EDMONTON – (April 28, 2026) – The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce welcomes today’s 2026 Spring Economic Update: Canada Strong for All and its focus on strengthening Canada’s economic resilience with bolstered strategic investment in workforce development, and industrial capacity.
“Today’s Spring Economic Update aligns closely with what Edmonton businesses have been wanting to see from our federal government,” said Doug Griffiths, President and CEO of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce.
The Chamber is cautiously optimistic to see the introduction of the Canada Strong Fund, Canada’s first national sovereign wealth fund.
“This fund is a by Canadian, for Canadian, initiative that gives us the chance to invest our own money in our own projects for our own benefit,” said Griffiths. “After the geopolitical shocks that our country has weathered over the past year, this fund is a chance for Canadians to help ourselves strengthen the economy and the infrastructure that supports it.”
The Update’s focus on defence and industrial capacity is also notable. The Defence Industrial Strategy and the creation of a Defence Investment Agency point to a more coordinated approach to procurement, innovation, and domestic supply chains.
“The investment in the Team Canada Strong approach of 100,000 new skilled trades workers by 2031 is exactly the kind of ambition Edmonton is built to deliver on,” said Heather Thomson, Vice President of Economy and Engagement, “with technical expertise that’s honed by decades of work in the oil and gas sector, Edmonton has the right background, and world-class schools like NAIT andNorQuest,to usher in the next generation of skilled workers.”
The Chamber is excited to see Canada positioned as a competitive destination for global investment with the rollout of the Canada’s First Investment Summit and the upcoming Sustainable Finance Conference.
“As Canadians we are often terminally humble to our own detriment, prohibiting us from seizing the opportunities within our country” Griffiths said. “I’m excited to see that the federal government is taking a bullish stance on Canadian projects, and signaling confidence in Canda’s economic potential to the rest of the world.”
For Edmonton’s business community, implementation will be the true test.
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For further information, please contact:
Zac Delaney
Manager, Communications and Public Relations
Phone: 587-990-7326
Email: zdelaney@edmontonchamber.com
About the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce
For 137 years, the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce has championed growth, innovation, and profitability in Edmonton’s business community. Representing members ranging from small businesses to large enterprises across all sectors, we advocate for their interests at all levels of government, fostering a thriving and sustainable business environment. Our strategic partnerships and innovative services empower businesses to succeed and contribute to Edmonton’s prosperity. To learn more visit www.edmontonchamber.com/about.