The Voice: August 12th, 2025
Current Initiatives in Medicine Hat, Alberta Open Farm Days, Fuel Tax Exemption Consultation Open, and more all in this week's edition of The Voice.
Next step for west-east energy corridor
The Ontario government, in cooperation with Alberta and Saskatchewan, has issued a request for proposals (RFP) to conduct a feasibility study exploring options for establishing a new economic and energy corridor. This corridor would include a new pipeline between Alberta and Ontario that brings western Canadian oil and gas to refineries and tidewater ports in southern Ontario.
Discover more about the RFP here.
Weak July jobs report highlights tough summer for youth but little tariff impact
Statistics Canada reported 41,000 job losses last month, despite economists expecting a slight gain. Youth aged 15-24 lost 34,000 positions last month, making them the most affected demographic. Unemployment in general has reached its highest peak since 1998, excluding the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Despite this, tariffs have had an unexpectedly low impact on unemployment. The proportion of laid off employees remained at 1.1%, which is unvaried from the same month a year ago. Not only that, but the two industries predicted to be hit the hardest by U.S. tariffs (the manufacturing industry and the transportation/warehousing sector) both have seen job gains within the last few months.
Learn more here.
Building new economic bridges with Mexico
The Premier will meet with government officials, private sector and industry leaders to encourage new investment and trade with Alberta and to strengthen one of Alberta’s most important trade relationships.
This mission will focus on identifying synergies in Alberta and Mexico’s energy and agriculture sectors so the province can leverage new market opportunities for Alberta companies, attract new investment to our province and lay the groundwork for new deals with trade partners across Mexico.
Click here to learn more and view the Premier's itinerary.
Medicine Hat-Cypress News
Binge on important current initiatives
These long summer days are perfect for binge-reading information you’ve always wondered about but don’t normally have the time to check out. Cut through the clutter and avoid misinformation by going directly to the source. Our City website and Shape Your City page contain accurate information about some of today’s important initiatives:
From Neat to Know: Why vote?
Municipal government – your Mayor and City Council – are the closest level of government to residents. Council meetings are open to the public, and elected officials are more accessible than provincial and federal elected officials, making it easier for you to share your voice.
Medicine Hat’s Municipal Election is Monday, October 20, 2025.
Brooks-Newell News
Alberta Open Farm Days in the Brooks Newell Region
Alberta Open Farm Days is a collaborative, province-wide, two-day event that gives Albertans an opportunity to experience the farm and understand where their food comes from. It is a backstage pass to meet the farmer, experience Ag-tourism in Alberta and taste local foods direct from the producer.
Alberta Open Farm Days will take place on August 16th and 17th, with various opportunities to explore and experience the Brooks Newell Region! Check out Brooks Newell Open Farm events here and check out the Alberta Open Farm Days website here.
Advocacy in Action
Fuel tax exemption consultation open
Alberta’s government is seeking input from fuel sellers and purchasers, particularly in agriculture, oil and gas, and forestry, on a proposal to shift the marked fuel tax exemption to clear fuel. This survey is open until August 31st.
New U.S. tariffs in effect
As of August 1, new U.S. tariffs are in effect. CUSMA-compliant goods remain tariff-free, including most of Alberta’s key exports such as oil, gas, and agricultural products. Some Canadian goods now face tariffs of up to 35%; Alberta continues to underscore the importance of maintaining a stable, fair, and open trading relationship with U.S. partners.
Next Level Events
SKFitness Zen Den Grand Opening
This special launch event will give you the chance to explore and experience:
- 💆♀️ Meditation Room
- 🔥 Infrared Sauna Sessions
- ✨ Optional Thai Massage Add-On (in partnership with @elementalmagick2022)
📍 Reserve your session here: https://skfitness.ca/zen-den
Business Brainstorming & Beers
Join the Chamber at locations around Medicine Hat 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: August 21st, 2025 @ 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
WHERE: note: comfort food + drink | 675 2nd St SE, Medicine Hat AB
Mark Your Calendars! 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.
Not registering as a vendor? Save the date and we will see you there as an attendee! Tickets coming soon 🙂
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 Avison Young Lethbridge, Jayco Builders Inc, and Purdys Chocolatier 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!
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
Proposals to build global partnerships for clean energy investment due Oct. 9
ERA is investing up to $3 million through the Clean Energy Transition Partnership’s Joint Call 2025. This international funding initiative offers Alberta-based innovators the chance to forge global partnerships and scale up solutions that will have a real-world impact. This global funding opportunity is open to projects from over 40 participating countries, offering Alberta innovators a unique chance to collaborate internationally. This Call focuses on a wide range of technologies and system solutions and ERA’s funding will specifically support initiatives related to energy system flexibility, carbon capture, utilization and storage, hydrogen and renewable fuels, as well as efficient heating and cooling technologies. The CETPartnership is a multilateral collaboration of RDI programs across European member states and member countries, focused on accelerating the energy transition and supporting the European Strategic Energy Technology Plan. Pre-proposals are due by October 9, 2025. Learn more and apply.
Built Together │ Alberta Blue Cross
Our Built Together program helps Albertans build spaces for active living in their community. Whether it be a skate park, playground, outdoor gym or sports court, we’re giving back to Albertans and helping them live their best lives. Community leagues, school councils, municipalities or other non-profit community groups or organizations with new projects in need of funding are eligible to apply. Priority will be given to projects that reflect our Built Together mandate of promoting active living and wellness at a grassroots community level, with an emphasis on children. Learn more and apply here.
Record-level funding for the arts
Alberta’s government is further strengthening direct support for artists and expanding access to the arts, by bringing total arts funding to a record $36.1 million. This includes a responsible, steady $4.5 million increase for the Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA) that will grow AFA funding to more than $43 million annually by 2027-28.
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
No crossword puzzle this edition. Stay tuned for one next week!
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 Events
Unlocking Indo-Pacific Markets
Grow your business with AI-powered tools by Google | On Demand
August 20 | Grant Writing 101 | Info here
October 28th | Business Growth Tradeshow
October 29-30 | Economic Growth Forum
Useful Links
Follow us on social media for up-to-the-minute updates
The Voice: August 12th, 2025
Current Initiatives in Medicine Hat, Alberta Open Farm Days, Fuel Tax Exemption Consultation Open, and more all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News Next step for west-east energy corridor The Ontario government, in cooperation with Alberta and Saskatchewan, has issued a request for proposals (RFP) to conduct a feasibility study exploring options…
Read More The Voice: August 5th, 2025
Chamber Request for Proposals, Trade and Tariffs Resources, and Royal Tyrrell Marks 40 Years all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News Request for Proposals: Business Banking and Investment Services for the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce The Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce is seeking proposals from qualified financial institutions and investment advisors…
Read More 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…
Read More