Interested in shaping Edmonton Chamber policy and priorities?
Consider applying for one of the Edmonton Chamber’s six policy committees! Made of up of Chamber members, policy committees discuss and develop positions on issues affecting Edmonton’s business community. Once policy positions are established, they are incorporated into Chamber advocacy to appropriate levels of government in order to express member concerns and influence the impact of government decisions on business. The impact of our policy committees reaches far beyond the city, as 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.
The application period for the 2022-23 policy committees has now closed. If you are interested in receiving more information or to join this dynamic policy community, please fill out the form below and someone from the Chamber Policy team will connect with you. Click here to sign up for our newsletter and stay connected.
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.
Members
Jason Comandante—Chair
Stacey Schorr—Vice Chair
Bill Ross
Derek Hollman
Gord Rajewski
Jason Comandante
Stacey Schorr
Bill Ross
Derek Hollman
Gord Rajewski
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.
Members
Kathy Bonazew—Chair
Alan Gilligan
George Teply
Jason Maltais
Joseph Yurkovich
Keith Hennel
Tim Morrison
Valerie Rodriguez
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.
Members
Dawn Harsch—Chair
Lisa Laferriere
Loreen Wales
Natasha Laffin
Tarik Alatassi
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.
Members
Alim Somji—Chair
Wray Steedsman
Edy Wong
Ian Morrison
Jon Heisler
Lea Storry
Lee Funke
Mammen Tharakan
Mark Evans
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.
Members
Doug Piquette—Chair
Doha Melhem—Vice Chair
Andrea DeOcampo
Anthony Pangilinan
Dave Foster
Gopan Kurup
Mona Wajahat
Ryan Young
Tayler Meagher
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.
Members
Dan St. Pierre—Chair
Alon Faitelis
Amber Rooke
Brittney Roy
Jim Gibbon
Michael Zaugg
Pattie Kisilewich
Peter Ogilvie
Sally Kim
Yonathan Sumamo