The Voice: September 9th, 2025
New Labour Market Information Portal, Month of the Artist, Albertans can Support Local Farmers, Federal Funding Boosts Community Projects Across Alberta, and more all in this week's edition of The Voice.
Business News
New Labour Market Information Portal
Alberta’s government has launched the new Labour Market Information portal, offering the latest data Albertans need to make informed career decisions and equip employers with key labour-related data, indicators and trends. The user-friendly platform helps students, jobseekers, workers, employers and policymakers understand what jobs are in demand, how industries are changing and what skills are needed in today’s workforce. With access to this important information, Albertans can make informed decisions about career planning, education and training. At the same time, employers and policymakers can use the data to support workforce strategies and planning.
The Labour Market Information portal complements the Alberta Economic Dashboard, which focuses on investment-related information, while the new portal fills a critical gap by offering comprehensive labour market information tailored to workers, employers and other key partners. Learn More
Month of the Artist
Each September, Alberta proudly marks Month of the Artist, a time to celebrate and honour the incredible contributions of artists across our province. From visual artists and poets to dancers, musicians, filmmakers and storytellers, Alberta’s artists connect communities, tell our stories and showcase the beauty of the province we call home.
The arts bring Albertans joy and inspiration, and are a powerful economic driver in our province, contributing more than $1.3 billion to our provincial GDP and supporting more than 18,000 jobs annually.
Join us in celebrating the vibrancy and brilliance of our local artistic community by checking out and supporting these businesses in our Arts, Culture & Entertainment Category and attend Art in Motion on September 13 on 1st Street, along with these member events.
Albertans can support local farmers, ranchers and food processors.
Alberta producers and processors need our support now more than ever. Every corner of the province is packed with hard-working, dedicated folks producing safe, nutritious food for Albertans, Canadians and the world. Support your neighbours and keep your hard-earned dollars in our province – buy Albertan. From beef to canola oil to honey, Alberta producers are known the world over for sustainable, high-quality products. Get involved
Federal funding boosts water, transit, housing, and community projects across Alberta
Canada is investing more than $276 million through the Canada Community-Building Fund to upgrade local infrastructure across Alberta. Projects include improvements to water and wastewater systems, public transit, roads, housing, and recreational facilities—helping municipalities meet today’s needs while preparing for future growth. In our region – all eight of our municipalities received funding with the scheduled funding allocation as follows: Brooks: $956,433; Medicine Hat $3,892,866; Bassano: $123,856; Redcliff: $388,971; Duchess: $113,956; Rosemary: $72,473; cypress county: $506,982; County of Newell: $503,399 Learn more
Medicine Hat-Cypress News
September 2 City Council meeting
At the last City Council meeting, Council requested analysis on a regional approach to food and organics waste, approved a motion to postpone the Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede funding request (at the request of MHE&S) pending further discussion with the Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede Board, and postponed the Transportation Master Plan and supporting strategies for consideration in early 2026. An additional City Council meeting has been scheduled for 4 p.m. on Monday, September 29, 2025.
Facilities for the Future survey opens September 12
On August 18, 2025, City Council approved moving forward with public engagement to assess community sentiment towards a phased approach developing a South Side Recreation Centre and Brier Run Sports Field. No decisions have been made, and we will be seeking community input on the proposed plan between September 12 – 21, 2025.
Watch for the page to go live: shapeyourcity.medicinehat.ca/facilities-for-the-future
You can find the August 18, 2025, Council meeting here.
City received approval to upgrade electrical transmission line
The City of Medicine Hat has received approval from the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) to construct and operate the East Ring Enhancement Project (Proceeding No. 29538). The project will upgrade 24 kilometres of 40-year-old electrical transmission line for a future increase in voltage from 69 kilovolts (kV) to 138 kV to support projected growth in commercial and residential electricity use in Medicine Hat’s service territory. Find out more.
Brooks-Newell News
Business Roundtable – Bassano
Join us for an engaging Business Roundtable in Bassano. Local business owners come together to discuss the challenges and concerns they face in today's dynamic market. This free event provides a unique platform for open dialogue, allowing participants to share their experiences, seek advice, and explore solutions collaboratively.
WHEN: Friday, September 12th @ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
WHERE: Newell Adult Education Centre | 518 2nd Ave Unit C Box 478 Bassano, AB
Please register so we know who and how many will be coming. Interested in a business visitation? Reach out to Naomi at brooks-newell@southeastalbertachamber.ca to schedule a visit that day!
Over 90% SOLD!! Brooks Fall Home & Leisure Tradeshow
The Brooks tradeshow is happening October 3rd-5th, and there are multiple opportunities to be a part of it! With over 90% of booth sold out, book a your space to showcase your business to thousands of attendees over the weekend now, 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
Advocacy in Action
What municipal challenges does your business face?
The Alberta Chambers of Commerce is gathering insights on the municipal challenges Alberta businesses face as part of the Alberta Perspectives research series. Your feedback will help local chambers inform candidates and strengthen advocacy at both the municipal and provincial levels. Sharing your perspective takes just five minutes—and as a thank-you, you’ll be entered to win tickets to Cirque du Soleil. Share your perspective by 5:00 P.M. on September 12th, 2025.
