Roundtable with Minister Hunter

The Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce was pleased to welcome The Honourable Grant Hunter, Alberta's Minister of Environment and Protected Areas, for a private roundtable with local business and community leaders.

The discussion provided an opportunity to share perspectives on the opportunities and challenges facing our region while strengthening relationships between industry and government. Creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue with decision-makers is a key part of the Chamber's advocacy efforts, ensuring the voice of Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo's business community is heard.

Chamber Representing Wood Buffalo at Calgary Stampede

This week, Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Dianna de Sousa is representing the Wood Buffalo business community at a series of meetings, networking events, and stakeholder engagements during Calgary Stampede.

One of the first events of the week was the We Are YEG networking reception, bringing together elected officials, business leaders, nonprofit organizations, and Chamber colleagues from across Alberta. Opportunities like these help strengthen relationships, exchange ideas, and ensure the priorities and perspectives of the Fort McMurray and Wood Buffalo business community remain part of important conversations taking place across the province.

Throughout the week, Dianna will continue meeting with industry leaders, government representatives, and Chamber partners, reinforcing the Chamber's commitment to advocating for our region, building strategic relationships, and championing local business.

These engagements are an important part of the Chamber's ongoing advocacy efforts, helping to elevate the voice of our members while creating opportunities that support long-term economic growth and prosperity for the Wood Buffalo region.

Pictured with Dianna are Denean Robinson, President & CEO of Fort McMurray International Airport and Chamber Board Treasurer; Kristi Hines, Founder & CEO of Hines Health Services and Past Chair of the Alberta Chambers of Commerce; and Shauna Feth, President & CEO of the Alberta Chambers of Commerce.

Today is the final day to vote in Your McMurray Magazine's Best of YMM, and we'd be honoured to have your support in the Anything Else category for our Spring & Fall Trade Show & Market.

If you've enjoyed attending, exhibiting, or supporting our Trade Show & Market, we'd be grateful for your vote.

Thank you for your continued support, and congratulations to all of this year's nominees!

Enjoy an evening of networking, relationship-building, and summer baseball in a relaxed atmosphere.

Booth space is limited and this event regularly sells out, so early registration is encouraged.

Proposed Pacific Coast Pipeline Announced

The federal and Alberta governments have announced a proposed Pacific Coast pipeline aimed at expanding Canada's access to Asian markets and strengthening the country's energy export capacity beyond the United States. While the proposal remains in its early stages and will require further consultation and approvals, it represents an important conversation around market diversification, economic growth, and Canada's long-term energy future.

The Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce will continue to monitor developments and advocate for initiatives that strengthen opportunities for our region's businesses and workforce.

Statement from Our President & CEO

"We see today’s announcement as an incredibly positive step forward and a significant opportunity for Alberta and for the Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo region. Expanding market access is critical to Canada’s energy future, and we are encouraged to see this project advancing along a route where much of the groundwork has already been established through TMX.

We are especially encouraged to see Indigenous ownership and partnership at the centre of this project, and we look forward to seeing how the ownership model between the federal government, the Province of Alberta, Pembina and Indigenous communities ultimately takes shape.

At the same time, we are disappointed that the federal tanker ban remains in place. While we appreciate the need to balance environmental protection with economic development, working around existing legislative barriers rather than addressing them directly does not provide the level of long-term certainty investors are looking for. We hope this marks the beginning of broader regulatory reforms that will provide the predictability needed to attract investment, support increased production, and ensure Canada can fully realize the benefits of projects like this."

- Dianna de Sousa

Share Your Feedback, Strengthen Our Advocacy

Your voice helps shape the Chamber's advocacy priorities and ensures we're representing the issues that matter most to businesses across the Wood Buffalo region.

Our annual Membership Feedback Survey is now underway, and we're inviting Chamber members to share their insights on the challenges, opportunities, and priorities affecting local business.

Help us strengthen our advocacy efforts and build a stronger business community.

Through our partnership with the Alberta Chambers of Commerce, we're pleased to share a weekly roundup of resources, funding opportunities, and tools to support your business.

• Business Resiliency Resources
• EMC workforce programs for manufacturers: EMC’s Learning Centre offers fully funded or subsidized upskilling and hiring supports.
• Buy Local Alberta Toolkit
• WorkFirst Alberta Employer Toolkit
• Trade Navigator Newsletter
• Understanding CUSMA compliance - From Trade Commissioner Service
• Canada-Alberta Productivity Grant - funding to help employees and unemployed Albertans access training opportunities.
• Bursary programs to support northern Alberta’s workforce:
• For Students ? Northern Alberta Development Bursary (NADB)
• For Employers & Organizations ? Bursary Partnership Program

• Alberta Hiring Demand Bulletin
• Alberta Employer Resources

Meet Registered Massage Therapist Roxy Oliver and discover how she's helping people prioritize wellness while creating a welcoming space for health, healing, and connection at Sitka Health Collective.

Forbidden Chapters is an independent bookstore in downtown Fort McMurray specializing in romance books, thoughtfully curated collections, exclusive merchandise, and community events for readers of all kinds.

Founded by local entrepreneur Mariah McGregor, Forbidden Chapters is creating a welcoming, inclusive space where book lovers can connect, discover new stories, and feel right at home.

We're pleased to welcome Forbidden Chapters to the Chamber community and look forward to supporting their continued success!

20 Bigs in 20 Weeks Corporate Challenge

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Wood Buffalo is calling on local businesses to help recruit volunteer mentors for youth in our community. With more than 40 young people currently waiting for a mentor, your organization can make a meaningful difference through the power of mentorship.

Learn how your business can participate in the 20 Bigs in 20 Weeks Corporate Challenge and help change a young person's life.