The Voice: March 25th, 2025
45th Federal General Election Now Under Way, Canada Applies New Retaliatory Tariffs, BDC: The Economic Impact of Tariffs So Far, Added Talent and Depth to Canada's Growing Healthcare and Construction Sectors, and Screen Access Alberta Enhancing Career Pathways all in this week's edition of The Voice.
Business News
45th Federal General Election Now Under Way
The 45th federal general election will be held on Monday, April 28, 2025. Elections Canada offices will open soon in each of the 343 federal electoral districts (ridings). Electors can visit an office to register and vote early by special ballot or to get information about voting or becoming a candidate.
For more information on key dates and way to vote, visit: https://www.elections.ca/content.aspx?section=med&dir=pre&document=mar2325&lang=e#top
Canada Applies New Retaliatory Tariffs in Response to U.S. Steel and Aluminum Tariffs
In response to the Trump administration’s 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, the federal government on March 12 announced its plan to implement additional 25% tariffs on $29.8 billion worth of U.S. goods. Effective as of March 13, this new retaliatory tariff package is comprised of a list of steel products worth $12.6 billion and aluminum products worth $3 billion, as well as additional imported U.S. goods worth $14.2 billion.
These counter tariffs will remain in place until the U.S. eliminates its tariffs against Canadian steel and aluminum products. Additional details on the administration of these tariffs are available on the Canada Border Services Agency website. The government is also taking steps to mitigate the impact of these countermeasures on Canadian workers and businesses, including by ensuring that its recently established remission process will consider requests for exceptional relief from these new tariffs.
All told, Canada is now applying 25% tariffs to some $60 billion worth of U.S. goods, with an additional tariff package worth $125 billion presently on hold.
BDC: The economic impact of tariffs... so far
There is still a great deal of uncertainty surrounding the imposition and suspension of tariffs. We currently estimate that tariffs could cause Canadian GDP to shrink by 1% over the course of 2025. Even without tariffs, uncertainty will temper economic gains, holding growth to 1.2% this year, which is below the economy’s potential. While it's impossible to say with any certainty how deep the economic downturn could be in 2025, it’s clear that trade instability is already having negative impacts.
The desire to reduce trade barriers between provinces and a surge in buy-Canadian patriotism should also help mitigate some of the impact of tariffs. Data shows that nine out of 10 Canadians plan to act in response to the U.S. tariffs with 63% saying they will buy more local and made-in-Canada products, and almost as many plan to reduce purchases of U.S. products. Find out more about the impacts and what this means for your company in BDC’s online article.
Added talent and depth to Canada’s growing healthcare and construction sectors
The Government of Canada announced up to $52 million in funding for 16 projects across the country through the Foreign Credential Recognition (FCR) Program. These projects will improve credential recognition systems and help internationally trained professionals secure employment in the healthcare and construction sectors. It is anticipated that this investment will support over 4,600 participants directly and benefit many more through system improvements to credential recognition processes in both sectors. Read more
Screen Access Alberta Enhancing career pathways
Screen Access Alberta is a new digital resource designed to enhance career pathways in Alberta’s thriving film and television industry. This centralized website aims to help creative talent navigate careers in the province’s growing screen sector.
Screen Access Alberta is a website that provides career mapping tools, job opportunities, training opportunities, and connections to industry organizations, unions, and guilds. It is designed for both newcomers and existing workers in the film and television industry. Whether you are an emerging professional looking to break into the industry or an established talent seeking to advance your career, Screen Access Alberta offers valuable tools and information to support your journey. While Screen Access Alberta is not a job board, it serves as a roadmap for creative professionals seeking guidance on industry entry, career growth, and workforce development. Explore careers in Alberta’s creative economy now at screenaccessalberta.ca
Medicine Hat-Cypress News
Local MLA Named Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Health (South)
Premier Danielle Smith has named three new parliamentary secretaries to support key provincial initiatives with Justin Wright, MLA for Cypress-Medicine Hat, named Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Health (South), reporting to the Minister of Health. In addition to his new responsibilities, MLA Wright will continue in the role of military liaison. Find out more.
Photo: Alberta’s new parliamentary secretaries were sworn in on Mar. 20.
Cypress County approves Economic Development Strategy
Cypress County Council has officially approved the Cypress County Economic Development Strategy, a two-year plan with clear action items to support, grow, and diversify our local economy. Economic Development Officer, Beth Cash, also represented Cypress County at the World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit, connecting with global leaders and exploring the latest agri-tech trends to better support local innovation. Click to view the Strategy
Tax Incentive Bylaw to be updated
Council approved motions directing staff to update the Tax Incentive Bylaw #4667 to allow for a multi-year tax incentive program and develop options for a non-profit operating grant program.
