The Voice: January 13th, 2025
Changes to City of Medicine Hat Safety Codes Services,8 Predications for Canada's Economy in 2025, and 2025 Automobile Deduction Limits and Expense Benefits Announced all in this week's edition of The Voice.
Your Weekly Tune Up
Changes to City of Medicine Hat Safety Codes Services
Important Update: Please be advised that effective January 1, 2025, City of Medicine Hat Safety Codes Services will only be posting bulletins and other information on the City website. You can receive these notifications by subscribing here https://subscribe.medicinehat.ca/Subscribe.
In addition, Planning and Development Services announced the trial Fast Track Permit program concluded successfully with industry feedback highlighting a demand for more permit types to be included in the program. In response, the City of Medicine Hat redesigned the program to allow Foundation Permits to be requested for any permit type with foundation construction, subject to the requirements outlined in this bulletin. This new application process allows for foundation construction to commence while a comprehensive review of the building permit application is conducted to ensure compliance with all provincial regulations. Projects that qualify for a Foundation Permit to be requested must:
- Have the associated Development Permit fully approved and issued.
- Not include variances or alternate solutions from the 2023-NBC-AE
- Include a complete application per requirements to be noted below, and include all applicable fees as noted in the Planning and Development Fee Schedule.
You can apply for your permits through the City's ePermit Portal: Visit ePermit Portal
Download full bulletin or Read the article online.
8 Predictions for Canada’s Economy in 2025
Chief Economist, Stephen Tapp, shares eight key predictions for Canada’s economy in 2025 from falling interest rates and rising housing prices to the potential impact of U.S. tariffs. The year ahead promises both challenges and opportunities as we look at affordability, workforce, tariffs, interest rates and housing. Read the predictions and then find out where there is tempered optimism from Q4 2024 data here.
2025 automobile deduction limits and expense benefits announced
The federal government has announced a number of changes taking place as of January 1, 2025, including changes to the ceiling for capital cost allowances and deductible leasing costs, increases to the tax-exempt allowances for employees who use their personal vehicles for business purposes, and more. Learn more
Advocacy in Action
A Better Path to Housing Affordability
Did you know that taxes and fees already account for up to 36% of a home's purchase price. Instead of raising taxes and fees and imposing more regulatory burdens, we need bold action to increase housing supply and remove barriers to private sector investment. We call on the government to prioritize solutions that unlock housing development rather than hinder it with additional costs. We need all levels of government working together toward removing restrictions and creating incentives to unlock private sector investment rather than chase it away with yet another tax. Read the Canadian Chamber’s recent submission to the Department of Finance’s consultation on the Taxation of Vacant Lands.
Why this matters: According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, “Canada has built a structural deficit in housing supply that can only be remedied through extensive investment by the private sector. With the private sector providing roughly 95 per cent of housing in Canada, this is especially true to address the affordability challenges of the middle-class, whether for rental or for ownership."
Refocused health care: Continuing the conversation
Alberta’s government will be holding a second round of engagements, including in-person public sessions, beginning Jan. 21. In addition to updating Albertans on the latest refocusing work and what it means for them, these sessions will gather perspectives on access to health care and the current experiences of the health care workforce, and identify opportunities to improve local decision-making. Locally, there is a session scheduled in Medicine Hat on Thursday, January 23 and in Brooks on Friday, January 24. Find out more here and register for an upcoming session.
Related information
Next Level Events
2025 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 2025. Join us as we reflect on the accomplishments of our community during 2024, 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.
WHEN: January 28th, 2025 @ 10:45 AM - 1:30 PM
WHERE: Medicine Hat Lodge, Trademark Collection by Wyndham | 1051 Ross Glen Drive Southeast, Medicine Hat
Tickets for this event are available now and include your meal and registration. If you are a Chamber Member please remember to log in during registration to take advantage of your discount!
Coffee & Conversations
Join the Chamber Thursday morning 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!
Where: Station Coffee Co. | 644 2 St SE, Medicine Hat
When: 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Let us know you're coming: https://chamber.southeastalbertachamber.ca/chamber-calendar/Details/coffee-conversations-1085682?sourceTypeId=Website
Small Business Supports Team: Resources and Services for Success
The Workforce Consultant team is hosting a free webinar with the Small Business Supports team from Jobs, Economy and Trade. The Small Business Supports Team is available to connect Alberta’s entrepreneurs with essential resources and services for success. Key focus areas will be Biz Connect, Outreach and Partner Support.
- Thursday, January 30, 2025, 10:00 - 11:30am
- To register, click here.
Air Source Heat Pump Training
Training across Alberta through NRCan's LEEP program. This half day training will dive into the details of Air-Source Heat Pumps, including sizing, loads, and control strategies.
January 29th, 2025 | 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Click link to register and see agenda https://ashp-leep-medicine_hat.eventbrite.ca/
2025 Home & Leisure Tradeshow: Exhibitors Registration
Each year, the Chamber invests time and resources into creating a quality trade show for our community, and we are proud to host not only the longest-running but also the largest trade show in Medicine Hat. 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.
