The Voice: July 29th, 2025
Enhancing Trade Corridors in the Pacific Northwest, Canada-Trump Deal by August 1st Looking Unlikely, Canada-Alberta Productivity Grant, and more all in this week's edition of The Voice.
Business News
Enhancing trade corridors in the Pacific Northwest
Alberta’s government and industry partners have begun preparations to host the 2026 PNWER Annual Summit. The U.S. is Alberta’s largest trading partner, and Alberta is the second-largest provincial exporter to the U.S. after Ontario. In 2024, Alberta’s exports to the U.S. totalled C$162.1 billion, accounting for 88.7 per cent of total provincial exports. The U.S. is also an important source of industrial inputs and consumer goods for the province. The Pacific Northwest is an important trade region for Alberta. In 2024, bilateral trade between Alberta and the PNWER U.S. member states totalled C$21 billion. Find out more.
“Along with our fellow Canadians in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Yukon and the Northwest Territories, Alberta has been a member of PNWER since its founding more than three decades ago. Our time at this year’s summit is a great opportunity to continue building on that legacy as Alberta prepares to host the 2026 PNWER Annual Summit in our capital city next July.” Justin Wright, MLA for Cypress-Medicine Hat
Canada-Trump deal by August 1st Looking Unlikely
On July 10th, U.S. president Donald Trump threatened Canada with 35% tariffs starting on August 1st. As that deadline approaches, it is looking increasingly unlikely that a deal will be reached in time.
Canadian Chamber's statement: https://chamber.ca/news/statement-on-the-35-trump-tariff-threats/
Canada-Alberta Productivity Grant
Opens Fall 2025 - Alberta’s government is excited to announce the new Canada-Alberta Productivity Grant. This program will effectively replace the previous Canada-Alberta Job Grant (CAJG) program.
Employers can use the program to help their business increase efficiency and stimulate innovation, while equipping Albertans with the skills needed to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving economy. Visit Canada-Alberta Productivity Grant for more information on the program, eligibility and how to register for online information sessions.
Medicine Hat-Cypress News
City of Medicine Hat Municipal Inspection released
The City Council meeting on Monday, July 21 included the Municipal Inspection and the MCC discussions, as well as approval of the distribution of the 2026-2027 Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) grants, as well as approving a project to help address local labour shortages.
With the Municipal Inspection report presented at the regular City Council meeting on Monday, July 21, 2025, the City is now working on a plan to address the recommendations in the inspection report and will respond to the Minister of Municipal Affairs by October 1, 2025. Read the report. Read the highlights | Watch the meeting
City’s energy business will not transition to a Municipally Controlled Corporation
On July 21, 2025, City Council defeated a motion to move forward with the establishment of a Municipally Controlled Corporation and requested that staff reevaluate a Rate Review Committee independent of the MCC as a standalone committee to Council. The project page will remain active on the City’s Shape Your City site until the new information is considered by Council in the fall.
More free downtown parking!
Medicine Hat Economic Development has announced the addition of six new two-hour, free parking stalls in the Towne Square parking lot! These free parking stalls offer two-hour parking Monday to Friday, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Outside of these hours, and on weekends, the entire lot remains free to the public. Read more here
Brooks-Newell News
Building stronger communities across rural Alberta
A total of 51 local road, bridge and community airport projects are receiving funding this year under STIP. They include a $2.6-million grant for reconstruction of Range Road 150 in Newell County, west of Brooks. This road is an important part of the county’s future truck route, providing connectivity for residents and commercial traffic between Highway 1 and Highway 542. Read the news release
Advocacy in Action
Have your Say! Red tape consultations
The Government of Canada has launched a government-wide Red Tape Review to streamline federal regulations, reduce duplication with provinces, and improve service delivery. Ministers have 60 days to identify outdated or inefficient rules within their portfolios. This announcement aligns with longstanding Canadian Chamber priorities, as outlined in the All-In Canada Plan and the Canadian Chamber mandate letter to Prime Minister Carney. Government officials have made it clear: no broad or high-level feedback. Please identify: The specific regulation (with a link to the text); A clear description of the issue; Suggested changes or improvements. Your insights will help us advocate for meaningful reforms that make it easier for Canadian businesses to grow and succeed. Submit your feedback by August 15, 2025
Have your Say! Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Every year, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) engages with a wide range of stakeholders and partners from across the country to help shape Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan, which will be announced in the fall of 2025. Traditionally, the Immigration Levels Plan focused on how many permanent residents would be admitted to Canada in a given year, and set targets for overall admissions per immigration category. Last year, it was expanded by including targets for temporary resident arrivals of students and workers. IRCC is now engaging with stakeholders and partners on the balance among different categories and programs within the Immigration Levels Plan, and how immigration can best support Canada from multiple perspectives.
If you’re interested in providing feedback to help inform the next Immigration Levels Plan and the department’s ongoing work, you are invited to read more about this year’s engagement initiative and complete the online survey linked through the website page. You can review the questions by downloading the online survey (PDF, 283 KB).
Deadline for feedback is August 17, 2025.
Amplifying manufacturing voices - Workforce pulse
As Canada navigates economic shifts and trade-related disruptions, your perspective is vital. Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC) is collecting real-time insights on staffing conditions, hiring expectations, recruitment barriers, and workforce needs.
