Your Weekly Tune Up
Welcome Week 2024: September 13th - 22nd
10 Measures that Will Cost the Government Little to Nothing but Will Help Our Economy
The House of Commons sittings start again today, September 16, which means the government will soon turn its attention back to governing. When it does, the 10 economic measures discussed in this month’s Canadian Chamber edition of Policy Matters should be key areas of focus. Importantly, these measures would require minimal or no government spending, yet would generate future wealth and prosperity for all Canadians. It’s time government adopts policies that prioritize our economic future. By implementing policy measures that cost little to nothing and help businesses thrive, government can generate wealth, help our economy get back on track and create a prosperous future for Canadians across the country. Take a look. Interested in more policy news from the Canadian Chamber – check out the September 10 edition here.
New campaign promotes Alberta’s skilled trades
Alberta’s government is launching an advertising campaign and website to champion apprenticeship education and emphasize the value skilled tradespeople bring to our province. Apprenticeship education is post-secondary education and any effort an individual takes to build skills, whether through an apprenticeship or a university education, will set them up for economic success and career satisfaction. Find out more.
Alberta labour market research
Alberta’s government is investing more than $1 million in the Alberta Centre for Labour Market Research to provide reliable labour market insights for Albertans, adopting an Alberta-first approach, providing job insights and recommendations tailored specifically to benefit this province, now and for the future. Albertans can submit their ideas for potential research topics to the centre on Alberta.ca. These recommendations will be considered by the research teams to ensure the centre’s work aligns with the needs of Albertans. Find out more.
Advocacy in Action
Highway 3 Twinning
The Southeast Alberta Chamber attended the Highway 3 open house in Seven Persons on September 11. We had the opportunity to hear directly from some of our businesses and also speak to the consultants about plans and next steps. Details for the project, including the display boards are available online: https://www.alberta.ca/highway-3-twinning-east-of-highway-885-whitla-to-medicine-hat. For those that weren't able to attend, but have feedback to share, the survey is open until September 20 - https://www.surveymonkey.ca/r/HWY3Twinning.
The Chamber has advocated for the twinning of highway 3 and has
supported the work of the Highway 3 Twinning Association for several years with a formal policy position adopted in 2017. We've made updates and amendments since that time with the most recent recommendations in 2023: https://chamber.southeastalbertachamber.ca/policies/Details/benefits-of-twinning-highway-3-172007. We continue to support the development of twinning the remaining sections of highway 3, but also want to ensure that there is minimal impacts to businesses and municipalities along the corridor, focusing on the twinning between municipalities rather than creating a freeway, reducing cost and impact to businesses.
We encouarge you to share your feedback through the survey before September 20th and also share your thoughts with us at policy@southeastalbertachamber.ca
Improving the Regulatory Environment for Natural Health Products
In April 2024, the Chamber responded to our members' request to establish a forum for businesses in the health and wellness sector to connect and share ideas and perspectives and a way to get to know other businesses in the health and wellness sector for both regulated and unregulated industries. A committee was established to represent the region’s health and wellness sector, creating a forum to listen and respond to both public and industry concerns and identify and address issues impacting the Health and Wellness sector. The committees desire is to ensure a business atmosphere that is conducive to sustainable long-term economic and community growth and that will protect and expand the health and wellness profession in our region.
One of the first issues considered was the Federal Self-Care Framework and the impact on Natural Health Products. After the committee agreed to address the concerns, the next steps were to develop a position and recommendations that we could take forward to Government. Following consultations within the industry and research into the challenges that the regulations have on industry, the Chamber adopted a policy position in June 2024.
Following the Chamber's adoption of these recommendations, the policy position was then submitted for consideration to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce to be considered during the annual policy conference in October 2024. Awareness grew and new collaborations developed with support and collaboration with the Carleton Place & District Chamber of Commerce, the Peterborough + Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce and the Redwater & District Chamber of Commerce. In addition, the Chamber was able to leverage the private members' bill that was introduced by MP Blaine Calkins, which has passed first and second reading in Parliament and has been referred to the Standing Committee on health: https://www.parl.ca/LegisInfo/en/bill/44-1/C-368. We have made MP Calkins aware of our work so this can be carried forward.
We have also gained additional support through the Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA). As Canada’s largest trade association dedicated to natural health, organic and wellness products, CHFA is committed to representing their members and the industry on proposed regulatory changes that will influence consumer health choices, and directly influence the natural, organic and wellness industry. Their membership base consists of over 1,100 businesses across Canada, including manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers, distributors and importers of wellness products, including a variety of natural health products. CHFA wholeheartedly has endorsed the policy recommendations outlined in our resolution. You can read their letter online here.
Why this matters: With limited implementation timelines, exorbitant fee increases and additional regulatory burdens, the new standards will cause significant issues within the industry, consumers and government. The fees, regulations and compliance costs are viewed as unnecessary changes to a system that was deemed to be working after the Natural Health Products Regulation in 2004 and will have a ripple effect on the sustainability of NHP businesses, but also increased costs for consumers.
