The Voice: November 25th, 2024

New privately delivered care-focused auto insurance system, Auditor General reports tabled in the Alberta Legislature, Upcoming engagement opportunities on Alberta Health Agencies, New and updated OHS resources, and All-Season Resorts Act all in this week's edition of The Voice

Your Weekly Tune Up

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New privately delivered, care-focused auto insurance system

Starting in January 2025, the good driver rate cap will be adjusted to a 7.5% increase due to high legal costs, increasing vehicle damage repair costs and natural disaster costs. This protects good drivers from significant rate increases while ensuring that auto insurance providers remain financially viable in Alberta.

In the meantime, the Government of Alberta will be working on a new auto insurance system, with required legislation in the spring of 2025. In order to reconfigure auto insurance policies for 3.4 million Albertans, auto insurance companies need time to create and implement the new system. Alberta’s government expects the new system to be fully implemented by January 2027.

Under the new system, Albertans who suffer catastrophic injuries will receive treatment and care for the rest of their lives. Those who sustain serious injuries will receive treatment until they are fully recovered. These changes mirror and build upon the Saskatchewan insurance model, where at-fault drivers can be sued for pain and suffering damages if they are convicted of a criminal offence, such as impaired driving or dangerous driving, or conviction of certain offenses under the Traffic Safety Act. Find out more.

Auditor General reports tabled in the Alberta Legislature

Auditor General Doug Wylie tabled seven reports in the Alberta Legislature including:

Audit of the 2023-2024 Consolidated Financial Statements of the Province of Alberta, Annual Summary of Ministry Audit Work, and the Summary of 2023 Financial Audit Results of School Jurisdictions in Alberta
Highway Maintenance Contracts Performance Audit
Processes to Assess and Manage the Condition of Affordable Housing Performance Audit
Travel, Meal and Hospitality Expenses of the Premier, Ministers, and Their Staff
An Analysis of Annual Performance Reporting by School Authorities
Reporting Performance Results to Albertans Assessment of Implementation
Victims of Crime and Public Safety Fund—Systems to Manage Sustainability and Assess Results Assessment of Implementation

All reports and related news releases are available at oag.ab.ca.

Upcoming engagement opportunities on Alberta Health Agencies

Alberta’s government remains committed to maintaining open lines of communication with Albertans as it stands up the new provincial health agencies that will form the backbone of Alberta’s refocused health care system. The input, experiences and feedback Alberta’s government is gathering are helping to create a health care system that meets the needs of Albertans today and for generations to come. All Albertans are invited to participate in upcoming telephone town halls with Health Minister Adriana LaGrange to discuss the ongoing work to refocus the health system. Town halls will take place on:

Nov. 27, from 6:30 pm to 8 pm | Nov. 28, from 7:30 am to 9 am

Albertans can register to participate online. In addition to telephone town halls, Albertans can provide feedback on the refocused health care system online until Dec. 5. Read the news release online.

New and updated OHS Resources

Visit the OHS Resource Portal and the latest OHS eNews for updated information and resources including bulletins, infographics, eLearning resources and recorded webinars supporting workplace health and safety in Alberta. Some of the updated resources include:

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All-Season Resorts Act

If passed, the All-Season Resorts Act will support Alberta’s economy by incentivizing the responsible development of year-round destinations in our province, giving visitors and Albertans alike more opportunities to stay and play. The development of all-season resorts in Alberta will result in significant economic benefit for the province, with an additional $2 billion in annual visitor spending and an additional $4 billion in GDP expected within the first 10 years of the proposed legislation coming into force.

Advocacy in Action

Chamber Background and Recommendation Updates

The Chamber of Commerce will be updating our background and recommendations in our policy resolution focused on Creating a Business-Friendly Regulatory Environment - related to our recommendations around red tape reduction and we would like to hear from you. This policy was last updated in 2022 and is due for renewal in 2025. We'll review the recommendations to find out what issues still exist, what new issues have surfaced, and if our members would like to see updates to the policy and recommendations.

