Airdrie MLA attending State Legislature’s conference in California

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on January 16, 2026.

Conservative MLA for Airdrie East, Angela Pitt, is in San Diego for a three-day trip to attend the National Conference of State Legislatures meeting.

Pitt arrived in California on Thursday to join U.S. legislators in programming and sessions at the 2026 NCSL winter meetings, which continue throughout the day and will wrap up tomorrow.

The province says Pitt will use the opportunity to chat with lawmakers about AI, Alberta’s energy and emissions reduction technologies, agriculture and agri-food.

“This conference is an opportunity to continue our efforts to strengthen our trade and investment ties with our longest-standing trending partner,” said Pitt.

Alberta is the second largest provincial exporter to the U.S. after Ontario, and in 2024 provincial exports to the U.S accounted for more than 88 per cent of the province’s total exports.

“I look forward to getting face time with U.S. state policymakers to keep Alberta’s momentum going and make sure my U.S. counterparts see the true value in partnering with Alberta to establish energy and economic security,” added Pitt.

According to its website, the National conference of State Legislatures serves the U.S.’s 50 states, commonwealths, territories and the District of Columbia, and was organized in 1975 as an opportunity for lawmakers to connect on the latest in bipartisan policy research, training resource and technical assistance.

Alberta formalized its role in the NCLS in 2024 by becoming an affiliate member of the organization and a member of its International Advisory Council.

Pitt is to travel back to the province Sunday, and a full list of travel expenses will be posted on the provincial disclosure page.