The Voice: December 16th, 2024
Next steps for energy business strategic review, Regional collaboration aims to invigorate industry, Medicine Hat southwest substation - project update, Canada introduces a number of mortgage reforms to make housing more affordable, and 25% tariff threat: New analysis reveals severe economic fallout for both Canada and US all in this week's edition of The Voice.
Your Weekly Tune Up
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from your Chamber of Commerce!
As we approach the end of another remarkable year, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our members, partners, and the entire community for your unwavering support and dedication. Your commitment and collaboration have been the cornerstone of our achievements, and we look forward to continuing this journey in 2025.
The Chamber office will be closed for the holidays from December 23rd - January 3rd, reopening again on January 6th with regular office hours.
We wish you and your loved ones joy and peace (and warmth!) this festive season, and we can't wait to see you in 2025. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Warm regards,
Lisa, Tara, Becky, Brad, Naomi, Kerry, and Morgan
Your Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce
Next Steps for Energy Business Strategic Review
On December 5, City Council received staff’s recommendation from Rochelle Pancoast, Managing Director of Energy, Land and Environment, on how to proceed with the KPMG advice from the Energy Business Strategic Review. Following discussion, Council approved a motion to:
- Direct Administration to develop a Rate Review Committee (‘RRC’) Implementation Plan, such that the resulting RRC Implementation Plan can later be used to inform Council decision(s) of whether to trigger establishing the RRC. The RRC Implementation plan will, at a minimum, include articulation of a mandate, a detailed implementation plan, and identification of a related budget estimate;
- Direct Administration to develop a Municipally Controlled Corporation (‘MCC’) Implementation Plan, such that the resulting MCC Implementation Plan can later be used to inform current or future Council decision(s) of whether to trigger establishing the MCC. The MCC Implementation Plan will, at a minimum, include the articulation of a future state governance and operating model, a detailed implementation plan, and identification of a related budget estimate; and
- Receive for information Administration’s intent to revisit its current state natural gas production business plan with an aim to further minimize losses and optimize value, and if appropriate, to accelerate retirement or sale of its natural gas assets.
The next City Council meeting is Monday, December 16 in Council Chambers. For full details, download the agenda package or watch the full meeting on the City of Medicine Hat’s YouTube channel
Regional collaboration aims to invigorate industry
In 2024, Medicine Hat Economic Development, along with various community partners, connected with 41% of manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution businesses and 88% of aerospace, aviation, and defense companies in Southeast Alberta. Most of those interviews were done at their business location so we got a firsthand look at how businesses were operating in the region. Through these interviews, we found that 70% of businesses surveyed are likely or definitely going to expand in the next three years. This is a wonderful indication of the future of our business community. Continue reading.
Medicine Hat Southwest Substation - Project Update
The City of Medicine Hat continues towards filing a Facility Application with the Alberta Utilities Commission for the Medicine Hat Southwest Substation Project. Filing with the Commission is anticipated to be mid-December. Due to the Canada Post strike, the City will be unable to notify individuals by letter about the filing. The City is committed to notifying those who have shown interest in the project through signing up for email notices. You can sign up on the project website to stay informed on the progress. This will be the most efficient manner to get information from the Project team, as the project website continues to provide up-to-date information and allows any individual to sign up for ongoing updates.
Canada introduces a number of mortgage reforms to make housing more affordable
The federal government has announced a number of reforms to address the housing crisis and support homeowners, including doubling the loan limit for the Canada Secondary Suite Loan program from $40,000 to $80,000, allowing mortgage refinancing to help cover the cost of adding a secondary suite, and expanding the availability of 30-year amortizations. These changes were announced as part of the 2024 Fall Economic Statement. Learn more
25% Tariff Threat: New Analysis Reveals Severe Economic Fallout for Both Canada and US
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Business Data Lab (BDL) has released alarming new figures on the economic fallout of the 25% tariff on U.S. imports proposed by President-elect Donald Trump. Building on its recent Partners in Prosperity report, these new findings highlight the far-reaching consequences for both economies. In the scenario where other countries impose retaliatory tariffs on their imports from the United States:
- Canada’s GDP would shrink by 2.6% (or roughly CAD $78 billion), costing Canadians approximately $1,900 per person annually.
