Your Weekly Tune Up: July 31 - August 6
Changes Effective July 29 include:
- Provincial mandatory masking orders will be lifted. Some masking in acute care or continuing care facilities may still be required.
- Isolation following a positive COVID-19 test result will no longer be required, but strongly recommended.
- Isolation hotels and quarantine support will no longer be available.
- Testing will be available for Albertans with symptoms when it is needed to help direct patient care decisions.
Supporting Ranchers through hot Alberta Summer
From consistent water supply to access to feed to managing financial risk, Alberta’s ranchers can access the programs that make the most sense for their operation. Learn more.
Water Pumping Program
This program provides assistance to producers in securing adequate water supplies for domestic, livestock, or agricultural purposes.
For a nominal fee, a producer or group of producers can rent pipe and pumping equipment from Alberta Agriculture and Forestry to fill dugouts or other suitable catch basins from nearby water sources. Learn more about the program.
Film Credit Attracts Productions Worth Nearly $1B
A key part of Alberta’s Recovery Plan, the Film and Television Tax Credit, is attracting major productions to the province, diversifying the economy and creating thousands of jobs. Learn more.
65 Percent of Eligible Albertans Fully Vaccinated
As of July 29, 65 percent of eligible Albertans have received both doses of vaccine through Alberta Health Services, community pharmacies and physician clinics. Learn more.
Government of Canada Announces over $20 million Investment in Clean Tech, Digital Economy, Health Sciences and Value-Added Agriculture
The Government of Canada is investing $20 million in 10 companies in areas of clean technology, digital economy, health sciences and value-added agriculture through the Business Scale-Up and Productivity (BSP) program. Learn more.
Government Creates record Number of Job Opportunities for Youth and Students Across Canada
Young people were amongst the hardest hit when the pandemic struck. That is why the Government of Canada continues to make historic investments to ensure that youth have the support and opportunities they need to build long and successful careers. With that goal in mind came the creation of over 300,000 youth and student jobs since the start of the pandemic and the Canada Emergency Student Benefit, which provided income support for over 700,000 students last summer. Learn more.
Government Launches Consultations on Reducing Credit Card Transaction Fees
On August 4th, the Department of Finance Canada is launching consultations with the aim of lowering the cost of doing business by reducing credit card transaction fees. These savings will allow small and medium-sized businesses recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic to direct financial resources toward growth and job creation. Learn more.
Government of Canada aims to improve Spectrum Access for Rural and Remote Connectivity
Across the country, Canadians need access to reliable high-speed Internet as many of us are working, learning and staying in touch with friends and family from home. In rural and remote areas, high-speed Internet is also increasingly important for industries and businesses to benefit from newer technologies and to participate in the digital economy. That’s why the Government of Canada is proposing changes to spectrum policies to support easier access to spectrum, which will improve access to broadband services in rural and remote areas. Learn more.
Government of Canada Funding for Business Accelerators aim to Speed Up Growth of Tech Firms Across Alberta
Small and medium-sized businesses need access to capital, resources and support to grow and reach new regional, national and international markets. This is why the Government of Canada is investing $5 million to encourage and attract local and global business accelerators to Alberta, which play a critical role in enabling companies to grow and develop at a faster rate. Learn more.
Enriching Your Business
Critical Worker Benefit application open to Aug. 31
Additional private sector workers eligible for the benefits since June 22 include truck drivers, farm workers, security guards, cleaners, funeral workers, employees at quick service and dine in restaurants, and taxi and limousine drivers.
OpportuNext - Online Career Transition Tool
The Conference Board of Canada and the Future Skills Centre are excited to launch a free online tool designed to help job placement professionals, jobseekers, and employers quickly and easily explore the viable career transition pathways. Learn more.
Fill Up On Funding
BMO Celebrating Women Grant Program
BMO, in collaboration with Deloitte, is pleased to present the BMO Celebrating Women Grant Program.
10 women-owned businesses will each receive a $10,000 grant, and an additional eight will receive a $2,500 grant for their business. The deadline for applications is August 13, 2021. More information.
Purolator True North Small Business Grants
Purolator is launching the True North Small Business Grant Contest to recognize the importance and contributions of small businesses. And, by encouraging Canadians to make nomination, Purolator is hoping to raise the profiles of small businesses in local communities across the country.
Advocacy in Action
Think Growth Project - Canadian Chamber Tax Reform Initiative
A year ago the Canadian Chamber launched the Think Growth project, a business-led review of Canada’s tax system to prepare it for economic growth and prosperity. As noted by the Financial Post at the time, “Canada’s tax regime (was) overdue for a reset” and that the Chamber network had assembled a “diverse group” of tax lawyers and economists to explore what was both needed and possible with our national network.
After engaging over 700 members, businesses and tax practitioners, the Canadian Chamber identified 30 actionable tax reform options to prepare Canada’s tax system for economic growth and prosperity. The Think Growth project advanced a number of tax reform opportunities with government officials this past year. From changes to simplifying home office deductions to making it easier to pass along a family business to another generation, the Chamber worked hard to demonstrate what tax reform looks like and that tax reform is indeed possible in Canada.
Government of Canada Investments enable Alberta Companies to Expand and Reach New Markets
Through the Business Scale-Up and Productivity (BSP) program, Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is supporting growth in leading economic sectors. Fostering business development in Alberta paves a path for our future and promises a stronger economic recovery. Learn more.
Government of Canada Launches a new Regional Development Agency for the Prairie Provinces
Prairie Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) will be the new regional economic development agency for businesses and communities in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. It will build on Western Economic Diversification Canada’s (WD) 34 year legacy.
Next Level Events
Medicine Hat & District Chamber of Commerce 2021 Business Awards
Save the Date for October 22, 2021 Find Out More
Growing Profits with Data: AgSmart Plenary Session to Live Stream on Unbound: August 9, 2021 - 7pm MT
Olds College is hosting AgSmart, a must-see agriculture educational event, August 10-11. The event is being expanded to include two live stream plenary sessions on the Inventures Unbound platform, starting at 7pm on August 9. This event is a great opportunity for those who are unable to be onsite for the live event. The Unbound sessions are complimentary.
AGM & Convention
This year our AGM & Convention will focus on Building a New Future for Business. Join us virtually to gather insight from business and political leaders and take a deep dive into the latest developments, trends and issues that affect the future of Canadian business. Register here.
Panel Discussions Include:
- Rebuilding Small Businesses
- Digitalization of Small Businesses
- Building an Inclusive Recovery
- The New Normal
August 10, 11
AgSmart at Olds College | Register
August 12
How Solar Can Participate in Alberta's Carbon Market | Register
August 11: Google My Business: Optimize your Local Listing:
Local listings serve as a virtual billboard for prospective customers who want to find your products or services quickly and easily, particularly when they’re ready to make a purchase. In fact, studies show that a completed Google My Business listing is 29% more likely to attract purchases. Join us as we guide you through the ins and outs of Google My Business and how you can expand your client base by ensuring you show up. Learn more or register here.
August 19: Website & SEO: Optimize your Website for Google:
This one-hour session will provide you with knowledge of the technical requirements of website SEO. Beyond technical specifications, we will also cover the website tactics you or your staff can use to ensure that your site moves up or maintains your standing in organic search results.
September 22-24, 2021:Inventures - Revolutionizing Healthcare - Nontraditional Solutions Improve Outcomes - only $199. Register here.
Find out More:
Chamber Events| Community Events| Training Events
Check out additional webinar series and on-demand content here
