Your Weekly Tune Up: August 7 - August 13
One Stop for Affordable Housing
A new online tool will make it easier and faster for Albertans to find affordable housing that meets their personal needs and budget. Learn more.
Support on the Way for Livestock Producers
Drought-stricken livestock producers will be eligible for millions of dollars in financial relief and will benefit from new rangeland initiatives that will improve access to water and grazing. Learn more.
July Job Numbers: Statement from Minister Schweitzer
Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation Doug Schweitzer issued a statement about the July 2021 Labour Force Survey.
U.S. plea for more oil production: Statement from Minister Savage
Minister of Energy Sonya Savage issued a statement in response to the White House calling on OPEC+ to boost oil production.
Canada moving forward with proof of Vaccination for International Travel
While Canadians should continue to avoid non-essential travel worldwide, the Government of Canada recognizes that proof of vaccination credentials will support the re-opening of societies and economies. Learn more.
Government of Canada releases Adapting to the Impacts of Climate Change in Canada: an update on the National Adaptation Strategy
As work continues towards the development of the strategy, the Government of Canada released a report entitled Adapting to the Impacts of Climate Change in Canada: an update on the National Adaptation Strategy. The report builds on first round conversations with provinces and territories, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, Indigenous Representatives, and youth organizations to identify the strategy’s objectives and principles. Learn more.
Affordable high-speed Internet for low-income seniors and families
On August 11 2021, the Honourable Francois-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, and the Honourable Deb Schulte, Minister of Seniors, announced the second phase of Connecting Families, which will help connect hundreds of thousands of low-income seniors and families to afford high-speed home Internet in 2022. Learn more.
Canada and Alberta invest in public facility upgrades, flood prevention, active transportation and outdoor recreation spaces in ten communities.
On August 10 2021, the Honourable Jim Carr, Minister and Special Representative for the Prairies, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine Mckenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Prasad Panda, Alberta’s Minister of Infrastructure announced more than $38.5 million in federal-provincial funding for two dozen new infrastructure projects across Alberta. The projects will benefit more than 2.6 million Albertans and include retrofits, repairs, and upgrades to provincially-owned facilities, improvements to emergency response and prevention infrastructure, and new trails, sidewalks and outdoor recreation spaces. Learn more.
Government of Canada announces agreement with leading COVID-19 vaccine developer Moderna, Inc. to build mRNA vaccine facility in Canada
The Government of Canada announced Tuesday it has established a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with leading COVID-19 vaccine developer Moderna, Inc. to build a state-of-the-art mRNA vaccine production facility in Canada.
Government of Canada announces $1.44-billion investment in Telesat supporting the future of connectivity for rural and remote communities
The Government of Canada has entered into an agreement-in-principle with Telesat to invest $1.44 billion into Telesat’s advanced low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, Telesat Lightspeed.
Enriching Your Business
Now Open: Workforce Partnerships Expression of Interest
Alberta Labour and Immigration is pleased to launch its Expression of Interest for the Industry – Workforce Partnerships (WP) grant program. Organizations can submit Expressions of Interest between August 11, 2021 and September 10, 2021.
For more information, including important dates and the Application Guidelines, please visit https://www.alberta.ca/workforce-partnerships-program.aspx
Business Link Digital Economy Program for Small Businesses
The Digital Economy Program, delivered in partnership with Digital Main Street (DMS), is designed to help small businesses improve their customer reach, increase sales, and elevate your businesses' eCommerce presence. This program is open to home-based or commercial small businesses registered in Alberta with less than 50 employees.
Critical Worker Benefit application open to Aug. 31
Additional private sector workers eligible for the benefits 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 the viable career transition pathways. Learn more.
Fill Up On Funding
Up to $500,000 in Incentives for Businesses to Retrofit - Energy Savings for Business Program
The Energy Savings for Business program is run by an Alberta-based non-profit called Emissions Reduction Alberta. They are currently running a government-funded incentive program that offers Alberta businesses up to $250,000 per project and $500,000 per company to install energy efficient upgrades in Alberta located buildings. Open to post-project applications until June 30, 2022 for smaller projects, Oct 31, 2022 for large projects like CHP and geothermal. This means projects must have received their pre-approval and been installed by these dates. Learn More.
Advocacy in Action
Government of Canada Investments enable Alberta Companies to Expand and Reach New Markets
Through the Business Scale-Up and Productivity (BSP) program, Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is supporting growth in leading economic sectors. Fostering business development in Alberta paves a path for our future and promises a stronger economic recovery. Learn more.
Government of Canada Launches a new Regional Development Agency for the Prairie Provinces
Prairie Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) will be the new regional economic development agency for businesses and communities in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. It will build on Western Economic Diversification Canada’s (WD) 34 year legacy.
Next Level Events
Medicine Hat & District Chamber of Commerce 2021 Business Awards
Save the Date for October 22, 2021 Find Out More
August 25: What you need to know about books and records
The Canada Revenue Agency is hosting a free webinar to provide individuals and businesses with information on best practices for maintaining books and records.
Topics to be discussed in the webinar include:
- what are books and records
- types of books and records
- who keeps books and records
- retention of books and records
- destruction of books and records
Register: https://collaboratevideo.net/CRA-ARC/210825/en/register.php
Ensuring a Safe Return to the Workplace: What Organizations Planning a Return to the Office Need to Know
September 2 | 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. ET | Virtual
What does the new normal look like when it comes to transitioning back into the workplace? How can organizations ensure their employees feel safe and comfortable? What about managing expectations of staff who have fully embraced a remote environment? Register.
Topics to be discussed:
- Roles from a legal perspective
- Dos and don’ts for employers
- Employee rights
- Flexible working arrangements
- Employee well-being
- Vaccination and testing requirements