ACC leading Talent Pipeline Management (TPM) in Alberta Jobs Strategy
The Government of Alberta has announced the Alberta Jobs Strategy—a forward-looking plan to connect Albertans with opportunity and employers with talent. As part of this strategy, the Alberta Chambers of Commerce, in partnership with the Government of Alberta, is leading the implementation of Talent Pipeline Management (TPM) to empower employers to co-design Alberta’s talent supply chains, strengthen career pathways, and drive business growth. This work is being advanced through the Talent Development Taskforce, co-chaired with the Alberta Post-Secondary Network and supported by local chambers—the voice of Alberta’s businesses. Learn more | Watch now
Nationwide Letter of Support to the Agricultural Community
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. The Southeast Alberta Chamber joined chambers and boards of trade nationwide in sending a letter of support to the agricultural community.
Alignment of G7 Joint Statements with B7 Recommendations
As the 2025 Chair of the B7, the Canadian Chamber worked closely with their B7 counterparts on the development of the 2025 B7 Communiqué. The B7 Communiqué was developed to ensure that a strong business voice was heard at the G7 Summit, where global economic priorities were set.
Two major joint statements that came out of the G7 Summit in June — the G7 Critical Minerals Action Plan and the G7 Leaders’ statement on AI for Prosperity — demonstrate clear uptake of recommendations outlined in the Communiqué. The high degree of alignment between the G7 and B7 underscores the influence of the B7’s input and the growing recognition among G7 governments of the private sector’s role in strengthening economic resilience and competitiveness.
Support for Prairie businesses facing trade challenges
The federal government has launched the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI), delivered through PrairiesCan, to help businesses and non-profits in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba safeguard against trade disruptions.
This initiative provides funding to boost productivity, diversify markets, strengthen supply chains, and support domestic trade. Eligible organizations include businesses and not-for-profits directly affected by recent tariffs or supporting others to adapt.
Applications open September 15, 2025 through PrairiesCan's portal. Learn more
Next Level Events
Register now for the WorkFirst Alberta Summit
This free event brings together the Government of Alberta, employers, employment service providers, global experts, and leaders from across the province to focus on the elevating our workforce. You can expect a dynamic mix of networking, keynotes, panels, and interactive sessions on topics such as mental health in the workplace, inclusive hiring, youth employment, and the Thrive Career Wellness Platform.
Date: September 16 and 17, 2025 | Location: Westerner Park in Red Deer
For more information and to register, click here: https://workfirstalbertasummit2025.sched.com/
Blanket Exercise: Lead by Brenda Mercer
Are you ready to take a step forward on our collective reconcili-action journey? Join Brenda Mercer as she guides you through the Kairos Blanket Exercise. This meaningful learning experience explores the nation-to-nation relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada. The Kairos Blanket exercise is an important tool in the journey for Truth and Reconciliation. Aspects of the difficult history recounted throughout the exercise may trigger strong emotions in participants. It is free to attend but seats are limited. It’s taking place Thursday, September 18, 6-8 PM. Get your ticket on tixx.ca to secure your spot.
The Rules of the Game: Competition Law and Procurement
What businesses and procurement professionals need to know about competition law and procurement compliance!
September 18, 2025 | 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM (MDT) | The Rules of the Game: Competition Law and Procurement
Better Safe than Sorry, Eh: Competition Law 101 for Small Business Week
What small and medium businesses need to know about competition law compliance!
English session: October 23, 2025 | 11:30 PM – 12:15 PM (MDT) | Register here: Better Safe than Sorry, Eh: Competition Law 101
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.
October 22nd, 2025 | More details and registration here
Business Growth Tradeshow
The best 2 hour investment you can make for your business! Discover expert business guidance, workforce solutions, grant funding, export support, and accelerator opportunities — all in one place. Connect with the resources you need to grow, scale, and succeed!
WHEN: October 28th, 2025 @ 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
WHERE: MH Exhibition & Stampede
Come see the Chamber and other organizations, all here to help YOU!
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
We would like to welcome Appealing Travel and Paisley & Prairie 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!
City of Medicine Hat’s 2025 Community Spirit Award recipients
Congratulations to all the recipients of the 2025 Community Spirit Award, including Chamber members, Paul Carolan from HALO for the Compassion Award, and the Medicine Hat Skateboard Association who received the “Change Maker” award and a double-win for Davie James as he also received the Community Inclusion Award.
Let's give them a round of applause for their contributions to our community!
Learn more about the awards, which happen every two years, here.
