Your Weekly Tune Up
Pride Month & Pride Season
June is Pride Month in Canada, a time dedicated to celebrating 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities across Canada, advocating for equal rights, and fostering a world where everyone can embrace their true selves without fear, violence or discrimination. Pride Season refers to a wide range of Pride events that take place over the summer from June to September. Find out more. Start Up Canada has also provided curated resources for the 2SLGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs across Canada. 2SLGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs need resources, support, and content that empowers them within the startup ecosystem. Find the curated 2SLGBTQIA+ Entrepreneurship Resource Guide here.
Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce Legacy Fund
We were pleased to establish an endowment fund with the Community Foundation of Southeast Alberta (CFSEA) with an initial contribution of $1,000 from the Chamber of Commerce Legacy Committee, establishing the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce Legacy Fund. The fund was established to commemorate the Chamber's 125th year in operation that will be celebrated in 2025 with the goal of awarding our first grant in the 2025 year. This open fund allows anyone to contribute to grow the fund, ultimately increasing the distribution amount year after year. The Chamber Legacy Committee will initiate a call for applications when the fund is able to provide contributions from the interest, selecting a deserving recipient and project that supports entrepreneurial development and education for future business growth in the community. To learn more or donate to the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce Fund, connect with CFSEA or donate here: www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/101782
Tax notices mailed
City of Medicine Hat Tax notices were mailed on May 21 and property taxes are due on or before Friday, June 28. That is also the last day to sign up for the Tax Installment Payment Plan (TIPP) for 2024 if you'd rather split your tax payment into pre-authorized monthly transfers. Want to know more about where your tax dollars go? Click here.
Canadian Armed Forces Day & 80th Anniversary of D-Day
Alberta’s government proclaimed the first Sunday in June as Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Day in perpetuity to recognize the important role of Canadian Armed Forces members and veterans have in building a strong province where everyone has the chance to thrive. It also recognizes the indispensable role of their families and communities to support their service. Read more
Additionally, Military Liaison and MLA for Cypress Medicine Hat, Justin Wright commemorated the milestone date of D-Day dating back eighty years ago, on June 6, 1944. Read the Statement on D-Day and the Statement on Canadian Armed Forces Day.
Did you know that there are resources for Canadian Veteran Entrepreneurs? The Inclusive Workplace and Supply Council of Canada has them here.
National Indigenous History Month
June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, an opportunity to learn about the unique cultures, traditions and experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis. It's a time to honour the stories, achievements and resilience of Indigenous Peoples, who have lived on this land since time immemorial and whose presence continues to impact the evolving Canada. Find out more about National Indigenous history month, the weekly themes and how to get involved.
The Chambers of Commerce Gorup Insurance Plan has Resources for Indigenous Entrepreneurs in Canada. There are also Indigenous business development resources from the Government of Canada and Business Link.
Government Responds to Potential Border Strike Action
The government is in mediated negotiations with the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) regarding a new collective agreement for the Border Services Group. PSAC has announced possible strike action starting June 7 if demands are not met. While 90% of frontline Border Services Officers are essential and must continue working, any illegal job action will face disciplinary measures. Learn more
Advocacy in Action
Concerning Potential Labour Disruption in Class I Railways
We have addressed a joint letter to the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Labour and Seniors, and the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Transport and Quebec Lieutenant, concerning the alarming potential for labour disruptions in Class I railways.
This letter, co-signed by numerous industry associations and chambers of commerce across Canada, including the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce highlights the severe economic risks posed by such disruptions, which could impede the flow of over $1 billion worth of goods daily. Last week, the Canadian Chamber also launched our new Supply Chains Council. By fostering trust and creating an open dialogue with government, the Council will provide important insights on strengthening Canada's supply chains.
Highway 3 twinning has begun
Construction is underway on the twinning of Highway 3, between Taber and Burdett, kicking off a multi-year initiative to twin the highway from the B.C. border to Medicine Hat.