City seeking applications for Resilient and Inclusive Task Force
The City of Medicine Hat is seeking applications for public members on the new Resilient and Inclusive Task Force, formed earlier this year. The task force was formed, following an update to City Council’s strategic plan in October 2024, in response to growing concerns in the community related to public disturbances, and other anti-social behaviours. The task force is intended to develop and implement strategies and actions to bolster community capacity, enhance community safety and promote social cohesion. Terms of reference for the task force were approved at the February 3, 2025 meeting of City Council. Find out more and apply online.
Brooks-Newell News
New Bus Route
Intercity bus service Rider Express is considering reviving its Calgary-to-Regina route, with a potential stop in Brooks. After three previous unsuccessful attempts, the company is gathering community input to better understand local demand and service needs.
Downtown Brooks Business
Businesses in downtown Brooks will see their annual Business Revitalization Zone (BRZ) tax set for 2025. The total business assessment for the BRZ has risen slightly to $173,000, indicating a slowly growing business presence. The BRZ tax typically ranges from $130 to $390 per business. These funds support efforts to improve and promote the downtown area, benefiting the 80+ businesses in Downtown Brooks. City Council will review the BRZ budget, if approved, notices will be sent to affected businesses, giving them a chance to attend the April 7 Council Meeting to voice support or concerns.
Advocacy in Action
Statement on the PBO’s Impact Assessment of the Oil and Gas Emissions Cap
The Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) confirmed what the Canadian Chamber and industry leaders have been warning all along: the Oil and Gas Emissions Cap will directly curb production and cost jobs, ultimately making Canada and its citizens economically worse off. The PBO estimates reducing upstream oil and gas sector production will reduce real GDP by 0.39% in 2032 and cut 40,300 jobs across the economy. At a time of intensifying global competition and growing economic uncertainty — exacerbated by President Trump’s tariff strategy — Canada simply cannot afford to keep tying its own hands. Read more.
2024 Supply Chain Annual Report Published
In October 2024, the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce profiled our work with the Supply Chain department with the City of Medicine Hat over the last 5 years around some of the concerns expressed by our members related to procurement and purchasing, which can be viewed online here. In March 2025, the City provided an information brief with the 2024 Supply Chain Annual Report.
The 2024 Supply Chain Annual Report provides a high-level summary of Procurement, City Stores and Accounts Payable, which are the three areas of Supply Chain at the City. The report describes the different procurement methods that are used at the City, it provides highlights of the open competitions conducted through the year as well as three-year comparative information of purchase order types and values, accounts payable types and values, and an overview of the inventory managed under Supply Chain.
The report also provides a summary of the accomplishments achieved in Supply Chain during 2024 as well as a preview of the new goals and targets set for 2025. The presentation highlights 112 open competition contracts awarded in 2024, with a total contract value of $60.7M, of which $32.9M were regional and another $7.9M provincial.
Some of the accomplishments highlighted included:
- Procurement bylaw review and changes to delegate contract signatures to the Administration, taking the timelines from an average 15 days turnover to 3 days.
- Continued efforts to maintain and establish Citywide contracts. Currently there are 32 different categories of contracts available with 60 different suppliers.
- Procurement 101 training and basic procurement manual for employees with a completion rate in the training of over 86%
We are also pleased to see the commitment to continued dialogue with the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce and Construction Association! If you haven't yet had a chance to check out the website that the City and Procurement Department development in consultation with our business associations, you can check it out here: www.medicinehat.ca/procurement
Establishment of a Pre-Approved Trade Corridor for Economic Growth and Investment
Canada’s largest export market is the United States of America for raw materials, manufactured goods, and many other products. Particularly in Alberta, most of our crude oil is exported to the United States for refinement. Our over-reliance on one trading partner was exposed as tariffs were threatened, which would cripple American buying power and, by extension, demand for Albertan and Canadian products.
Trade infrastructure to other ports and markets outside of the United States cannot ship our products elsewhere. Alberta and Canada must diversify their export customer base by building the infrastructure required to ship in greater volume to other markets in the Asia-Pacific and Europe to be better insulated against any singular, large customer taking their business elsewhere.
At the Chamber’s Board of Directors’ meeting on March 19, the Chamber adopted a policy on the Establishment of a Pre-Approved Trade Corridor for Economic Growth and Investment to support our colleagues in Fort McMurray to amplify the recommendations to ask the Government of Alberta to:
- Collaborate with other provinces, territories, and the federal government to map out a multi-modal national Pre-Approved Trade Corridor that will provide Canadian raw materials and products such as crude oil, electricity, water, access to ports on the east, west, and arctic coasts, to facilitate access to diverse markets outside of North America. This corridor will include pipelines, highways, railways, and transmission lines, including reviving and completing the Northern Gateway pipeline project.
