The Voice: September 2nd, 2025
Alberta Introducing New Levy Framework for AI Data Centres, Alberta's Government is Launching the Alberta Wallet, May 2025 Unemployment Rate, and more all in this week's edition of The Voice.
Business News
Alberta introduces new levy framework for AI data centres
Alberta is introducing a levy framework for large-scale data centres to attract investment, create jobs and ensure Albertans benefit from this fast-growing sector. Effective Dec. 31, 2026, a two-percent levy on computer hardware will apply to grid-connected data centres of 75 megawatts or greater. To maintain Alberta’s position as one of the most attractive jurisdictions in North America, the levy will be fully offset against provincial corporate income taxes. Once a data centre becomes profitable and pays corporate income tax in Alberta, the levy will not result in any additional tax burden.
To ensure consistency across Alberta communities, data centres of 75 MW or greater will be formally recognized as designated industrial properties, with property values assessed by the province. Land and buildings associated with data centres are subject to municipal taxation, and municipalities may offer property tax incentives or deferrals for up to 15 years under existing provisions of the Municipal Government Act. Find out more
Alberta’s government is launching the Alberta Wallet
Albertans will have the option to carry their Government of Alberta-issued documents on their phones with the Mobile Health Card being the first document available for Albertans to add to the Alberta Wallet. This is part of the province’s health card modernization initiative and commitment to delivering better, faster and smarter services. The Alberta Wallet and Mobile Health Card are protected by strong encryptions, ensuring that Albertans’ personal information stays private and accessible only to them. Albertans will also be in control of their personal information as nothing is shared with third parties without their consent.
To access the wallet, Albertans will need a Verified Alberta.ca Account and a MyHealth Records account to add their Mobile Health Card. More documents will be added over time and Albertans will be able to access them through the mobile application or online through their Verified Alberta.ca Account.
As part of the health care card modernization initiative, Alberta will also introduce an integrated driver’s license and health care card in 2026. Find out more
May 2025 Unemployment Rate
The May 2025 Unemployment Rate and Employment in Alberta’s Sub-regions report is now available. Key highlights include:
- Calgary recorded the highest unemployment rate in the province at 8.0 per cent.
- Medicine Hat had the largest year-over-year increase in the unemployment rate in Alberta, rising by 1.9 percentage points compared to May 2024.
- Lethbridge and High River tied for the lowest unemployment rate in the province, at 6.0 per cent.
- Brooks and Medicine Hat had 105 and 458 newly published job postings in July of 2025. In July of 2024 there were 115 and 471 newly published job postings in Brooks and Medicine Hat.
- Brooks and Medicine Hat had 317 and 1287 job seeker profiles created or updated in July of 2025. In July 2024 there were 174 and 995 job seeker profiles created or updated in Brooks and Medicine Hat.
- Calgary had the largest year-over-year employment growth (+5.4 per cent), followed by High River (+3.3 per cent).
- Grande Prairie had the largest year-over-year employment decline, decreasing by 1.2 per cent.
Please note that all unemployment rates in this report are presented as a three-month moving average (3MMA). Review the Unemployment Rate and Employment in Alberta’s Sub-regions report for more details on employment and unemployment rate of Alberta’s 17 CMAs and CAs.
Medicine Hat-Cypress News
Thrive Together: September 21
Businesses in sports, recreation, fitness, health & wellness are invited to join! Exhibit who you are, sell products/services, distribute promotional items/materials, build clientele, etc. We encourage you to register to use the Sport Demonstration/ Come Try It Areas, which is included in your exhibitor fee.
Any businesses that qualifies can register through the Register Now website: https://www.tourismmedicinehat.com/medicine-hat-sport-event-council/register-now
City and Mustard Seed one step closer to 24/7 shelter location
The City of Medicine Hat and The Mustard Seed are one step closer to determining a shelter location.
In 2024, it became evident to both the Mustard Seed and the City that the locations of the 24/7 shelters in Medicine Hat (both situated in residential areas) are not ideal, particularly when considering the increased traffic and changing demographics of the clients being served. Additionally, the Mustard Seed and the City agree that if possible, the provincially funded 24/7 shelter services in Medicine Hat should be located at a single location.
Over the last six months, at the request of the Government of Alberta, the City and the Mustard Seed have worked together to determine a more suitable location for the shelter. Read the update here.
