The Voice: April 15th, 2025
Federal Election: Voting Information, Alberta's Q1 Update, Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act 2025, and more all in this week's edition of The Voice.
Business News
Federal Election: Voting Information
There are 1,959 candidates running in the election across Canada's 343 electoral districts. See the complete list of candidates for the 2025 federal election, listed by electoral district. To find the list of candidates running in their electoral district, electors can visit elections.ca and enter their postal code into the Voter Information Service box. They can also contact any Elections Canada office. Key Dates to remember:
- Special Ballot voting at Elections Canada offices: Now until April 22 (6:00 p.m.) | M-F 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m | Sat 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m | Sun 12 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Advance polls: April 18–21 | 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
- Election Day: April 28 | 7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Alberta’s Q1 update
Unlocking Global Trade: Alberta doubled the 2025-26 budget for the Alberta Export Expansion Program, funding small- and medium-sized businesses and non-profits to promote their products globally. In 2024-25, the program helped more than 450 Alberta companies and organizations join 28 government-led trade missions and facilitated more than 800 business-to-business meetings on trade missions that connected Alberta companies to global partners, to make substantial international deals.
Leading Interprovincial Trade: In February 2025, Alberta joined counterparts across the country in endorsing bold new commitments to further reduce regulatory barriers, implement mutual recognition for goods and services and create new economic opportunities for businesses and consumers.
Attracting Job-Creating Investments: Alberta’s government has secured more than $820 million in capital, created 1,250 jobs and leveraged $25 in private investment for every $1 spent. Find out more.
Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act, 2025
The Government is proposing changes to municipal processes in the Local Authorities Election Act, the Municipal Government Act, and the New Home Buyer Protection Act. These amendments build upon previous legislative changes.
The Local Authorities Election Act establishes the framework for the conduct of elections in Alberta municipalities, school divisions, irrigation districts and Metis Settlements. The Municipal Government Act establishes the rules governing the conduct of local elected officials once on council, as well as the overall administration and operation of municipal authorities in Alberta, including any policy those authorities may wish to implement. The New Home Buyer Protection Act makes home warranty coverage mandatory for new homes in Alberta. Find out what’s changing.
Medicine Hat-Cypress News
CBC: “A blueprint for economic resilience”
Medicine Hat was one of four mid-sized Canadian cities selected as part of the CBC’s effort to capture diverse viewpoints from across the country prior to the federal election on April 28. They spent four days in our city talking to residents to better understand the main issues and priorities in our part of the country.
Both the April 7 and 8 editions of The National were broadcast live from City Hall, and showcased the content produced during their time in Medicine Hat. If you missed the live broadcasts, you can still watch the full episodes online where you’ll see anchor Adrienne Arsenault bringing the news to Canada from our very own City Hall with beautiful Finlay Bridge in the background. If you are pressed for time, check out these clips, particularly the first as it offers a wonderful depiction of our community and its innovative and resilient nature.
City Council Highlights
April 7 was a full Council agenda. If you are looking for all the highlights details, motions and action items, you can check it out here. The Chamber is grateful for the grant to support Midnight Madness for 2025 – so be sure to save the date for November 21!
Brooks-Newell News
Regional Emergency Management Plan
The City of Brooks is taking steps to join the Newell Regional Emergency Partnership (NREP) and become an active partner in the Newell Regional Emergency Management Plan (NREMP). This plan is an all-hazards framework used by the County of Newell, Bassano, Duchess, and Rosemary to manage emergency situations together. In the event of a disaster, significant benefits are realized by having local emergency partners and their resources directly involved in managing the response on a regional basis. If approved by the current partners, the City would be formally added to the Ministerial Order that created NREP.
2025 Property Tax Update
Property tax rates fund City services and programs. For 2025, overall property values in Brooks have increased by about 7.6%. The average property tax will increase by about 5.75% to cover rising costs. This is an average—some properties may see higher or lower changes depending on individual assessments. The 5.75% tax increase was not an easy decision. After lengthy discussions, Council approved the budget, with 3.75% of the increase going directly to cover additional RCMP policing costs. Despite inflation, the City worked hard to hold all other increases—like utilities, insurance, and infrastructure to just 2.0%. There are also increases in education and senior housing, but the City has no control over these raises.
Advocacy in Action
90-day pause on yet another layer of tariffs - what does it mean for Canada, the economy and your business?
President Trump announced a 90-day pause on the reciprocal tariffs that will hold them at 10% for all countries except China. U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports will increase to 125%.
Given Canada and Mexico are exempted from the reciprocal tariff measures via CUSMA compliance, this new development doesn’t significantly change things for Canada.
