Protecting Alberta

By Chantelle de Jonge Chestermere-Strathmore MLA

Our government is showing what strong partnerships can deliver for Albertans. Last week, our government strengthened regional trade and investment and helped Albertans protect our lakes and rivers from invasive species. These actions support and strengthen the well-being of our communities across the province.

Alberta was at the center of cross-border cooperation last week as Edmonton hosted the Pacific Northwest Economic Region’s 2026 Annual Summit – also known as PNWER. This summit brought together western provinces, territories, and northwestern U.S. states to work on shared priorities like trade, energy, transportation, agriculture, education, and economic growth. Last year alone, PNWER’s U.S. member states accounted for more than $18 billion in trade with Alberta. Our MLAs were proud to showcase Alberta’s economic strengths, build relationships, and promote our province as a reliable trading partner and a world-class place to invest.

Liquor distilleries, wineries, and breweries will soon have more access to sell their products across Canada. Alberta’s government has now signed direct-to-consumer alcohol sales agreements with eight provinces, increasing the number of customers they can sell to. Direct-to-consumer sales mean people in participating provinces can buy products directly from producers for personal use, without going through a retailer. This opens new markets for Alberta businesses, gives Canadians more choice, and helps reduce trade barriers between provinces.

Protecting Alberta’s waters means stopping small issues before they create major damage. Through the “Don’t Let It Loose” campaign, our government is reminding Albertans never to release aquarium pets like goldfish, live bait, sportfish, or water garden plants into local waters. Goldfish may seem harmless, but once released into ponds, lakes, or stormwater systems, they can multiply quickly and damage the habitat that native fish and wildlife depend on. They compete with native species for food, destroy aquatic plants, lower water quality, and can spread disease. A single released goldfish can produce an estimated 40,000 offspring within three years. By reporting sightings of invasive fish, Albertans can help protect our lakes, rivers, wildlife, and local ecosystems before the damage spreads. 

Finally, I am pleased to share that Alberta’s government is investing $168,000 in upgrades to the Lyalta Water Treatment Plant. This funding will support the replacement of the plant’s ultraviolet (UV) disinfection system, a critical component in reducing harmful microorganisms and helping ensure the community continues to have access to safe, reliable drinking water. This investment reflects our government’s commitment to strengthening essential infrastructure in smaller rural communities and ensuring residents have access to the services they rely on every day.

Alberta is strongest when we work with partners, support people who need help, and remove barriers that hold businesses back. Together, these actions show our government is focused on delivering results that keep Alberta stronger at home and even more competitive beyond our borders.

As always, please free to reach out to my office with your feedback and questions (Chestermere.Strathmore@assembly.ab.ca).

(Chantelle de Jonge is the MLA for Chestermere-Strathmore and the Parliamentary Secretary for Affordability and Utilities)