We are looking for businesses with expertise in planning and development, who have done business in the last two years with the municipality and also have experience doing business in other municipalities for comparison purposes. Please let us know if you are interested in joining this task force by Monday, December 2nd so we can establish our first meeting to review our next steps.

Your Chamber's Advocacy

With our annual general meeting coming up this week, we'll be focusing on summarzing our work over this past year and here's a sneak peak.

We’ve spent over 1200 dedicated hours in our advocacy and lobby efforts over the past year, including over 70 meetings with Government representatives and hosting 26 different advocacy events, along with meetings on issues specific to the business community. We were pleased to see this work pay off in the progress we are starting to see.

We also want to ensure we are laser focused on our core mandate and the things important to the members and industries in our region. Our provincial and federal priorities in 2023-2024 included:

Addressing the Truck Driver Shortage Through a Redesign of Class 1 Driver Training with new learning pathways introduced in March 2024 and accelerated training for Ukrainian evacuees in August 2024
Highlighting the benefits of Twinning Highway 3 with the construction commencing this spring, along with a plan for a phased approach to complete the twinning.
Commercial Border Crossing Access with the RFP recently announced for new construction of the border facility with a closing date of December 13, 2024 for proposals and ongoing conversations about improvements.
Improving Risk Management for Agriculture Producers with recent changes announced in October 2024 to address some of the burden related to paperwork and increasing compensation for margin declines.
Increasing Access to Mental Health Workplace Supports with conversations with the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions around supporting community led, collaborative and entrepreneurial approaches. We were pleased to support the Southern Alberta Regional Recovery Conference and to see additional training for recovery coaches in Southeast Alberta and we continue to seek out solutions for more workplace support.
Investment Attraction for Industrial Zones received greater information and clarity in May of this year around the criteria for establishing a Designated Industrial Zone with a Government resource provided to assist in the creation of designated industrial zones in Alberta.
Reclamation of Renewable Energy Projects saw a new path forward in February 2024 with new policy changes to ensure closure and reclamation costs can be met safely and responsibly.
Supporting Alberta's Craft Liquor Industry and ensuring that we support our liquor retailers by maintaining the current retail model in Alberta.
Improving the regulatory Environment for Natural Health Products with the current Bill 368 being debated through the federal Standing Committee on Health.

Our municipal priorities included:

Influencing the need for a municipal economic development strategy with a new regional economic development strategy anticipated in Q1 of 2025.
Development Benefit Considerations for the Offsite Levy bylaw with a task force announced as a result of our September 3, 2024, presentation to Council with work ongoing in 2025 to look at a model that works for the municipality and industry.
Creating a Business-Friendly Regulatory Environment with ongoing meetings with development and infrastructure on a range of topics including land use zoning, offsite levies, permitting and licensing, as well as overall work with the business community.
Creating a Strong and Diverse Local Economy with work and consultations ongoing as the City of Medicine Hat develops its 2025 incentive program. We are also pleased that other municipalities are now offering incentives to address the housing shortage, including both Redcliff and Brooks. Stay tuned in 2025 as we continue this work and address our key priority areas: https://www.southeastalbertachamber.ca/our-voice/ while evaluating new concerns that come to the table through our business advisory committee and business advocacy submissions.

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Next Level Events

EXTENDED REGISTRATION: 2024 Presidents' Reception, Membership Appreciation & AGM

See what we've been up to in the past year all while getting a chance to eat, drink and connect with others at this annual event! Join us for an opportunity to meet and network with the Chamber of Commerce members, current/ past Directors and Presidents of the Board, and the Chamber operations team.

DATE: Thursday, November 28th, 2024 | TIME: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Registration here

Redcliff Moonlight Madness - November 29th

Tree Lighting Ceremony in Redcliff Memorial Park@ 7:00pm
Holiday Hay Ride - Decorated 20ft flat deck, special "Christmas guest" to join the hayride around the perimeter of the park.
Santa & Mrs Claus under gazebo
Free hot dogs, hot chocolate & s'mores
Fire tables with Redcliff/Box Springs Fire Department (Trucks on site for viewing)
Music by Redcliff Margaret Wooding & I.F Cox School Choir
Potential speech by Redcliff Mayor, Dwight Kilpatrick

2024 Intercultural Christmas Gala

Celebrate the season with us at The Connection’s Christmas Gala, where culture, community, and holiday cheer come together in a night of joy, food, entertainment and dance! For 18 years, this event has brought together locals and newcomers in Medicine Hat for a magical evening that bridges cultures and traditions.

