The Voice: April 1st, 2025

Chamber Board Nominations, Alberta Site Selector Tool, Improving Food Safety in Alberta, Consumer Carbon Price Removed, Registering for the Federal Election, Temporary EI Measures for Workers Affected by Tariffs, and more all in this week's edition of The Voice.

Business News

Chamber Board Nominations Due May 5th

As part of the Board of Director’s succession planning for the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce, nominations are held each year to actively seek out dedicated, community-minded individuals whose common goals and principles coincide with the Chamber of Commerce and the organization’s mandate. The Board of Directors assist in stimulating a strengthened and vibrant economy in our region through our connections, support & influence and help further our mission in Southeast Alberta.

All nominations are due by Monday, May 5, 2025 at 12:00 noon.

We are looking for energetic, enthusiastic and progressive Board members who have the desire to sustain and grow a strong business environment in our community. Successful candidates should be prepared to assist the Chamber of Commerce in accomplishing its goals and objectives and be willing to contribute to formulating policies for the betterment of our business community and advocating for those positions on behalf of our region. The Board is looking for individuals who are keenly aware of local, provincial and federal issues that affect our business climate and are able to respond to them in a reasonable, professional and discreet manner.

In addition, we encourage individuals who are interested in becoming involved in the Chamber of Commerce to volunteer by sitting on a committee or task force as a way to gain experience and become familiar with our organization and our mandate prior to becoming a Board of Director.

If you are interested in volunteer opportunities with the Chamber of Commerce, please take a moment to fill out our Volunteer Form.

To ensure the Chamber maintains a fair and democratic process, we rely on and encourage our members to provide us with potential nominees for our Board, which are then elected by our members. If you or someone you know is interested in working with the Chamber of Commerce Board to accomplish our vision and mission and would like to submit their name for election to the Board, please click on the image below to fill out the online nomination form or download the nomination package HERE.

Any nominee shall be a member in good standing for a minimum of two years, free of any conflict of interest and be willing and able to attend board meetings. In addition, it is highly desirable that candidates should be able to demonstrate a familiarity with the Chamber of Commerce’s activities and a level of involvement that demonstrates an ongoing commitment to the Chamber of Commerce’s goals and objectives.

A Director who commits their time and talent to the Chamber will also reap a rewarding experience by working together with other Directors, Members and Staff for the purpose of advancing business interests in our region.

Should you have any questions, please contact the Chamber office at 403.527.5214 or president@southeastalbertachamber.ca. We encourage you to let your name stand as a Director, represent the interests of your industry and your business community and become a voice on our Board of Directors.

Alberta Site Selector Tool

Alberta’s Site Selector Tool is a free online service that helps connect businesses and investors to the best locations in Alberta. It combines real-time property listings with key data on infrastructure and socio-economic insights on communities, making it easy to choose where to expand or invest. With almost 7,000 available properties already featured on the tool, Alberta’s business community is empowered with access to free, easy-to-use data and a platform to pinpoint local opportunities. Investors can now activate new layers of data that capture a property’s proximity to infrastructure such as high-load corridors, mainline railways and international airports as well as high-capacity powerlines, substations, power generation, natural gas service areas and fibre internet.

Investors can also access regional statistics on labour force availability, including labour force by occupation and industry, unemployment rates and graduate rates by degree program. Find out more and make sure you list your property on our investment opportunities page. Don't see your property on the Site Selection Tool? Contact us and we can help you.

Improving food safety in Alberta

Albertans are invited to participate in an online survey to help inform the implementation of their food safety review panel’s recommendations and Alberta’s public health legislation, regulations, and policies related to food safety. If implemented, some recommendations may also affect the broader food service industry, including food establishments. Continuing implementation and engagement activities is a part of the government’s commitment to acting on the Review Panel’s recommendations and strengthening food safety in licensed child-care facilities across Alberta. Find out more

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Consumer carbon price removed

The consumer carbon price will be removed on April 1, 2025, with several key changes coming into effect, including the final rebates and tax credits for businesses and farmers. Businesses are encouraged to review their eligibility for the remaining rebates and credits before the changes take effect. Learn more

Registering for the Federal Election

The federal election is on Monday, April 28, 2025. To vote in the election, electors must be registered at their current address. Electors can register at the polls just before they vote but are encouraged to register or check their registration early to help ensure they get a voter information card and make the voting process easier. Electors can use Elections Canada’s Online Voter Registration Service to register, check if they are registered, update their address or apply to vote by mail. They can also contact their local Elections Canada office or call 1-800-463-6868 for more information.

