Your Weekly Tune Up: July 24 - 30, 2021
Adapted COVID-19 Measures in Alberta
Changes effectively July 29 include:
- Quarantine for close contacts will shift from mandatory to recommended.
- All positive cases will continue to be notified. Contact tracer will no longer notify close contacts of exposure.
- Outbreak management and identification will focus on high-risk locations.
- Asymptomatic testing is no longer recommended.
- Mandatory masking remains in acute and continuing care facilities, publicly accessible transit, taxis and ride-share.
Changes in effet Aug. 16 include:
- Provincial mandatory masking orders will be lifted. Some masking in acute care or continuing care facilities may still be required.
- Isolation following a positive COVID-19 test result will no longer be required, but strongly recommended.
- Isolation hotels and quarantine support will no longer be available.
- Testing will be available for Albertans with symptoms when it is needed to help direct patient care decisions.
Diversifying the Economy with Cutting-Edge Tech
Alberta’s government is using $4.7 million from the TIER fund through Emissions Reduction Alberta to create a $28.6 million facility in Lethbridge County that will produce an estimated 70 million litres of high-value renewable fuel. This facility will be the first of its kind in Canada, turning local agricultural waste, inedible animal fats and used cooking oil into biodiesel fuel and glycerin. Learn more.
Supporting Parents by Increasing Access to Affordable Child Care
Supported by investments from the federal government, Alberta is directing $45 million to further support families earning up to $90,000 with their child care costs. This means approximately 12,000 more children will receive support, including children enrolled in preschool programs. Learn more.
Putting Poor Crops to Good Use in Alberta
The government of Canada and Alberta, through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, are adjusting the crop insurance program. Learn more.
Expanding Broadband Internet in Rural Alberta
As a part of Alberta’s Recovery Plan, the province will invest up to $150 million to expand and improve broadband internet in rural, remote and Indigenous Communities. Learn more.
Government of Canada announces recipients of $100-million Feminist Response and Recovery Fund
The government of Canada announced 237 projects to receive funding under the $100 million Feminist Response and Recovery Fund call for proposals. Learn more
New EV Chargers Coming to Alberta
The government of Canada is making it easier to drive electric and transforming the way Canadians get to where they need to go. Learn more.
Government of Canada invests in training to help workers across Canada become certified in the skilled trades
To help maintain a strong workforce and better position our country for a prosperous economic recovery, the Government of Canada is investing in the skilled trades to ensure that Canadians have the training they need to access good, well-paying jobs. The Government is making targeted investments, so that the key groups facing barriers -such as women, newcomers, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and Black and racialized Canadians - can better find work in the skilled trades through projects led by unions and their partner organizations. Learn more.
Government of Canada providing support for Students and Recent Grads
The Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough, will announce how the Government of Canada will continue to support access to post-secondary education. Learn more.
Enriching Your Business
Critical Worker Benefit application open to Aug. 31
Additional private sector workers eligible for the benefit since June 22 include truck drivers, farm workers, security guards, cleaners, funeral workers, employees at quick service and dine in restaurants, and taxi and limousine drivers.
OpportuNext - Online Career Transition Tool
The Conference Board of Canada and the Future Skills Centre are excited to launch a free online tool designed to help job placement professionals, jobseekers, and employers quickly and easily explore viable career transition pathways. Learn more.
Fill Up On Funding
Purolator True North Small Business Grants
Purolator is launching the True North Small Business Grant Contest to recognize the importance and contributions of small businesses. And, by encouraging Canadians to make nominations, Purolator is hoping to raise the profiles of small businesses in local communities across the country.
She’s Next Visa Grant Program
She’s Next Visa Grant Program, in partnership with IFundWomen, is proud to announce it will be providing 10 female entrepreneurs with a $10K grant as well as a one-year coaching membership. This includes private sessions and connections to other entrepreneurs to help further business knowledge.
The program is open to all women entrepreneurs in Canada, and applications will be accepted from now until August 3. Apply Now.
Advocacy in Action
Alberta Jobs Now Update:
Since launching in May, the Alberta Jobs Now program has approved approximately 2,700 applications from employers. This will help nearly 14,000 Albertans get back to work in the coming months.
“It is encouraging to see such significant uptake of the Jobs Now program during the first intake period. Preliminary research through Alberta Perspectives shows the program is indeed having the intended effect of encouraging workforce hiring. Alberta Jobs Now is helping drive economic recovery and getting Albertans back to work.” - Ken Kobly, president and CEO, Alberta Chamber of Commerce.
Program Keeps Alberta’s Markets Open
New support for finding tables across the world for Alberta’s high-quality, safe food. This program supports Alberta’s livestock, crop and apiculture industries to overcome barriers to markets. Find out more about the Market Assurance Program
Next Level Events
Medicine Hat & District Chamber of Commerce 2021 Business Awards
Save the Date for October 22, 2021 Find Out More
AGM & Convention
This year our AGM & Convention will focus on Building a New Future for Business. Join us virtually to gather insight from business and political leaders and take a deep dive into the latest developments, trends and issues that affect the future of Canadian business. Register here.
Panel Discussions Include:
- Rebuilding Small Businesses
- Digitalization of Small Businesses
- Building an Inclusive Recovery
- The New Normal
Grant Writing Workshop
The Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta is hosting a grant writing workshop. This event is on August 5, 2021 from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm and will be hosted online. To RSVP email admin@cfsea.ca or call 403.527.9038 by August 3rd.
August 10, 11
AgSmart at Olds College | Register
August 12
How Solar Can Participate in Alberta's Carbon Market | Register
Series
Succession Planning Webinar Series (May 11-June 22) | Register or watch again
Find out More:
Chamber Events| Community Events| Training Events
Check out additional webinar series and on-demand content here
