The Voice: May 27th, 2025
Local Government 101, Businesses are you ready for CRA mail to go online, Exploring a Municipally controlled corporation (MCC), and new Economic Development Tool all in this week's edition of The Voice.
Business News
Businesses, are you ready for your CRA mail to go online?
The CRA has started the transition to online mail as the default method of delivering most business correspondence. Businesses will receive most business notices and other correspondence through CRA’s secure online portal, My Business Account, instead of by mail. New business and program account registrations started May 12, 2025. Existing businesses start June 16, 2025.
For more information, go to Online Mail for business.
Local Government 101
As the municipal election edges closer in October, it’s important for citizens to know who does what and what the difference is between Governance and Operations.
There are two key roles in any Governance body, whether a public government body or not for profit: governance and operations. Both are essential, but they do very different things.
On a City or Town Council (governance) there is a Mayor and Councillors that you elect. Their main job is governance—this means setting the vision, priorities, and policies for the community.
They would be similar to a board of directors for a company:
- They decide what needs to be done and why.
- They represent the will of the people, listening to community input.
- They approve the budget, set local bylaws, and make long-term plans.
- They do not get involved in day-to-day operations.
For example, a Council might decide that improving local roads is a top priority and allocate funding—but they don't decide which specific potholes to fill or who gets hired to do the work.
The Administration (operations) is made up of a Municipal City or Town Manager (sometimes referred to as the Chief Administrative Officer or CAO) and staff. Their job is operations—this means carrying out the decisions made by a Council and managing the day-to-day running of the municipality.
Think of them as the managers and staff of the company:
- They figure out how to get things done.
- They maintain roads, deliver services, run facilities, and respond to issues.
- They hire qualified staff and ensure that policies are followed properly.
So, if Council sets the direction to improve parks, the Administration will design the upgrades, hire contractors, and make sure the project gets done on time and on budget.
Thank you to the City of Medicine Hat for their content in the Neat to Know newsletter. You can view more on the City of Medicine Hat website, as the information is applicable for many municipalities in Alberta. *Note, counties do differ in some ways, as they typically have wards and divisions and the reeve (similar to a Mayor) is often elected from among the councillors, though in some cases, they may be elected at large by the public.
Medicine Hat-Cypress News
Council Highlights May 20, 2025
On May 20, City Council approved holding a non-statutory public hearing regarding the Transportation Master Plan, Active Transportation Strategy, and Transportation Safety Strategy to be held no later than the end of Q3 2025. In addition, there was an approved budget amendment of $250,000 to fund a preliminary concept design and project costing for a reduced north grandstand option for the Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede.
There was also a motion directing administration to proceed to arrange a public hearing regarding the potential incorporation of a municipally controlled corporation (MCC) - see more below. You can view the full summary of Council highlights here.
Exploring a Municipally Controlled Corporation (MCC)
Medicine Hat’s energy business has been central to Medicine Hat's identity since the early 1900s, providing employment, affordable and reliable services, and a steady source of municipal revenue. But the conditions under which the energy business flourished are changing. The risks and uncertainties are growing. That’s why the City is exploring the establishment of a municipally controlled corporation for the distribution and electric generation business units, one of the recommendations of the recent Energy Business Review.
After extensive analysis, KPMG LLP recommended an MCC governance structure to deliver optimal value for the community with respect to its public owned utility. City Council approached development of an implementation plan, which has led to a full disclosure of the prospective business model if an MCC were to be pursued by City Council.
This does not mean the City would be selling the electric generation or distribution business units. The City retains ownership whether an MCC is established or not. There is no change to the public in terms of service delivery.
The exploration of the MCC governance model is a stage-gate approach with exit ramps along the way. This stage is to hear from the public via a public hearing on Tuesday, June 24 starting at 4 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall.
To learn more about the prospective governance model, review the content on the Shape Your City project page at medicinehat.ca/mcc. To connect with the energy team, attend one of our upcoming information sessions:
- In-person Q&A, Friday, June 6 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., Helen Beny Lounge, City Hall
- Online Q&A, Wednesday, June 11 from 5 to 6 p.m., virtual Teams presentation
- Or use the Q&A tool on Shape Your City to ask the team questions
- For Chamber members, we’ll be hosting an exclusive session for you on Monday, June 9th, so check your inbox for the event invitation.
Annual Report 2024
Each year, the City releases a corporate annual report that includes a summary of activities and accomplishments from the year, as well as an abbreviated treasurer’s and financial report. City Council adopted the 2024 Annual Report at the May 20 Council meeting.