Highway 3 is a vital economic corridor serving as the primary east-west link for southern Alberta and the major connector between Saskatchewan and British Columbia, south of the Trans-Canada Highway. It is also a key route for the movement of agricultural products, supporting the growing agri-business sector in this region of the province, and so fully twinning the highway will support the movement of goods and services in the agriculture industry and many others. View the announcement.
The Medicine Hat & District Chamber of Commerce (now the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce) has actively advocating for the twinning of highway 3, in partnership with the Highway 3 Twinning Association, since putting formal policy recommendations forward locally and through the Alberta Chambers of Commerce in 2017, with advocacy occurring long before that time. View the recommendations online. We are pleased to see progress and the start of construction.
Share your priorities for Alberta's government
Would you rather reduce the provincial debt, or increase funding to services? Are supply chain issues impacting your business? What up and coming industry could be Alberta's next "boom"? Our latest Alberta Perspectives research is focused on priorities for the province. So, tell us: What are your economic and fiscal priorities for the Alberta government? The survey will take ~8 min to complete. Complete the survey by June 14 at 5:00 PM
Petition on the Capital Gains Tax
On May 23, the St Albert Chamber of Commerce commenced a petition regarding the increase in the capital gains inclusion rate. Increasing this rate to 66.6% will put Canada and Canadian business at a disadvantage with an estimated 1 in 5 Canadian companies directly impacted by this change over the next decade.
Former Governor of the Bank of Canada, David Dodge, stated that increasing the inclusion rate would make Canada a “less attractive” place to invest. A rise in capital gains taxes would strain healthcare resources, limit access to affordable housing options, exacerbate financial challenges for farmers, and compromise retirement savings for Canadians; and
Canadian business leaders agree that increasing the inclusion rate
would make Canada less competitive and make it more difficult for Canadians to find jobs, including skilled professionals. Concerned individuals can sign the petition to call upon the Minister of Finance to scrap her plans to increase the capital gains inclusion rate to 66.6% so that Canadian businesses are not put at an unfair disadvantage. Sign the online petition before July 22, 2024 here.
Consultation on Legislated Procurement Targets in Canada
The Government of Canada seeking input on how federal purchasing power can be better leveraged to help Canadian small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) and innovators. Feedback from these consultations will inform potential legislative changes to be outlined in the 2024 Fall Economic Statement. Consultations are now open until July 26, 2024. Have your say
Next Level Events
Grand Openings: Support your community
Why attend a grand opening? It's a chance to network, make connections, support local and small businesses without having to give anything but your time, plus there can be coffee, snacks, giveaways, draws, etc!
Let's get the cycle of supporting each other going, we hope to see you at one of these upcoming business milestones 🙂
Check out our Grand Openings calendar here!
Business, Brainstorming & Beers
Join the Chamber at locations around Medicine Hat to discuss whatever needs discussing at your business.
Whether it's business growth, workforce challenges, new business opportunities, regulatory hurdles, or anything else, we are all about finding solutions.
Come have a drink with us and solve the world's problems! Upcoming get together will be at Blowers & Grafton's on June 20th: https://chamber.southeastalbertachamber.ca/chambercalendar/Details/business-brainstorming-beers-1062544?sourceTypeId=Website
2024 Downtown Chili Cook-Off
We are getting close to the Annual Downtown Chili Cook-Off coming Saturday, July 13th! More details to come as we finalize them all, but get your bowls and chili-eating spoons ready!
In the meantime, check out the 2023 winners here!
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 these businesses to the Chamber Family! Axxess Point Inc. | d'Carlo Pasta House | Total Office Plus (Brooks) | Sound Lovers High Fidelity | Allied Distributors Brooks Ltd.
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!
D3h Rates: Chamber Members get Hotel Discounts
Welcome Chamber members to the D3h family! As a member, there are various rates ready and loaded for you at hotels across Alberta and Saskatchewan!
All the information you need on how to book it on the confirmation pdf here. Have a pleasant stay 🙂
Chamber Plan: Good Mental Heath is Good for Business
Taking care of your employees’ mental health is good for business.
The Arive Employee Assistance Program delivers a proven ROI of up to $11 for every $1 invested into the program.
