The Voice: February 3rd, 2025
Responses to Tariff on Canadian Goods, Alberta's New Heritage Fund, and Fast Tracking Permit Approvals all in this week's edition of The Voice.
Business News
Responses to tariffs on Canadian goods
Premier Danielle Smith issue a statement following the announcement of tariffs on Canadian good stating that Alberta will work collaboratively with the federal government and other provinces on a proportionate response to the imposed U.S. tariffs through the strategic use of Canadian import tariffs on U.S. goods that are more easily purchased from Canada and non-U.S. suppliers. This will minimize costs to Canadian consumers while creating maximum impact south of the border. All funds raised from such import tariffs should go directly to benefit the Canadians most harmed by the imposed U.S. tariffs. Read the full statement.
Canadian Chamber President and CEO, Candace Laing, is strong opposition of the tariff stating that Canada has been a safe, secure and reliable trading partner to the U.S. for decades.
Whether it’s our crude oil that is practically perfect for the North American autos we build together, the potash that supports the agriculture that feeds America, or the critical minerals and other inputs that go into everyday essentials like washing machines and refrigerators, America needs Canada. Our supply chains are so deeply integrated that you can’t unwind them overnight. They are integrated not simply because we get along as neighbours, but because it makes sense financially for businesses and consumers on both sides of the border. Which is why if President Trump truly wanted to bring down costs for Americans, he would be looking at strengthening our trade ties, not tearing them apart. This decision makes no sense when the majority of Americans oppose tariffs, when it harms businesses and workers on both sides of the border, and when the U.S. stock market is signaling that there’s no appetite for disruption. Read the full statement
Alberta’s new Heritage Fund
For decades, contributions to the Heritage Fund were limited and investment earnings were spent instead of being reinvested. Now, Alberta is adopting a new plan to grow the Heritage Fund and achieve long-term growth and financial stability for the province. When the fund reaches its goal of $250 billion, the province can use a portion of the annual interest accrued to offset any decreases in resource royalties, invest in key provincial infrastructure and grow and protect the Alberta tax advantage.
The roadmap details how the “Alberta Model” will use three components to grow the fund to $250 billion and eventually fund public services and vital infrastructure. Find out more.
Fast-Tracking Permit Approvals
Slow permit approvals and regulatory hurdles have long held back businesses, job creators and economic growth. As a result, Alberta’s government is unveiling a new policy toolkit to accelerate simple permit approvals. Alberta’s new “Automatic Yes Toolkit” for permits makes life better for Albertans by reducing red tape, speeding up project timelines and creating more opportunities for businesses and individuals to thrive – all while ensuring health, safety and environmental protections remain in place. By addressing long wait times and improving efficiency, this initiative aims to prevent project delays, create jobs and drive economic growth across the province. The Automatic Yes Toolkit enables government to identify permits that can benefit from faster decision-making processes. For lower-risk and routine activities such as Water Act applications, permit approvals will be replaced with clear operating requirements, freeing up resources to focus on more complex applications. For permits requiring detailed reviews, the toolkit introduces mandatory time limits for government decisions, providing greater certainty for applicants. Find out more.
Medicine Hat-Cypress News
Big Marble Go Centre Survey 2025
Help shape the future of Big Marble Go Centre! The City of Medicine Hat is conducting a survey to hear from both current users and residents about your experiences with the facility. Your feedback is essential in helping evaluate service quality, importance, and satisfaction with the amenities provided. This survey builds on the results from past surveys and will directly inform the City's short-term and long-term planning.
Take the survey before Monday, February 10th.
Saamis Solar Project Information
The proposed Saamis Solar Park lies on 1,600 acres in the City's north. The City of Medicine Hat is awaiting a decision from the Alberta Utilities Commission on an application to obtain ownership of the project. If approved, the City would obtain an opportunity for utility-scale renewable electric generation within the municipal border. Owning the project is separate from building the project, with many considerations in between, including revisiting and confirming a favourable financial outlook for the project before any build recommendation comes forward for Council's consideration. Click here to learn more.
2025 HAT Smart residential incentive programs now open
The HAT Smart program is funded through collection of an Environmental Conservation Charge (ECC) levied to residential water, natural gas and electric customers. The program raises awareness and provides education about the importance of reducing our environmental impact and supports residential renewable energy projects throughout the city. The incentive budget for the 2025 HAT Smart program is $375,000. HAT Smart's 2025 program offers five incentive programs including Existing Homes, New Homes, EnerGuide Evaluations, Scratch and Win, and continuing the Water Conservation incentive initiated in 2024. The 2025 program has shorter timelines to submit project paperwork, which allows funds to be reassigned to applicants on the wait list. Visit hatsmart.ca or call 403-529-8244 for full program details, including information on how to apply for rebates, and to stay up to date on the current status of individual incentive programs under the HAT Smart Initiative.