- S. GDP would shrinkby 1.6% (or roughly USD $467 billion), costing Americans approximately $1,300 per person annually.
Canada and the U.S. share one of the world’s most integrated trading relationships, with three-quarters of trade involving business inputs, rather than finished goods. The updated model results find that American tariffs would hit key industries like energy, autos, mining, and pharmaceuticals the hardest. Find out more.
Advocacy in Action
Alberta Budget 2025
The Alberta government is inviting input from Albertans to help shape Budget 2025, which will focus on supporting the province's growing population, maintaining economic stability, and ensuring access to quality public services. Albertans can provide feedback to help set the direction of the provincial budget. Complete the survey by Jan. 12, 2025. Learn more
Statement on the Canada Post Strike
Minister MacKinnon has invoked his authorities under the Canada Labour Code to “promote conditions favourable to the settlement of this labour dispute and protect the interests of all Canadians.”
In his statement he has asked the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to assess the likelihood of the parties reaching negotiated agreements by the end of 2024 under the current circumstances, and if the CIRB considers this unlikely, to order the Canada Post Corporation and all employees represented by CUPW to resume and continue their operations and duties, and to extend the terms of the existing collective agreements until May 22, 2025.
He will also appoint an Industrial Inquiry Commission to examine the issues preventing the resolution of the current labour dispute, and direct the Commissioner to provide recommendations by May 15, 2025, on how new collective bargaining agreements can be reached.
Read the Canadian Chamber letter to ministers MacKinnon and Duclos regarding the strike by Canadian Union of Postal Workers. Read our Local Chamber’s letter
Key Insights from Alberta Businesses: Crime, Costs and Municipal Engagement
ACC's Alberta Perspectives research on Municipal Red Tape & Business Supports reveals challenges facing Alberta Business. Crime impacts 70% of Alberta businesses, with theft, vandalism, and cybercrime topping the list, while rising taxes and fees continue to hinder growth. Discover how these issues are shaping Alberta’s business landscape. Learn more
New Regulations for Renewable Energy
Through recent amendments through the Government of Alberta Orders in Council on December 6, amendments to the Activities Designation Regulation and Conservation and Reclamation Regulation provide clarity for renewable energy developers on new and existing environmental protections.
These changes will create consistent reclamation requirements across all forms of renewable energy operations, including a mandatory reclamation security requirement. Albertans expect renewable power generation projects to be responsibly decommissioned and reclaimed for future generations. Alberta’s government stands firm in its commitment to protect landowners and taxpayers from being burdened with reclamation costs. Find out more.
This aligns with our Chamber's policy recommendations on Ensuring the Reclamation of Renewable Energy Projects that was first passed in March 2023 and completed in February 2024, asking for the establishment of securities to pay for project closure costs, including suspension, abandonment, decommissioning, remediation, and reclamation, if a company cannot meet its obligations to close a renewable energy project safely and responsibly.
Why this matters: Without having long term plans and securities, there is uncertainty of what happens if a company cannot meet its obligations creating additional costs for land and property owners and Government, and ultimately taxpayers for reclamation. We are pleased to see that there has been consideration for long term abadonment, decomissioning, remediation and reclamation to protect land owners and future taxpayers from bearing the burden.
Water Storage Review Underway
Alberta’s government has begun a provincewide study looking at more than 100 locations across the province for water storage. This study will be used to help the government plan long-term ways to maximize Alberta’s water supply, reduce the risk of future droughts and floods, and support thriving communities. Dams, reservoirs and other water storage infrastructure play a vital role in irrigation, drought management, water security, flood protection, and supporting a healthy environment. At the same time, they can be costly to build and affect local ecosystems and environments.
The provincial study will identify, review and assess potential locations where water storage infrastructure could be most effectively developed to help meet the province's long-term water needs. Various sites will be assessed based on new and existing information regarding hydrology, dam design, environmental, social and cultural impacts, and the potential costs, benefits and risks or uncertainties for each site.