New, more interactive maps!
The City has updated their interactive Capital Project Map and Road Construction and Closures Map for the 2025 construction season. The updates enhance each map’s interactive features to improve clarity through the use of Geographic Information System (GIS) technology. In turn, this provides more information about current and upcoming projects and closures occurring around the community.
Check out these maps and learn more about what's new in 2025 below.
Brooks-Newell News
New Economic Development Tool
Brooks Region Economic Development has a new tool that helps prospective investors explore available commercial, industrial, and agricultural properties across the region. It is the Alberta Site Selector Tool, featured on brooksregion.ca. It includes MLS listings and gives municipalities and private landowners the option to upload their listings. The site is often the first stop for companies researching the region. Brooks Region continues to earn praise from developers for streamlined permitting and a business-friendly attitude. One recent example: developers cited the region’s shorter permit timelines—far faster than the 9-month processes seen elsewhere—as a key reason for choosing to build here.
City of Brooks wins DiversityMagazine Award
Diversity magazine has presented the city with the Organization Diversity Award. On May 9 mayor John Petrie and Robyn Klassen, the city’s inclusion coordinator, attended the Diversity Magazine Award ceremony in Sylvan Lake. The city was recognized as one of the most diverse communities in Canada which works hard to foster inclusion, understanding, and opportunity for all.
Some of the events include the Taste of Nations and Truth and Reconciliation Day as well as proclaiming to educate during events such as Black History Month and the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The city has also been involved in other initiatives such as the SEEDS conference on rural diversity, the EDI World Café which focused on mental health, Seniors Week events and painting sidewalks to honour veterans.
“The City of Brooks is honoured to win this award as it exemplifies our council and administration’s commitment to diversity and inclusion." said Petrie. Read more on Brooks Bulletin
Advocacy in Action
Connections with CFB Suffield
In 1972, the Chamber of Commerce recognized the need to establish a strong relationship with CFB Suffield and BATUS under the Chamber Presidency of Jim Horsman. At that time the Chamber established the Suffield Liaison Committee, recognizing the significant impact of the military on our economic potential in Southeast Alberta with the supplies, goods and services that the Military Base would require. Jim was a visionary, recognizing the need and the importance of building those connections and providing information and support to both the military base, but to our business community as well. The Chamber has maintained an ongoing commitment to upholding that relationship and sharing information between the military and our business community. Most recently, we reached out to find out if any procurement information had changed.
CFB Suffield now has additional Procurement Sections at Suffield, a new website, and increased buying power for services. The best place for businesses to find government tenders is CanadaBuys. This site has replaced Buy and Sell as the location for tenders, procurement advice for businesses and site support. We have also uploaded the revised PDF on “How to do Business with CFB Suffield” to our member info hub, providing insights on Purchases over $25k and Purchases under $25k. It is also noted that drop by visits and sending flyers and catalogues are discouraged, visits via appointment are required. Because CFB Suffield is a closed base, only companies who have security clearance or have been officially invited onto the base are authorized to enter. Find out more, including the new email address in the Member Info Hub. Can’t login, connect with us and we can help!
You can also view our Past President, the Honourable Jim Horsman’s story on our YouTube page.
The 2025 B7 Communiqué
As the 2025 Chair of the B7, the Canadian Chamber has worked closely with B7 counterparts on the development of the Communiqué. Inside is a strategic blueprint for G7 leaders to address the key forces reshaping our global economy, including trade, artificial intelligence and digital transformation, and the energy economy.
What does a blueprint for achieving economic security and resilience look like? Read on to find out!
You can also read about key takeaways and highlights from the B7 Summit.
The Scale of Canada's Deficit and What it Means: Lessons on Fiscal Policy
While the U.S. deficit balloons to crisis levels, Canada's finances are holding steady — but that’s no reason to relax. In the latest episode of Canada’s Economy, Explained, Economist Dr. Trevor Tombe, Professor of Economics at the University of Calgary, and Director of Fiscal and Economic Policy at the School of Public Policy, joins host Marwa Abdou to break down why fiscal discipline matters more than ever.
Learn more and listen to the podcast.
Requests for Input
- Making Internal Trade Easier: We want to hear from workers, business owners or representatives of a business association or organization facing, or aware of, challenges doing interprovincial trade.
- Water Availability Engagement: Closes June 30 – Provide your thoughts on the proposed Water Act amendments.