CAREERS: Let’s Work Together
EMPLOYERS - CAREERS has hundreds of youth, lining up this fall, eager to learn about your business. We'll find the right fit! Hire an intern
YOUTH - We've never had more options for you to explore! Get started now or start planning for your winter semester. Get an internship
EDUCATORS - SafeGen has moved to a new, Moodle-based platform, enhancing the experience for youth and teachers. Log in to get started! Safegen login
BBB: Free Online Webinars
Sept. 11th | Protecting Yourself from Financial Fraud: What You Need to Know
Sept. 17th | Personalize Your Marketing to Reach New Buyers
Sept. 18th | The Transformative CEO Summit - September
Sept. 23rd | Women Connect #BuildingConfidenceTogether
Sept. 24th | Business Webinar: Free Tax Help for Incorporated Small Businesses
Big Marble Farms to install cutting-edge horticultural grow lights
The Government of Alberta is providing $2.2 million through Emissions Reduction Alberta to help Big Marble Farms install new technology to save millions of dollars on energy bills and produce more food for Albertans. These cutting-edge horticultural grow lights will produce more tomatoes and cucumbers using less energy and at a lower cost. With this funding, more than 5,000 horticultural grow lights will be installed at the Cypress County greenhouse to save almost $2 million in utility costs and produce 4,600 fewer tonnes of emissions. Staff will also receive technical training in ways to reduce energy use. Big Marble Farms is currently home to more than 496,000 cucumber plants, 385,000 tomato plants and 47,000 grow lights.
“This grant allows Big Marble Farms to reduce its environmental footprint while strengthening year-round food security for Albertans and western Canadians. By embracing sustainable technology, we’re investing in a future where locally grown produce remains resilient, reliable and available for every table across western Canada. This investment will drive efficiency, sustainability and stronger yields across Big Marble Farms. This step ensures we can continue growing more with less, securing a brighter future for our farm, our people and the communities we serve.” Ryan Cramer, chief executive officer, Big Marble Farms
Fill Up On Funding
Green Skills in Manufacturing Certification Training - Funding Available!
EMC’s Green Skills in Manufacturing Certification Training is an industry driven program designed to help Canadian manufacturers and other related sectors, to prepare for a more rapid transition to a green and low carbon net zero, clean manufacturing ecosystem. This program combines hybrid approach, delivering expert virtual instruction by subject matter leaders in the field with hands on application of the skills learned deployed each week in your own production facility. Providing energy management and green essentials, this program will enable participants to learn, understand, plan implement and repeat effective sustainability solutions manufacturers need. For more information or to register, click here.
Apply for funding with NRCan's Green Industrial Facilities and Manufacturing Program
Facilities of all sizes and industrial sectors can apply for financial incentives through Natural Resources Canada’s Green Industrial Facilities and Manufacturing Program. The program’s Industrial Facility Track is now open for applications, and offers funding for facilities to implement energy efficiency and energy management solutions. The program's goals include the following:
- Maximize energy performance;
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and
- Increase competitiveness for industry in Canada.
Applications are open until September 26, 2025, at 6 p.m. MDT. An informational webinar is tomorrow, Thursday, September 5, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. MDT—register here
Decentralized Energy Forum – Pitch Competition Deadline: October 17, 2025
Calling all Decentralised Energy Innovators with a Data-Centric Focus! If your company is leading the way in decentralised energy solutions — whether it’s data-driven grid operations, intelligent energy management, or security — apply to the 6th Annual Game Changer Pitch Competition. Applicants will compete for a chance to win investment funding, strategic partnerships, and industry connections to help scale your innovative solutions and accelerate the transition to a sustainable, decentralised energy future. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to showcase your game-changing work to a global audience! For further details, please visit: https://www.deforum.ca/pitch or contact: info@deassociation.ca
Funded National Leadership Development Program for Women in Manufacturing Skilled Trades - FUNDED!
EMC’s HerJourney National Leadership Development Program for Women in Manufacturing Skilled Trades leverages content from the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum’s (CAF) National Leadership Development Program. The program offers practical strategies, expert-led training, and a supportive environment to help you grow into roles such as mentor, supervisor, leader, or advocate. Over the course of four months, participants build confidence through modules focused on leadership, communication, teamwork, supervisory skills, and mental health. Applications are open to women or gender diverse individuals who are registered apprentices or journeypersons working in manufacturing skilled trades – click here to apply today!
Alberta Manufacturing Productivity Grant Deadline: October 31, 2026
Funded by the Government of Alberta, the Alberta Manufacturing Productivity Grant (AMPG) helps small- and medium-sized manufacturers with between 5 and 750 employees improve their operations, invest in technology to automate production and increase competitiveness in markets across Canada and abroad. The program guidelines are available here: https://cme-mec.ca/guidelines-ampg/
Apply now to access an assessment of the viability of your chosen technology, and up to $30,000 in matching funding for technology adoption.
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the September 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 Resources
Alberta Economy - Indicators at a Glance
Labour Market Notes – Labour market continues to soften
Highlights of the Alberta Economy - August 2025
Travel Alberta Investor Services Website
Travel Alberta Multi-media Library: Upgraded muli-media library now launched
LOI Entrepreneurship 101 Application Form
Other Events
September 10th | Master your Money: Financial Foundations
September 11th | Leveraging AI for Market Research as an Entrepreneur
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
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