Elections Canada will mail a voter information card to all registered electors. Most Canadians who are eligible to vote are already registered and should receive a voter information card in the mail by Friday, April 11, 2025. Electors who do not receive a card or do not want to wait for it can find out where to vote by visiting elections.ca and entering their postal code in the Voter Information Service box. Find out more.

Temporary EI Measures for Workers Affected by Tariffs

The Government of Canada is introducing temporary Employment Insurance (EI) measures to support workers impacted by tariffs on Canadian goods. These measures complement Work-Sharing Program flexibilities and ongoing workforce development efforts with provinces and territories. Learn more

30-Day Extension for Commercial Importers to Submit Financial Security Before CARM Deadline

Importers will now have until 3 am EDT on May 20, 2025, to post their financial security in the CARM system. Importers who do not post financial security, will no longer be able to benefit from having their goods released electronically at the border prior to making payment of the duties and taxes. Without RPP, importers will have to pay all duties and taxes before goods can be released. Learn more

Medicine Hat-Cypress News

Expanding urgent care

Currently, more than 35 per cent of emergency department visits are for non-life-threatening conditions that could be treated at urgent care centres. By expanding these centres, Alberta’s government is enhancing the health care system and improving access to timely care. The locations for the eight new urgent care centres were selected based on current and projected increases in demand for lower-acuity care at emergency departments. The new facilities will be in west Edmonton, south Edmonton, Westview (Stony Plain/Spruce Grove), east Calgary, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Cold Lake and Fort McMurray. Find out more.

City releases industry report on aviation, aerospace and defence in Southeast Alberta

In early 2024, Medicine Hat Economic Development launched an industry specific business retention & expansion study focused on supporting the aviation, aerospace, and defence industry in Southeast Alberta. This work, spanning nearly one year, was undertaken with the support of several partners including Cypress County, Town of Redcliff, Palliser Economic Partnership, Medicine Hat College, Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce, and Careers: The Next Generation. The culmination of this program resulted in State of the Industry: Aviation, Aerospace & Defence in Southeast Alberta, a report which aims to provide benchmarking for the current state of the industry, identify key challenges and opportunities for local business, and provide data driven recommendations to support industry growth. Read the Report

Protection for the Medicine Hat Wastewater Treatment Plant

Alberta's government is investing more than $19 million in 10 different projects through the Drought and Flood Protection Program. This funding will help build 300 metres of shoreline protection along the South Saskatchewan River to protect the Medicine Hat Wastewater Treatment Plant to reduce the risk of flood damage to the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Combining this funding, along with the city’s contributions, will aid in providing shoreline protection, flood risk management, environmental protection, operational safety and sustainability. Find out more.

Brooks-Newell News

Bringing Adventure to Our Area

At the recent Tourism Industry Association of Alberta (TIAA) conference, the emcee gave a big shout-out to the Patricia Hotel, calling it one of the best experiences in Alberta. He especially loved the steak pit, the atmosphere, and the service—he even told the crowd it’s a must-try.

One of the key priorities for Brooks Region Tourism is getting the Aqueduct revitalization project off the ground, and plans are in motion to bring back a triathlon this June—with a twist: paddle boarding instead of swimming.

Brooks Music Festival

Brooks Music Festival runs from March 31 to April 4, with the final concert at Griffin Park Theatre on April 9 at 7 PM. For sessions and venues, check the website brooksmusicfestival.ca

Advocacy in Action

Canadian Chamber of Commerce Statement on the Call for a Federal Election

“Canadians are privileged to live and work in an open, vibrant and democratic country. With the federal election kickoff today, we once again get to exercise our right to vote for the next national government and our future. However, this election comes at a critical and highly uncertain time for our country. The ongoing tensions with the U.S. have created a volatile environment, making it harder for businesses and families to plan ahead. Strong public programs, like healthcare, retirement benefits, and a robust military, rely on a thriving business sector and tax revenue from Canadian individuals and businesses. Right now, that foundation is at risk.”