Brooks-Newell News
Brooks-Newell Regional Economic Development Agreement
Council approved a new regional economic development services agreement, effective January 1, 2026. The key change is that the three smaller municipalities—Duchess, Rosemary, and Bassano—will now contribute 2% of their Local Government Fiscal Framework (LGF) operating funds, or about $2,000 each, whereas in the past they made no financial contribution. The LGF is provincial funding provided to municipalities to support local services. The City and County will continue their annual commitments of up to $180,000 each, plus their 2% share (about $36,000 from the City and slightly less from the County). Moving oversight from the Joint Shared Services Committee to staff will allow economic development to be managed like any other department. Source: Larkspur
Safe Communities Initiatives
Free Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) assessments are available for residents and businesses, with Safe Communities Facilitator Kelly Sanford and an RCMP officer providing property walkthroughs and practical recommendations to deter theft and vandalism. The CAPTURE camera registry also invites community members to voluntarily register their security cameras, giving RCMP a quick reference to potential footage near a crime scene (without granting direct access to the cameras). safecommunitiesbrooks@gmail.com
Southeast Sector Area Structure Plan
The Southeast Sector Area Structure Plan will guide how the land east of the Brooks Campus of Medicine Hat College, stretching toward Meadow Lake. The plan makes room for more housing choices, new shops and business space, and parks and trails within walking distance of homes. It also protects natural areas like Meadow Lake and One Tree Creek while ensuring growth and infrastructure efficiency. A public open house will be held before final adoption, set for October 6, to view the Southeast Sector ASP and ask questions.
Advocacy in Action
Canadian Chamber of Commerce Statement on Government Refining Response to U.S. Tariffs
On April 22, Prime Minister Carney announced the removal of tariffs on U.S. goods that comply with North American free-trade deal rules, though tariffs will remain on steel, aluminum and autos. Read more here
China’s Canola Tariffs Concern All Canadians
For months, Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sectors have been caught in a trade war on two fronts. While navigating U.S. tariffs alongside other industries, they have borne the brunt of China’s retaliation over issues unrelated to agriculture. Learn more and read the letter.
Shape Municipal Red Tape research—Win Cirque du Soleil’s Echo tickets
ACC’s Municipal Red Tape Research launches August 25, 2025. Each year, business insights help us highlight and reduce the barriers Alberta businesses face at the municipal level. By joining Alberta Perspectives today, you’ll be the first to receive the research link when it goes live—and by sharing your insights on this research, you’ll be entered to win tickets to Cirque du Soleil’s Echo show in Calgary. Don’t miss out—join Alberta Perspectives today to be part of this year’s research. The survey will close September 12 at 5:00 pm MST.
Nuclear in the mix for Alberta’s energy future
Alberta’s government is inviting Albertans, Indigenous communities and industry to join the conversation on nuclear energy in the province through public engagement to explore nuclear energy’s potential to meet the future needs of families, businesses and communities. As part of the first phase, Alberta’s government is appointing an expert panel to engage with people across the province, as well as launching a public survey to help inform a nuclear energy roadmap for Alberta.
The Nuclear Energy Development survey is available online and will be open until Sept. 25. Feedback will inform future engagement activities. Industry, municipalities, Indigenous communities and others are also invited to share their input through an online request for information which will be open until Oct. 25. Find out more
Policy Matters: How to streamline federal procurement for Canadian business
The future of federal procurement will be defined by whether the government can modernize its systems to meet the needs of both taxpayers and suppliers. The range of goods and services the government puts out to tender is vast, ranging from vehicles and heavy equipment to office supplies and training programs. This substantial public spending, combined with the variety of opportunities, represents a major opportunity for Canadian businesses — provided they have the patience and determination to navigate the federal procurement system. Read the CCC blog here
Next Level Events
PrairiesCan is hosting Thyssen Krupp Marine Systems (TKMS) from Germany
Join PrairiesCan as they host Thyssen Krupp Marine Systems (TKMS) in Calgary on September 24 for an Industry Day. TKMS has been short listed to compete along with Hanwa Canada to supply the Canadian Navy with new submarines (News Release here). The procurement is estimated to be at least $60B and they are looking for Alberta-based companies that could support the build and/or provide in-service support for the vessels. If you are interested, please identify your company’s relevant capabilities via the attached spreadsheet and return it to me via email at christopher.d.smith@gov.ab.ca along with who would be interested in participating in the event. The deadline for submission is Friday, September 5, 2025.