Brooks-Newell News
Business Connections in Duchess
Our Executive Director, Lisa Dressler and Business Development Coordinator Naomi Zacharias, met with businesses in Duchess on January 22 to explore the challenges and opportunities. There are approximately 40-60 businesses in Duchess with the driving industries being agriculture, oil & gas and other services. Key highlights for the community include the monthly Farmer’s Market, the Duchess Station and the local Duchess Golf Club. Some opportunities discussed were building out local day trip itineraries, involvement in open farm days and looking at workshops for business in digital and social media. We were able to share resources on online training available for business, particularly for people living in more rural and remote areas.
A large part of the conversations was around the challenges within social media and the digital landscape and so provides some tools, including how to claim your google listing. We shared various resources, services and benefits and encouraged attendees to join the next roundtable in Bassano happening on February 7th – this Friday! Check out the Brooks-Newell member businesses here.
Advocacy in Action
Urgent Need to Prioritize Internal Trade
With upcoming tariffs now confirmed, the discussions during the First Ministers Meeting on rapidly advancing internal trade are move in the right direction. This is an issue the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber Network across Canada has long championed and is a serious win for every province and territory. But talk needs to turn into action. Breaking down outdated, self-imposed barriers is one of the biggest economic opportunities we have — and it’s one we can’t afford to waste. Interprovincial trade drives one-fifth of Canada’s GDP, yet internal trade barriers still act like a 21% tariff. Removing them could boost GDP per capita by 4%. That’s real growth—right here at home—at a time when businesses and workers need it most. Internal trade must be a key aspect of our Canada-U.S. trade strategy—let’s control what we can control. Read the Statement from the Canadian Chamber. Read our policy recommendations on the need for interprovincial trade.
What solutions will help you compete with new trade challenges?
With the United States set to impose tariffs on Canadian imports starting February 4, 2025, it will create new challenges for Alberta businesses. Your local Chamber of Commerce, alongside the Alberta Chambers of Commerce (ACC) and Canadian Chamber network is gathering insights from businesses like yours to understand:
- Barriers limiting your ability to respond
- Government actions that would help you stay competitive
- Priorities to strengthen Canada’s economic resilience
Contributing your insights will take just 1–2 minutes. Your input will directly shape ACC’s advocacy efforts and amplify the voice of Alberta’s business as our province and nation navigate forward. The link will remain open until February 7th at 4:00 p.m.
MT Share your insights: https://research.albertaperspectives.ca/jfe/form/SV_eCzGlBcy73sVEeq
We want to hear from you to help amplify the message around impacts to business. Some questions we are hoping to be able to answer: How much could tariffs on aluminum cost Americans more for beer? How much could medical equipment costs go up in a way that makes their healthcare even less affordable? How could customers at major U.S. restaurants expect to see the menu prices jacked up as a result of increased meat costs? Please let us know how you may be impacted by the tariffs on your sector, business or supply chain partners. As the Chamber network, we want to be able to express a broad cross-section of impacts across the board, localizing and laying out Canada’s value-add for Americans. We’ll take any and all examples—big and small alike. Help us tell your story today!
Next Level Events
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.
Grand Openings
Join in on the fun and celebrate the grand opening of Urban Aesthetics! Refreshments, charcuterie, ribbon cutting at 1:30 PM, and any services booked during the event will be 20% off!
Urban Aesthetics | February 8th @ 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM | 101 1201 Kingsway Avenue SE
Let us know you're coming: https://chamber.southeastalbertachamber.ca/ap/Events/Register/G9Fj2QgSNCxCK
Hometown Culinary | February 6th @ 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM | 435 North Railway St. SE
Let us know you're coming: https://chamber.southeastalbertachamber.ca/ap/Events/Register/OOFkd0DFaCqCD
Business Roundtable - Bassano
Join us for an engaging Business Roundtable in Bassano. Local business owners come together to discuss the challenges and concerns they face in today's dynamic market. This event provides a unique platform for open dialogue, allowing participants to share their experiences, seek advice, and explore solutions collaboratively.
Don't miss this opportunity to connect, share, and grow with your local business community. We look forward to seeing you there!
WHERE: Council Chambers, Town of Bassano | 502 2 Ave, Bassano AB
WHEN: February 7th @ 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Register: https://chamber.southeastalbertachamber.ca/ap/Events/Register/8EFVz4YFOCRC7
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 Urban Aesthetics, Serenia Life Financial, and Landing Zones Canada Inc. 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!
ATB Wealth - Jessica Bohn
Jessica Bohn is a Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner CFP® with ATB Wealth. From the moment I began my wealth management career as an associate several years ago, I was driven by a passion for helping individuals achieve their financial goals.
As a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) I strive to help individuals, business owners, and rural communities. I bring a unique perspective to financial planning, growing up in a small town where relationships are built on trust and hard work. I’ve carried these values into my career, focusing on helping individuals, families, and business owners achieve their financial goals.
I understand the financial challenges that come with running a farm, managing a small business, or simply planning for the future. My background gives me a deep appreciation for the dedication and perseverance it takes to succeed in these endeavors. Whether it’s crafting a retirement plan, optimizing investments, or ensuring the financial health of a business, my approach is always client-centered and personalized.
