File Photo/CHAT News

By Jett Schwaier

Chamber of Commerce

Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce adopts three new economic and health-care policies

Dec 1, 2025 | 1:47 PM

The Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors unanimously adopted three significant policy positions at its Nov. 19, 2025, meeting.

These policies aim to reinforce economic accountability in public service and improve access to allied health care across Alberta.

The newly adopted policies include:

1. Embedding Economic Stewardship in Alberta’s Code of Conduct and Ethics for Public Service.
2. Embedding Economic Stewardship in Municipal Public Service.
3. Equitable Billing and Referral Privileges for Allied Health Professionals.

The first policy ensures that government decision-making prioritizes long-term economic sustainability, transparency, and efficient resource management.

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The second policy recognizes the critical role municipalities play in shaping local economies.

In this policy, the goal is to foster responsible budgeting, innovation, and efficiency at the local level, ensuring that municipal governance supports competitiveness and community prosperity.

The third policy recommends expanding billing and referral privileges beyond physicians to include allied health professionals to address systemic barriers in health care access.

The Chamber said this change would reduce wait times, improve patient outcomes, and support a more integrated, team-based approach to health care delivery, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce president Aaron Fleming said in a statement that these policies reflect our commitment to building a resilient economy, and that we know a responsive health-care system can help reduce downtime for businesses and employees seeking care close to home.

The Chamber said it will advance the new policies through provincial and municipal advocacy efforts in the coming weeks, aligning with the Chamber’s broader mission to promote competitiveness, accountability, and sustainable growth in Southeast Alberta.