The Voice: July 2nd, 2025

Made in Alberta & Buy Local, Collegiate Schools to Offer Students Hands-On Training, What Businesses Need to Know about Competition Law, and Alberta's Tourism Soars Past National Average all in this week's edition of The Voice.

Business News

Made in Alberta & Buy Local

Alberta producers and processors need our support now more than ever. Every corner of the province is packed with hard-working, dedicated folks producing safe, nutritious food for Albertans, Canadians and the world.

Support your neighbours and keep your hard-earned dollars in our province – buy Albertan. From beef to canola oil to honey, Alberta producers are known the world over for sustainable, high-quality products.

Download the free “Buy Local” toolkit | Learn more about the “Made in Alberta” program

Government of Alberta Buy Local survey (5 minutes) – Closes July 31st

Collegiate Schools to offer students hands-on training

To help meet the demand for skilled workers and better prepare students for the future, Alberta’s government is expanding collegiate schools across the province. Budget 2025 invests $27.5 million to support this expansion, which includes $6 million for operational costs and $21.5 million for school improvements. Collegiate schools connect classroom learning with real-world careers by offering students hands-on experience and direct pathways to post-secondary education and employment. These specialized schools equip students with practical skills, industry experience and a strong foundation for future careers, helping young Albertans succeed and thrive in a fast-paced and evolving job market. We are pleased to see that Prairie Sky Collegiate has been approved as one of the schools that we offered our letter of support to. View the announcement online

What Small- And Medium-Sized Businesses Need To Know About Competition Law

The Competition Act applies to all businesses in Canada, big and small. The purpose of the Competition Act is to maintain and encourage competition in Canada, including by ensuring that small and medium-sized enterprises have an equitable opportunity to participate in the Canadian economy. How could these laws affect you as a business?

Here are a few examples:

If you want to bid for government contracts, you need to know the law related to bid-rigging to avoid potential misconduct.
If your business has online reviews or invests in influencer marketing, there are deceptive marketing provisions that apply to you.

If you are a company that builds widgets, but the only supplier of a crucial part has been locked in a long-term exclusive contract with a major competitor of yours which is also the dominant widget maker in the market, this could make it more difficult for you to scale and compete. Depending on the circumstances, this could be anti-competitive Conduct.

Important amendments to the Competition Act became law on June 20, 2024. You should be aware of these changes so that you can make sure your business is compliant and so that you’re empowered to spot and report anti-competitive practices in the market that might be impacting you. Ignorance of the law is not a defense. You can learn about the law through the Competition Bureau of Canada’s free resources:

Compliance Bootcamp videos, which provide an overview of the law: Compliance Bootcamp
The Compliance Hub is the go-to place for businesses of all sizes to understand how to stay on the right side of the law, including by developing a credible and effective compliance program: Compliance Hub
The hub for information related to changes to the law: Implementing changes to the Competition Act
And to report anti-competitive conduct, you can visit: Complaint form

Helping Heroes Find Civilian Success

Transitioning from former military and public safety careers into civilian life can present unique challenges, especially when it comes to finding meaningful employment that reflects the skills and leadership developed through service. To help ease this transition, Alberta’s government is investing $1.2 million in Prospect Human Services’ Forces@WORK program, which provides specialized supports to help former military and public service personnel rejoin the workforce. Find out more.

Alberta’s tourism soars past national average

Alberta’s tourism strategy delivered 12 per cent growth in 2024, outpacing other provinces at four times the national average. This push by the province to prioritize the visitor economy is already seeing results, with tourism continuing to be Alberta’s number one service export sector, bringing jobs, dollars and prosperity into the province’s economy. Last year alone, the tourism industry supported more than 85,000 jobs in Alberta. Read the news release and check out our local Tourism sites through Tourism Medicine Hat and Brooks Region Tourism.

There’s a lot going on in Southeast Alberta, so find out how you can be a tourist in your own backyard!

Medicine Hat-Cypress News

Council Highlights June 24, 2025

This summary provides a brief overview of City Council meetings and does not reflect all discussion and debate. For full details, download the agenda package or watch the full meeting on the City of Medicine Hat’s YouTube channel.