Our counterparts at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce continue to actively engage with federal officials to elevate business priorities related to the U.S. tariffs and Canada’s responsive measures. To this end, we are very interested in receiving your input on the latest tariff developments. In particular, we are interested in your input on the following:
- HS codes of affected products and/or submissions you have made for the federal government’s consultations.
- Data and examples on how your company is trying to get products to become CUSMA-compliant.
- Any tariff support measures your organization needs from government.
To provide your input, please email us at communications@southeastalbertachamber.ca by Thursday, April 17th at 3:00 p.m. MST
In a new analysis, the Business Data Lab debunks three auto tariff myths and explains why reshoring to the U.S. would take a long time, cost a lot of money, and introduce new risks to the supply chain — not to mention increase the price of cars and car insurance for consumers! Read the analysis
Key resources
- Remission framework for relief from Canada’s counter tariffs, duties relief program, duty draw back program.
- To better understand what steps are required to become CUSMA compliant, please review this helpful FAQ by the Trade Commissioner Service.
- Our update on tariffs blog post
Recent Canadian Chamber insights in the media
- Canadian Chamber’s Matthew Holmes Weighs In on Canada’s Exemption from Reciprocal Tariffs | CBC News (Matthew Holmes)
- Canadian Chamber of Commerce pushes for national economic security | Watch News Videos Online (Candace Laing)
- Canada and Mexico, Early Trump Targets, Dodge The Worst of New Tariff Salvo | Financial Post (Candace Laing)
- Trump’s sweeping new levies on U.S. trade partners threatens to fracture global systems of trade - The Globe and Mail (Candace Laing)
- Canadian Chamber's Candace Laing and Andrew DiCapua Join ABC News (Candace Laing & Andrew DiCapua)
- Real chance of global recession due to U.S. trade war, say economists - The Hill Times (Gaphel Kongtsa)
Next Level Events
Be a part of the Brooks Fall Home & Leisure Tradeshow
The Brooks tradeshow is happening October 3rd-5th, and there are multiple opportunities to be a part of it! Book a booth space to showcase your business to thousands of attendees over the weekend, or sponsor a part of the show to get your business name out there.
Art of Leadership Women
June 9th | June 10th | June 25th | June 26th
Elevate your leadership with The Art of Leadership Women conference, returning to Calgary, Vancouver, Ottawa, and Toronto! Develop your leaders, engage your talent, and build high-performing teams. Use ***CODE*** and save $50 per pass or $100 per pass for groups of 5+. Register at TheArtOf.com today!
Live audience Q&A during West of Centre podcast recording
The City of Medicine Hat is honoured to host Kathleen Petty for a live taping of CBC's West of Centre podcast Wednesday, April 16 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the beautiful Esplanade Arts and Heritage Centre.
We're so excited to share that our very own Managing Director of Energy, Land and Environment, Rochelle Pancoast, will be part of the powerhouse panel including:
- Michaela Frey – Former UCP MLA for Brooks–Medicine Hat
- Barry Morishita – Former Mayor of Brooks / Former Alberta Party Leader
- Janet Brown – Independent Pollster
They'll discuss the key issues shaping southern Alberta's political and economic landscape, including the impact of the upcoming federal election.
Join the live audience to take part in the question and answer period | Reserve your free ticket
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 Dunmore Equestrian Society, Handicapped & Hustlin, Charlton & Hill Ltd. and 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!
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
Expand Your Business Globally with CanExport Funding
CanExport "Grow into Global Markets" is offering SMEs up to $50,000 to cover 50% of the costs associated with exporting products or services to countries where they have limited or no sales. Apply today to expand your business internationally! Apply now
Applications Are Now Open for On-Farm Efficiency Program
Applications for the On-Farm Efficiency Program are officially open! If you’ve been waiting for this opportunity, now is your chance to apply. The On-Farm Efficiency Program supports producers to achieve environmental benefits by improving the efficient use of agricultural inputs. Review the program’s web page for eligibility requirements, application details, program terms and conditions, and funding details.
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the April 8th 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 Resources
Alberta Economy - Indicators at a Glance
Labour Market Notes – Employment falls amid tariff uncertainty
BDC: How to get a business loan in a few easy steps
BDC: Outlook for Canada’s Creative and Cultural Industries for 2025
BusinessLink: Accessing Grants for Your Small Business
Hire employees (Government of Canada - Job Bank)
Occupations in Alberta (Government of Alberta - ALIS)
Environmental Public Health has resources on Coping with Emergencies
Other Events
AI for SMBs: A Free Google course
April 16 | The Power and Promise of AI | Register
April 22 | Facebook and Instagram Advertising on a Small Budget | Register
April 23-25 | Local to Global Conference | Medicine Hat
April 24 | Planning for expansion in a changing global market | Register
May 12 | MNP Understanding Canadian Indirect Tax Implications in E-Commerce | 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: April 15th, 2025
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