Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta is sending two provincial legislators to California this week to promote the province’s energy and agricultural interests and strengthen cooperation with American policymakers.
Angela Pitt, MLA for Airdrie-East, and Glenn van Dijken, MLA for Athabasca-Barrhead-Westlock, will attend the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) joint Agriculture Task Force and Energy Supply Task Force meeting in Sacramento from November 12 to 15.
The visit is intended to build on Alberta’s existing relationships with US state legislators while creating new opportunities for collaboration on energy security, agricultural trade and food supply. Both MLAs will take part in policy discussions, meetings and sector-specific tours during the conference.
Pitt will represent Alberta on the NCSL’s Energy Supply Task Force. Her discussions with American legislators will focus on the province’s contribution to meeting growing US energy requirements, improving affordability and addressing wider energy challenges. She is also scheduled to attend energy-related tours and explore opportunities for Alberta’s involvement in future task force meetings.
Pitt said the meetings would allow Alberta to present its position on issues affecting jurisdictions across North America. She also intends to highlight the province’s role in supplying energy to the American market and its work on emissions reduction.
Meanwhile, van Dijken will participate in the Agriculture Task Force as Alberta’s representative. His agenda includes sharing developments in the province’s agricultural sector, discussing emerging challenges and promoting stronger cross-border trade. The discussions will also address food security and areas where Alberta and US states have common interests.
Van Dijken said international and cross-border forums provide an important platform to demonstrate the strength of Alberta’s agriculture and agri-food industries and their contribution to economic prosperity on both sides of the border.
US remains Alberta’s biggest export market
Figures released by the provincial government show that Alberta’s exports to the United States reached C$152 billion in 2025, representing 85.4 per cent of the province’s total exports. Crude oil, petroleum gases and beef were among the leading products shipped south of the border.
Energy shipments accounted for approximately C$125 billion, or 82.3 per cent, of Alberta’s exports to the US. Agri-food exports were valued at around C$8.6 billion, making up nearly 5.7 per cent of the total. The US also purchased 50.8 per cent of Alberta’s agri-food exports worldwide.
The NCSL task forces bring together legislators to discuss policy challenges involving energy, agriculture and rural development. Their work includes examining ways to support dependable and affordable energy systems and strengthen agricultural industries, while also providing a platform to communicate priorities with federal agencies.
Pitt and van Dijken are scheduled to travel to Sacramento on November 12, attend their respective task force meetings and related sessions on November 13 and 14, and return to Alberta on November 15. The itineraries are subject to change.
The provincial government has stated that expenses associated with the mission will be published on Alberta’s travel and expense disclosure website.
