The Voice: July 15th, 2025
Monthly Labour Force Statistics for June 2025, Advancing Interprovincial Trade & Labour Mobility Across Canada, and Directories of Canadian Companies all in this week's edition of The Voice.
Business News
Monthly Labour Force Statistics, June 2025
The LABOUR FORCE SURVEY (LFS) reports for June 2025 have been released. KEY HIGHLIGHTS:
- There were 2,594,100 people employed in Alberta in June 2025, an increase of 30,000 (+1.2 per cent) from the previous month, and an increase of 84,000 (+3.3 per cent) compared to June 2024.In June 2025, Alberta’s unemployment rate was 6.8 per cent, down 0.6 percentage points from the previous month.
- Private sector employment rose by 26,300 compared to the previous month. This increase, combined with a gain of 5,700 self-employed individuals, more than offset a modest decline of 2,000 jobs in the public sector.
- Full-time employment increased by 51,300, while part-time employment decreased by 21,300.
- The largest monthly employment gains were in finance, insurance and real estate and rental (+8,300); manufacturing (+6,800); and healthcare and social assistance (+6,700).
- The largest monthly employment decreases were in construction (-7,800); other services (-3,600); and public administration (-3,500).
Advancing interprovincial trade and labour mobility across Canada
Federal, provincial, and territorial leaders met to advance priorities under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA), focusing on removing barriers to interprovincial trade, labour mobility, and transportation efficiency.
Simultaneously, Alberta and Ontario have signed two MOUs to expand trade and develop critical infrastructure connecting Alberta’s energy and minerals to global markets. These efforts reflect the ACC’s ongoing advocacy for reducing trade barriers and strengthening economic integration. Learn more
ACC Policy: Reducing Barriers in Trucking | ACC Policy: Enhancing Interprovincial Collaboration
Directories of Canadian companies
Search business registries, check a company's incorporation status, find Canadian importers, and look at Canadian artic capabilities by sector.
Take a look at the directory: Directories of Canadian companies - Canada.ca
Medicine Hat-Cypress News
Community Vibrancy Grant applications close July 18
A reminder that the Community Vibrancy Grant application window is open until Friday, July 18 at 3 p.m.
The application intake has two funding streams: Community Project and Activities and Annual Festivals and Special Events. The Community Project and Activities stream has $52,000 in available funds for 2026. The Annual Festivals and Special Events stream, for larger-scale events, has two-years of funding available. There is $83,000 available for 2026, and $83,000 is available for 2027.
Visit our grants webpage for more information, including grant criteria and how to apply.
New candidate information for voters
The City has offered the opportunity for all candidates in the 2025 Municipal election to submit their elections website and/or social media pages. Candidates' respective elections information will be added to their election candidates page as links are submitted. Check out the Candidate List page on the election section of their website below for more information.
Brooks-Newell News
Advancing Agricultural Innovation: The Future of CDC South
Across the wide-open prairie of Southern Alberta, a quiet revolution in agriculture is beginning to grow, rooted in vision and driven by purpose. The Crop Diversification Centre South (CDC South), once known as a hub for small plot research, is now being reimagined. With nearly 700 acres of land, a major infrastructure renewal underway, and a growing list of active projects, CDC South is entering a new chapter—one that invites researchers, entrepreneurs, and investors to be part of something transformative. Read more here.
