Reflecting on 2025: Strength, Growth, and Community in Alberta Hospitality
As we look back on 2025, we are reminded of the strength and resilience of Alberta’s hospitality community. This past year brought its share of challenges, but it also reinforced the importance of connection, collaboration, and showing up for one another. We are proud of what we have accomplished together.
Our community continued to grow in meaningful ways. Membership increased by nearly 20 percent in 2025, bringing us to more than 600 members across the province. This growth reflects a shared belief in the value of coming together to advocate, learn, and build a stronger industry.
Supporting people remains central to our work. Over the past year, we awarded more than 75 Work-Integrated Learning grants to hospitality employers, helping businesses bring new talent into their operations. We are also pleased to share that we have secured an agreement with the Government of Alberta to continue this program through 2026, ensuring ongoing support for both employers and workers.
None of this work would be possible without the support of our sponsors and partners. In 2025, we welcomed new sponsors DoorDash and Toast, while continuing to strengthen relationships with long-standing partners including GFS, QUASEP, and Coke Canada. Their support allows us to expand our programs and better serve members across Alberta.
Advocacy continued to be a key focus throughout the year. The ad valorem tax on wine has had a significant impact on many of our members, and we remain committed to pushing for a return to a flat tax system alongside other provincial associations. Staffing challenges also persist across the industry, particularly in light of changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker program. AHA remains actively involved in the Reimagining Immigration Coalition, working toward more sustainable immigration practices that support retaining workers already contributing to our communities. Member feedback plays a critical role in this work, and we encourage everyone to continue sharing their perspectives through our quarterly surveys.
Throughout the year, AHA was proud to contribute to conversations shaping the future of hospitality. We participated in the Government of Alberta’s WorkFirst Symposium, spoke about the importance of front-of-house roles at NEXT Food Expo, and joined a panel at the Canadian Agricultural Fairs and Exhibitions Conference to advocate for the broader food industry.
We also partnered with Alberta on the Plate on a research project examining opportunities to shorten supply chains by supporting restaurants in using more local products. Funded by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership Resilience and Public Trust Program, this project reflects a shared commitment to strengthening Alberta’s local food ecosystem.
Community-building remains one of the most rewarding parts of our work. This year, we hosted our first annual golf tournament, bringing together more than 120 industry leaders for a day of camaraderie while raising funds to support four scholarships for hospitality students in Alberta. We are already looking ahead to next year and invite members to save May 26, 2026.
As we move into 2026, we are excited to continue creating opportunities to connect. Two member events are planned early in the new year, including a Calgary gathering focused on the economics of non-alcoholic menus with Makine Labreque, followed by bowling and socializing, and a fun outdoor BBQ event in Edmonton.
Thank you to our members, sponsors, partners, and volunteers for being part of this community. Your insight, resilience, and engagement continue to guide our work, and we look forward to another year of collaboration and advocacy ahead.
Mona Pinder
Executive Director