The Water Storage Opportunities Study is expected to be completed in 2025. Two feasibility studies are currently underway for potential reservoir projects, including and the Eyremore Dam west of Brooks (directed by Agriculture and Irrigation).
You can get involved by completing an online survey by January 10, 2025 to share your thoughts on increasing water availability: https://www.alberta.ca/water-availability-engagement. Find out more at https://www.alberta.ca/drought
Why this matters: As Alberta’s population and economy grow, demand for water from communities and industry increases at the same time. Due to the province’s prairie geography and climate, the amount of precipitation received varies a lot from season-to-season and year-to-year. Creating more dams, reservoirs and other infrastructure is one way to potentially help capture and store more water and finding pathways similar to our concerns and recommendations in the Water for Sustainability policy. We are pleased to see the province looking at the development of a strategy and also hope that the federal government would follow suite with a national water strategy.
Next Level Events
LAST Event of the Year! Business, Brainstorming & Beers
Join us for our final event of the year, and spread some holiday cheer with your fellow members and Chamber Team! 
We look forward to celebrating with you and closing out the year on a high note!
Date: Thursday, December 19th
Time: 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location: The Cypress Club of Medicine Hat
Let us know your coming by registering here!
-Dinner Service will be available for anyone wishing to stay and extend the evening-
Living Wage: Evidence (for & against), Impact, and Why It Matters
In November 2024, the Alberta Living Wage Network (ALWN) released a report with updated living wage rates. In this webinar, ALWN’s Coordinator & Economist, Ryan Lacanilao, will delve into the key findings of the report and explore the evidence supporting and opposing a living wage. He’ll discuss how a living wage affects not only workers but also broader social systems and what this means for FCSS programs. Attendees will gain insight into the direct and indirect effects of living wages on local communities, the workforce, and public service programs.
January 16, 2025 09:30 AM. Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZElcuGgrD0iGt3RaCeN7JjVwVPUfYAKGF-j
Resilience Scale Masterclass
Resilience can be defined as the ability to respond positively in the face of adversity. The 3-hour Resilience Scale Masterclass explores how adversities, positive supports, and acquired skills and abilities interact to influence resilience and impact lifelong health and mental health outcomes. It provides foundational knowledge and a common language that are accessible across populations and disciplines, including policy makers, educators, practitioners, and the public. The Resilience Scale itself acts as a metaphor to communicate key concepts around resilience, and an effective visual tool to facilitate communication about life experiences, identify areas of support for children and families, and build connections to promote capacity for resilience.
February 4th from 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Register: https://www.albertafamilywellness.org/medicine-hat-resilience-scale-masterclass-feb-2025
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
Fuelling the Business Community
New Chamber Members
We would like to welcome VENDO Media, RenuWell Energy Solutions Inc., and ATB Wealth 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!
YMCA of Southeastern Alberta
The YMCA of Medicine Hat took a very important step to ensure its longstanding dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion is reflected in all aspects of the organization. Effective immediately, the organization will operate as YMCA of Southeastern Alberta. This change eliminates any acronyms from the name along with any reference to gender, age, or religion. It also accurately reflects that the organization provides programs beyond the geographical boundaries of Medicine Hat. We will continue to be headquartered in Medicine Hat and the name change does not impact or change any programs or services. Over the next several months, the community can expect to see facility signage and promotional materials updated with our new name.
City of Medicine Hat seeking Request for Proposals: Business Impact Analysis
The City has identified a need to develop a formal business continuity plan to support all departments in managing business continuity related risk. The initial step in this project is to generate a detailed and relevant business impact analysis (BIA) to support the development of a documented business continuity plan. An external consultant will be utilized to develop the BIA. The bid closing date is December 19, 2024
Cypress County: New Chief Administrator Officer
Cypress County Council has announced that Al Hoggan has been selected as the new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for Cypress County, assuming his new role and responsibilities on January 6, 2025. Beginning his career in the private sector, Al spent much of his earlier professional life leading operations in the aviation industry within Canada, as well as overseas. Pursuing his passion for public service, he transitioned into various senior leadership roles in local government, including with MacKenzie County, and Lac La Biche County. In 2013, Al moved into the CAO role with Kneehill County, Rocky View County, and most recently with the MD of Bonnyville.