- Advocate for investment in the newly-mapped trade corridor, including expanding federal funding programs such as the National Trade Corridors Fund and working the Canada Infrastructure Bank and provincial investment funds to fund the newly mapped continuous trade corridor.
- Collaborate with the other provinces, territories, and federal government to ensure products can move through the newly built corridor freely, without interprovincial tariffs, and pre-approved for all environmental, land use, and interprovincial requirements with a single-window regulatory framework.
- Ensure that consultation with Indigenous communities, municipalities, and other key stakeholders regarding the Pre-Approved Trade Corridor is concluded at the outset, creating certainty for project proponents.
- Establish equity-sharing agreements with communities so they have opportunities for direct investment and deployment, promoting local procurement policies in corridor-related products.
- Develop specialized industrial hubs in Calgary and/or Edmonton that bundle complementary industries, offering tax incentives to attract logistics companies, manufacturers, and exporters.
- Diversify Alberta’s customer base and market access by promoting its products and establishing trade relationships in the Asia-Pacific, Europe, and expanded and new US markets, reducing over-reliance on any single market.
Development and Infrastructure Division Fees and Charges
In 2011, Development & Infrastructure Division Fees and Charges were proposed to increase by as much as 185%. At that time the Chamber put forward recommendations to re-evaluate the increases and subsequent changes and concerns were addressed. On December 16, 2024, City Council approved planning and development services fees and charges for 2025 and 2026 with limited feedback from the development community, resulting in concerns once the fees and charges were implemented. Similar to what was experienced in 2011, the new fees adopted in December 2024 for 2025 and 2026 have resulted in some significant increases in several fees and charges.
The proposed increases are in an attempt to recover costs of the Planning & Development Services department. While many of the development fees see modest to moderate increases, the significant variances were most notable in the business license fee changes.
With many of the challenges our businesses are facing with increased costs and declining business activity, the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce recommends that the City of Medicine Hat re-evaluate options for implementing the new tiered business licenses structure and consult with industry, key stakeholders and organizations for implementation of the fee structures that can be more reasonably implemented over a period of time.
As previously recommended, any fees and charges should be based on a baseline structure, with incremental percentage increases over a period of time, taking into consideration cost of service delivery and taking into consideration natural inflationary costs. View our recommendations approved by our Board of Directors at the most recent board meeting on March 19, 2025.
Alberta and Nova Scotia Trade Legislation
Our Chamber of Commerce has been a long-time advocate for free trade, particularly when it comes to interprovincial trade, as we should have the easiest movements of goods within our own Country. So are you curious about how Alberta fits into interprovincial trade and free trade within Canada? Find out more: https://chamber.southeastalbertachamber.ca/advocacyinsights/Details/alberta-and-nova-scotia-trade-legislation-257615
Next Level Events
SafeLink Alberta Open House & Ribbon Cutting
Join us for SafeLink Alberta’s Open House — a fun and informative evening where you can explore our drop-in space and learn about the vital services we offer right here in your community. Join us for the ribbon cutting, take a guided tour, meet our incredible team, and discover how we’re working to create a healthier, safer Medicine Hat. There will also be light refreshments and an opportunity to win some prizes!
We invite you to join us on March 26th from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM at our 419 North Railway St SE office.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1255858379219?aff=oddtdtcreator
Learn from the Experts: AI Technology
Learn from the Experts is back and with a hot and popular topic to discuss... AI (Artificial Intelligence)! Make valuable connections, learn about how AI can elevate your business and enjoy an evening with fellow Chamber members, staff, and our curated panel of Experts.
The format will be a panel discussion with time to learn, ask your questions and network. Each expert will have 5-7 minutes to speak on their topic, and afterwards there will be an open question period where guests can ask questions to the panel. We'll follow all this up with some time at the end for networking!
Our Technology and AI topics and experts for the evening are:
Applications of AI | James Parsons, Partek IT Solutions
Learning AI Tools and Platforms | Ivan Long, Auto-Star
Human Interaction with AI | John Shoff, Reality Bytes
Future of AI | Steven Olmsted, Ten Four Technology
We will also have an open dinner for anyone interested at 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm before the event starts for extra time to network. *Please note, any dinner attendees are required to purchase their own meals time-of separate from registration.
Export Development Canada (EDC): Navigating tariffs and customs regulations
There’s a lot of uncertainty surrounding international trade. Canadian exporters must be prepared to navigate the challenges posed by new tariffs and customs regulations. Join this free webinar on Thursday, March 27th, 2025, to learn:
- How to identify and navigate changes to trade regulations and customs requirements
- Best practices for developing and fulfilling international contract obligations
- Strategies to reduce risks like contract cancellations and non-payment
- How to access the EDC Trade Impact Program and Team Canada resources
Register now. Can’t make it live? Register anyways and you'll receive the recording. You can also check out the library of free webinars through EDC.
