The group is pictured with the facilitators of the tour around CNRL’s oil battery site in Taber.
A delegation of Canadian Senators spent four days last week developing a deeper appreciation of southern Alberta’s contributions to Canada’s economy, culture, and future needs and opportunities.
Alberta Senator Daryl S. Fridhandler hosted fellow senators Toni Varone, Rodger Cuzner, Andrew Cardozo, Pierre Dalphond, and Kristopher Wells on visits to Calgary, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat and surrounding communities.
“This working visit was not just informative; it was transformative,” Fridhandler said. “My colleagues from across Canada now carry with them a clearer understanding of Alberta’s realities, challenges, and opportunities — and that Alberta is not just a region of the country but a driving force within it, shaping Canada’s prosperity and its place in the world.”
“That insight will frame national policy discussions in meaningful ways.”
The senators visited industry sites including the Travers solar project, CPKC’s North American headquarters, Cavendish Farms potato processing facility, Big Marble Greenhouse, and a Canadian Natural Resources conventional oil battery near Taber.
Senators also participated in cultural and community engagement experiences such as a welcoming ceremony at T’suutina Nation followed by meetings with the nation’s leaders.
They attended the Calgary Stampede, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, Nikka Yuko Japanese Gardens, and the Hillridge Hutterite Community.
The group participated in community events hosted at Medicine Hat’s Medalta Pottery and Lethbridge’s agricultural exhibition center.
“Our familiarization tour through Calgary, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat offered not only warm and generous hospitality but also a uniquely enriching experience across southern Alberta’s agriculture and sustainable energy industries,” said Senator Toni Varone of Toronto. “It was a remarkable journey of learning, inspiration and connection with the heart of Alberta.”
Senator Kristopher Wells of Edmonton agreed,
“We met first-hand with members of the agricultural, oil and gas, tourism, Indigenous business, and transportation sectors,” Well said. “The Alberta advantage was made clear at every stop. Alberta is open for business, investment, and continued economic and cultural growth.”
Senator Rodger Cuzner of Cape Breton said the tour provided an opportunity to better understand Alberta’s history and learn about the province’s ambitious vision and how Ottawa can support the path forward.
“As a Senator from Ontario, it was particularly useful to meet people in southern Alberta and talk about the things Parliament should be attending to,” added Senator Andrew Cardozo of Ottawa, “This fast-developing region deserves to be more heard in conversation, and this trip certainly helped amplify Alberta’s voice.”
Senator Pierre Dalphond of Montreal enjoyed discovering the south part of Alberta and its food corridor project.
“The region is becoming a world agriculural production center,” Dalphond said. “We should do whatever we can to support this great project that will benefit Alberta and the whole country.”
Harry Gross, the groups’ host and facilitator in Lethbridge, relished the chance to exchange views and perspectives with regional political and business leaders.
“I was able to see first-hand the enthusiasm to tell our local stories, and the impact this eye-opening visit had on our guests as I toured the region with the Senators and ensured they understood the potential of the southern Alberta food corridor and impact of the related 11 irrigation districts servicing this region,” Gross said
The visit emphasized Alberta’s role as a food production powerhouse, a leader in renewable and conventional energy, and a hub of cultural and Indigenous heritage.
It also served as a bridge-building exercise at a time when national unity and regional understanding are more important than ever, and reaffirmed that the province’s success is Canada’s success, and that what is good for Alberta strengthens the federation as a whole.
“When senators walk the ground, listen to local voices, and witness innovation and resilience first-hand, they return to Ottawa better equipped to serve all Canadians,” Fridhandler said. “As has been said, a picture may be worth a thousand words, but a face-to-face visit is worth at least a thousand pictures, and builds relationships that cannot be replicated in other ways.”
“This tour was a step forward for Alberta at the National level — and for a better federal understanding of Alberta in the Senate, an important part of the Canadian Parliament.”
