Minister Schow meets with Airdrie business leaders

The Airdrie Regional Chamber of Commerce welcomed Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration Joseph Schow to the community this week for a business roundtable, drawing a strong turnout.

“The Airdrie Regional Chamber of Commerce, we love to bring different ministers to our community, just so that they can see the growth in our region, and obviously, how important it is to have those conversations with our business community. We were thrilled to host Minister Schow, and the event had a great turnout. It was great,” said Marilynn Aalhus, executive director of the Chamber.

She said Schow spoke on a wide range of issues. “Yeah, he’s got a big ministry. We were discussing jobs, the economy, trade, and immigration. So, a big portfolio for a ministry, but he went into great detail about the supports that are out there for business. He is relatively new to the position, so he was brought into that ministry in May, so still a lot of learning to be had, but definitely really excited to let the community know that he’s available to us and that he’s not just driving by on the highway."

She explained that he made a promise that he would come back to visit some of the bigger industries in Airdrie and get a better understanding of what’s happening in the region, and give the support that is needed.

Local business leaders raised several concerns during the question-and-answer portion of the event.

Aalhus said one of the key challenges raised was how to support newcomers by speeding up credential recognition and helping them enter the workforce, noting that while immigration is federally controlled, provinces play a major role once people settle in communities.

“In addition to that, obviously, just getting the workforce going,  people are looking for employees constantly. And even though there’s a boom in our province, there’s still a disconnect in finding the right people for their workforce. Just understanding that Alberta is still looking at other borders, immigration is a big challenge, but also an opportunity. There was also a lot of talk about interprovincial trade and, of course, just trade beyond our borders.”

Aalhus said events like this highlight Airdrie’s growing importance. “I just think we’re excited that our city is being recognized, one of the biggest and growing, fastest-growing communities in Alberta, and they’re taking note, like our ministries are showing up. We host ministers every year, and it is really important that our business community have a voice, and our chamber is really proud to be able to offer that.”