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Next Level Events

Learn from the Experts: AI Technology

Learn from the Experts is back and with a hot and popular topic to discuss... AI (Artificial Intelligence)! Make valuable connections, learn about how AI can elevate your business and enjoy an evening with fellow Chamber members, staff, and our curated panel of Experts.

The format will be a panel discussion with time to learn, ask your questions and network. Each expert will have 5-7 minutes to speak on their topic, and afterwards there will be an open question period where guests can ask questions to the panel. We'll follow all this up with some time at the end for networking! Register here.

Our Technology and AI topics and experts for the evening are:

Applications of AI | James Parsons, Partek IT Solutions

Learning AI Tools and Platforms | Ivan Long, Auto-Star

Human Interaction with AI | John Shoff, Reality Bytes

Future of AI | Steven Olmsted, Ten Four Technology

We will also have an open dinner for anyone interested at 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm before the event starts for extra time to network. *Please note, any dinner attendees are required to purchase their own meals time-of separate from registration.

Inclusive by Design Workshop Overview

Diversity in the workplace drives innovation, reduces turnover, and boosts business resilience. Employers can attract top talent and build stronger organizations by fostering inclusive environments. In partnership with Hire for Talent, this session equips employers and HR professionals with the tools to confidently recruit, retain, and support employees with disabilities.

In this 1-hour-long session, participants will learn about essential disability awareness concepts, implementing workplace accommodations, inclusive onboarding and recruitment techniques, and how to utilize workplace inclusion partnerships.

Registration here: https://chamber.southeastalbertachamber.ca/ap/Events/Register/2JF6ngZC3CNCz

WHEN: Wednesday, April 16th @ 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

What Employers Will Gain:

• Practical tips for recruiting, onboarding, and retaining employees from diverse backgrounds.

• Simple strategies for creating accessible and inclusive workplaces.

Meet the Speaker:

Sean McEwen is a Workplace Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Culture Consultant and a Director at RealEyes Capacity Consultants. Sean supports businesses and non-profit organizations to build workforce sustainability through diverse and inclusive workplaces.

Over the past 26 years Sean has been designing and overseeing Employment Inclusion services for groups underrepresented in employment, while providing leadership and coaching to teams of career practitioners serving jobseekers and employers. Sean has created and facilitated training for employers across Canada, and has helped develop regional, provincial and national networks dedicated to the employment inclusion of underrepresented groups. He is the 2018 recipient of the “Award of Excellence in Employment” granted by the Alberta Premier’s Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities. Sean also designed and directed the GEDI-Hub, Western Canada’s first Employer Resource Centre for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

Workforce Events & Opportunities:

Introduction to Employment Standards, Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), and Regional Employer
Date: Tuesday, April 8^th, 2025 - Time:1:30 – 2:30 pm | For additional information and to register click HERE
OHS Webinar with Ron Pennington
April 9, 2025 12:00-1:00pm | Register HERE
HR Day with Tina Leisle from Red Rock HR Consulting
April 30^th, 2025 | Register at asmith@albertaacf.com

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Enriching Your Business

Exclusive Advisor(s) for Chambers of Commerce Group Health Plan

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

Look at what else your Chambers Plan includes here!

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Fuelling the Business Community

New Chamber Members

We would like to welcome Ten Four Technology, Monarch Wealth Corp, Cranston Holdings Ltd. 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

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.

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Fill Up On Funding

CanExport for SMEs

Application window for 2025-2026 fiscal year projects now open! The CanExport SMEs program of Canada's Trade Commissioner Service is designed to encourage small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to export Canadian goods and services to new international markets. Eligible small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can get up to $50,000 to cover 50% of the costs of exporting products or services to countries where they have little or no sales. Find out more.

Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE)

Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) is dedicated to the development, expansion and promotion of women’s entrepreneurship. They have programs to help you build your business skills on various topics: https://www.awebusiness.com/

Crossword Puzzle

Crossword Puzzle Answers

Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the March 25th 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.

BDC Entrepreneur's Learning Centre – Online | Register

April 1 | AI Fundamentals for Business | Register

April 8 | Hiring Fair | Register

April 15 | Digital Tools, Software and Apps to Effectively Manage your Small Business | Register

April 22 | Facebook and Instagram Advertising on a Small Budget | Register

April 23-25 | Local to Global Conference | Medicine Hat

May 21-23 | Inventures Conference | Calgary

Free Training for the Building Industry: Various Courses up to May 29, 2025 | Register

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