Al stays current on the latest leadership and municipal government trends and changes. He possesses his National Advanced Certificate in Local Authority Administration (NACLAA, Level 1 and Level 2), Certified Local Government Manager (CLGM) designation, Executive Certificate in Local Government, various and ongoing Emergency Management training with Alberta Emergency Management Agency, as well as other industry specific training and courses.
With the right blend of both private and public sector experience, including nearly 15 years of local government experience at the senior level (and almost 12 of those years holding similar CAO roles in sizable and dynamic rural municipalities across Alberta), Al will be a great fit and asset to the already solid team.
Al says, “I am very excited to become part of the team at Cypress County,” says Hoggan, who has a wealth of experience as a CAO. “Cypress County is well known as a leader in the rural municipal world in Alberta and is a significant member in the region. I am pleased and humbled to have been selected as Cypress County’s new Chief Administrative Officer. I am looking forward to meeting the many residents who call the county home.
Please welcome Al and his wife Lonna, to the County.
Fill Up On Funding
Intake 2 now open - Energy Innovation Challenge
Decentralised Energy Canada (DEC) and the City of Medicine Hat have partnered to launch the Energy Innovation Challenge, a three-year program to empower small and medium Canadian enterprises to bring their decentralised energy solutions to the market. They want to hear from you if you have an innovative technology that can improve distribution network reliability, resiliency, energy affordability, and sustainability. Apply now, and you will be eligible for funding up to $500,000. Applications are due January 9, 2025.
Program Guide | Frequently Asked Questions
Inclusive Spaces Program Grant
To ensure children of all abilities in all communities can access the services they need, the province is announcing the Inclusive Spaces Program Grant for licensed private and non-profit providers interested in enhancing their existing spaces. The Inclusive Spaces Program Grant is a $15-million investment over two years, with $5 million available in 2024-25 and $10 million in 2025-26. This investment is made possible through the Canada-Alberta Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement. View the announcement and check out the grant.
Changes to the Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit program
As of December 10, a registered partnership can apply using a single application when investing at least $10 million to build or expand a value-added agricultural manufacturing facility in Alberta. Before this change, corporations within partnerships could apply individually to the program and each needed to meet the minimum investment amount. There is no application cap on the program, which means there is no limit to the number of registered partnerships or individual corporations that can apply. The program is open to any food manufacturers and bioprocessors that add value to commodities like grains and meat, or turn agricultural by-products into new consumer or industrial goods. Applicants may receive a 12 per cent non-refundable tax credit for investing in a new or existing facility that transforms ag products like pork into breakfast sausage or canola seed into renewable diesel, and more. View this announcement online and find out more.
Empowering survivors of human trafficking
Up to $5.5 million in funding is now available to support initiatives focused on preventing human trafficking, safeguarding vulnerable groups and empowering survivors to rebuild their lives. Community organizations and eligible groups working to combat human trafficking in Alberta can now apply for the new Combatting Trafficking in Persons Grant. View the announcement and check out the grant.
Brooks-Newell Region News
John Ware Youth Empowerment Program to receive $150,000
Alberta’s government, through the Community Grants Program, is providing $150,000 to the Global Village Centre’s John Ware Youth Empowerment Program. This grant funding will increase the capacity of the John Ware Youth Empowerment Program to provide more newcomer youth in rural communities with social supports and opportunities for career planning. Headquartered in Brooks, the Global Village Centre aims to integrate new Canadians and leverage Alberta’s diverse community to model a culture of inclusion. View this announcement online
RDN is looking for Rural Gems
Do you have a community profile or success story that highlights how individuals, groups, or organizations in your community are making a difference? Whether it’s an inspiring initiative, a grassroots project, or a significant community achievement? Your story can inspire others, spark new ideas, and help build connections across different communities. Share how your community has come together, the challenges you've overcome, and the impact you've made. To make a submission, log into Google Docs here.
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the December 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 Events
Interested in sponsoring a Chamber event?
Jan 23 | Enhance Your Ability to Recruit and Retain Persons with Disabilities | Register
Jan 28 | Occupational health and safety and disability management | Register
Useful Links
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