Peace River—Westlock MP Arnold Viersen welcomed three international ambassadors to the area last week for a tour of local businesses and culture.
From Sept. 3-4, he was joined by Dauletbek Kussainov, ambassador of Kazakhstan, Agron Buxhaku, ambassador of North Macedonia and Marsha Lobban, the high commissioner of Jamaica. The delegation was organized by Embassy Canada Connections.
“We have such a beautiful riding here in northern Alberta and so many great local businesses. I was excited to showcase the best part of Canada to these ambassadors,” Viersen commented. “This was a great opportunity to highlight the hardworking folks in northern Alberta, our natural resources, vibrant small businesses, and the spirit of Alberta.”
On Sept. 3, the delegation visited the Miedema Honey Farm in Barrhead, then headed to Fort Assiniboine for a boat tour in Fort Assiniboine followed by dinner at Gems Cafe and Bistro. The group was also joined by Westlock County Councillor Francis Cloutier.
Peace River—Westlock MP Arnold Viersen tours Miedema Honey Farm with international ambassadors. (Supplied)
For their second day, Viersen started off with a showcase of Whitecourt, beginning with Canfor, a lumber and pulp mill. The group then headed to Tri-Hi Pressure oil services, then to lunch at Mountain Pizza and Steakhouse. The last two stops featured Neeralta Manufacturing in Barrhead and Wabash Manufacturing in Westlock.
In Whitecourt, Mayor Tom Pickard joined the delegation and in Westlock, Viersen invited the mayor of Clyde, Charis Aguirre, and Isaac Skuban, a Westlock County councillor.
MP Viersen shared the following message with the delegation at the beginning of the trip:
“On behalf of the people of Peace River—Westlock, it is my great honour to welcome you to our riding and to thank you for joining this ambassadorial tour. This region is home to hardworking families, innovative businesses, and industries that help drive Canada’s prosperity, from agriculture and forestry to energy and advanced manufacturing. We are proud to showcase some of the companies and communities that make this part of Alberta so unique.
“Your visit is not only an opportunity to see the diversity of our economy, but also a chance to strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between our countries. I hope that as you tour our farms, mills, and manufacturing facilities, you will gain a deeper appreciation for the entrepreneurial spirit, resourcefulness, and community values that define this region of Canada in Alberta. Thank you once again for taking the time to visit us.”
Viersen also thanked the local businesses and other municipal representatives who participated for being “amazing hosts,” adding he hopes to see visits like this foster stronger relationships and more economic opportunities.