- Make Your Voice Heard - Alberta Emergency Management Agency Survey: Tourism Sector
Next Level Events
Academy of Learning Grand Opening
Join us in celebrating Academy of Learning's brand new campus grand opening! From 3:00pm - 6:00pm, the ribbon cutting will be at 3:30 with celebratory cake to follow! Enjoy free Kona Ice, coffee, pop/ juice and water, PLUS free face painting by Crazy Paint by Katie. Make sure to pop by so you don't miss the opportunity to win a their draw... one of the prizes being a tuition scholarship giveaway!
Launch a career you love in Medicine Hat. In less than a year. Over 100,000 people have found their fresh start through Canada’s largest career college network, Academy of Learning Career College.
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Ribbon cutting @ 3:30 PM | More details and registration here
Medicine Hat Jazzfest 2025
Now in its 29th year, Medicine Hat JazzFest continues to be one of the city’s most anticipated summer events—blending world-class music with a strong sense of community and place. From June 17–22, downtown venues, open-air patios, and even an airport hangar will come alive with jazz, funk, soul, Latin, and more.
This year, JazzFest introduces two exciting additions. First, the Youth Jazz Intensive, a new initiative that brings top Canadian jazz educators to mentor emerging Alberta talent, culminating in a public performance at the festival’s Hangar Dance Party.
Second, that Hangar Dance Party—always a festival favourite—is expanding, with a full afternoon and evening of music, dancing, and all-ages fun at Super T Aviation on Saturday, June 21 from 3–9 PM.
The festival continues to offer a mix of free and ticketed events, with a $20 Youth Ticket for attendees 25 and under, and affordable full-week passes. Performers this year range from JUNO-nominated drummer Sanah Kadoura to high-energy favourites Shuffle Demons, and celebrated Albertan talent Cheryl Fisher.
JazzFest brings significant cultural and economic value to Medicine Hat, drawing visitors from across the Prairies and boosting local businesses throughout the week.
Find the full schedule and tickets at medicinehatjazzfest.com. See how Medicine Hat makes a big impact—one note at a time.
Be a part of the Brooks Fall Home & Leisure Tradeshow
The Brooks tradeshow is happening October 3rd-5th, and there are multiple opportunities to be a part of it! Book a booth space to showcase your business to thousands of attendees over the weekend, or sponsor a part of the show to get your business name out there.
Enriching Your Business
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
Fuelling the Business Community
New Chamber Members
We would like to welcome Eager Beavers Childcare, Suncity Drilling Inc, and Medicine Hat and District Genealogical Society 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!
Language Instruction For Newcomers To Canada (Linc)
Do you know someone that needs English Language Training for Success. The Medicine Hat College offers the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (CLB Levels 5-6) program, a dynamic, communication-focused English as a Second Language program designed for new Canadians. This program helps adult immigrants enhance their English proficiency to support community integration, employment, and further education. We know that employers want to tap into newcomers for their labour force, but sometimes language is a barrier to success. You can find out more here with possible evening classes in September. If you are interested in an evening class in September, contact Penny Ziel
Save Money and Grow Your Business - Evalon Promo
We provide payment processing solutions to help you save money, efficiently run your business and make it easy for your customers to pay any time, from anywhere. Here are a couple of ways that we can help your business grow:
- Credit Card Surcharge* helps you lower your payment acceptance costs.
- Dynamic Currency Conversion allows you to accept global currencies with ease.
Chat and find the solutions that work for you business: https://join.paymentstart.com/CAChamber
*Disclaimer: * Certain provincial or local laws may restrict or limit the amount or applicability of the merchants’ surcharge percentage. Although we offer credit card surcharging in most provinces, merchants are responsible for determining the legality of surcharging in their provinces, and merchants are solely liable if their surcharge practices are found to be unlawful. Credit card surcharge applies to credit card only, not available on debit card or prepaid card transactions. Credit card surcharge is not available in Quebec.
** Debit cards for the Plus network are not eligible for On Demand Funding. Established interchange and payment acceptances costs will be collected for transactions settled through On Demand Funding. 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.
Fill Up On Funding
Celebrating Canadian Innovation Week: May 26-30, 2025
The Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) program is proud to support Canadian innovation across all sectors by providing over $4.1 billion in tax credits to more than 18,000 businesses annually. To celebrate Canadian Innovation Week, they are hosting two webinars that will provide a general overview of the SR&ED program and its benefits. Join for the English session on May 27 to find out more about:
- Eligibility requirements
- What expenses you can claim
- How to claim the tax credits
- Free tools and services to help you prepare a claim
Watershed Resiliency and Restoration Program
Municipalities and non-profit organizations can apply for funding through the Watershed Resiliency and Restoration Program for projects that improve the long-term ability of watersheds to mitigate flood and drought impacts and protect the health and safety of Albertans. Projects will also promote the ongoing stewardship and preservation of Alberta's watersheds.
