Stay informed with the LNN Daily Newsletter
ID 379402138 | A © Feverpitched | Dreamstime.com
Provincial Politics

Alberta MLAs championing cross-border ties with U.S. lawmakers

Dec 11, 2025 | 4:18 PM

Alberta MLAs Jennifer Johnson and Shane Getson are planning to build on a year of engagement with U.S. state legislators at the Council of State Governments National Conference in Chicago.

That’s according to Alberta government officials who say the MLA for Lacombe-Ponoka Jennifer Johnson and MLA for Lac Ste. Anne-Parkland Shane Getson will focus on driving home the message that Alberta officials have been promoting to decision makers across the U.S. throughout 2025: when it comes to partnership in trade, investment and establishing energy and food security, Alberta is the answer.

The government says this year’s CSG National Conference will bring together lawmakers, government and private sector leaders, and community partners from all U.S. states, territories and associate members to build connections and work collaboratively to advance key priorities in areas including artificial intelligence, energy and electricity, affordability, economic development, trade corridors and more.

“I look forward to sitting across the table from our counterparts to stress just how important it is that our countries work together towards our common goals so we can secure mutual, long-term prosperity for Canadians and Americans,” says Jennifer Johnson, MLA for Lacombe-Ponoka, im a press release. “I plan to work with colleagues on a motion at a future CSG conference that recognizes the value of our agricultural sectors, how it effects food security, and how we can work together to protect these values.”

“When it comes to strengthening trade and investment ties with the U.S. that keep Alberta’s economy growing and creating jobs, we are committed to seeing results,” adds Shane Getson, MLA for Lac Ste. Anne-Parkland. “Through our regular engagement with state leaders, we are building contacts and allies across the U.S. to build the economic corridors that will drive prosperity for Albertans.”

The government says mission expenses will be posted on the travel and expense disclosure page.

Alberta government quick facts

  • The U.S. is Alberta’s largest trading partner, and Alberta is the second largest provincial exporter to the U.S. after Ontario.
  • In 2024:
  • Alberta’s exports to the U.S. totalled C$162.1 billion, accounting for 88.7 per cent of total provincial exports. The U.S. is also an important source of industrial inputs and consumer goods for the province.
  • Illinois was Alberta’s top trading state, with bilateral trade valued at more than $68 billion.
  • Alberta imported approximately C$25.3 billion in products from the U.S., including energy, machinery, vehicles and plastics. However, these figures are underreported, as they do not account for trans-shipments.
  • CSG National is the lead coordinating organization for five regional affiliate organizations – CSG Washington D.C., CSG West, CSG Midwest, CSG South and CSG East.

Itinerary for MLA Johnson*

Dec. 11

  • Travel to Chicago, Illinois.
  • Meetings and sessions with U.S. legislators and decision makers at the 2025 CSG National Conference.

Dec. 12

  • Meetings and sessions with U.S. legislators and decision makers at the 2025 CSG National Conference.

Dec. 13

  • Meetings and sessions with U.S. legislators and decision makers at the 2025 CSG National Conference.
  • Depart Chicago, Illinois for personal time at own expense.

*Subject to change.

Itinerary for MLA Getson*

Dec. 11

  • Travel to Chicago, Illinois.
  • Meetings and sessions with U.S. legislators and decision makers at the 2025 CSG National Conference.

Dec. 12-13

  • Meetings and sessions with U.S. legislators and decision makers at the 2025 CSG National Conference.

Dec. 14

  • Travel to Alberta.

*Subject to change.