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.
Alberta closed the 2024-25 fiscal year with its fourth consecutive surplus, totalling $8.3 billion. The increase is largely due to higher-than-expected resource revenues, corporate and personal income tax revenue and impressive investment income.
Important updates on the Canada Carbon Rebate for Small Businesses
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) would like to share updates about the Canada Carbon Rebate for Small Businesses that could impact your tax filings and eligibility for payments. On June 30, 2025, the Government of Canada re-confirmed that the rebate will be non-taxable for all fuel charge years. Draft legislation has been published to support this change and is expected to be introduced in Parliament this fall.
What this means for you:
- If you haven’t yet filed: You can choose not to include the rebate in your taxable income when filing your T2 Corporation Income Tax Return for the year in which you received it. However, if the legislation does not receive Royal Assent, your return could be reassessed with interest.
- If you have already filed: If the legislation receives Royal Assent, the CRA will be able to process amended T2 returns for the 2024 taxation year for those who already included the rebate in their taxable income. We will provide further guidance at that time.
New Alberta police service to support community safety
The Government of Alberta has introduced the Independent Agency Police Service providing municipalities—particularly those in rural and underserved areas—with greater flexibility to address pressing public safety challenges.
Community safety remains a top concern for Alberta businesses. According to ACC's recent research, 70% reported experiencing crime in the past year—including theft, vandalism, cybercrime, and drug-related incidents—and over half invested in additional security measures.
ACC supports initiatives like this through our Establishing Community Safety and Wellbeing Strategies in Alberta’s Municipalities policy, which calls for stronger tools, partnerships, and local strategies to enhance safety and business confidence. Learn more
Medicine Hat-Cypress News
Needle Debris Survey
SafeLink Alberta offers the Needle Debris Response program for residents of Medicine Hat who encounter a discarded needle or other substance use debris in public spaces. They would love to hear your feedback. This survey will remain open until July 31st, 2025.
Please take a moment to answer this short survey to evaluate our service here 
https://forms.office.com/r/ZSDsAvLd3x
Trican Well Service buys Medicine Hat-area oilfield services provider
Trican Well Service Ltd. has signed a deal to buy Iron Horse Energy Services, a privately owned oilfield services provider and one of Medicine Hat’s largest employers.
Iron Horse Energy Services started in the Medicine Hat area in 2005 before it grew to employ more than 320 people and operate over 200 pieces of equipment by 2022, according to a CHAT News report.
Steven Pudwell, president of the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce, said the acquisition can be seen as a positive. “It’s one of those great success stories from Medicine Hat,” Pudwell said in an interview Thursday. “Not just to be bought by a bigger company, but supplying quality jobs for people to live in Medicine Hat and provide for their families.”
Brooks-Newell News
Over 50% SOLD: 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.
Taste of Nations Vendor Callout!
We’re now accepting vendor applications for Taste of Nations, happening September 20 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the JBS Canada Centre. If you create traditional cuisine from around the world, we’d love for you to be part of this cultural celebration.
We’re also looking for commercial kitchen space to support vendors who may need it.
Interested? Contact rklassen@brooks.ca for more info.
Advocacy in Action
Beveridge Remittance Model Reform
In 2025, the federal government eliminated the requirement that alcohol moving between provinces must go through a provincial liquor authority. This provides provinces and territories the authority to allow or restrict shipping of alcohol across borders.
However, restrictions still remain in many provinces, like Alberta, which still requires liquor to be sold through the provincial system (e.g., AGLC and Connect Logistics). This process can increase costs, transportation, warehousing, and time while also impeding the ability to grow.
Provincial liquor remittance model reform is needed to streamline how small liquor manufacturers, particularly those classified as Class E, report and remit payments related to the sale of their products.
Read more about our most recent recommendations and actions.
Update to the Transportation of Animals and Health of Animals Regulations
In September 2019, the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce first drafted a policy on the Transportation of Animals in order to reduce food waste and provide the ability for unfit animals to be humanely slaughtered at an approved abattoir and not endure any more suffering than would be incurred by being transported to a veterinarian. Oftentimes an animal being transported to the nearest approved slaughter facility is the way to have the animal addressed as quickly and humanely as possible.
The Health of Animals Regulations, last amended on February 26, 2025, included updated definitions and terminology in alignment with our recommendations, resulting in the policy being marked as completed in June 2025. Read the full update here.
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
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 6D Health & Wellness Co-op, Firehouse Subs, and Your Paralegal Assist 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!
Your Canadian roots are showing—and so are ours.
As Canadians, it’s in our roots to lend a helping hand and support each other. For over 85 years, Doane Grant Thornton has been proudly supporting businesses and communities across Canada and Southern Alberta—helping them grow, succeed, and thrive. Being Canadian shapes how we do business, and we’re excited to help shape your legacy. Connect with one of our team members in Medicine Hat or Brooks to get the conversation started today.
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 1st ~ August 31st, 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 31st, 2025, and members will be qualified to receive $150 Statement credit
Fill Up On Funding
Grant supports Alberta manufacturers with tech and equipment upgrades
Alberta’s government is investing over $4 million, in partnership with Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, to launch the Alberta Manufacturing Productivity Grant. The program will support approximately 130 small- and medium-sized manufacturers with up to $30,000 in matching funds for technology and equipment upgrades to improve efficiency and competitiveness. Manufacturing remains a major driver of Alberta’s economy, employing more than 144,000 people and contributing $25 billion to GDP in 2024. Learn more
Find Additional Resources in our Small Business Resource section of our info hub
- 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.
- DEC Alberta-Based Project Opportunity: Funding Prequalification Open - Seeking projects that develop or advance innovations at Technology Readiness Levels between 3 and 9.
- Employment Pathway Grant Information Session: July 15, Virtual - Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors will discuss the grant, which supports employers secure training for new Class 1 drivers.
- FCC Trade Disruption Customer Support Program: Lending to support the Canadian agriculture and food industry as tariffs are implemented.
- Protein Industries Canada, Strengthening the Canadian Supply Chain Program: Open - Focuses on supporting manufacturers and processors in creating or reformulating products for the Canadian market.
- Trade Accelerator Program: Various Dates and locations: 4-session initiative, designed to accelerate the strategic development of your business and to better prepare you for an expansion into international markets.
- Alberta Blue Cross Build Together Fund: Closes Sept 22, 2025 - Helps Albertans build spaces for active living in their community.
- ATCO Community Energy Fund: Open - Helps municipalities, schools, not-for-profits, and registered charities pursue solutions that will contribute to a more sustainable, net-zero future.
- Enabling Accessibility Fund – Youth Innovation Component: Closes Oct 6, 2025 - As a Youth Accessibility Leader, students will promote the program and encourage organizations to apply for its funding.
- Play Power Canada, Playground Grant Guide: Grant opportunities across Canada that may work for playgrounds or other community projects.
- TD Friends of the Environment Foundation: Supports a wide range of environmental initiatives, with a primary funding focus on revitalizing, animating, and stewarding public green spaces.
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the July 2nd 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
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
Marketing Strategies in Foreign Markets
Unlocking Indo-Pacific Markets
Grow your business with AI-powered tools by Google | On Demand
July 15 | Secure Your Growth: Strengthen Your Business Before Cyber Threats Hit | Register
July 17 | Setting up Shop: From Local to Global | Register
August 20 | Grant Writing 101 | Info here
Useful Links
Follow us on social media for up-to-the-minute updates
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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.…
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