That's just one of the many great features our members love about Chambers Plan! Get a quote today: Medicine Hat - Quote - Other (chamberbenefits.ca)
Special Olympics: Office Space
Do you have some extra office space and are willing to host the 2026 Summer Olympics? We're looking for space with the following critieria:
- Space for several offices, either walled or open for room dividers
- Opportunity to install a printer copier outlet (we are prepared to cover the cost)
- Small kitchen space with a coffee stand and coffee/fridge plug-ins
- Warehouse space
- A boardroom space that would allow about 25 to be seated
Note: There could be agreement regarding the payment of utilities. If you are able to help out or know of potential space, please feel free to reach out to Ken Sauer at kensauer69@gmail.com or by phone at (403) 526-6259.
Fill Up On Funding
Assignment Saving Lives Scholarship Program 2024: Registration now open
Attention grade 12 and post-secondary students. Join one, or both, of the Assignment Saving Lives contests. You can help save lives when you recruit potential blood, plasma, and platelets donors and/or stem cell registrants for Canada’s Lifeline. Join Assignment Saving Lives to make all the difference and you could win up to $6500 toward your 2024-2025 tuition! For the opportunity to win up to $6500, you must participate in both contests. No purchase or donation required. Apply before June 24, 2024.
$1.5 Billion Co-op Housing Program
The federal government has launched a $1.5 billion Co-operative Housing Development Program to create a new generation of co-op housing across Canada. This initiative, co-designed with the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada, will provide loans and contributions to build and expand co-ops, prioritizing projects for those most in need. The program aims to build thousands of new co-op homes by 2028, addressing housing affordability and enhancing community living. Applications for funding open on July 15, 2024, with the first round closing on September 15, 2024. Learn more
Updates to Alberta’s Film and Television Tax Credit (FTTC) program
The legislative and regulatory changes will promote filming in rural and remote regions of the province and streamline administrative processes to increase flexibility for film and television industry stakeholders, make the program easier to navigate and enable productions to access their tax credits earlier. Additionally, eligible production genres have been expanded to include game shows and reality television. Find out more.
Brooks-Newell Region News
Residential land use review
Initial requests by developers focused on allowing secondary suites in semi-detached housing and townhouses to address housing needs but these changes could not be taken in isolation. The Land Use Bylaw needs to be constantly reviewed as the community grows. Proposed revisions need to be understood in the broader context of the Municipal Development Plan, Area Structure Plans, and Alberta Safety Code. Read more on LarkSpur News here
Response to the Canadian Sustainability Standards Board (CSSB)
The County of Newell has officially submitted a detailed response to the Canadian Sustainability Standards Board (CSSB) regarding the proposed Canadian Sustainability Disclosure Standards (CSDSs). The County is urging the CSSB to extend the consultation period and consider significant amendments to the proposed standards to prevent adverse impacts on small rural businesses and municipalities.
The CSDSs aim to set a new benchmark for Canadian businesses, requiring them to disclose their exposure to climate-related risks and their carbon footprint in financial statements. While the standards seek to align with global initiatives and meet investor demands for greater transparency, the County of Newell argues that the rush to implement these standards could lead to impractical challenges, particularly for smaller entities. Find out more and get involved
Allied Distributors celebrated 60 years in the community in Brooks-Newell
JBS Canada announced $80 million expansion
On June 7, JBS Canada announced a massive $80 million expansion to the JBS plant in City of Brooks and the County of Newell. JBS Foods plays a central role in the Canadian beef industry. As one of our nation’s largest beef companies, they are dedicated to providing high-quality, sustainable beef on a global scale.
Danielle Smith: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/6cETjgrkEZeF4X7N/
Martin Shields: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/F1Jww9UQp1Gucmmn/
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
Crossword puzzles are on pause as our website goes back and forth between maintenance... but it won't be gone for long!
Remember that subscribing to our weekly email gets you 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.
Other Resources
Other Events
June 15 - Sept. 7 | Block Party @ Towne Square | More Info
June 14 - 16 | Redcliff Days 2024 | More Info
June 21 - 23 | Bassano Pro Rodeo | More Info
Support your community | Grand Openings Calendar
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