What are Policy Committees?
Made of up of Chamber members, policy committees come together to discuss and develop positions on issues affecting business. Once policy positions are established, they are submitted to appropriate levels of government in order to vocalize member concerns and influence the impact of government decisions on business. Additionally, each year the Edmonton Chamber has the unique opportunity to submit policies for consideration and potential approval to both the Alberta Chambers of Commerce and Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Our committees consist of remarkable individuals—employed by our member companies—that actively initiate positive change on behalf of businesses in Edmonton.
A summary of our Policy Committees and the Committee Members can be found below.
The Energy, Environment and Natural Resource Committee focuses on policies that support Edmonton’s energy and resource sectors while recognizing the impact those sectors have on the environment. The Committee aims to balance economic and environmental considerations and remains keenly aware of local, national and global trends that impact our industries.
The areas monitored by the Committee include but are not limited to energy market access, energy and environmental policy and regulation, forestry, agriculture and mining developments, innovation, research and development and artificial intelligence.
The Finance, Budget and Regulation Committee focuses on taxation, fiscal issues, insurance and regulation, procurement and development. The Committee monitors the fiscal activities of all levels of government and considers current macroeconomic conditions and trends.
The areas monitored by the Committee include but are not limited to fiscal policies and programs, tax policies and laws, insurance laws and regulations, procurement regulations, and municipal zoning and development.
With a strong research ecosystem and resources to support innovation and advanced manufacturing, the Edmonton region is home to a vibrant and growing medical sector. The Health and Life Sciences Committee focuses on current and anticipated challenges in the delivery of quality, accessible health care, as well as potential opportunities and solutions offered in the health and life sciences.
The areas monitored by the Committee include but are not limited to effective health care delivery and inclusivity, elder care, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, mental health, health records and data, innovation, research and development and artificial intelligence.
The Trade and Industry Committee is focused on policies that support investment attraction and access to markets, and the conditions to support manufacturing, export and emerging technologies. The Edmonton Chamber of commerce leverages a network of 320 World Trade Centres in 92 countries.
The areas monitored by the Committee include but are not limited to interprovincial and international access to markets, transportation, logistics and trade, trade policies and regulation, manufacturing and emerging technology industries locally, nationally and globally.
The Workforce Development and Attraction Committee is focused on long-term workforce challenges and opportunities, building capacity in Edmonton’s workforce and ensuring members have the talented individuals needed to meet current demands and support future growth.
The areas monitored by the Committee include but are not limited to post-secondary education, skills training, immigration, employee relations, equity and diversity, unemployment and labour supply, early learning and child care, productivity and competitiveness, homelessness and infrastructure supporting the workforce.
The tourism and visitor economy is a vital part of the Edmonton Region’s vibrancy and prosperity, as is its major driver: the arts, entertainment, and recreation industry. The Arts, Tourism and Hospitality Committee focuses on what the sector needs to sustain operations in the future, chart economic recovery and showcase the Edmonton Region to residents and the world.
The areas monitored by the Committee include but are not limited to food service, accommodation, arts and culture, events, tourism, and the visitor economy.
Interested in joining one of our committees? The Edmonton Chamber is always looking for valuable members with unique strengths to join our volunteer team. To apply for a volunteer position or learn more about the expectations and benefits of joining our policy committee, contact Cadence Bergman, Director, Policy, by emailing policy@edmontonchamber.com.