Your Weekly Tune Up
New Managing Directors and Director of Economic Development Announced at the City
The City of Medicine Hat announced the appointment of Pat Bohan as Managing Director of Development and Infrastructure, and Rochelle Pancoast as Managing Director of Energy, Land and Environment, effective July 10, 2023.
Bohan has been acting as the interim Managing Director of the Energy and Infrastructure division since the departure of Brad Maynes in mid-June.
With the consolidation of Development and Infrastructure into a single division, the City’s organizational structure now consists of the following four divisions: Corporate Services, Development and Infrastructure, Energy, Land and Environment,
and Public Services. The Corporate Services and Public Services divisions continue to be led by Managing Directors Dennis Egert and Brian Stauth, respectively. The Energy, Land and Environment division is now headed by Managing Director Rochelle Pancoast, head of the former Strategic Management and Analysis division.
Additionally, the City announced the appointment of Selena McLean-Moore as Economic Development Director, effective July 3, 2023.
McLean-Moore has worked in various economic development roles for the past 18 years, most recently serving as the Southern Alberta Regional Economic Development Specialist with the Government of Alberta. In this capacity, McLean-Moore supported Alberta business by working with the Ministry of Jobs, Economy, and Trade to identify opportunities, attract investments, and implement strategies to stimulate economic activity.
Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation Mandate Letter
Premier Danielle Smith has issued a mandate letter to Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation RJ Sigurdson tasking him with supporting Alberta’s vital agriculture and agri-food sectors.
In her letter, the Premier outlines her expectations that Alberta continues to be the economic and job creation engine of Canada and asks Minister Sigurdson to deliver on a platform commitment to expand the Feeder Assistance Loan Guarantee to $3 million to support Alberta producers as they feed the country and compete in the global economy.
Helping Albertans Recover From Wildfires
Municipalities and Metis Settlements affected by wildfires can now apply for financial support from Alberta’s government to help rebuilding and recovery efforts.
Wildfires in May and June burned more than 1.4 million hectares and resulted in about 38,000 Albertans being evacuated from their homes. Because of the actions of thousands of firefighters from Alberta as well as from across Canada and the world, no lives were lost and most of the wildfires are now under control. Alberta’s government has approved a $175-million Disaster Recovery Program to help Alberta communities recoup costs related to the wildfire response and recovery.
Disaster Recovery Program | Alberta.ca
Advocacy in Action
Provincial Priorities Survey Results
More than 450 people responded to the 2023 Provincial Priorities Survey by Alberta Perspectives and the results are in.
“Healthcare” has replaced the “inflation” as the top issue for Alberta’s business community. Alberta business is seen as the “engine of growth” for the province, and as having a major role in developing a vision and providing leadership to move the province forward.
Other key highlights include:
- The public and business are aligned that the province's healthcare system is the most important issue to deal with.
- Large majority (84%) of business believe the oil and gas sector is 'vitally/very' important to the Alberta economy and few believe it will be less important over the next few years.
- While few say 'excellent', those describing the province’s financial situation as at least ‘fair’ continues to trend upward, with 87% among businesses and 78% among the public reporting this.
- The top priorities of business are encouraging businesses/public to shop locally (61%) and attracting investments from outside the province (61%); followed by strengthening local supply chains (57%) and diversifying the province’s economy (53%).
- Concern remains high with an uptick this year to 57% ‘very’ concerned about the cost of electricity to their business
Canadian Chamber Issues Statement on ILWU Strike at Canada's West Ports
The collective agreements between the BCMEA and the ILWU Canada on behalf of the Longshore Locals and Local 514 Ship & Dock Foremen expired on March 31, 2023. And on June 28, 2023, the ILWU Canada informed the BC Maritime Employers Association of their intention to strike on July 1.
Vice President and Deputy Leader of Government Relations for the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Robin Guy, has issued an official statement on the strike, which can be found below.
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is urging the Government of Canada to immediately intervene in order to prevent further disruption to Canada’s supply chains and limit the impact on Canadians, who are bearing the cost of inflationary pressures.
The government should immediately recall Parliament to pass back-to-work legislation to protect the livelihoods of Canadian workers and the health of Canadian businesses affected by disruption to the more than $800 million worth of cargo flowing through West Coast ports every single day.
Robin Guy, Vice President and Deputy Leader of Government Relations, Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
Next Level Events
Business, Brainstorming & Beers @ McNally's Tap House
Join the Chamber Staff every other Thursday throughout the summer at a local patio to discuss whatever needs discussing at your business. Whether it's business growth, workforce challenges, new business opportunities, regulatory hurdles, or anything else, we are all about finding solutions. The first one is This Thursday, July 13th at 3:00 pm. Come have a drink with us and solve the world's problems!
Downtown Chili Cook-Off: July 15th
Downtown Chili Cook-Off is coming Saturday, July 15th, 2023. Bowl sales start at 11:00 am and the siren starts for tastings at 11:30 am. There will be a watermelon eating contest (yum!), hot pepper eating contest (ouch!), and of course, chili cook-off awards! More times and details to come.
More details here
Enriching Your Business
Fuelling the Business Community
New Members!
We would like to welcome McNally's Tap House and Holtom Tile & Renovations 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!
Fill Up On Funding
Second Benefit Period of the Canada Dental Benefit Application is Open.
Proper dental care is a fundamental piece of health and well-being. Applications for the second period of the Canada Dental Benefit opened on July 1st. The second benefit period will provide families with up-front, direct payments of up to $650 per eligible child under 12 for dental care services received between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024.
TELUS Is Searching for Game-changing Business Owners
Apply for your chance to win $125,000 in funding, advertising and technology to fuel your business growth in TELUS’s #StandWithOwners program. Since 2020, TELUS has committed $3.5 million to #StandWithOwners, providing funding, technology and recognition to help them thrive in a digital world. Application deadline is September 6.
Other Events
Grand Openings | Support your local businesses | More Information
March 2024 | Home + Leisure Tradeshow | Register
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