Workforce Economics – Find, Hire, and Keep your Best People
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
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 LeafFilter Gutter Protection, Medicine Hat Hearing Centre, and JBS Food Canada ULC 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!
Methanex 2024 Sustainability Report
Methanex has released its 2024 Sustainability Report, outlining its 2024 activities, including how it protects and develops its people, minimizes its impact on the environment and contribute to communities. It also provides an overview of the progress made towards fulfilling Methanex’s sustainability commitments.
To read Methanex’s full 2024 Sustainability Report please click here .
Chris Baba receives King Charles III Coronation Medal
On behalf of the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce, congratulations to Chris Baba, owner of Sun City Dental on his recognition as a recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal from the YMCA of Southeastern Alberta.
Recipients of the medal, are those that have made a significant contributions to Canada or to a particular province, territory, region or community of Canada. We are thankful for members like Chris who contribute to organizations in our community through their service and selfless contributions.
Melissa Mullis, Board Chair with Food Banks Alberta
On March 6th, we were pleased to learn of the Government of Alberta’s budget to provide $5 million to help put food on the tables across the province, knowing that this has been an increasing concern in our community. We also know that Food Banks Alberta will be creating granting opportunities for this funding to strengthen food systems and provide capital project funding.
We extend our congratulations to Melissa Mullis on her recent appointment as Board Chair with Food Banks Alberta, as having voices from outside of Edmonton and Calgary makes a difference when decisions are being made and having local context to these types of decisions makes a difference.
Our local Root Cellar has been an advocate for our community and building food security and sustainability. We know the Root Cellar has created innovative strategies to addressing community needs and we look forward to seeing what’s possible when those voices are amplified on a provincial stage.
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
Canada Small Business Financing Program
The Canada Small Business Financing Program makes it easier for small businesses to get loans from financial institutions by sharing the risk with lenders.
The enhanced program provides lenders and small businesses with additional financing products, new class of loans, increased loan amounts and terms, improved loan conditions and decreased administrative burden. Learn more: https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/canada-small-business-financing-program/en
ALIS (Alberta Learning Information Service)
ALIS (Alberta Learning Information Service) provides comprehensive Alberta labour market information, including details on occupations, salaries, career planning, employment trends, and job search resources. This site offers valuable tools such as occupational profiles, wage data, industry overviews, and career development resources. There are also tools to help business owners with succession planning.
Learn more: Alberta careers, learning, and employment information - alis
Talent Development Taskforce
The Alberta Chamber of Commerce and Alberta Post Secondary Network has launched a new landing page organizing resources and information to shape a dynamic and resilient workforce in Alberta. With a clear mission: to bridge the gap between academia and industry, empowering students to enter the workforce equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in today's competitive landscape.
Learn more: https://www.abchamber.ca/talent-development-task-force/
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the March 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.
Other News
2024 Alberta Infrastructure highlights
Labour Market Notes – Labour market continues to slow
The Daily — Canada's population estimates: Census families and households, 2024
Alberta Bill of Rights Amendment Act, 2024 fact sheet
Critical Infrastructure Defense Act
Premier Danielle Smith’s meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney
Other Resources
Alberta Economy - Indicators at a Glance
February Economic Trends
2025 March - GDP by expenditure 2023
BDC: How to choose a business loan: 5 factors to consider
BDC: Outlook for Canada’s Creative and Cultural Industries for 2025
BusinessLink: Accessing Grants for Your Small Business
Cyber Security Assessment Tool from MasterCard
Environmental Public Health has resources on Coping with Emergencies
Other Events
BDC Entrepreneur's Learning Centre – Online | Register
March 26 | Women in Science & Technology | Startup Women 2025 | Register
March 26 | Workforce Economics | March 26 | Medicine Hat
March 27 | Salary vs Dividends: How to Pay Yourself as a Business Owner | Register
April 1 | AI Fundamentals for Business | Register
May 21-23 | Inventures Conference | Calgary
Free Training for the Building Industry: Various Courses up to May 29, 2025 | Register
Useful Links
Follow us on social media for up-to-the-minute updates
The Voice: March 25th, 2025
45th Federal General Election Now Under Way, Canada Applies New Retaliatory Tariffs, BDC: The Economic Impact of Tariffs So Far, Added Talent and Depth to Canada’s Growing Healthcare and Construction Sectors, and Screen Access Alberta Enhancing Career Pathways all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News 45th Federal General Election Now Under Way…
Read More The Voice: March 18th, 2025
24th Prime Minister Mark Carney: A Call to Action by Chambers, New Gas Reserves Take Canada into Global Top 10, Transitional Period for Updated 2024 OHS Code Ends on March 30th, and more all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News 24th Prime Minister Mark Carney: A Call to Action by Chambers Canada…
Read More 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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