My goal is to provide financial guidance that is genuine and straightforward. I work closely with each client to develop strategies that are as practical as they are effective, helping them secure their financial futures and continue to thrive in the communities they call home. Contact Jessica Bohn today!
Elavon Offer: No Monthly Equipment Fees for a Year!
Get your equipment fees credited for 1 year* when you establish a new merchant account between January 1 and February 28, 2025.
Our full suite of point-of-sale solutions provide the tools you need to run your business. From inventory management and staff timekeeping to invoicing and business analytics, and so much more. We offer innovative and reliable payment technology that allows you and your customers to feel at ease knowing that your payments are being processed securely.
Disclaimer: * To qualify for the promotion, you must sign up for a new payment processing account with Elavon Canada between January 1 and February 28, 2025. Merchant accounts must be activated and actively processing
payment transactions March 15, 2025 for a minimum of one week and be in an open status at the time of the incentive credit. This promotion is limited to two (2) point-of-sale devices per member. talech Register package rentals are
excluded from the promotion. The twelve-month equipment credit will be applied to the Elavon monthly statement within 90 days of the first deposit date. The value of the twelve-month statement credit will offset the Solution Service fees billed for one year. Limit one credit per customer. Cannot be combined with another offer. Elavon reserves the right in its sole discretion to modify, suspend or terminate the promotion at any time without additional notice. Restrictions may apply. Services provided by Elavon Canada Company. Copyright © 2025 Elavon Canada Company. All rights reserved. Elavon is a trademark in the United States and/or other countries. All rights reserved. All features and specifications are subject to change without notice. This document is prepared by Elavon as a service for its customers. The information discussed is general in nature and may not apply to your specific situation.
Fill Up On Funding
Raising Capital in Alberta
Learn the essentials of raising capital in Alberta. Watch Tonya Fleming, Manager, Private Markets and Innovation at the Alberta Securities Commission, and learn how to:
- Streamline your fundraising efforts
- Avoid any legal pitfalls or complications
- Develop robust fundraising strategies
Whether you’re raising funds, advising entrepreneurs or investing, get the tools you need to understand the ins and outs of securities law, so you can avoid complications and leverage key areas to optimize fundraising efforts. Watch the recording from Alberta Innovates here. If you would like to connect with Tonya, reach out to us as we would be pleased to provide an introduction for you.
Doing Business with Municipalities
Did you know that municipalities work with companies such as Kinetic GPO or Canoe for group purchasing opportunities?
Group purchasing is used for goods to create a buying advantage and we know there are some local companies that are vendors in the group purchasing agreements, but it would be great to have more local companies become aware of these options available. Local companies can bid on these opportunities, which is the same process as other bidding. Opportunities are often available to bid on through APC and Merx, but more recently Canoe posted on Bids and Tenders. For additional information about our Canoe, please visit our website https://canoeprocurement.ca/suppliers/get-approved/
Find the latest procurement opportunity with project management and related services.
The Southeast Alberta Chamber has been working with the City of Medicine Hat procurement department over many years about procurement and how to improve the opportunities for local businesses to be more successful in these opportunities. From hosting Selling to Government seminars, to regular meetings with City Purchasing, there have been improvements made in policies and practices and there is ongoing updates and changes. You can find out more about City of Medicine Hat purchasing here: https://www.medicinehat.ca/procurement
If you're in the Brooks-Newell region, you can sign up for bid notifications from the City of Brooks here: https://www.brooks.ca/Bids.aspx. Opportunities such as group purchasing with Canoe are open to any vendor.
Active Transportation Fund – Capital Project Stream
Active transportation refers to the movement of people or goods powered by human activity and includes walking, cycling and the use of human-powered or hybrid mobility aids such as wheelchairs, scooters, e-bikes, rollerblades, snowshoes, cross-country skis, and more. The most effective active transportation infrastructure provides a complete network that allows users to safely move through their communities and between destinations, from main streets to schools, parks, public transit hubs and residential neighborhoods.
The Government of Canada has allocated $3 billion annually on average beginning in 2026-27 for permanent public transit programming under the Canada Public Transit Fund. This also includes targeted funding for specific types of public transit and active transportation projects ranging from capital to planning. Find out more here: Closes February 26
Historical resource conservation grants: Closes first working day of February
The Historic resource conservation grants provides grants and scholarship funds to support initiatives that preserve and interpret Alberta's heritage. Grants for Conservation Work includes actions or processes that safeguard the character-defining elements of a historic place to retain its heritage value and extend its physical life. Studies and professional services grants provide a matching of grant of $25,000 is also available for studies, reports, plans and professional services for architects, engineers and other professional consultants associated with the conservation of a historic place.
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the January 27th 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
BDC Entrepreneur's Learning Centre – Online | Register
BusinessLink Digital Marketing Program – booking into March | Find out more
Feb 13 | Understanding and Supporting ADHD in the Workplace | Register
Feb 13 | Understanding and Supporting ADHD in the Workplace | Register
Useful Links
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