President & CEO Represents the Chamber at PNWER Annual Summit

The Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce was proud to participate in the 2026 Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER) Annual Summit, where leaders from across Canada and the United States came together to strengthen cross-border partnerships and advance shared economic priorities.

Key discussions focused on the future of Canada-U.S. trade, expanding transportation and economic corridors, and reinforcing the importance of a secure, competitive North American energy sector. The Chamber continues to build relationships with government, industry, and business leaders while ensuring the voice of Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo is represented in conversations shaping the future of trade, energy, and economic growth.

Canadian Chamber Discusses Latest U.S. Tariff Threat

Following the U.S. administration's announcement of proposed 50% tariffs on a wide range of Canadian exports, Matthew Holmes, Executive Vice President and Chief of Public Policy at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, discussed the potential implications for Canadian businesses and the importance of continued negotiations during the 30-day implementation window.

Watch the interview with Matthew Holmes to hear the Canadian Chamber's perspective on the evolving trade landscape and what it could mean for Canada's economy.

Help Shape Canada's Tariff Response

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is gathering concrete examples of how the new 50% U.S. Section 338 tariffs may affect Canadian businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises.

Businesses are encouraged to share anticipated impacts on sales, costs, contracts, production, investment, employment, or their broader communities. Submissions may be provided confidentially, anonymously, or for aggregate use only.

Local businesses experiencing or anticipating impacts are encouraged to complete the short survey as soon as possible.

Western Canada Economic Corridor Receives Provincial Support

The Government of Alberta has announced $100,000 in funding for the Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER) to lead work on a new Western Canada Economic Corridor initiative.

The project will bring together governments, industry, railways, ports, trucking companies, and other stakeholders to identify transportation infrastructure investments that strengthen supply chains, improve the movement of goods, reduce costs, and expand Canada's export capacity.

For businesses across Alberta, including Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo, the initiative reflects continued momentum toward building stronger trade corridors and supporting long-term economic growth.

Provinces Expand Direct-to-Consumer Alcohol Sales 

Nine Canadian provinces have reached a landmark agreement to allow the direct-to-consumer sale of wine, beer, and spirits across provincial borders, marking a significant step toward reducing internal trade barriers.

The Alberta Chambers of Commerce joined provincial chamber leaders from across Canada in welcoming the agreement, calling it meaningful progress toward a stronger internal market. The coalition continues to advocate for further reforms, including improved labour mobility, regulatory harmonization, modernized procurement, and infrastructure investments that strengthen Canada's economic competitiveness.

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.

• Alberta referendum resource hub
• 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

Canada-Alberta Productivity Grant Webinar

Discover how your organization could access government funding to support employee training through the Canada-Alberta Productivity Grant (CAPG). Join Workforce Consultants (WFC) for a free webinar covering program eligibility, the application process, and how employers can leverage funding to invest in workforce skills and productivity.

Tuesday, August 18

1:30 PM to 3:00 PM

Startup YMM B2C Connections Program

Thinking about exhibiting at the Fort McMurray Fall Trade Show? The Startup YMM B2C Connections Program helps local businesses make the most of the experience with 50% booth reimbursement, business workshops, coaching, and marketing support.

Applications are open for just 20 local businesses and close July 30.

Discover how ID Innovative Designs helps Fort McMurray businesses stand out through creative design, vehicle wraps, custom graphics, and branding solutions. Learn how owner Danny and his team are helping local entrepreneurs grow with confidence while making a lasting impression throughout the community.

Jessie's Bakery & Café brings fresh, handcrafted baking to downtown Fort McMurray, serving made-from-scratch sandwiches on daily baked bread, artisanal pastries, cookies, cinnamon buns, specialty coffees, and Italian sodas. Inspired by a family legacy of sharing joy through food, Jessie's has quickly become a favourite stop for breakfast, lunch, and sweet treats.

Located just a few doors down from the Chamber office on Franklin Avenue, we're delighted to welcome Jessie's Bakery & Café to our Chamber community and look forward to supporting their continued success.

National Television Series Seeking Local Advertising Partners

The producers of 72 Hours to Survive, a Canadian wilderness survival television series filming in Fort McMurray this October, are inviting local businesses to explore advertising opportunities for Season 2.

Broadcast on Wild TV and distributed to audiences across Canada, the United States, Europe, and international streaming platforms, the series offers businesses the opportunity to reach a broad audience while showcasing the Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo region.

Businesses interested in learning more about advertising opportunities are encouraged to contact Tim McKort, Producer of 72 Hours to Survive.

Showcase the Region: Employer Tour Training

Discover how regional familiarization tours can strengthen your recruitment and retention strategy. This free virtual training from Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development & Tourism will provide practical tools, templates, and best practices to help employers create meaningful experiences for prospective employees considering a move to the region.

July 28

9:00 to 10:30 AM

Community Aviation Event

Take to the skies at YMM's free Community Aviation Event! Meet visiting pilots, explore a variety of aircraft, learn about careers in aviation, and enjoy a fun-filled afternoon with family-friendly activities, food, and more, all while supporting the 868 YMM Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron.

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.