Daily Update: July 3, 2020

Supports for Business

Additional temporary service reductions at select Canadian ports of entry

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is temporarily reducing service hours at additional land, air, and marine ports of entry (POE) in addition to deferring seasonal opening hours at select POEs. These COVID-19 related measures are temporary and in effect as of July 3, 2020 at 11:59 pm EDT. They will remain in effect until further notice. Read the announcement

Supports for apprentices to complete their training and find work in the skilled trades

Today, the government announced that they are investing $40 million over three years in the Union Training and Innovation Program and has launched two calls for proposals. Eligible organizations are encouraged to apply for funding through two streams: Stream 1: Investments in Training Equipment; and Stream 2: Innovation in Apprenticeship.

Eligible projects will help unions across Canada improve the quality of training through investments in equipment and materials and support innovation and broad-based partnerships to address challenges faced by apprentices. The Program will also help to reduce barriers to participation and success in the trades among under‑represented groups such as women, newcomers, persons with disabilities and visible minorities including Black Canadians. In order to support institutions as they continue to look at alternative delivery methods for future training, the Government encourages projects that allow apprentices and organizations to continue their training online.

Business Resilience Service (BRS) Hotline Closes Today

As businesses increasingly move into the reopening and recovery phases, the BRS is being wound down. We thank our partners in the accounting profession across Canada who facilitated this project (particularly EY, CPA Canada and Imagine Canada) along with the Government of Canada for their support. The BRS helped thousands of businesses navigate the pandemic. We’re proud of the impact this service was able to provide to help the Canadian business community.

Supports for Individuals

Construction has begun on the Keystone XL Pipeline

Almost 12 years after TC Energy first proposed the project, thousands of local workers, including engineers, welders, heavy equipment operators, labourers, teamsters, safety inspectors, Indigenous monitors and other skilled tradespeople, are lacing up their work boots near Oyen and beginning construction on the Alberta spread of the 1,947-kilometre pipeline.The project will see about 2,000 construction workers hired in Alberta over the next two years, spurring thousands of additional jobs and increased economic activity in associated trades, retail, and hospitality services along the construction route.

Community Supports and Resources

Family Leisure Centre Reopening in Stages Beginning Monday, July 6

On Monday, the following areas will be open for public access:

Cenovus Arena
Ice rental times now available
South Country Co-op Fitness Floor
Fitness Centre (pre-registration NOT required)
Group fitness classes (pre-registration required)

“Our team is excited to welcome everyone back, safely,” said James Will, General Manager of Parks & Recreation. “The main lobby will look different because of the protocols we will have in place, including reminders about physical distancing, but our staff are here to help guide you and answer any questions you or your family may have.”

Additional amenities will reopen in a staged approach:

Kinsmen Aquatic Park – July 13
Public Swim and Lane Swim (pre-registration required for both)
Gymnasium – week of July 20
Fieldhouse – week of July 27

Following guidelines from the Government of Alberta, there will be restrictions on the number of participants allowed in the public swim and lane sessions, as well as the group fitness classes. People participating in these programs must be pre-registered, and can do so 48 hours in advance at medicinehat.ca/flc. At this time, the FLC is unable to accommodate 'walk up’ traffic. Please do not drop off family members unless they are registered in the scheduled time slot. More information

Prioritizing Mental Health During COVID-19 Pandemic

Bell Let’s Talk announced new funding for five organizations delivering mental health supports to youth, families and communities in the COVID-19 crisis. The Canadian Red Cross and Bell Let's Talk announced a $700,000 investment to help support the mental wellbeing of Canadians during COVID-19 with a significant expansion of the Friendly Calls program in communities with increased demand for mental health services. More information

Featured Webinars

Medicine Hat Systems Transformation Innovation Forum

Innovative solutions are needed to drive progress in ending homelessness, poverty, and social challenges in Medicine Hat. The Systems Transformation Innovation Forum on July 17 is a community discussion to identify opportunities for using technology and innovation to not just change, but transform the social sector. Register here

July 8 | COVID-19: Technology Trends And Business Continuity, Hosted By Cisco

As many organizations transition through the initial disruption of a global pandemic, they are now reevaluating their digital transformation strategies to be able to meet customer needs and thrive long-term. Join Wayne Cuervo and Lisa Richardson from Cisco Canada on July 8 at 2:30 p.m. ET for a discussion on technology trends and applicable business outcomes across various industries. This webinar will be moderated by Ulrike Bahr-Gedalia, our Senior Director, Digital Economy, Technology and Innovation. Register here