July 7 Public Hearing: Transportation Master Plan

TAKE NOTICE that the Medicine Hat City Council is considering adopting the Transportation Master Plan, Active Transportation Strategy and Transportation Safety Strategy (Plan and Strategies). A non-statutory public hearing in general accordance with the Municipal Government Act and the City’s Procedure Bylaw, and consideration of adopting the Plan and Strategies will be held on Monday, July 7th, 2025, at approximately 6:30 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers (580 First Street SE). Any person who claims to be affected by the Plan and Strategies may make an oral presentation limited to five minutes to City Council at the public hearing.

Written/ electronic submissions – all written submissions received prior to the public hearing will be provided to City Council. Submissions received by end of day Monday, June 30th, will be published in the Regular City Council Meeting agenda. All written/ electronic submissions become public documents and must be submitted to the City Clerk Department at 580 First Street SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 8E6 or via e-mail: clerk@medicinehat.ca.

For further information or to view related documents, please contact the Municipal Works Department at 403-529-8177. Additional information may also be accessed via the ‘Shape Your City’ section on the City website at www.medicinehat.ca.

Additional Microgrant funding!

An additional $10,000 was added to the Neighbourhood Connections microgrant stream following a recommendation from the Community Vibrancy Advisory Board.

The neighbourhood connections stream supports building neighbourhoods and fostering social connection and inclusion.

Microgrants have been used for block parties, community beautification gatherings, workshops, BBQs, concerts, and cultural celebrations! Community Microgrants are available up to $500. The grant intake is ongoing, and applicants are encouraged to apply for funding at any time throughout the year. Apply for an event in your neighbourhood today! Learn more and apply

Brooks-Newell News

Recognition Policy

Brooks is updating its Recognition of Provincial and National Champions Policy. The original version called for formal certificates for every team member, a proclaimed day in their honour, community-wide congratulations, and City-led publicity. The new policy removes these automatic steps. Instead, recognition will be decided on a case-by-case basis. This mirrors a trend in other small Alberta towns—shifting from formal protocols to simpler, more practical ways of celebrating local success. Source: Larkspur

Information Session & Grant Opportunity

The Workforce Consultant team is pleased to host an information session on the new Employment Pathway Grant, which provides funding to support training, skill development, attraction, and retention of Class 1commercial drivers in Alberta. A guest presenter from Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors will discuss the grant, which supports employers to invest in their workforce and secure training for new Class 1drivers. The session will provide an overview of the grant, the application process, and provide an opportunity for attendees to ask questions.

July 15, 1:30 - 3:00pm | Register and learn more

Advocacy in Action

Concerns with Kingsway Ave - Facts, Findings and Future Opportunities

Following recent concerns expressed to the Chamber about Kingsway Avenue construction, we looked into some information, knowing that it was not yet on the capital construction map yet; we also identified that the project is listed in the Transportation master plan to be done in the 5 to 10 year horizon.

However, we still reached out to confirm our findings and find out the next steps for our members. We confirmed that the project would not be revisited until closer to the 2027-2028 business cycle at the earliest. There have been some misconceptions about the Kingsway design project, likely originating from conceptual designs that were done around 2021/22 as part of the 2023/24 budget cycle. At that time, an application for potential federal active transportation grant funding was made available during the pandemic.

However, the active transportation grant funding was not successful, and the concept was shelved.

The City typically does not begin design work on a major reconstruction project, such as Kingsway, until it knows the budget will be available. However, they are always looking to engage with the community and stakeholders to gather opinions and would anticipate that there would be some early engagement before a budget item for Kingsway is submitted. They have committed to working with the Chamber once that timeframe comes closer in 2027-2028.

The City is hosting a public hearing on the Transportation Master Plan at the next council meeting on Monday, July 7. Read more in the ‘neat to know’ newsletter.

Advocacy in Action highlights Federal Priorities

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce sent their first 100-day Mandate Letters to Prime Minister Carney and the Cabinet to highlight key priorities that can be actioned within the first 100-days of being in office. You can view all of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce letters here.

If acted upon, the government will signal they are serious about helping Canadian business at a time when they are facing considerable risk due to slowing economic conditions and the United States tariff war.

