Business owners in High Level, Alberta, have a chance to speak directly with their federal representative at a special Chamber of Commerce event on July 22, 2026. The High Level & District Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Business After 5 networking session featuring Arnold Viersen, the Member of Parliament for Peace River–Westlock.
Viersen, a Conservative, has held the seat since 2015. He represents a massive riding that covers more than 105,000 square kilometres of northern Alberta, stretching from communities near Edmonton all the way to the Northwest Territories border. Events like this are uncommon because of the riding’s size, so local businesses have a rare opportunity to raise concerns directly.
The evening will include an open question-and-answer session, letting entrepreneurs, community leaders, and residents talk about federal issues that affect the region. High Level’s economy leans heavily on forestry, oil and gas, and agriculture. With pipeline development and energy policy being ongoing federal topics, many in town will likely want to discuss how Ottawa’s decisions ripple through northern Alberta.
Recently, Viersen thanked Premier Danielle Smith for pushing two pipeline proposals that could open new routes to British Columbia and Ontario. He was also recognized by iPolitics in 2025 as the Most Collaborative MP, a nod to his work across party lines. His office says the Peace River–Westlock riding is home to 108,095 people and includes fourteen First Nations and three Metis Settlements, making direct outreach important.
The Chamber’s Business After 5 events are designed to connect local business owners with leaders and ideas. The group also puts on the High Level & District Trade Show, which returned in 2025 after a 7-year hiatus and drew nearly 3,000 people over two days. The 2026 edition was also held successfully.
Anyone wanting to take part in the July 22 event can find details on the Chamber’s website.
