Your Weekly Tune Up
Advance Polls begin Saturday, October 9
Voters have a choice of location to cast their vote early:
• Hockey Hounds Recreation Centre at 39 10 Street NE
• Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede Grandstand Banquet Room at 2055 21 Avenue SE
Advance polls are open:
- Saturday, Oct. 9: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Tuesday, Oct. 12: 2 p.m. - 8 p.m.
- Wednesday, Oct. 13: 2 p.m. - 8 p.m.
- Thursday, Oct. 14: 2 p.m. - 8 p.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 16: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Find out more and learn more about the priorities and candidates here.
More support for businesses keeping Albertans safe
In response to the latest public health actions, Alberta's government will soon offer a one-time payment of $2,000 to Alberta small- and medium-sized businesses that are eligible for and choose to implement the Restrictions Exemption Program, requiring proof of vaccination, a negative test result or medical exemption. Alberta businesses eligible for the REP Implementation Grant can use the funding as they see fit.
The government will also be doubling fines for contravening public health orders, including the mistreatment of workers doing the difficult work ensuring public health orders are being followed, from $2,000 to $4,000.
Mandatory COVID-19 vaccination requirements for federally regulated transportation employees and travellers
The Government of Canada announced that, as of October 30, the Government of Canada will require employers in the federally regulated air, rail, and marine transportation sectors to establish vaccination policies for their employees. Also, effective October 30, travellers departing from Canadian airports, and travellers on VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer trains, will be required to be fully vaccinated in order to travel.
Quick Check Up
COVID-19 reporting in schools
Alberta's government is resuming public reporting of COVID-19 cases in schools, initiating contact notification in schools, clarifying COVID-19 outbreak definitions, providing rapid testing kits and encouraging school authorities to have proof of COVID-19 vaccination policies for adults.
Fuelling Our Business Community
Declaration of 'Women in STEM Week'
Associate Minister of Status of Women Whitney Issik has declared Oct. 10-16, 2021 Women in STEM Week.
"I am proud to declare Oct. 10 to 16, 2021 as Women in STEM Week. Alberta's government is committed to supporting women to succeed in a fulfilling career of their choice. Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) are fields that drive innovation, and move our economy and our society forward. There are high-paying, high-quality jobs in STEM, and through investment in emerging technology and innovation, it plays an important part in our province's economic recovery and diversification." Read More
Small Business Week: Seizing the opportunity to build the way forward
October 17-23 is Small Business Week, an annual celebration of entrepreneurship that the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) has organized for over 42 years. Every year, close to 10,000 entrepreneurs gather to learn, network and celebrate the people building businesses across the country.
The past 18 months have fast-forwarded long-term disruption. Let's join together to discuss solutions and opportunities that lie ahead for Canadian entrepreneurs.
The Power of Community
Enriching Your Business
Certificate of Recognition (COR) Program Suspension of on-site data gathering
%he Certificate of Recognition (COR) program is implementing an immediate suspension of on-site data gathering activities by auditors. This means:
- On-site observations are suspended.
- Documentation reviews and interviews must be remote (e.g. video calls, phone, etc.).
• Audits based on review of documentation and interviews are eligible for three-year COR certification.
• Audits based on review of documentation only are eligible for one-year COR certification or for COR maintenance.
On-site data gathering must cease for audits in progress. If you have questions or require assistance, please contact your Certifying Partner.
When possible, employers must provide documents to auditors electronically. In addition, auditors must use a safe collection method for paper documents (e.g. curbside pick-up). These rules are in effect until December 31, 2021, and will be re-assessed for 2022.
October Is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month - check out these resourcesÂ
Cyber-security awareness month is all about helping you understand the best technology, methods, and tips to ensure your business and its data are protected. Check out the resources below:
Need to determine if an email is legit? Check out this handy infographic from Partek.
Are you at risk for a Cyber Attack? 6 best practices to secure your business
Can Canada Be a Global Cybersecurity Leader?
MNP Presents: What you need to know about the latest cyber threats and reducing risk with insurance | October 20 | Register
The Globe and Mail Presents Before the Breach: Cybersecurity Essentials for Canadian Businesses | Register
See all our Value Added Benefits!
Fill Up On Funding
Compare the Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP) and Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
Which subsidy should you apply for? The CRHP and CEWS are both available for claim periods 17 to 21. If you are eligible for both, apply for whichever subsidy gives you the higher amount. Remember, you can apply for a different subsidy each claim period, but you cannot receive both subsidies in one claim period. Find out more.
Community Vibrancy Grant application deadline October 29, 2021
The purpose of the Community Vibrancy Grant is to provide one-time funding for projects that reflect the spirit of City Council's Strategic Plan 2019-2022 and support one or more of the following objectives:
- Promote vibrancy in the community of Medicine Hat
- Emphasize the spirit of the community by accentuating and celebrating the spirit of living in Medicine Hat
- Promote recreation, leisure, social, arts, cultural or heritage opportunities vital to the well-being and quality of life in Medicine Hat
- Promote a sense of belonging in the community
Grant guidelines, application and pre-registration information can be found on the City website. An information session is scheduled for October 19, 2021 at 7 p.m. via Zoom.
Organizations targeted by hate crimes can now apply for grants
Eligible organizations can now apply for grants to make security and technology improvements through the Alberta Security Infrastructure Program (ASIP). The grants are for upgrades such as security and monitoring systems and security training and planning, to help protect both people and property from criminal acts that target vulnerable communities.
Financial relief for entrepreneurs
Learn more about options for accessing credit to support you through to a more stable time.
Next Level Events
Did you know that October is Global Diversity Awareness Month?
Being Human Services is pleased to announce the launch of a free diversity awareness workshop for local employers to help facilitate growing interest. The Lunchtime Learning Webinar is an opportunity to learn some facts and grow in knowledge about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) with other local employers. To make a lasting difference, it takes all of us!
Visit their website or check out their brochure to learn more and click a direct link below to register for a date that works for you.
Lunchtime Learning Webinar will be from 12:00pm - 1:00pm on the following dates.
- Wednesday, October 20, 2021Â [Register]
- Thursday, November 4, 2021Â [Register]
- Tuesday, November 23, 2021Â [Register]
"Be Better...Do Better" Â www.beinghumanservices.ca
Event Format Change and Virtual Tickets on Sale - 2021 Celebrating the Hero within Business Awards
The event will open at 5:30 pm, where individuals can navigate the virtual event lobby, join different tables, and network with other attendees. At 6:00 pm guests will be notified of when the Award Ceremony will premiere. Once the ceremony has concluded, guests are welcome to stay with us for some additional networking opportunities.
Save Friday, October 22nd in your calendar and register today: https://bit.ly/3iIMCiZ
Other Resources
Download our free Financing Toolkit for Tech Businesses
Download your free 5-step recruitment plan, job offer template and onboarding checklist
Tourism Industry Association of Canada's (TIAC) Elevating Canadian Experiences (ECE) Program is designed to help tourism stakeholders seize innovative opportunities in culinary tourism and in the winter and shoulder seasons. TIAC has created a content hub providing industry access to five practical tools and resources
Useful Links
Find more updates on our social media
