Your Weekly Tune Up
Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year from your Chamber Team!
We wish you all well and will see you in 2024! The Chamber of Commerce will be closed December 23rd to January 2nd, and we will be back in the office January 3rd.
As you head into the New Year - check out the MNP MPact Report
How to optimize your tax planning during an economic downturn: Your business is facing high interest rates and a decline in customer demand. What options do you have to reduce the impact? Read our advice
Parliament passed Bill S-211: Are you ready to meet the new requirements? Learn when this bill will take effect, who is impacted by the legislation, and how you can prepare your business for any responsibilities. Learn more
Is your business ready for anything? Our Business Resilience Assessment tool can help you identify priority areas for your business and build a strategy to weather any storm. Read more
Eleven ways the community and tourism benefit each other
There is no denying the importance that community plays in tourism. As businesses begin and grow, they heavily rely on the support of those around them. And a thriving tourism sector can have a massive impact on the local economy and quality of life of residents. Over half of Albertans believe that a strong tourism industry improves their quality of life, and 61% believe that tourism plays an important role in their local community. View the Eleven ways the community and tourism benefit each other from Travel Alberta.
Canadian privacy regulators launch principles for the responsible development and use of generative AI
Federal, provincial and territorial privacy authorities have launched a set of principles to advance the responsible, trustworthy and privacy-protective development and use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in Canada.
Smaller custodians that are more likely to buy AI products directly from vendors can refer to our Guidance for Small Custodians on the use of Artificial Intelligence, released last week. The Information and Privacy Commissioner’s office places a high priority on assisting organizations which are using AI and other innovative technologies and hope to develop similar supports in the near future. Click here to read the Principles for Responsible, Trustworthy and Privacy-Protective Generative AI Technologies.
Training Available through Udemy
The Shortgrass Library System is moving to a new eLearning platform - Udemy! Access to Udemy will start January 1st, 2024.
If you have used the Gale courses through the Shortgrass Library system or the Medicine Hat Public Library, you can still register until December 20th, and you'll have time to complete it before Gale Courses is retired on January 31st. FAQs:
Why is the library transitioning from Gale Courses to Udemy?
- Udemy is another eLearning platform we can subscribe to through Gale. It offers much greater flexibility and a much wider range of courses. Libraries in the Shortgrass Library System will be transitioning from Gale Courses to Udemy in January 2024.
What happens to my course history and previously earned certificates?
- Gale Courses history and previously earned certificates will not transfer to Udemy. Please save/print these by January 31st.
Does Udemy offer the same types of courses?
- Just like Gale Courses, Udemy offers classes on a wide range of topics such as accounting fundamentals, beginner photography, and Microsoft Excel for beginners. Udemy actually offers a much wider range of classes than Gale Courses.
Will I be able to get a certificate of completion for completing courses on Udemy?
- Yes, certificates of completion will be available.
Does Udemy offer the same course format as Gale Courses?
- While Gale Courses offered twelve lessons spread out over six weeks, Udemy classes are all available on-demand, and can be completed at your own pace.
When is this change happening?
- The last date for registering for Gale Courses will be December 20th, 2023. Users will need to complete their coursework and download any certificates or other files by January 31st, 2024. After January 31st, 2024, Gale Courses access will no longer be available.
Thank you for using and supporting library services! If you have any further questions about this transition or would like help with Udemy after it becomes available on January 1st, please contact your local library and staff will be happy to help you.
Advocacy in Action
CEBA and RRF Petition
In 2023, many small businesses have yet to recover from the financial impact of the pandemic, and have faced the added pressures of rising costs and a tight labour market and rural regions have been slower to rebound from the pandemic, facing inequitable impacts on their recoveries.
The Government of Canada is being asked to extend the deadline to qualify for partial loan forgiveness under the CEBA and RRRF until at least January 18, 2025. More information
Improving responsible reclamation work in Alberta
In the coming months, the province will launch two new pilots aimed at helping improve the current reclamation certificate process while maintaining the highest environmental standards. These pilots will test ways to certify portions of reclaimed sites and help reclaim peatlands. Find out more. The Chamber has been advocating for remediation, reclamation and redevelopment of brownfield sites for several years: https://chamber.southeastalbertachamber.ca/policies/Details/creating-jobs-through-remediating-and-redeveloping-brownfields-124620
Shape the future of your health care
Starting in January, health care workers and Albertans are invited to join in-person engagement sessions to give their input into the refocusing of Alberta’s health care system. Health care workers and Albertans are encouraged to recommend locations for in-person engagement sessions by completing an online form available from Dec. 12 to Dec. 19 on alberta.ca. Once the locations are determined, registration for specific sessions will open in January. View this announcement online
Canadian Chamber: Letter Concerning the Upcoming Tax Increase on Beer, Wine and Spirits
In a letter to Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, we expressed our concern regarding the upcoming above-inflation 4.7% tax increase on beer, wine and spirits the government has scheduled to take effect on April 1, 2024. Such an increase would have a significant negative impact on Canadian consumers and businesses throughout the beer, wine and spirits value chain, including farmers, producers, retailers and restaurateurs. Read the Letter.
