, and Washington that works to advance cooperation on issues of shared importance.
For Alberta, PNWER provides an important forum to build relationships with regional partners, address shared challenges, and promote policies that support investment, economic growth, and expanded market access. It also creates opportunities to strengthen Alberta’s position as a reliable trading partner and a world-class destination for investment.
This year’s summit focused on strengthening cross-border trade, improving transportation and energy corridors, enhancing economic competitiveness, and coordinating regional responses to challenges such as invasive species and supply chain disruptions.
“PNWER is built on a simple idea: we accomplish more when we work together,” said Shane Getson, MLA for Lac Ste. Anne-Parkland, outgoing President of PNWER Canada, and Vice President of PNWER. “It was a privilege for Alberta to host this year’s summit and welcome partners from across the region. It was also an honour to hear the discussions on economic corridors, energy, trade, agriculture, and education – just to name a few. Those discussions reinforced just how closely aligned our region is on the priorities that support economic growth, investment, and long-term prosperity.”
Throughout the summit, more than a dozen United Conservative MLAs participated in meetings, panel discussions, and site tours highlighting Alberta’s world-class industries and research institutions. Tours included the Heidelberg Materials Edmonton cement plant, the University of Alberta, Edmonton International Airport’s sustainability campus, Alberta’s Industrial Heartland, and the Cenovus Christina Lake oil sands operation, among many others.
-30-