Next Level Events
Skechers Grand Opening
Join us in welcoming Skechers to Medicine Hat! Celebration happening August 1st from 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM before the store opens for the day; ribbon cutting at 9:30 AM. Activities and contests happening on this special day!
Location: Medicine Hat Mall | 3292 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat
Skechers went public in 1999 and has since expanded to become the third-largest footwear brand globally. Skechers is known for its diverse range of athletic and casual footwear, apparel, and accessories for men, women, and children. We look forward to continue to expand in Canada as we’re now opening a Skechers for the first time in Medicine Hat, Alberta Canada.
Learn how to work with U.S. customs brokers
On June 24, 2025, the Trade Commissioner Service hosted a targeted webinar, titled Best practices for U.S. exports – Leveraging CUSMA & working with a U.S. customs broker, for Canadian exporters looking to better understand the United States customs process and how to navigate the current tariff situation. The session featured three U.S. trade experts, and explored how to navigate U.S. customs requirements, working effectively with customs brokers and how to determine CUSMA compliance. We're pleased to share that the webinar was recorded and is now available for viewing on the TCS YouTube channel. The webinar was conducted in English only, but a version with a French transcript is also available. Watch the CUSMA webinar
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 eSafetyFirst Canada, Simply Polished Inc, and Money Talks Inc. 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!
CFSEA's Rural Futures Report Highlights Regional Priorities and Calls for Action in Southeastern Alberta
The Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta (CFSEA) has released Rural Futures: Regional Development and Conversations in Southeastern Alberta, a new report identifying the key priorities, challenges, and opportunities facing rural communities across the region.
Based on extensive outreach with residents, businesses, community organizations, and local leaders, the report outlines pressing issues such as workforce retention, health care access, housing shortages, and overall community well-being.
The findings reflect input gathered through focus groups, surveys, and consultations across Medicine Hat, Cypress County, the County of Newell, Special Areas No. 2, 3, and 4, the M.D. of Acadia, and the County of Forty Mile. Alongside its insights, Rural Futures offers actionable recommendations to support economic development, strategic investment, and long-term collaboration. The Community Foundation invites businesses, community partners, governments, and non-profits to read the report and demonstrate their commitment by filling out the Community Pledge Sheet within the report. Explore the full report and pledge your support at cfsea.ca/publications/.
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.
Are You Building a More Inclusive Economy?
Know a business, nonprofit, chamber or entrepreneur making real change? Nominate them — or yourself — for the 2025 Inclusive Growth Awards by August 22. These awards celebrate those who are breaking down barriers, advancing reconciliation and driving meaningful social impact. Winners will be celebrated at our AGM & Convention in Mississauga this October. Submit a nomination
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
RBC Joins BDC’s $800M Business Accelerator Loan Program
BDC has welcomed RBC as its newest Community Banking partner in its $800M Business Accelerator Loan Program — an initiative aimed at fueling faster growth for small- and medium-sized businesses across Canada. With economic momentum shifting, access to financing is more critical than ever, especially for underserved entrepreneurs and businesses outside the traditional mould. This expanded partnership will help more Canadian businesses unlock funding to grow, innovate, and strengthen the country’s economic future. Read more
FCC AgriSpirit Fund now open
Have a capital project idea to enrich your rural community? Your organization could receive up to $25,000 to make a lasting impact. Apply by July 30. Learn more
Expand Your Global Reach in Bogotá
The Bogotá Chamber of Commerce is inviting up to 90 international companies to join their International Summit and Business Matchmaking Forum on September 22–23, 2025. They are offering to fully cover travel, accommodation, and transfers for one delegate per company. Deadline to apply: Friday, August 8, 2025. Apply here
Up to $5M available for AI project costs
The AI Compute Access Fund helps Canadian AI companies overcome one of their biggest challenges: the high cost of computing power. This program supports small- and medium-sized enterprises pursuing research and development projects with a clear path to commercialization. The fund encourages the use of a broad range of external computing providers, helping companies stay competitive in a rapidly evolving global market.
The AI Compute Access Fund offers between $100,000 and $5 million to help cover the cost of cloud-based computing for AI projects. It will fund up to 66 per cent of costs when using Canadian cloud providers, and up to 50 percent when using non-Canadian providers. Applications are open until July 31, 2025. Learn more and apply
Find fresh talent and empower Alberta’s next generation of technology and business leaders
TechBOOST and FIRST Jobs connect Alberta employers with technology and business students and recent graduates who are ready to contribute to Alberta's innovation ecosystem. With hundreds of skilled young professionals available, these programs offer a practical way to support your projects and grow your business.
Matching financial support is available, and applications are accepted throughout the year. Weekly information sessions run every Thursday with students and new grads at 10 a.m. and employers at 11 a.m.
Designed to strengthen Alberta’s tech sector and launch meaningful careers, TechBOOST is delivered by Technology Alberta and supported by Alberta Innovates, the Government of Alberta, and Prairies Economic Development Canada.
Crossword Puzzle
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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
August 20 | Grant Writing 101 | Info here
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The Voice: July 29th, 2025
Enhancing Trade Corridors in the Pacific Northwest, Canada-Trump Deal by August 1st Looking Unlikely, Canada-Alberta Productivity Grant, and more all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News Enhancing trade corridors in the Pacific Northwest Alberta’s government and industry partners have begun preparations to host the 2026 PNWER Annual Summit. The U.S. is Alberta’s…
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Read More 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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