Alberta Chamber adopts five Lethbridge Chamber resolutions

By Jensen, Randy on September 18, 2020.

LETHBRIDGE HERALD

All five resolutions submitted by the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce were adopted at the recent Alberta Chamber of Commerce annual general meeting.

Each of the resolutions addressed pressing issues facing the region’s business community. One of the most high-profile resolutions “Creating an Effective Workforce for a Changing Economy” submitted by the chamber, calls on the provincial government to rethink its approach to learning, work and training.

Automation and technological change promise to be economically productive and will likely result in the creation of new jobs, the chamber said in a news release, however, these changes will mean Albertans will have to adapt to employers’ and consumers’ rapidly evolving requirements. Because of this, there needs to be a renewed and continuous focus on re-skilling a lifelong learning, in partnership with industry, government, labour industries and higher education to support workers in making career transitions.

Another resolution with near-unanimous support was entitled “Investing in Market Access for Southern Alberta Business” and reflects on the crucial role that transportation networks play in economic development. With access to major highway infrastructure, extensive rail infrastructure and growth potential for local airports, local stakeholders have been working together to advance infrastructure around southern Alberta to maintain and leverage a competitive edge in advancing business success.

“The policy debate is an important opportunity for the Lethbridge Chamber to elevate our members’ priorities,” said Chamber CEO, Cyndi Vos. “Not only does it showcase how candid conversations with local business owners and managers develop into meaningful and impactful resolutions but demonstrates the value chamber membership has in amplifying our members’ voice to the highest levels of government.”

The Lethbridge Chamber also supported resolutions dealing with issues such as the importance of marketing Canada’s agri-food industry, fair AGLC markups for small producers, and addressing the impacts of the cannabis legalization on workplace safety. Resolutions adopted during the AGM process become a part of the Alberta Chamber’s advocacy agenda to the provincial government.

“We were very pleased to receive overwhelming support for the issues that we identified as vital to our members, and were proud to collaborate and support several other chambers from around Alberta, including Leduc/Wetaskiwin, Greater Parkland Region, Medicine Hat, Okotoks and others,” added Vos.

Resolutions submitted by the Lethbridge Chamber in 2020 include: The Application Process and Farmer Involvement in the Wetland Policy; Creating an Effective Workforce for the Changing Economy; Measuring the Effects of Increased Minimum Wages in Alberta; The Need to Invest in Truck Driver Training; and Investing In Market Access for Southern Alberta Businesses.

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