CDC South is not just a collection of farms and facilities—it’s a canvas. One that’s being prepared for new ideas, big questions, and forward-thinking solutions. If you're a researcher looking for space, an innovator needing a launchpad, or an investor interested in agricultural development, CDC South is ready to grow with you. For inquiries or partnership opportunities, please contact Candace Woods - Projects Coordinator: woodsc@newellmail.ca
New regulations for liquor, cannabis and party bikes
Retail stores with a minimum of 10,000 square feet can now carve out an area to accommodate a retail liquor store and suppliers of cannabis will be allowed to apply to the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC) for a retail license to sell their product to consumers from the their processing facility. The changes were made by the AGLC last week. Read more here: https://brooksbulletin.com/new-regulations-for-liquor-cannabis-and-party-bikes/
Mandatory Cardboard Recycling
As part of City Council’s Strategic Plan, the City of Brooks will require all non-residential premises to recycle cardboard beginning January 1, 2026. Cardboard will have to be separated from waste, stored properly to avoid deterioration or litter, and transported appropriately to recycling facilities. There will be no direct additional cost to the City to enforce this requirement; however, the recycling program currently operates at a deficit, so rate increases may be necessary in coming years to sustain the service. Source: Larkspur
Advocacy in Action
Enhancing Access for Allied Health Professionals in Primary and Preventative Health Services
Current policies and regulations within Primary and Preventative Health Services in Alberta restrict billing and referral privileges primarily to physicians and other regulated health professionals. This limits access to timely, preventative, and rehabilitative care for injured workers and those needing referral services in a timely manner, especially in rural and underserved areas.
Through the Chamber's health and wellness committee, this issue has been identified and a working group established to review background and possible recommendations that the Chamber could put forward that would streamline process and ensure that there is an ability to expand referrals services, billing and modernization, to reduce systemic barriers.
Health Canada has regulatory modernization goals, which emphasize accessibility, innovation, and reducing systemic barriers, but many of these opportunities remain regulated through provincial legislation and regulations. We believe enhancing access to allied health services can reduce wait times, improve recovery outcomes, and lower long-term disability costs. It would also support a more integrated, team-based approach to health care, promote timely referrals, and align with broader health system goals of improving access, equity, and sustainability. If this is of interest to you and you would like to be part of the conversations in developing the Chambers recommendations, please email policy@southeastalbertachamber.caÂ
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
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.
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 Tetra Tech Canada Inc, Rogers Communications - Imagine Wireless, and Ramsay Customs & Logistics 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:Â 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
Boost Your Manufacturing Business
Funded by the Government of Alberta, the Alberta Manufacturing Productivity Grant (AMPG) helps small- and medium-sized manufacturers improve their operations, invest in technology to automate production and increase competitiveness in markets across Canada and abroad. To compete in our modern economy, manufacturers must ensure their operations are world class. This includes leveraging advanced manufacturing technologies to enhance productivity.
Addressing the productivity challenge is critical to assuring Alberta, and Canada’s future prosperity through a strong, vibrant, and growing manufacturing sector. The good news, more than half of the manufacturers that responded to CME’s Management Issues Survey said they plan to invest in new technologies. Many of these same manufacturers stated that the cost associated with adopting new technologies is a challenge.
We are here to help! Apply now to access an assessment of the viability of your chosen technology, and up to $30,000 in matching funding for technology adoption.
Grant Writing 101 - Wednesday, August 20, 2025 (1:30 to 3:30 p.m.)
"Grant writing …ugh." Sound familiar? For many non-profit volunteers and staff, grant writing can seem like a time-consuming task in creative writing with the payoff being luck of the draw. The truth is, with steep competition for limited grant dollars, a well-written grant is only part of the success formula. This 2-hour webinar covers core proposal and grant writing skills, how to avoid common pitfalls, understanding what funders look for, and tips on how to maintain good relationships with your funders.
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the July 8th 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 Events
Marketing Strategies in Foreign Markets
Unlocking Indo-Pacific Markets
Grow your business with AI-powered tools by Google | On Demand
July 17 | Setting up Shop: From Local to Global  | Register
August 20 | Grant Writing 101 | Info here
Useful Links
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The Voice: July 15th, 2025
Monthly Labour Force Statistics for June 2025, Advancing Interprovincial Trade & Labour Mobility Across Canada, and Directories of Canadian Companies all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News Monthly Labour Force Statistics, June 2025 The LABOUR FORCE SURVEY (LFS) reports for June 2025 have been released. KEY HIGHLIGHTS: There were 2,594,100 people employed…
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