TKMS will be sending ~10 staff members to meet with companies that could offer:
- Possible license production in Canada via TKMS 1st tiers. This would open opportunities for Alberta companies to be Tier 2 and 3 suppliers.
- In-Service Support Partners for our 1st tiers, TKMS and the involved Canadian (NSS) Shipyards
- Indirect ITB opportunities (not only marine related)
- 17 Key Industrial Capabilities (KIC’s)
- Additional mentioned areas of interest: e.g. Clean Energy, Raw Materials, Tariffs affected products (steel, aluminum, automotive etc.)
- Projects with involvement of Indigenous peoples and Indigenous-owned companies
A Workshop for Alberta Manufacturers
Manufacturers across Alberta are facing new and complex challenges that are reshaping operations and competitiveness. This in-person event will highlight key initiatives in the sector, reveal fresh Alberta labour market survey insights, and explore practical strategies to move forward.
*This is an in person event in Medicine Hat | September 10, 2025 | Register
The Future of Work with Michelle Moore, Gallagher
September 10, 2025 | 
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM | 
Online | Free to attend
In today’s complex and uncertain world, one thing business and HR leaders can count on is that the pace and magnitude of technologically driven transformation will continue to accelerate. The challenge is that many struggle to fully leverage the value that new and emerging technologies like Generative AI can deliver, and managing change to drive employee-adoption remains difficult. 
Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams
Empire of Energy: September 12
Join respected industry leader Jim Gray for a focused and insightful talk on the history, evolution, and future of the energy sector. Drawing from decades of experience, Jim will share key turning points that shaped Alberta’s oil and gas industry, the business decisions that drove growth, and the challenges that continue to define the sector today. Attendees will gain a valuable perspective on how the industry has changed, what trends are emerging, and what it all means for those building businesses and careers in energy. Register
Municipal Election Forums
Why Attend your local election forum? Learn about each candidate’s vision and priorities and how they respond to business-focused and community questions. Make informed decisions ahead of Election Day; let’s shape the future together. Your voice matters!
Medicine Hat Session #1 | September 24, 2025 | More info here
Medicine Hat Session #2 | September 26, 2025 | More info here
City of Brooks | October 1, 2025 | More info here
For the Chamber's 2025 Vote Prosperity campaign, the lists of candidates in your area, resources and more check out our posting on Advocacy Insights here: https://chamber.southeastalbertachamber.ca/advocacyinsights/Details/vote-prosperity-2025-284165
2025 Leadership Breakfast - Medicine Hat
Join us for our annual Leadership Breakfast, a signature event that brings together administrative leaders from across our region. This is your opportunity to engage directly with regional decision-makers, participate in open dialogue, and help shape the conversation that drives our communities forward. As a Municipal Election Year, we’ll explore how each municipality is managing transitions, onboarding new council members, maintaining momentum on current initiatives, and aligning strategic priorities going into 2025–2026.
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
Check-Out Our Chamber Members
Curious as to who is a Chamber Member? Check out our Member directory! Discover and connect with local companies across various industries in our region. Users are not permitted to use the Business Directory to email or contact in bulk. All users must comply and be in accordance with Canadian anti-spam legislation.
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!
Chambers Plan – Free Leadership Coaching
Prioritizing your personal growth and achieving your goals starts with the right guidance and support. Arcora's confidential coaching services provide you with the tools and strategies you need to unlock your full potential. Professional coaches will work with you to clarify your objectives, develop actionable plans and overcome obstacles - inspiring you to embrace your journey with confidence.
Your Arcora supports include 3 hours a year of solution- focused coaching for the business owner/ head of the organization* - provided virtually by a certified professional coach. Learn more about how to access the coaching here.
The ‘straight goods’ on how to improve the customer experience in your business!
