The Voice: March 11th, 2025
Commerce Way Officially Approved to Commemorate 125 Years in Business, Budget 2025 (If Passed), increases Grants in Place of Taxes (GIPOT), and Government Review of Land and Property Rights Tribunal (LPRT) all in this week's edition of The Voice.
Business News
COMMERCE WAY OFFICIALLY APPROVED TO COMMEMORATE 125 YEARS IN BUSINESS
The Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the formal approval by Medicine Hat City Council to commemorate the Chamber's 125 years in business by assigning a secondary permanent commemorative name of “Commerce Way” to a portion of 6th Avenue SE from 1st Street SE to 5th Street SE.
The Chamber intends to unveil the new name and street signs in conjunction with its anniversary date and the opening ceremonies of the Alberta Chambers of Commerce provincial conference, which will be held in Medicine Hat in May 2025. The Commerce Way name plate would be shown under the street signs as a secondary name, similar to 2nd Street SE (Main Street), 3rd Street SE (Toronto Street), and 4th Street SE (Montreal Street). Read the News Release.
Budget 2025, if passed, increases Grants in Place of Taxes (GIPOT)
Budget 2025, if passed, increases Grants in Place of Taxes (GIPOT) by more than $17 million in 2025. As with all provinces in Canada, eligible properties belonging to provincial governments are exempt from municipal taxes. To account for this, municipalities in Alberta are paid a discretionary grant, rather than taxes, that would be applicable to provincial properties within their boundaries. These grants provide municipalities with a stable and reliable source of revenue that they can rely on while developing municipal budgets and allocating funding to municipal services and programs.
Through Budget 2025, funding for GIPOT is increasing from $38 million to more than $55 million, covering 75 per cent of the municipal property tax value of eligible provincial properties in 2025. In 2026, GIPOT will increase again to cover 100 per cent of the amount that would be paid if the properties were taxable, raising the total amount of funding for municipalities to be projected at over $75 million. Find out more.
Missed the Chamber’s budget analysis – view it online here.
Government Review of Land and Property Rights Tribunal (LPRT).
Alberta’s government has hired an external consultant to review the LPRT business processes to ensure the Government is effective and responsive to the needs of Albertans. As part of the review of the LPRT, the consultant is engaging with municipalities, developers, industry groups, assessors, landowners and other interested parties.
The consultant will evaluate the LPRT’s performance, and effectiveness in meeting its mandate, goals and outcomes. Further review will also consider the LPRT’s accessibility of services and timeliness for carrying out its responsibilities. The consultant, MNP, will gather feedback through focus groups, interviews and written submissions. Albertans and interested parties are invited to provide feedback through a public online survey until March 30. Find out more.
Medicine Hat-Cypress News
Medicine Hat Economic Development at ICSC
The International Council of Shopping Centres (ICSC) is an organization with membership includes shopping center owners, developers, managers, marketing specialists, investors, retailers, brokers, academics, and public officials. As part of its industry advancement mandate, the ICSC hosts networking, learning, dealmaking, and promotional events around the world. The event recently attending in January drew 2,200 delegates representing a range of sectors, including owners/developers, retailers/tenants, real estate services, property/shopping centre management, financial/investment services, architecture/design/engineering, and public sector organizations.
During the conference, Al Sharma from Medicine Hat Economic Development generated significant interest in Medicine Hat real estate, making over 50 valuable contacts. Follow-up engagement and meetings are now being planned and executed to capitalize on this momentum. Read the story.
Transportation Master Plan
The Transportation Master Plan (TMP) lays out the long-term vision for the City's transportation network.
The TMP also includes the Transportation Safety Strategy and the Active Transportation Strategy. The goals of the TMP are to foster healthy, sustainable communities and drive economic growth by ensuring safe, dependable travel, and efficient movement of goods.
All three draft plans are now available for review:
The public can review the plans and provide feedback one of three ways:
- Attend an open house Tuesday, March 11 between 4 and 8 p.m. at the Studio Theatre, Esplanade
- Attend an open house Wednesday, March 12 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Centennial Hall, Medicine Hat College
- Email your feedback to participate@medicinehat.ca by March 14
Learn more about the project on Shape Your City.
Brooks-Newell News
The Business Beautification program is even BIGGER now!
Receive up to $15,000 to use toward making your business even more appealing to customers. You can apply to get up to $12,000 in an interest free loan and a $3,000 grant for your Brooks Newell Region business. The program provides an incentive for local business owners to invest in façade renovations and exterior upgrades. Check out the grant opportunities here.