In addition, the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce issued its first letters to the federal Government, including local MPs, Alberta Liberal MPs and key cabinet Ministers responsible for areas of interest to the Chamber's local members. Letters included:

Letter to MP Glen Motz, Member of Parliament for Medicine Hat–Cardston–Warner
Letter to MP David Bexte, Member of Parliament for Bow River
Letter to Alberta Liberal MP Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience; Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada
Letter to Alberta Liberal MP Corey Hogan, Member of Parliament for Calgary Confederation and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Heath MacDonald
Minister of Health, the Honourable Marjorie Michel
Minister of Transport and Internal Trade, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland,
Minister of National Defence, the Honourable David McGuinty,

Our request is for meetings with each representative to advance the issues important to our members within our Southeast Alberta region.

Western Executive Council Renewed for 2025–26

The Canadian Chamber is renewing the Western Executive Council for another term, bringing together CEOs and senior leaders from Western Canada to shape federal policy from a regional perspective. Running from July 2025 to June 2026, the Council will meet 4–6 times annually to discuss key issues, develop common positions and engage directly with federal decision-makers. Members also benefit from enhanced visibility and exclusive policy engagement opportunities. Find out more.

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Next Level Events

Brooks - Business, Brainstorming & Beers

Join the Chamber 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. Come have a drink with us and solve the world's problems!

WHEN: Wednesday, July 16 at 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

WHERE: Piston Broke Brewing | 350 9th Street East, Brooks, AB

Coffee & Conversations

Join the Chamber Thursday morning to enjoy coffee and conversations about your business, our business, or life in general! This is a great opportunity to connect in the mornings if your afternoons and evenings are too busy. You can stop by for a quick hello or stay and chat for a while; everyone is welcome!

WHEN: Thursday, July 17 at 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

WHERE: Paradise Valley Golf Course | 90 Gehring Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB

Click to View All Chamber Events

Click to View All Member Events

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!

View our Member Benefits

View Member Job Opportunities

Post a Job

Fuelling the Business Community

New Chamber Members

We would like to welcome Colossians 3:23 Services, Cypress Septic Solutions, and Traditional Meat Market 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!

VirtuClinicTM Expands Comprehensive Employee Health and Wellness Solutions, WCB-Alberta Clinical Services, and 24/7 Digital Health AdvisorsTM

VirtuClinic, Alberta’s trusted and emerging leader in virtual healthcare, is proud to announce the expansion of its integrated Employee Health and Wellness Services, designation as a Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) - Alberta Clinical Services Provider, and the official launch of its Digital Health Advisors, delivering 24/7 triage and support for businesses and their teams.

Revolutionizing Workplace Health and Wellness

VirtuClinic is dedicated to transforming how Alberta’s businesses and employees access healthcare. Our online clinic offers a full medical scope across Alberta, including specialist referrals for both physical and mental health, all accessible without leaving the workplace or home. This approach eliminates unnecessary downtime, reduces absenteeism, and supports employee retention, while providing rapid access to diagnosis, prescriptions, and treatment plans from a team with over 85 years of combined clinical experience.

Key Services Include:

Employee Health and Wellness / Occupational Health: Proactive, data-driven health programs tailored for businesses, including health assessments, chronic disease management, mental health counselling, and wellness initiatives designed to lower long-term healthcare costs and improve productivity.
WCB – Alberta Clinical Services Provider: Fast, virtual access to care for non-life-threatening workplace injuries, including medical assessments, prompt reporting, and support throughout the WCB process. We expedite recovery, file the WCB First Report, and provide ongoing communication with workers, employers, and WCB for seamless case management.
Online Clinic: Full-scope medical services, including acute and chronic care, prescriptions, lab work, imaging requests, and direct specialist referrals - all delivered virtually for maximum convenience and continuity of care.

July & August Evalon Promo

Throughout the month of July and August, any new member who signs up through our Chamber Referral Program will receive $150 statement credit! Promotion Period: July 1^st ~ August 31^st, 2025.

How Members Can Participate:

Submit a web inquiry through the Elavon Chamber landing page: https://join.paymentstart.com/cachamber
Our dedicated sales representatives will promptly reach out for a consultation within 24- 48 hours
Complete the sign-up process by August 31^st, 2025, and members will be qualified to receive $150 Statement credit

Check out our Member Directory

Fill Up On Funding

Putting Alberta-made businesses on the map

Alberta’s government is providing $2.8 million to help small- and medium-sized businesses grow and reach international markets around the world. Alberta is a province where locally made businesses can reach their full potential and become known through international markets. Across the world, Alberta is recognized as a trusted trade partner thanks to its high-quality services and products and hard-working entrepreneurs. To help small- and medium-sized businesses continue to grow, Alberta’s government is investing in the Trade Accelerator Program (TAP), which empowers them to increase their exports and revenue, while also creating new jobs for Albertans. Learn more here