As an added bonus, Chamber members receive 10% off the price of trade show booths! Bringing businesses together under one roof provides a fantastic experience for everyone.
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 Writer4Elements, Sandstorm Coating Industries Inc, and Aura Wellness 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!
Congratulations to Craig Lehr, Short Grass Ranches, Chair for 2024-2025 BCRC
The Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) is directed by a committee of beef producers from across the country, representing each of the provincial producer organizations that allocate part of the Canadian Beef Cattle Check-Off to research, plus one ex-officio member.
Fill Up On Funding
Bids & Tenders – Group Purchasing Opportunity with Kinetic GPO
Kinetic GPO is a cooperative purchasing organization established for Broader Public Sector and MASH entities across Canada, with the specific purpose of reducing procurement cost by leveraging the purchasing power of group buying and saving our members time by simplifying steps to procure. Many municipalities use group purchasing organizations like Kinetic GPO for purchasing. Kinetic GPO is adding to their “potential competition” list of non-binding RFSOs for 2025. This is a Notice of Intent, not a Request for Standing Offer (RFSO) and you can find out more online through Bids and Tenders and increase the potential for your business to supply goods and services to municipalities.
Grant funding opportunities
Discover a range of funding opportunities and resources available this January to support businesses, non-profits, and communities. These include grants for workforce development, innovation, sustainability, infrastructure projects, and more, designed to help you achieve your goals and drive growth. Learn more
Intake for the Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP)
YESP is an initiative aimed at helping young Canadians access employment opportunities and gain valuable work experience in the agricultural sector, while contributing to the growth of the agricultural community here in Canada. Applications will open for the Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP) on January 27, 2025. Learn more
Japan’s Global Healthcare Challenge
The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) will host GHeC in Osaka on June 25-26 2025, taking advantage of the “Health and Well-being” theme week at the Osaka Kansai Expo 2025. This opportunity is focused on Accelerating Healthcare Innovation beyond Borders. Submit your company profile, pitch deck and three minute pitch deck by 1am MST on February 14, 2025, via this application form. Finalists will have:
- The opportunity to pitch to global thought leaders, big corporates and investors and potentially receive awards;
- Expenses covered by JETRO including roundtrip airfare and accommodations;
- Access to Japan Health as an exhibitor to promote your products and services; and
- Tailored business match making services and invitations to networking events to find new business opportunities.
Pitch Competition Details
- How many companies will be selected?
- Approximately 20 selected international and Japanese healthcare startups.
- What types of life sciences companies can apply?
- Healthtech fields such as prevention and wellness, treatment interventions using digital services, and medical support services; Medtech fields such as treatment and diagnostic devices; AgeTech and care tech fields providing solutions for an aging society, such as elderly care. Other fields (e.g., Biotech, Sportstech) may also be considered depending on the products, services and technologies.
- When is the deadline?
- Companies should submit their application by January 31, 2025 via this application form.
- What is required in the application?
- Applications should include a company profile, pitch deck and three minute pitch deck.
- Who can I contact for further information?
- Please email healthcare@jetro.go.jp and include Kaori Suzuki whom is the Senior Business Development Officer for the Alberta International Office in Tokyo: kaori.suzuki@international.gc.ca
Brooks-Newell Region News
Brooks Business Spotlights
The Brooks Newell Region is passionate about the success of local businesses! By telling Brooks-Newell Economic Development about your business they will do a business spotlight for you. Click the link below to submit your form! https://www.brooksregion.ca/get-to-know-us/submit-your-own-story.
And why not share it with us too, we would love to connect with you and profile your business at the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce.
2025 Election
The next Municipal General Election will be held on October 20, 2025.
The nomination period for the 2025 General Election begins on January 2, 2025 and runs until 12:00 p.m. on nomination day, September 22, 2025.
To learn more for candidates, voters, and election workers click here: https://www.brooks.ca/788/2025-Election
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the January 6th 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
BusinessLink Digital Marketing Program – booking into March | Find out more
Business Link Peerpreneur Sessions | Apply by January 23, 2025
Jan 21 | Financial Survival for Entrepreneurs | Register
Jan 22 | Unveiling Targeted Workforce Insights – EDA Wednesday Webinar
Jan 23 | Enhance Your Ability to Recruit and Retain Persons with Disabilities | Register
January 23 | Global Economic Outlook: Plan for Success in 2025 | Register
January 23 | Launch a Successful Social Media Campaign for Your Small Business | Register
Useful Links
Follow us on social media for up-to-the-minute updates
The Voice: January 13th, 2025
Changes to City of Medicine Hat Safety Codes Services,8 Predications for Canada’s Economy in 2025, and 2025 Automobile Deduction Limits and Expense Benefits Announced all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Your Weekly Tune Up Changes to City of Medicine Hat Safety Codes Services Important Update: Please be advised that effective January 1, 2025,…
Read More The Voice: January 6th, 2025
Happy new year, Medicine Hat Council Approves 2025-2026 Budget, City of Brooks Approves 2025 Budget, and OHS Code Changes all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Your Weekly Tune Up Happy New Year!! As we step into 2025, we want to thank our members, partners, board of directors, Chamber team and community for an…
Read More 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.…
Read More