ACC weekly update

October 22, 2026

ACC outlines priorities for strengthening business confidence

With the October 19 referendum now decided, ACC issued a statement calling on both the federal and provincial governments to strengthen business confidence by advancing trade infrastructure, removing interprovincial trade barriers and creating the certainty businesses need to invest, hire and grow. The statement also emphasized the importance of competitiveness and a strong business environment for Alberta employers and investors.

Read the statement

What Alberta businesses are saying about the referendum



ACC President & CEO, Shauna Feth, joined BNN Bloomberg to discuss how the referendum is influencing business confidence, investment decisions, and Alberta's economic outlook. Watch the conversation and hear what ACC research is revealing about the concerns and priorities of Alberta businesses.

Talent Development Symposium: November 18

Attending Deputy Ministers announced for the Fall Board Meeting & Deputy Ministers Dinner: November 19

For the full list of attending Deputy Ministers, visit the event page.



General registration opens Monday, October 26 at 12:00 p.m.! Be part of engaging discussions, valuable networking, and conversations on the issues shaping Alberta's business and economic future. We have now confirmed the list of attending Deputy Ministers, giving attendees a unique opportunity to connect directly with Alberta's senior public service leaders and participate in the popular Deputy Ministers Q&A, moderated by Christopher McPherson.

ACC Members: Priority access is available now. Check your email for your exclusive registration code and register before public registration opens.

Agenda

Secure a reduced room rate today!

Alberta refocuses on competitiveness after referendum vote

With Albertans voting to remain in Canada, attention is shifting from referendum uncertainty to the policy and economic issues that will shape Alberta's competitiveness going forward. ACC research has consistently shown that uncertainty can influence business confidence and investment decisions.

In post-vote remarks, Premier Danielle Smith signalled a focus on working with the federal government while advancing priorities such as market access, infrastructure and investment attraction.



Learn more

Province posts fifth consecutive budget surplus

Alberta closed 2025-26 with a $2.2 billion surplus, driven by stronger investment income, corporate tax revenues and resource revenues. The province's Heritage Fund also reached a record $32 billion, while net debt and debt-servicing costs declined. The results reinforce Alberta's strong fiscal position and continued focus on competitiveness and long-term savings.

Learn more

Federal government introduces new red tape reduction directive

The Government of Canada has announced a new Cabinet Directive on Regulatory Competitiveness and Red Tape Reduction that will require regulators to remove $2 in regulatory burden costs for every $1 added, while also assessing the competitiveness impacts of new regulations. The directive will take effect on December 31, 2026. The changes are intended to improve regulatory predictability, reduce administrative burden and encourage investment and growth.

View the announcement

AI adoption and commercialization funding expanded across Prairies

The Government of Canada is expanding the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative, adding $500 million over five years and bringing total program funding to $700 million. The initiative will help businesses adopt AI technologies, commercialize Canadian-made solutions, and improve productivity and competitiveness. Applications are now open and will be accepted on a continuous basis through December 31, 2029, or until funding is fully committed.

Learn more

• AEAC Drone Conference & Exhibition 2026 | November 3-5, Montreal, QC
• Spark Indigenous Energy Summit | November 4-5, Calgary, AB
• Advance Manitoba | November 8-11, Winnipeg, MB
• Agri-Trade Equipment Expo | November 11-13, Red Deer, AB

• ACC Inclusive Hiring Hub: Featuring resources, hiring opportunities, employer supports, success stories and Video Series
• Government of Alberta: Regional Employer Supports
• Compass Action Plan Best Practices Guide
• The Canadian Red Cross: Free psychological First Aid training
• Canadian Business Resilience Hub: practical tools and resources to help businesses manage risks, adapt to change, and build resilience.
• Participate: Government of Canada Survey for Temporary Foreign Workers
• Support for Canadian workers and businesses affected by U.S. tariffs - Canada.ca
• Northern and Regional Economic Development (NRED) program
• Understanding CUSMA compliance - From Trade Commissioner Service
• EMC workforce programs for manufacturers: EMC’s Learning Centre offers fully funded or subsidized upskilling and hiring supports.
• Northern Alberta Bursary Program: to support northern Alberta’s workforce:
• For Students – (NADB)
• For Employers & Organizations – Bursary Partnership Program
• Federal programs and services for your business
• Buy Local Alberta Toolkit
• WorkFirst Alberta Employer Toolkit
• Canada-Alberta Productivity Grant - funding to help employees and unemployed Albertans access training opportunities.

The Alberta Chambers of Commerce is a federation of 106 community-based chambers of commerce representing nearly 24,000 job creators.

For more information, please contact

Sacha Knorr

Alberta Chambers of Commerce

#714 Ledgeview, 9707 110 St NW

Edmonton, AB T5K 2L9

Phone: 780-425-4180 ext. 7

sknorr@abchamber.ca