2025 CharityVillage Award Applications Open

Nominate a thought leader or transformational changemaker in the nonprofit sector for a 2025 CharityVillage Award! We are going to celebrate their achievements and dedication at our upcoming virtual Conference & Awards on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. Share their impact story and details in the application! Awards for Organizations:

Best Nonprofit Employer - Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the Workplace
Best Nonprofit Employer - Employee Workplace Wellness Program
Best Nonprofit Employer - Collaborative Project
Best Nonprofit Employer - Volunteer Program
Best Nonprofit Employer - Fundraising Campaign

Awards for Individuals:

Most Outstanding Impact – Staff
Most Outstanding Impact – Volunteer

Applications for all awards may be submitted personally or by a third-party nomination. Nominations close on July 31, 2025. Apply now: https://charityvillageconference.com/apply-now/

617253_custom_site_themes_id_nGX2KErMSWWiLzn2KXB5_Thriving Non-Profits Cohort Program

Building Financial Resilience: Thriving Non-Profits Fall 2025 Applications Open Now!

The nonprofit sector is navigating increasingly complex challenges. Rising community needs, limited resources, and increasing costs put unprecedented pressure on organizations. These challenges reveal the limitations of traditional approaches and create a powerful call for new thinking.

Applications are now open for Thriving Non-Profits Fall 2025 cohorts, a unique, capacity-building program that equips nonprofit leaders with new tools and strategies to build lasting financial resilience.

Over four months, participating organizations will explore nine revenue strategies, shift organizational culture, and develop a customized revenue diversification action plan.

Backed by expert coaching, practical tools, and a vibrant community of peers, Thriving Non-Profits is rooted in the nonprofit sector's strength and creativity, and is designed to challenge nonprofit norms and spark bold new thinking.

Who should apply? The program is designed for nonprofit teams: Executive Directors, board members, and senior staff. Limited bursaries are available to organizations that face financial barriers. More detailed information about bursary options can be found in the application form.

The time to build a resilient future is now. Let’s take action together!

Learn more and apply: https://www.thrivingnonprofits.ca/pages/cohorts

Strategic Energy Management for Industry (SEMI)

Industrial and manufacturing facilities in Alberta can receive financial incentives, expertise, and training in energy management with Emissions Reduction Alberta’s Strategic Energy Management for Industry (SEMI) program. SEMI helps you increase profitability by reducing your energy costs, growing your organizational capacity, and covering the cost of capital retrofits. Take advantage of the program’s four activities:

Energy assessments and audits – up to $50,000 per facility.
Energy management information systems – up to $250,000 per facility.
Strategic energy management – up to $100,000 per facility.
Capital retrofits – up to $1,000,000 per facility.

Funding is limited. Apply today to optimize your energy: https://www.eralberta.ca/semi/

Crossword Puzzle

Crossword Puzzle Answers

Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the June 24th 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 News

OHS News | June 2025

Canada is the top preferred oil supplier among G7 allies

Alberta’s government is decentralizing decision-making to the hospital level

ERA Project Map: Learn about ERA funded projects in your region.

Other Resources

Weekly Economic Review

Alberta Economy - Indicators at a Glance

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Agri Innovate Program: Open - Repayable contributions to support the commercialization, demonstration, or adoption of technologies that enhance the agri-food sector.

Mental Health Resources for Entrepreneurs

Other Events

Employment Standards Webinars

Marketing Strategies in Foreign Markets

Unlocking Indo-Pacific Markets

Grow your business with AI-powered tools by Google | On Demand

July 8 | Build Your Online Presence — Fast | Register

July 10 & 15 | Secure Your Growth: Strengthen Your Business Before Cyber Threats Hit | Register

July 17 | Setting up Shop: From Local to Global | Register

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The Voice: July 8th, 2025

Strong Year-End Surplus for a Stronger Alberta, Important Updates on the Canada Carbon Rebate for Small Businesses, and New Alberta Police Service to Support Community Safety all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News Strong year-end surplus for a stronger Alberta Alberta’s $8.3-billion surplus sets a solid foundation for the uncertain times ahead.…