It is because of the engagement of our members, advising and assisting us in the development of viable solutions that we are able to represent them at all levels of government, whether local, provincial or national issues.
If you want to get more involved, inquire about our Committees and see where you can get involved.
A message from the new Canadian Chamber President & CEO
Our new President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Candace Lang, started her new role at the beginning of September and she had a few remarks to kick off her new term:
“Dear Chamber Network Colleagues,
This week marks my first official week as President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. I’m thrilled and honoured to take on this role. I’m grateful for the strong foundation laid by the Canadian Chamber team and my predecessor Perrin Beatty’s outstanding leadership, and I look forward to building on it to elevate the power of our united voice and expand the impact of the Chamber Network at every level.
As I said when my appointment was announced, both my work with the Canadian Chamber as a director and Chair of the Board and my experience in business have shown me our country’s enormous potential. But now more than ever, businesses of all sizes across the country need a champion like the Canadian Chamber Network. As we prepare for a possible change in government, we will look to leverage the Chamber Network through the development of a ‘campaign toolkit’ that can be used at the local riding level, which helps ensure it is understood that our Network reaches right to the ‘doorstep’ of Canadians across the country. All Canadian Chamber messaging will, as much as possible, emphasize the direct impact to Canadians. I believe our success will grow even further by focusing on the following:
Solutions to our biggest economic challenges are found at the community level. Businesses, along with local chambers and boards of trade, have an increasingly significant impact on their communities. A better life for all Canadians is achieved when the positive influence of business on everyday lives shapes federal policymaking through grassroots thinking.
We are privileged to serve Canadian businesses and cannot thank them enough for fueling economic growth, driving innovation and creating jobs. I know we are all committed to providing the tools, services and insights needed to drive value for our members and advocate for economic measures that allow businesses to do business. I look forward to connecting with many of you at our upcoming AGM in Halifax. In addition, as I travel across the country, I plan to engage with Chamber Network leaders as often as possible to better advance your perspectives and priorities. Together, we will build a Canada of thriving business opportunity, economic prosperity and a better life for all. Candace Laing President & Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Chamber of Commerce.”
Next Level Events
Support your Local Business Community: Grand Openings
Come and celebrate the milestones of these businesses with us. A chance to network, get out and support local! Check out the grand opening calendar here.
Sept. 21st | Gott Garage Door Services | More info here
Sept. 23rd | Southern Gas & Safety | More info here
Oct. 1st | Vossler Mechanical Inc. | More Info Here
Coffee & Conversations THIS Week
Join the Chamber THIS Thursday, September 19th at 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM to enjoy coffee and conversations about your business, our business, or life in general! This is a great opportunity to connect in the mornings if your afternoons and evenings are too busy. You can stop by for a quick hello or stay and chat for a while; everyone is welcome! This month's location... Station Coffee Co. downtown!
Free registration (let us know you're coming) and more info here
International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) Webinar.
During the presentation IQAS experts will provide information on how IQAS assessment can help employers make hiring decisions for internationally educated applicants by comparing their international credentials with educational standards in Canada.
- Date: Wednesday October 2,2024
- Time 10:30am to 11:30am
- To register click HERE
Enriching Your Business
There's a reason Chambers Plan is Canada's #1 plan.
JoAnne Letkeman, Exclusive Chamber Group Advisor
Medicine Hat & District | (403) 504-2166 ext 1.
Scott Walls, Exclusive Chamber Group Advisor
Brooks-Newell Region | (403) 892-9675
Fueling the Business Community
• NEW MEMBERS •
We would like to welcome Xplore Business, Tranquil Healing Massage and Spa, and Assist Health Supplies - Heal Better 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!
Methanex and Entropy Partner to Reduce Emissions in Methanol Production
Methanex Corporation (“Methanex”), one of the world’s largest methanol producers and suppliers and Entropy Inc. (“Entropy”), a leader in carbon capture and storage solutions, have entered into an agreement to invest in a Preliminary Front-End Engineering and Design (“Pre-FEED”) study for carbon capture, utilization and sequestration (“CCUS”) deployment at Methanex’s Medicine Hat, Alberta facility.
This collaboration will leverage Entropy’s proprietary modular post-combustion carbon capture technology and Methanex’s manufacturing expertise to utilize a portion of the captured CO 2 to produce additional methanol, showcasing the leadership of two Canadian companies in the low-carbon transition. Upon final investment decision, Entropy will construct and own the capture equipment adjacent to Methanex’s facility.
New Jazzfest Executive and Artistic Directors
Jazzfest is very excited to announce the appointment of their new Executive and Artistic Directors; Gerry Hebert will be serving as Executive Director and Kodi Hutchinson as Artistic Director.