New Schools for Brooks Planned through 2025 provincial Budget
Budget 2025, if passed, will fund nine new school projects for families in smaller urban cities and rural communities, outside of Calgary and Edmonton metro regions. New schools will be built for families in Brooks with Christ the Redeemer Catholic School, as well as a school modernization projects at Brooks Composite High School. Read about the school districts that will receive this funding.
Street Improvements
The 2025 Street Improvement Program (SIP) focuses on overlay replacements, improving road quality, reducing noise, and sealing surfaces to handle heavy traffic and reducing long-term maintenance costs. The total cost of the 2025 SIP is $1,090,758.
- 1st Avenue from 3rd Street East - 7th Street East
- 4th Avenue from 3rd Street West to 10th Street West
- 4th Street West from 2nd Avenue to 3rd Avenue
- 4th Street West from Cassils Road to 3rd Avenue
- Young Road West from Veiner Road
View the 10-year capital plan here.
Rejoining Regional Emergency Plan
City Council discussed whether Brooks should rejoin the Newell Regional Emergency Management Plan. The City was part of a regional emergency plan until 2019 but left to address its own urban needs separately from the County’s rural concerns. A strong emergency plan means faster response times, better coordination, and more resources during crises like natural disasters, fires, or severe weather events.
Advocacy in Action
Alberta pushes back on U.S. tariffs
In response to new U.S. tariffs, the province will prioritize Alberta and Canadian businesses in government procurement, while Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) will stop purchasing U.S. alcohol and video lottery terminals. A "Buy Alberta" campaign will promote local agricultural products, and the government is pushing to remove barriers to interprovincial trade. Alberta is also exploring new pipeline infrastructure to expand energy exports. Premier Danielle Smith emphasized the province’s commitment to defending its economy while supporting free and fair trade.
This aligns with our Chamber’s ongoing advocacy for eliminating interprovincial trade barriers to improve business competitiveness and economic resilience, ensuring Alberta businesses have better access to domestic markets. Learn more | Read Premier Smith's Response to to US Tariffs. Check out the Alberta-US Border Security Plan
Missed the Chamber’s update on tariff’s - view it online here
Supply Chain Advisory Council
The Government of Canada has established the Supply Chain Advisory Council to strengthen supply chains and support our economy. The non-partisan Council will provide strategic advice on strengthening supply chains to boost productivity, increase competitiveness and support trade diversification. Key members include the President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce - the Council will provide strategic advice to boost productivity, competitiveness, and trade diversification. Learn more
Chambers of the Federation proposed action
As Canada enters a trade conflict initiated by the United States, the nation’s provincial Chambers of Commerce have come together to present An Agenda for Economic Growth and Stability, a set of recommendations to Canada’s Premiers to drive economic growth, strengthen domestic trade, and elevate Canada’s global competitiveness.
The Chambers of the Federation initiative mirrors the Premiers’ Council of the Federation and lays out key priorities, including:
- Removing barriers to interprovincial trade & labour mobility
- Committing to a National Energy Corridor
- Bolstering domestic procurement & supply chains
- Strengthening Canada’s trade position with the U.S.
Next Level Events
Workforce Economics – Find, Hire, and Keep your Best People (Put in March 10, 17, 24 editions)
The event features two high impact keynote speakers: Lionel Laroche speaking on Building Cultural Diversity for a Competitive Advantage and Eddie Lemoine speaking on A Journey to Engagement: How to Attract and Retain A Skilled Workforce.
Focused on addressing the region’s most pressing workforce challenges, we invite you to register for this full-day conference designed specifically for employers.
Date: Wednesday, March 26, 2025
Time: 8:00am-3:00pm
Location: Medicine Hat College
The conference will feature industry leaders sharing best practices, guest speakers presenting innovative strategies for talent attraction and retention, and interactive breakout sessions that offer opportunities for collaboration. Plus, our Employment Services Fair will connect you with local organizations offering valuable workforce resources. It’s a great chance to explore how an inclusive and welcoming work environment can drive employee engagement and long-term success. To view the agenda and secure your spot, please register through the link: https://MHED-Workforce-Economics-Workshop.eventbrite.ca
Business Startup Tips for Newcomers
Starting a business in a new country can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to help! If you’re new to Canada or Alberta and considering entrepreneurship, this webinar will guide you through the essential first steps before launching your business. We’ll cover key preplanning steps, legal requirements, financing, and available resources to set you up for success. By the end of the session, you’ll have a clear roadmap and the support you need to confidently move forward with your business.
