On November 13, the Calgary Chamber hosted our latest event in the Alberta Next series, Transportation & Logistics. The event featured a keynote and two panel discussions exploring how Alberta’s policies and infrastructure—spanning air, rail, road and pipeline networks—are fueling growth in the transportation sectors.
The Calgary Chamber was pleased to host the Hon. Devin Dreeshen, Alberta's Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors, for a keynote address and fireside chat with Calgary Chamber President and CEO, Deborah Yedlin. The event provided a detailed look at the provincial government's vision for the future of transportation, logistics and infrastructure in Alberta.
Minister Dreeshen’s remarks centered on the critical role that both the provincial government and industry partners play in boosting productivity within Alberta’s transportation and logistics systems. He stressed the importance of improving logistics to drive economic growth, emphasizing that Alberta’s transportation infrastructure is key to ensuring the province remains competitive on the global stage.
Key highlights from Minister Dreeshen's address:
- Productivity gains and collaboration: Minister Dreeshen highlighted the need for continued collaboration between the provincial government and industry stakeholders to improve efficiency in the logistics sector. A key focus is on enhancing productivity, particularly in Alberta's transportation corridors, to support broader economic goals.
- Public transportation priorities: Speaking with a special focus on Calgary’s Green Line, Minister Dreeshen pointed out the ongoing efforts to advance public transportation projects. He reiterated the government’s commitment to seeing the Green Line project progress, a critical piece of infrastructure aimed at improving urban mobility and reducing congestion.
- Passenger Rail Master Plan: Minister Dreeshen touched on Alberta’s ambitions to become a key player in North America’s rail investment landscape. The province’s passenger rail master plan aims to increase rail connectivity, providing more sustainable and efficient transportation options for Albertans.
- Supply chain certainty: Acknowledging the challenges posed by global supply chain disruptions, Minister Dreeshen called on the federal government to improve labour relations to reduce disruptions such as strikes. He also encouraged greater inter-provincial and inter-governmental collaboration, particularly in air, rail and inland ports, to ensure smoother logistics operations across the country.
- Port efficiency and automation: Minister Dreeshen underscored the importance of increasing productivity in Canada’s ports, including the use of automation and technological investments. These efforts aim to streamline the supply chain, improve cargo handling and position Canada’s ports as key players in international trade.
Following the keynote and fireside chat, the event continued with two panel discussions, each offering unique insights into the challenges and opportunities in transportation and logistics.
Roadblocks & Barricades: Navigating Disruptions
Moderated by Charles St-Arnaud, Chief Economist at Alberta Central, this panel brought together a diverse group of experts to discuss the disruptions facing global supply chains and their implications for Alberta.
Jennifer Osmar, Senior Director of External Affairs & Indigenous Relations at AltaGas, Brittany Wickham, Director, Pilots & Projects, Energy Solutions at TC Energy and Kevin Moraes, Director, Government & External Relations at Prince Rupert Port Authority shared their experiences navigating challenges like labour shortages, inflation, strikes and geopolitical tensions. These disruptions have tested the resilience of global supply chains, but panelists emphasized the importance of adaptability.
The conversation explored the social and economic implications of these disruptions, offering strategies for businesses and policymakers to mitigate risks and maintain a competitive edge in an increasingly unpredictable environment.
Digital Pathways: Transforming Transport & Logistics for Tomorrow’s Industries
The second panel, moderated by Jennifer Harwood, Chartered Global Management Accountant and CPA with RSM, explored how digital technologies are reshaping the transportation and logistics landscape.
Derek Costain, Director of Corporate and Airport Technologies at the Calgary International Airport, and Omar Saleh, Associate Director of the Aerospace Innovation Hub, discussed the growing role of AI, machine learning and data analytics in optimizing logistics operations.
The panel highlighted how these innovations are improving efficiency, reducing costs and enhancing sustainability across the transportation sector. Digital tools and automation are key to driving future growth and positioning Alberta as a leader in next-generation logistics technologies.
We’d like to thank our presenting sponsor WestJet and supporting sponsors Air Canada, CN Rail, Pathways Alliance, Prince Rupert Port Authority and VIA Rail for helping make this event possible.