Whether reconnecting with friends, meeting new people, or simply soaking in the vibrant atmosphere, this is a night not to be missed! Dust off your semi-formal or formal attire and join us to make this holiday season unforgettable! Secure your tickets here!

CLICK TO VIEW ALL EVENTS!

Enriching Your Business

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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

Look at what else your Chambers Plan includes here!

Value Added Benefits

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Fueling the Business Community

• NEW MEMBERS •

We would like to welcome Shawarma County, PIQ Woodworking, and The Kinetic Centre 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!

Limited-Time Promotion: $150 Statement Credit Offer for New Chamber Members

Throughout the upcoming month of November, any new member who signs up through our Chamber Referral Program will receive a $150 statement credit! Promotion Period: November 1^st ~ November 30^th, 2024.

How You 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 November 30^th, 2024, and members will be qualified to receive $150 Statement credit

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Sun City Ford Medicine Hat - Dealer Excellence Award

Please join us in celebration of our President and General Manager, Pat Quinlan, as he receives the 2024 Alberta Dealer Excellence Award Non-Metro. Presented by the President of the Motor Dealer Association, Gerald Wood, alongside Chairman Greg Stahl.

December 12th happening 2:00 pm at 1788 Saamis Drive NW. Light refreshments to be served.

Fill Up On Funding

Alberta’s Affordable Housing Partnership Program (AHPP)

Alberta’s Affordable Housing Partnership Program (AHPP) is opening the next round of applications and up to $150 million is available to support innovative housing solutions. The funding available for this round of AHPP is the largest to date and will significantly increase affordable housing in Alberta. Applicants can submit their affordable housing project applications from Nov. 22 to Jan. 31, 2025. All proposals will be assessed based on the local community needs, ability to achieve outcomes for Albertans with low income and value for taxpayer money. Details on eligibility and the application process can be found online. Find out more and apply online

Canada proposes two-month GST relief on groceries and holiday essentials

The federal government has announced it will be introducing legislation in Parliament that would provide a two-month sales tax break for groceries and holiday essentials. Businesses would be expected to remove the GST/HST on qualifying goods, including groceries, restaurant meals, drinks, snacks, children’s clothing, and gifts, from December 14, 2024 to February 15, 2025. This will provide an estimated $1.6 billion in federal tax relief. Learn more

Applications open for Canada Summer Jobs 2025

Employers from non-for-profit organizations and the public sector, as well as private sector organizations with 50 or fewer full-time employees, can apply for funding until December 19, 2024 to hire youth next summer. The 2025 program will prioritize employers who offer opportunities in the housing construction sector or that are related to sustainable jobs and support climate change mitigation/adaptation or protect the natural environment. In total, this funding will aim to support 70,000 summer jobs for youth across Canada. Learn more

Brooks-Newell Region News

City of Brooks - Living Wage Report

The Alberta Living Wage Network, in collaboration with 20 municipalities and community organizations, has released new living wages across the province. The wage for Brooks is $18.50 per hour.

This living wage represents the hourly amount required for workers to cover basic living expenses while maintaining a modest standard of living. With living costs decreasing, Brooks is better positioned to attract and retain talent, fostering a stronger local economy and improving quality of life for our residents. Continuing to support affordability measures will ensure that our community remains a great place to live and work. Since becoming a member of the Alberta Living Wage Network in April 2023, this is only the second time a living wage has been calculated for the City of Brooks. The data in the report is important to Brooks so it sets a benchmark for affordability and livability. Find out more

Crossword Puzzle

Crossword Puzzle Answers

Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the November 18th 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.