Applications to open up Summer 2025. Stay updated: https://www.alberta.ca/watershed-resiliency-and-restoration-program
Alberta is Calling: Moving Bonus
The Alberta is Calling: Moving Bonus, is a one-time refundable tax credit of $5,000 for up to 2,000 eligible individuals in the skilled trades who moved to Alberta, work in an eligible occupation and meet all other eligibility criteria. Applications will be assessed on a first-come, first-served basis. The Moving Bonus Program will approve or deny submitted applications in the order applications are received. The Moving Bonus program will stop accepting any new applications on March 15, 2026 at 4 pm (Mountain time). However, the portal may close to new applicants at any time without notice, such as when all program funds have been allocated. Learn more: Alberta is Calling: Moving Bonus | Alberta.ca
Tariff support for your business
As of April 2 until June 30, 2025, the CRA is deferring corporate income tax payments and GST/HST remittances. Interest will also be waived on new and existing GST/HST and T2 instalment and arrears payments due between April 2 and June 30, 2025. Interest will resume on July 1, 2025. Businesses do not need to be directly impacted by tariffs to benefit from this relief, but are still required to file by their due date to remain compliant. For more information, go to Tax relief and support for businesses in response to tariffs.
Funding & Training Programs for Business
- Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund: Closes June 27, 2025 (Stream 1, Preconstruction) and March 4, 2026 (Stream 2, Shovel Ready) – Funding for critical minerals clean energy and transportation infrastructure projects.
- Affordable Housing Innovation Fund: Open - Support for new ideas that will drive change and disrupt the industry.
- On-Farm Value-Added: Open - Supports primary producers in adding value to their agricultural products.
- Value-Added Program: Open - Invests in projects that increase company sales and production capacity, expand market opportunities and create jobs.
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
Congratulations to Krista with MacDesign Screenworks on winning this quarter's crossword draw! Your prize is 5 free credits to spend on advertising with the Chamber, valued at $175.
Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the May 20th 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.
Other Resources
Alberta Economy - Indicators at a Glance
CUSMA Compliance Hotline: 1-833-760-1167
Leading the way on interprovincial trade: Newly launched GoA free trade website
Canadian Renewable Energy Project Map: updated database of renewable energy projects in Canada
Travel Alberta Emergency Management Resources
2025-28 Business Plan | Travel Alberta
Preparedness Survey of Albertans, 2024 Results
Labour Market InSite – Divergent trends amongst Alberta’s regions
Foodtech in Canada: 2025 Ecosystem Report
RDN Blog: Unlock Better Housing Solutions: Why a Housing Needs & Demands Assessment Matters
Other Events
May 29 | Free Training for the Building Industry: Various Courses up to May 29, 2025 | Register
June 2-5 | Fundraising for Startups
June 3 | A New Era for the Canada-U.S. Relationship | Register
June 4 | Mental Health in the Workplace | Register
June 9-12 | Angel Investing
June 10 | Recruitment Revolution: Powering Up for the Future of Work | Register
Useful Links
Follow us on social media for up-to-the-minute updates
The Voice: May 27th, 2025
Local Government 101, Businesses are you ready for CRA mail to go online, Exploring a Municipally controlled corporation (MCC), and new Economic Development Tool all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News Businesses, are you ready for your CRA mail to go online? The CRA has started the transition to online mail as…
Read More The Voice: May 20th, 2025
Conclusion to Spring Session and Changes to Provincial Cabinet, Alberta’s Government is Freezing its Industrial Carbon Price, Water Availability Engagement, Building Alberta’s Future Workforce with Work Integrated Learning and Understanding CUSMA Compliance all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News Conclusion to Spring Session and Changes to Provincial Cabinet Following the conclusion of…
Read More The Voice: May 13th, 2025
Possible Postal Disruption, Reducing Interprovincial Trade Barriers, Alberta to Appoint a Special Negotiating Team, and more all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News Reducing Interprovincial Trade Barriers The Government of Alberta is working to reduce barriers to internal trade and open new opportunities for businesses across Canada. Recent efforts include the removal…
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