Weekly Update: August 20 - August 27, 2021
Alberta Perspectives Hot Button Survey: Mandating Proof of Vaccinations
A number of provinces in Canada have implemented mandates to require proof of vaccination to access businesses providing non-essential services.
Many businesses in Alberta are expressing concerns about the issues surrounding the mandated proof of vaccinations, including implications for Employment Standards, hiring and retention, customer relationships and doing business in regions where these mandates have been implemented.
We want to hear from you as an Alberta employer. Please share your views with this 90 second survey and contribute to a strong voice for business in this important conversion for our province.
Enhancing Parent Engagement in Alberta Schools
The Alberta government is providing more than $1 million directly to school councils to support collaborations between parents and schools. Learn more.
CRTC’s Voter Contact Registry to Protect Voters During the 2021 Federal Election
The CRTC today announced that the Voter Contact Registry is now accepting registrations for the 2021 federal election. The CRTC will accept registrations up until 48 hours after the federal election of September 20, 2021. Learn more.
Affordable high-speed Internet for low-income seniors and families
The Honourable Francois-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, and the Honourable Deb Schulte, Minister of Seniors, announced the second phase of Connecting Families, which will help connect hundreds of thousands of low-income seniors and families to afford high-speed home Internet in 2022. Learn more.
Government of Canada announces agreement with leading COVID-19 vaccine developer Moderna, Inc. to build mRNA vaccine facility in Canada
The Government of Canada announced Tuesday it has established a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with leading COVID-19 vaccine developer Moderna, Inc. to build a state-of-the-art mRNA vaccine production facility in Canada.
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
Business Link Digital Economy Program for Small Businesses
The Digital Economy Program, delivered in partnership with Digital Main Street (DMS), is designed to help small businesses improve their customer reach, increase sales, and elevate your businesses' eCommerce presence. This program is open to home-based or commercial small businesses registered in Alberta with less than 50 employees.
The Power of Community
Medicine Hat Transit adds Route 46 for College Students
This route serves riders travelling from the downtown Transit Terminal to the Southview Shopping Centre and Medicine Hat College. This route provides access to the Dunmore road business area, as well as the Co-op Mall and other retail businesses along 13th Avenue. Learn more.
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
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Ways to Vote in the Federal Election
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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
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Next Level Events
2021 Business Awards: Celebrating the Hero Within
This prestigious awards presentation will celebrate the businesses in our region that have shown their superpowers during the unprecedented challenges of a global pandemic. This event will be taking place on October 22, from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM. To purchase tickets or learn more click here.
Diversity: An Employer Advantage
Let's Talk! You are being invited to join Being Human Services and local guest speakers at one of our free interactive roundtable discussions. Learn some facts and grow your knowledge about diversity, equity, and inclusion in a roundtable with other local employers. This event is at Being Human Services and will take place on September 15th or 21st. Learn more.
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
