Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Two Alberta legislators will travel to the United States this month as part of efforts to deepen economic and political engagement with key American states.
MLA for Leduc-Beaumont Brandon Lunty and MLA for Cypress–Medicine Hat Justin Wright are scheduled to visit Salem, Oregon, from February 8 to 11 to take part in the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region’s (PNWER) 2026 Capital Visits. The trip is aimed at reinforcing Alberta’s role as a strategic partner to U.S. states and advancing shared economic interests.
During the visit, the MLAs are expected to meet with Oregon lawmakers, senior state officials, academics and business representatives. Discussions will focus on priorities such as agricultural trade, collaboration in the energy sector and the development of economic corridors that support cross-border commerce.
The delegation will also attend PNWER meetings and related events that bring together leaders from across the Pacific Northwest to exchange ideas, coordinate policy approaches and promote regional cooperation on a range of issues affecting both sides of the border.
Lunty said direct engagement with U.S. decision makers remains a central part of Alberta’s international strategy, adding that the visit will provide an opportunity to identify practical areas of collaboration that benefit businesses and communities in both regions.
Wright highlighted the importance of building personal relationships with American legislators, particularly as Canada and the United States approach a review of the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). He noted that face-to-face meetings help ensure Alberta’s interests are clearly communicated, especially in areas related to energy and trade infrastructure.
PNWER, established in 1991, is a non-partisan public-private partnership focused on economic growth and quality of life across its member jurisdictions. Its U.S. members include Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Montana and Washington, while Canadian participants include British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Yukon and the Northwest Territories.
According to the government, expenses related to the mission will be disclosed publicly on the province’s travel and expense reporting page.
