Minister Sidhu concludes visit to Alberta

September 12, 2025 – Edmonton, Alberta - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, was in Edmonton, Alberta, this week to meet with business leaders and entrepreneurs.

Minister Sidhu participated in a fireside chat with the President and CEO of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce and delivered keynote remarks to a diverse audience of local business leaders, entrepreneurs, economic development partners, and government stakeholders. The Minister highlighted Canada’s trade diversification strategy—which focuses on accessing high-potential global markets through targeted trade missions, and the services available to help Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises succeed internationally, including through the Trade Commissioner Service, Export Development Canada, and Canada’s network of free trade agreements.

At Alberta’s Industrial Heartland Association annual conference, Minister Sidhu spoke of

Canada’s strong international relationships and promoted the country’s position as a leading supplier of reliable and secure energy, particularly in oil, natural gas, liquified natural gas and petrochemicals. The Minister reinforced the Government of Canada’s commitment to continuing to attract foreign direct investment as a key driver of economic growth.

While in Alberta, Minister Sidhu visited Imperial Oil’s new Renewable Diesel Facility, which at full capacity will become Canada’s largest renewable diesel plant.  The Minister congratulated Imperial Oil on this significant achievement, underscoring the federal government’s commitment to supporting biofuels through initiatives such as the recently announced $370 million Biofuels Production Incentive.

During a visit to the Edmonton International Airport (YEG), Minister Sidhu met with airport leadership and toured key facilities to learn more about the airport’s role as an innovation-driven cargo and passenger hub. He also saw firsthand the airport as partner in the Edmonton Region Hydrogen Hub and as part of the regional Port Alberta Foreign Trade Zone. The Minister stressed the importance of strong infrastructure in supporting export growth and market diversification.

The visit will help ensure that Canadian businesses remain competitive on the global stage while reinforcing Canada as a top destination for investment and innovation. 

Quotes

“It was a privilege to meet with Edmonton’s business leaders and entrepreneurs, and to hear directly about their priorities. Alberta plays a vital role in Canada’s economy, and its businesses are key to our trade diversification efforts. Your new government is committed to helping Canadian companies expand into global markets, diversify trade and attract the kind of investment that creates good jobs and sustainable growth here at home. I look forward to building on these conversations across the country as we advance Canada’s trade and investment agenda.”

- Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade

Quick facts

• Edmonton has 2,060 exporting establishments, with more than half operating in the manufacturing and wholesale trade sectors.

• In 2024, Alberta’s bilateral trade with global partners totaled $223.7billion ($183.2billion in exports and $40.5billion in imports). 

• Alberta’s top exported products are mineral fuels and oils (76.2%), plastics (2.8%), machinery and equipment (2.6%), meat (2.4%) and cereals and wheat (1.8%).