BusinessLink Webinar: March 13 at 11:00 am
Register: https://businesslink.ca/event/business-startup-tips-for-newcomers/
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 Eau Claire Partners, All Season Cycle, and 3 Triangle Land & Livestock Ltd. 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!
Economics 101 - does the U.S. need Canada?
Republished with permission from National Bank Financial Wealth Management Kunz Financial Group
Donald Trump has repeatedly stated the U.S. doesn’t need anything from Canada. Apparently, they don’t need our oil, lumber, uranium, copper, steel, aluminum, rare minerals, water, etc. He’s also stated numerous times he wants Canada to become the 51st state. These two statements aren’t congruent – why pressure Canada to merge with the U.S. if we don’t have anything they need? Remember, Mr. Trump is the son of a New York real estate mogul. The Trump real estate empire was started by Donald’s grandparents in the 1920’s. The company began building single family homes in Queens, NY and expanded into apartments during WWII.
Donald Trump became president of his father’s real estate business in 1971 and has a long history of dealing with Wall Street. Could he be viewing Canada like a merger and acquisitions banker looks at a company? Bankers judge the merits of acquisitions by whether they are accretive or not. They analyze the amount of shares and debt outstanding, compare each company’s earnings, margins, growth prospects, etc. to determine the company’s value and whether buying company “B” would benefit the shareholders of company “A”. From this perspective, it’s easy to see why Trump wants Canada – acquiring Canada would be hugely accretive to the U.S. by lowering their debt per capita and adding an enormous amount of resource wealth. Read the full article.
Elavon Offer: Receive a $200 statement credit
Sign up for a new payment processing account today and receive a $200 statement credit!
From sales & inventory tracking and business analytics to invoice creation and staff scheduling, we will help you save time and simplify the way you run your business. This great offer ends on April 30, 2025. Visit join.paymentstart.com/cachamber to learn more.
Disclaimer: * To qualify for the promotion, you must sign up for a new payment processing account with Elavon Canada between March 1 and April 30, 2025. Merchant accounts must be activated and actively processing payment transactions by May 15, 2025 for a minimum of one week and be in an open status at the time of the incentive credit. A one-time $200 credit will be applied to your Elavon statement within 90 days after the first deposit date. 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
Medicine Hat Family and Community Support Services grant
We’re now accepting proposals for the Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) grant for 2026 and 2027! A total of $407,000 is available annually for both years. The application window opened Monday, March 3 and remains open until Thursday, April 3 at 3 p.m.
Read more, apply, and register for an online information session here.
FREE Online Government Funded Self Employment Training
FREE Online Government Funded Self Employment Training. Next virtual Self-Employment cohort starts March 17th.
Firms whose primary activity is the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity are eligible for the Electricity Human Resources Canada’s (EHRC) Empowering Futures Program, Canada’s student work placement initiative for the electricity industry. You can recieve financial incentives of up to $7,000 if you are a Canadian-owned company creating new Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities. EHRC - Empowering Futures student work placement program is now accepting applications for placements that start on or after April 1, 2025.
Funding for Alberta Culture Days 2025 is now available. The deadline to apply is March 15, 2025.
Funding Your Vision: Accessing Grants in Canada
This webinar will empower early stage women-identifying entrepreneurs in Canada by equipping them with the knowledge and tools to successfully navigate the grant application process. We will explore a variety of pre-revenue grant opportunities specifically designed to support women-led businesses, provide guidance on crafting compelling grant proposals, and discuss effective strategies for maximizing your chances of funding success.
Webinar | March 12 | Register here
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the March 4th 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
Free Training for the Building Industry: Various Courses up to May 29, 2025 | Register
March 12 | Start Up Women Funding Your Vision: Accessing Grants in Canada | Register
Useful Links
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The Voice: March 11th, 2025
Commerce Way Officially Approved to Commemorate 125 Years in Business, Budget 2025 (If Passed), increases Grants in Place of Taxes (GIPOT), and Government Review of Land and Property Rights Tribunal (LPRT) all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News COMMERCE WAY OFFICIALLY APPROVED TO COMMEMORATE 125 YEARS IN BUSINESS The Southeast Alberta Chamber…
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