Provincial

Edmonton’s business community is resilient, but moments like this test our readiness. With teachers preparing to strike, classrooms could close, and parents across our city could be pulled out of the workforce to stay home with their kids.  

Edmonton’s economy needs every advantage, and we cannot afford to weaken our competitiveness. School closures put that at risk. When parents must stay home or adjust their work schedules, businesses face lost productivity, higher absenteeism, and added costs. Even a few days of reduced staffing can mean lost sales, delayed orders, and more pressure on teams. 

As employers, the question is simple: are you ready? 

• Have you considered how many of your employees are parents and what that means for operations? 

• Do you have flexible work policies, remote options, or contingency plans in place? 

• Have you communicated openly with your teams so expectations are clear on both sides? 

We can’t control what happens at the bargaining table, but we can control how we prepare. Employers who plan ahead, adapt quickly, and support their teams will protect not just their bottom line, but also the stability of Edmonton’s economy. 

The Edmonton Chamber’s role is to help the business community prepare and adapt. We will continue to provide resources, insights, and advocacy to ensure employers are equipped to manage workforce challenges. 

Sincerely,
Doug Griffiths
President & CEO