EDR Leads Saskatchewan Delegation to Denver on Trade and Investment Mission
May 16, 2025
(Regina, SK) Together with at least 12 private, public, and non-profit organizations, Economic Development Regina (EDR) is conducting the first outbound mission of its U.S. engagement strategy – May 20 to 23 in Denver, Colorado.
The mission is intended to bolster an already strong relationship between Colorado and Saskatchewan, which saw more than $301.5M in goods flow between the two jurisdictions in the past year.
“In a difficult trade environment like this, one of the most important actions we can all take is engagement,” said EDR CEO Chris Lane. “Together with our partners, EDR is embarking on a targeted strategy that promotes trade opportunities, attracts business and investment, and perhaps most importantly, fosters goodwill between Canadian and American businesses.”
A positive relationship with the U.S. is crucial to ensuring a healthy economy. Prior to recently announced tariffs on both sides of the border, Regina’s GDP growth for 2025 was projected to be 2.5%. A prolonged trade war could reduce that growth to 0.5%, with a GDP loss of $329M and 730 jobs by the end of 2025.
“This mission to Denver represents an incredible opportunity to showcase our city’s strengths in agriculture innovation, energy, manufacturing, and beyond,” said Mayor Chad Bachynski. “Economic Development Regina’s leadership in fostering international trade and investment is a crucial step in strengthening Regina’s economy and our global connections.
“By building partnerships and expanding trade opportunities with Colorado, we are investing in Regina’s future, creating jobs, and ensuring long-term prosperity. I commend EDR and all participating organizations for championing this initiative. With the launch of new daily non-stop flights between Regina and Denver, the Regina Airport Authority is helping create seamless connections that will further enhance business, trade, and investment opportunities between our two economies.”
The mission closely follows today’s launch of daily, non-stop United Airlines service between Regina and Denver, creating a direct link between Denver’s thriving economy and Saskatchewan’s capital – a hub for agriculture innovation, traditional and renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and supply chain connectivity into Western Canada. The first Dever-bound flight is scheduled for Friday, May 16.
“We appreciate the support of our business community and EDR in facilitating the Denver mission,” said James Bogusz, President and CEO of the Regina Airport Authority. “This new route strengthens Regina’s position as the key gateway to southern Saskatchewan and demonstrates United Airlines’ confidence in Saskatchewan’s future. Connecting us directly to the 6th busiest airport in the world is key to the economic growth of our province.”
Highlights of the mission include:
- A Leadership Roundtable bringing together business leaders, post-secondary institutions, and trade agencies;
- Active participation in World Trade Day, Colorado’s premier international business event;
- Visits to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Colorado State University’s SPUR campus, exploring shared research interests in clean tech and food systems;
- A WorldDenver Premier Briefing on U.S.-Canada economic relations.
“In the true spirit of Economic Development Week, this mission is about building connections, exploring business and investment opportunities, and growing together in sectors where our economies align,” said Lane. “EDR is truly excited to be part of this dynamic delegation.”
The Regina delegation includes representatives from the Government of Saskatchewan, the Regina Airport Authority, the University of Regina, Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership, Canadian Western Agribition, and several Saskatchewan-based manufacturing businesses.
For additional information, please contact:
Mattea Columpsi
Manager, Communications
Economic Development Regina
mcolumpsi@economicdevelopmentregina.com
306-565-6392
About Economic Development Regina Inc.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REGINA INC. (EDR) is the lead agency for economic development for the Greater Regina Area (GRA).
EDR provides leadership to the community with specific accountability for the following core functions:
- Support industry growth and diversification through retention, development, and attraction of industry.
- Find innovative ways to promote sustainable growth while effectively addressing the challenges associated with it.
- Market and promote the Greater Regina Area for business and investment.
- Ensure the Greater Regina Area offers a vibrant and diversified economy for investors, a climate of growth for business and works toward a high quality of life for residents.
