In recent weeks, two major topics have dominated Canada’s economic conversation—tariffs and Canada’s new Prime Minister, Mark Carney. These issues are deeply connected, and with new leadership comes an opportunity for a fresh approach.
Prior to Mr. Horner’s election, he was a rancher with a cow-calf mix farm operation and an avid volunteer in local community organizations. Mr. Horner has his agriculture business diploma from Olds College and his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Lethbridge. He was the Canadian Intercollegiate Rodeo Association saddle bronc champion in 2002 and 2004. Hon. Nate Horner was sworn in as the Minister of Finance on June 9, 2023. He previously served as the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Economic Development and Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation.
It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of external forces—the looming U.S. tariffs, another 20% carbon tax hike on April 1st, and years of short-sighted policy decisions that have left Alberta more vulnerable than we should be. But dwelling on what we can’t change doesn’t move us forward. Instead, we should focus on what we can control—our businesses, our industries, and the policies we influence at home.
Shane Getson was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Lac Ste. Anne-Parkland on April 16, 2019, and has served on several legislative committees, sub committees, and international organizations representing the Alberta Government. In addition, he has led two significant Task forces: one on Economic Corridors, and the other on Career Education. He was named parliamentary Secretary of Economic Corridors in October 2022.
Crime and disorder are taking a toll on many local businesses. According to a recent Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) report, the share of Alberta small businesses directly affected by crime and safety issues almost doubled between 2023 and 2024, jumping from 24 to 54 per cent.
As Alberta businesses grapple with the dual pressures of evolving global trade policies and persistent interprovincial trade barriers, a balanced approach is essential to navigating this challenging terrain. With the incoming U.S. President placing tariffs back in the spotlight, and Canada still contending with barriers within its own borders, the time is ripe to explore the opportunities that lie within
these challenges.
Honourable Pete Guthrie, ECA Biography
Minister of Infrastructure
The Honourable Pete Guthrie was re-elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Airdrie-Cochrane on May 29, 2023. On June 9, 2023, Mr. Guthrie was sworn in as Minister of Infrastructure. He previously served as Minister of Energy.
We will be closely reviewing the Competition Bureau’s Draft Guidelines in the coming weeks, and will be following the public consultation process more generally. However, our preliminary view is that the Draft Guidelines, if and when adopted, will do nothing to meaningfully clarify or limit the scope of the new provisions, and therefore will not in any way mitigate the significant restrictions on free expression imposed by the new provisions.
Demetrios Nicolaides was sworn in as Minister of Education on June 9, 2023. He previously served as the Minister of Advanced Education
AEG brings together the expertise, insight and invaluable contributions of Alberta’s most influential business leaders, owners, operators, professionals and investors. United in their commitment, they work to champion Alberta’s boundless potential and opportunities on the global stage, ensuring the province thrives in the international arena.