If some aspects of your customer service or customer experience aren’t what they need to be, they’re not the problem…they’re symptoms of underlying operational or management problems that need to be fixed. Problems such as lack of clear expectations or high standards, hiring the wrong people, lack of proper training, ineffective communication, lack of effective systems and processes, lack of empowerment, a negative business culture, no performance measurement, a lack of passion for and love of customers, or failure to listen to customers and front-line staff. You don’t ‘fix’ bad customer service. You ‘fix’ the underlying and basic problems that are causing it. For a look at what might be causing ‘service problems’ in your business, download Donald Cooper’s 1-page ‘Service Challenge Audit Sheet’ by ‘clicking here’. Have each member of your Team take just 5 minutes to complete this insightful Biz Tool. Then, recap and analyze the results. If only a few of your people ‘X’ off a particular item, don’t ignore it. Say to them, “You picked up on some challenges that most of us missed. Can you tell me more about this one and how it affects your ability to serve our customers wonderfully? Can you give me a recent example?”
When you’ve determined what needs ‘fixing’ to create and deliver world-class customer experiences in your business, do the work. Get specific about what will be done, by whom, by when, at what cost, with what results, measured how…and rewarded how. Businesses don’t die from a single shot to the head…they die slowly but surely from a thousand uncompleted tasks.
Donald Cooper is a newsletter we read at the Chamber for business tips, tricks and advice. If you want this free, weekly, ‘straight talk’ Management Blog, go to donaldcooper.com.
Fill Up On Funding
Telus Grant is Back
Canada's biggest small business contest is back, and we’re looking for owners who have Made it in Canada. Apply for a chance to win $200,000 in funding, technology and exposure to help your business thrive.
Fill out an application and tell us how your business is:
- Innovating to help you stand out from your peers.
- Leveraging your team or support network to contribute to your success.
- Creating a meaningful social impact in your community.
The Canada Small Business Financing Program (CSBFP)
CSBFP makes it easier for small businesses to get loans from financial institutions by sharing the risk with lenders. The maximum loan amount for a borrower is $1.15 million.
- Up to a maximum of $1,000,000 for term loans for any one borrower, of which no more than $500,000 can be used for purchasing leasehold improvements or improving leased property and purchasing or improving new or used equipment and of that amount, a maximum of $150,000 could be used for intangible assets and working capital costs.
- Up to a maximum of $150,000 for lines of credit.
Financial institutions deliver the program and are solely responsible for approving the loan. For more information download their PDF pamphlet or click here to find a lender near you.
Learn more here: https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/canada-small-business-financing-program/en
CanExport Innovation Funding Program to open September 2, 2025
Innovators from Canadian organizations may access up to $75,000 in funding to assist with research and development (R&D) for a single technology. We cover up to 75% of costs to pursue and sign collaborative R&D agreements with international partners. The next intake period will open Sep 2, 2025. For detailed info: https://www.tradecommissioner.gc.ca/en/our-solutions/funding-financing-international-business/canexport-innovation.html
Clean Energy Transition Partnership’s Joint Call 2025
The Clean Energy Transition Partnership (CETPartnership) is a transnational initiative for joint research, technological development, and innovation programming to boost and accelerate the energy transition. Project proposals require a project consortium consisting of at least three eligible applicants from at least three separate countries/regions participating in CETPartnership. Submit your application via ERA’s website here.
Clean Energy Transition Partnership’s Joint Call 2025 – Deadline: October 9, 2025
New: Destination Canada Investment Funding Opportunities Page
Destination Canada is pleased to share a recent addition to their Knowledge Hub. The Investment Funding Opportunities page has been developed to help tourism operators and destination developers across Canada identify financial support available for their projects. Whether you're seeking funding for a new initiative or looking to scale an existing one, this page offers a consolidated view of current opportunities to support your goals. Find out more
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the August 26th 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 Resources
Alberta Economy - Indicators at a Glance
Travel Alberta Investor Services Website
Highlights of the Alberta Economy - August 2025
The future of rural Canada: A report for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Agri Innovate Program
Other Events
September 10th | Master your Money: Financial Foundations
September 11th | Perfecting Your Pitch
September 11th | Export to Europe: Find markets beyond the U.S.
September 16th | Protecting Our Future: Health, Safety, and Employment Standards for Young Workers
September 16th | Build With Validation
September 17th | BusinessLink | Free Cashflow Canvas Bootcamp
September 17th | Writing Legally Sound Policies
Useful Links
Follow us on social media for up-to-the-minute updates
The Voice: September 2nd, 2025
Alberta Introducing New Levy Framework for AI Data Centres, Alberta’s Government is Launching the Alberta Wallet, May 2025 Unemployment Rate, and more all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News Alberta introduces new levy framework for AI data centres Alberta is introducing a levy framework for large-scale data centres to attract investment, create…
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