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 click the link below and the Chamber Policy team will connect with you.
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.
Chair:
Jason Comandante, Capital Power
Vice Chair:
Stacey Schorr, Direct Energy
Members-At-Large:
Sean Collins, Varme
Dan Hanson, Concrete Alberta
Jacalyn Hodgson, ATCO
Derek Hollman, EPCOR
Jason Krips, Alberta Forest Products Association (AFPA)
Ryan Leskiw, NAIT
David MacLean, Alberta Industrial Heartland Association (AIHA)
Gord Rajewski, Pinchin Ltd
Bill Ross, Verceta
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.
Chair:
Kathy Bonazew, MNP
Members-At-Large:
Farooq Ahmed, Rotaflow
Alan Gilligan, Ballad Consulting Group
Jeremy Hamelin, Quickfire Mortgage
Keith Hennel, Dentons
Jason Maltais, Equitus Partners LLP
Laura Marcato, Seniuk & Company
Tim Morrison, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC)
Valerie Rodriguez, PWC
Rupak Sarma, Emery Jamieson
George Teply, CIMA Canada Inc.
Vamsi Vinakari, Scotiabank
Joseph Yurkovich, Miller Thompson LLP
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.
Chair:
Dawn Harsch, Exquisicare
Members-At-Large:
Tarik Alatassi, Puravita Canada
Lisa Laferriere, Health Cities
Natasha Laffin, Bennett Jones LLP
Zhen Li, TC Scientific
Joe Lizotte, Jasper Avenue Dental
Hana Marinovic, Applied Pharmaceutical Innovation
Shara Vigeant, SVPT Fitness & Athletics
Loreen Wales, Revive Wellness
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.
Chair:
Alim Somji, Jaffer Inc.
Vice Chair:
Wray Steedsman, Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers
Members-At-Large:
Mark Evans, Complete Shipping Solutions
Lee Funke, Torque Communications
Jon Heisler, WSP Canada
Michael Loftus, Student - University of Alberta
Ian Morrison, Stantec
Lea Storry, Our Family Lines
Mammen Tharakan, Edmonton International Airport (YEG)
Edy Wong, University of Alberta
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.
Chair:
Doug Piquette, Edmonton Region Immigrant Employment Council (ERIEC)
Vice Chair:
Doha Melhem, Pivotal Research Inc
Members-At-Large:
Andrea De Ocampo, Robert Half Canada
Dave Foster, McLean Ross LLP
Gopan Kurup, ARC Business Solutions Inc.
Tayler Meagher, Bennett Jones LLP
Anthony Pangilinan, University of Alberta
Dylan Schoonover, Norquest College
Theresa Vladicka, MacEwan University
Mona Wajahat, SureHire Inc.
Rob Yager, United Way
Ryan Young, NAIT
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.
Chair:
Dan St. Pierre, Explore Edmonton
Members-At-Large:
Jill Allan, Alberta Craft Council
Anastasia Arabia, Trend Research
Jeet Arora, Stanhope Eatery and Bar
Alon Faitelis, Summa Strategies Canada
Jim Gibbon, Edmonton Heritage Festival
Sally Kim, Edmonton Arts Council
Pattie Kisilewich, Dreamaker Vacations
Peter Ogilvie, Edmonton Destination Marketing Hotels Ltd
Derek Perchaluk, Oilers Entertainment Group (OEG)
Amber Rooke, The Works International Visual Arts Society
Brittney Roy, Keen Creative
Yonathan Sumamo, Global Public Affairs
Michael Zaugg, Pro Coro Canada