Your Weekly Tune Up: August 14 - 20
Extended Timelines for COVID-19 Transition
After closely monitoring COVID-19 in Alberta for the previous two weeks and reviewing emerging evidence from other jurisdictions, the following will continue until Sept. 27.
- Mandatory masking orders in publicly accessible transit, taxis and ride-shares.
- Mandatory isolation for 10 days for those with COVID-19 symptoms or a positive test result.
- Testing at assessment centers for any symptomatic individual
These measures were scheduled to be eased on Aug. 16, however this six-week pause will provide additional time to monitor severe outcomes of COVID-19 and increase the immunization rates. Learn more.
Rural Infrastructure Project Create Alberta Jobs
As part of Albert’s Recovery Plan, the Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program (STIP) will support 48 municipal road, bridge and community airport projects across the province. Learn more.
Canada’s second Task Force established to Advance Hydrogen Economy in Southeast Alberta
The Southeast Alberta Hydrogen Task Force (Task Force), an independent working group created to establish a framework to implement a hydrogen economy in Southeast Alberta, was officially launched on Friday, August 13, 2021. Learn more.
Enhancing Parent Engagement in Alberta Schools
Alberta’s government is providing more than $1 million directly to school’s councils to support collaboration between parents and schools. Through the Alberta School Council Engagement Grant, each school council will receive $500 to better support individual school councils and strengthen engagement with parents. Learn more.
Government of Canada increases total AgriRecovery funding to up to $500 million to support farmers facing extreme weather
On August 15, 2021, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie- Claude Bibeau, announced that the Government of Canada has increased total AgriRecovery funding to up to $500 million to address extraordinary costs faced by producers due to drought and wildfires. Learn more.
Government of Canada Negotiates Additional Agreement with Moderna for Vaccine supply beyond 2021
On August 13, 2021, the Honourable Anita Anand, Ministers of Public Services and Procurement, announced that Canada has entered into an agreement with Moderna for additional supply of its COVID-19 vaccine for 2022 and 2023, with an option to extend into 2024. Learn more.
Government of Canada supporting the Calgary International Airport with New Funding
Helping airports mitigate the financial impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic is part of the Government of Canada’s strategy to ensure that our air transportation system provides Canadians with choice, connectivity, and affordable air travel. Investments in airport infrastructure are crucial to maintain safety, security, and connectivity for travellers, airport workers and communities. Learn more.
Enriching Your Business
Now Open: Workforce Partnerships Expression of Interest
Alberta Labour and Immigration is pleased to launch its Expression of Interest for the Industry – Workforce Partnerships (WP) grant program. Organizations can submit Expressions of Interest between August 11, 2021 and September 10, 2021.
For more information, including important dates and the Application Guidelines, please visit https://www.alberta.ca/workforce-partnerships-program.aspx
The Power of Community
City Launches COVID campaign, supported by Alberta Health Services
The City of Medicine Hat, together with Alberta Health Services (AHS), is encouraging residents to get vaccinated and remain vigilant against the spread of COVID-19. As active cases continue to increase, the City is launching a campaign encouraging all residents to get vaccinated and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Learn more.
City distributes $4.5M as part of COVID Relief Credit
On July 5, 2021, City Council unanimously passed a motion, directing staff to prepare a second COVID relief program in an amount of $4.5 million.
On August 3, Council approved $4.5 million to be administered to utility account holders on records as of August 1, 2021, as an equal credit between all accounts. Learn more.
Fill Up On Funding
Up to $500,000 in Incentives for Businesses to Retrofit - Energy Savings for Business Program
The Energy Savings for Business program is run by an Alberta-based non-profit called Emissions Reduction Alberta. They are currently running a government-funded incentive program that offers Alberta businesses up to $250,000 per project and $500,000 per company to install energy efficient upgrades in Alberta located buildings. Open to post-project applications until June 30, 2022 for smaller projects, Oct 31, 2022 for large projects like CHP and geothermal. This means projects must have received their pre-approval and been installed by these dates. Learn More.
Advocacy in Action
There are Several Ways to Vote in the Federal General Election
For the federal election now under way, Elections Canada encourages electors to plan early and choose the voting options that best suits them. They can vote: on election day, at one of the advance polls or by mail. Learn more.
Government of Canada Invests 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 in economic sectors. Fostering business development in Alberta paves a path for our future and promises a stronger economic recovery. Learn more.
Finishing the Fight against COVID-19: Businesses in hardest-hit sectors will need our help through 2022 says Canadian Chamber of Commerce
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Director of Parliamentary Affairs and SME Policy, Alla Drigola Birk, issued a statement about the need to help the hardest-hit businesses, who will still struggle for the next two years. Learn more.
Next Level Events
Medicine Hat & District Chamber of Commerce 2021 Business Awards
Save the Date for October 22, 2021, Find out more.
August 25: What you need to know about books and records
The Canada Revenue Agency is hosting a free webinar to provide individuals and businesses with information on best practices for maintaining books and records.
Topics to be discussed in the webinar include:
- what are books and records
- types of books and records
- who keeps books and records
- retention of books and records
- destruction of books and records
Register: https://collaboratevideo.net/CRA-ARC/210825/en/register.php
Ensuring a Safe Return to the Workplace: What Organizations Planning a Return to the Office Need to Know
September 2 | 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. ET | Virtual
What does the new normal look like when it comes to transitioning back into the workplace? How can organizations ensure their employees feel safe and comfortable? What about managing expectations of staff who have fully embraced a remote environment? Register.
Topics to be discussed:
- Roles from a legal perspective
- Dos and don’ts for employers
- Employee rights
- Flexible working arrangements
- Employee well-being
- Vaccination and testing requirements