Canadian Chamber: Letter of Intention to Participate in an Examination of West Coast Port Disputes
The Canadian Chamber wrote a letter to Dr. Giles and Dr. Banks at Queens University, outlining their intention to participate in their examination of structural issues underlying the recent longshoring dispute at our West Coast ports, as well as similar disputes that have occurred in ports across Canada. Read the Letter.
Next Level Events
2024 State of the City Address
The Annual State of the City Address is where you can learn about the City's progress over the past year and get informed about what's in store for the community in 2024. Join us as we reflect on the accomplishments of our community during 2023, and be the first to hear what the City of Medicine Hat has in store for the coming year including exciting new projects, opportunities for development, and vision for the future. More information, registration and details here!
Perfecting Your Pitch with Craig Elias
Designed for aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage business owners, this series shares the secrets to getting customers, investors, and mentors. The series will also cover some of the best ways to access Alberta's business incubators and accelerators.
Each week's session will feature fresh content and the opportunity to practice your pitch and get feedback from the facilitator and the other participants. Register here: https://lu.ma/perfecting-your-pitch-january?mc_cid=3374663e46
Book today! 2024 Home + Leisure Tradeshow
We all know how time flies, and though the Trade Show is still a few months away, its ONLY a few months away!! With over 50% booths sold, there are a few corner booths still available but going fast, along with some bulk space for large exhibitors and food truck space available. With thousands of consumers visiting the shows over the course of three days these trade shows give an incredible opportunity to gain exposure for your business, demonstrate and sell products, and showcase your services. Register now and save your space!
Enriching Your Business
There's a reason Chambers Plan is Canada's #1 plan.
Contact JoAnne Letkeman,
Exclusive Chamber Group Advisor,
403-504-2166 ext 1.
Fueling the Business Community
• NEW MEMBERS •
We would like to welcome Forbes Contracting Ltd and Diaz Osteopathy & Massage to the Chamber Family!
We continually look forward to helping our members during their business journey and wish each the best in all future endeavors. We are extremely happy to have such amazing members, and are very glad that we can serve a part in that journey! Keep your eye out for more new member posts moving forward!
Do you follow us on Social Media?
We are constantly posting about events, grand openings, new members, ticket giveaways, and Chamber activity so make sure you're following our accounts!
Oh and are you a member? Tag us on your posts and we'll repost your content!
Fill Up On Funding
The Emerald Awards
The Emerald Awards showcase organizations, projects, and individuals from across Alberta who are working to address environmental and climate change issues. Find out more here.
Since 1992, the Emerald Awards have showcased nearly 400 recipients and 900 finalists who are raising the bar in addressing environmental and climate change issues. These environmental awards are incredibly unique, as they’re the only program in Canada to recognize environmental excellence across a diverse range of sectors. Emerald Award recipients receive:
- A $1500 grant to support the continuation of their work
- A custom trophy to commemorate their achievement
- A video feature in the Emerald Documentary Series and the opportunity to participate in the What On EARTH Can We Do? podcast and Emerald Speakers Series
- A feature on the Emerald Foundation website
The Ecosystem Fund
The Ecosystem Fund has been designed to assist non-profit organizations that collaborate with and support 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs. These organizations are now eligible to apply individually or together with a partner organization for funding to fuel two core categories of projects. Find out more about the program and how to apply.
Canada Summer Jobs 2024: Application period open until January 10
Employers from not-for-profit organizations, the public sector, and private sector organizations with 50 or fewer full-time employees in Canada can apply for funding to hire young Canadians aged 15 - 30 next summer. The application deadline is January 10, 2024. Learn more
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the December 11th crossword puzzle.
Remember that if you subscribe to our weekly email, you get access to the crossword puzzle! Anyone who sends us their answers will get their name put into our quarterly draw. The prize? Receive 5 promotional credits with us (for members) or credit towards a membership (for non-members)! Oh and bragging rights that you're a crossword master!
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