As the production team for Calgary’s JazzYYC Festivals, Gerry and Kodi bring years of experience to these positions in booking, managing and presenting a jazz festival. Both are well known in the jazz world, not only for their roles with JazzYYC, but as two of the top jazz musicians in western Canada.
To read more about the new directors, check out their announcement: https://medicinehatjazzfest.com/the-medicine-hat-jazzfest-announces-its-new-executive-and-artistic-directors/
Elavon Limited Time Promotion: $100 Statement Credit Offer for New Chamber Members
Accept payments, any time from anywhere! Elavon offer a variety of point-of-sale solutions that make it easy for your business to securely and efficiently accept payments the way that your customers want to pay. Open a new payment processing account for your business by October 31, 2024 and you will be eligible to receive a $100 statement credit.*
How Members Can Participate:
- Submit a web inquiry through the Elavon Chamber landing page (https://join.paymentstart.com/cachamber).
- Our dedicated sales representatives will promptly reach out for a consultation within 24- 48 hours
- Complete the sign-up process by October 31st, 2024, and members will be qualified to receive $100 Statement credit
Visit join.paymentstart.com/cachamber to learn more.
Fill Up On Funding
Travel Alberta Grants
Take the next step to grow your tourism business!
Travel Alberta is launching its grant season in October, offering a great opportunity for organizations to secure funding for upcoming projects in product development, rural development & promotion and events & festivals. Learn more
City of Medicine Hat Clean Energy Improvement Program
Medicine Hat’s Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP) is designed to help homeowners make energy-efficient upgrades and install renewable energy systems by providing access to low-cost financing. Here are some key points about the program:
Financing: CEIP offers financing that is repaid through property taxes over time at a low 3.25% interest rate, making it easier to manage the upfront costs of energy improvements.
Eligible upgrades: The program covers a wide range of upgrades, including solar panels, energy-efficient windows and doors, upgraded insulation, and high-efficiency furnaces.
Benefits: By participating in CEIP, property owners can lower their utility bills, increase the comfort of their homes, and enhance property value.
Incentives: The City of Medicine Hat is offering a 6.6% rebate for completed CEIP projects while funding lasts, and an additional 3.6% for completed CEIP projects on residential properties built before 1990.
Become a supplier for Berkshire Hathaway Energy
Berkshire Hathaway Energy’s customers, shareholders and employees expect the highest quality of service in every aspect of its business. The first step to becoming an approved supplier is to register your company as a prospective supplier. Access Berkshire Hathaway Energy’s supplier registration and navigation guide and the multifactor authentication guide for step-by-step registration instructions. Once approved as a supplier, you will have access to the registration and bid process – including requests for information and requests for proposals – which is conducted through the supplier portal. For more information, visit: https://www.brkenergy.com/about-us/suppliers
Brooks-Newell Region News
Business Brainstorming & Beers -Business Roundtable
Beers not required, it's just a fun name, and hints at the time of day. Come join us for some great business discussion! We will convene on Ricky's All Day Bar & Grill with discussion and introductions starting at 6:30, with networking to follow, wrapping up by around 7:30 PM. Register to join us!
Food and beverages will be the responsibility of attendees.
2024 Brooks Home + Leisure Tradeshow
We are excited to bring Southeast Alberta's largest and longest running tradeshow to Brooks this fall. Booths are still available and selling fast, Oct 4,5,6 at JBS Canada Centre. Booths start at just $625 (members get 10% discount) and included pipe and drape, table, 2 chairs and dedicated power outlet. Limited bulk space is available for anyone wanting a larger show presence and more square footage. Food vendors are welcome. Artisan and home based business's can purchase space in our dedicated artisan market for a reduced price.
Learn more and Register here: https://chamber.southeastalbertachamber.ca/chambercalendar/Details/2024-brooks-home-leisure-tradeshow-1094191?sourceTypeId=Website
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the September 9th crossword puzzle.
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 News
Other Resources
Alberta Economy - Indicators at a Glance
August Economic Trends
Alberta Population Projection 2024-2051 Data Tables
Alberta population projections dashboard
Labour Market Notes – Unemployment rate jumps despite job gains
BDC: Create a Leaner More Profitable Business: A Guide for entrepreneurs
BDC: Fall focus: Strategies to grow your business
14 Onboarding Best Practices (Forbes Advisor)
Onboard New Hires (The Inclusive Workplace)
21 tips for creating an Instagram marketing strategy
How does your financial literacy compare to that of other business owners? To find out, complete the BDC quiz to answer the same 10 questions we asked business owners in our report.
Other Events
Alberta Employment Standards Webinars | Register
BDC Financial Fundamentals | Register
September 17 | Web Presence 101 - Ensuring Your Foundation is Set | Register
September 24 | Introduction to Disability Management and Occupational Health & Safety | Register
October 8 | Protecting Our Future: Health, Safety, and Employment Standards for Young Workers | Register
Useful Links
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