The Voice: September 16th, 2025
Alberta Legislature to Reconvene for Fall Session, Your Health Your Records, CSIS Issues Guidance for Tech Startups, and New U.S. Duty Rules Affecting All Canadian Shipments, and more all in this week's edition of The Voice.
Business News
Alberta legislature to reconvene for fall session
The Alberta legislature will reconvene on Oct. 23 at 1:30 p.m. Members will hear the speech from the throne, which will outline the government’s priorities as it enters the second half of its mandate.
Your health. Your records.
Albertans will soon access their health records under a new name as MyAHS Connect is rebranded to MyChart, creating a seamless online health experience. The MyChart mobile app lets Albertans securely access their personal health information, manage appointments, view test results and co-ordinate care with their health team. MyChart draws its information primarily from Connect Care and the acute care system, providing Albertans with a reliable, up-to-date view of their health records in one place. This integration across care settings helps patients and their health teams co-ordinate treatment and make informed decisions. Learn More
CSIS issues guidance for tech startups
The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) and U.S. intelligence partners have released guidance to help protect Western startups from potential exploitation in international pitch competitions, where foreign entities may seek to acquire innovation for economic or military advantage.
New U.S. Duty Rules Affecting All Canadian Shipments
What changed:
- As of August 29, 2025, the United States removed its US $800 duty-free threshold. All shipments from Canada to the U.S. are subject to duties, taxes, and clearance fees- no matter the value.
- For Canadian-made goods, duties will typically be assessed at 35%.
- Proof of prepaid duties is now required before your package is accepted for U.S. delivery.
- As of now, CUSMA Exemptions Still Apply - If your products meet CUSMA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) rules of origin and you include a valid certificate; you may be exempt from IEEPA duties (35%).
- Note: Even with CUSMA, carriers may charge a processing fee.
Example: A Canadian-made cardigan worth $57 will face a $19.95 duty under the new rules.
What This Means for Your Business
- Expect higher costs and additional paperwork when shipping to U.S. customers.
- Shipments may be returned if duties are unpaid.
- Brokerage and clearance fees may apply.
What You Can Do Now
- Review your shipping provider’s duty collection options.
- Build duty/tax costs into your pricing so U.S. customers are not surprised.
- Ensure your shipments include the proper documentation (CUSMA certificates where eligible).
To support small businesses, several carriers including Canada Post have adjusted their systems to handle duty collection and clearance. We recommend contacting your shipping carrier now to understand the specific steps and options available to your business.
We encourage you to stay in touch with your carrier and accredited news sources for updates as they become available
Medicine Hat-Cypress News
Nomination day is September 22
The last day to file nomination papers for the offices of Mayor, Councillor or School Board Trustee in the 2025 Municipal Election is Monday, September 22. On Nomination Day, nomination papers will be accepted from 8:30 a.m. until 12 noon in Council Chambers.
Note: if you will be collecting campaign contributions or incurring a campaign expense, you MUST file your nomination papers BEFORE you accept the contribution or incur the expense.
Medicine Hat’s Municipal Election is Monday, October 20.
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
Brooks-Newell News
Mock Interview Day at BCHS!
This engaging event is designed to help students sharpen their interview skills, boost their confidence and gain valuable advice from employers and community leaders. We're inviting employers and community leaders to be part of this exciting afternoon! Share your experience and make a difference in preparing students for their future careers.
WHEN: Monday, September 22 @ 12:45 pm - 2:00 pm
WHERE: Brooks Composite High School
For more information, email our Workforce Development Officer, Clarisse: CDelaCruz@brooks.ca
Residential New Build Incentive
City Council will be reviewing the Bylaw to formally authorize the Residential New Build Incentive Program, which provides staged municipal tax reductions for new homes (100% in Year 1, 75% in Year 2, 50% in Year 3, and 25% in Year 4). The program, approved in 2023, saw its first qualifying properties in 2025. Five properties received Year 1 relief totalling $11,908, with nine properties approved overall and up to 15 more applications expected by year-end.
Get your tickets! Brooks Fall Home & Leisure Tradeshow
Save your weekend for the 2025 Brooks Home & Leisure Tradeshow! Find fresh inspiration, helpful tips, innovative products, and fantastic deals in remodeling, home improvement, design, gifts, and services. A day of shopping and exploring what's available locally, with something for everyone!
WHEN: October 3rd - 5th, 2025
Friday: 12 pm - 8 pm
Saturday: 10 am - 6 pm
Sunday: 11 am - 4 pm
WHERE: JBS Canada Centre | 323 1 St SE Brooks, AB T1R 1B7
Advocacy in Action
Competition Bureau to study financing competition for Canada’s SMEs
The Competition Bureau is launching a market study into competition in the lending sector for small and medium businesses. The Bureau is seeking feedback on its proposed terms of reference—and invites your input by October 3, 2025, to help shape how the study is conducted. Learn more
Advancing Canada–Germany cooperation on transatlantic energy security
Canada is strengthening its partnership with Germany to enhance energy security, expand critical mineral supply chains, and accelerate clean energy collaboration.
The Alberta Chambers of Commerce has consistently advocated for policies that diversify markets, reduce regulatory barriers, and strengthen the long-term competitiveness of Canada’s energy sector. This announcement aligns with our policy, Ensuring the Future of Canadian Energy, underscoring the importance of positioning Alberta and Canada as global leaders in secure, sustainable energy. Learn more
Carney Launches Industrial Strategy as U.S. Tariff Fight Escalates
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a multibillion-dollar strategy on Friday aimed at helping Canadian businesses withstand ongoing U.S. tariff pressures. The plan includes a $5-billion Strategic Response Fund to support product development and market diversification, expanded tariff relief for SMEs, extended employment insurance for displaced workers, and a new “Buy Canadian” procurement policy requiring federal departments and Crown corporations to prioritize domestic suppliers.
The government also paused the 2026 zero-emission vehicle mandate in response to auto sector concerns, while highlighting targeted support for agriculture, seafood, and resource industries hit by foreign tariffs.
The announcement comes as Ottawa removed most of its counter-tariffs on U.S. goods to re-energize stalled negotiations with Washington. While U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, and copper remain in place, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expressed confidence that the Supreme Court will uphold President Trump’s use of emergency powers to maintain the levies and signalled the administration could turn to other trade tools if necessary. With unions warning that Ottawa’s tariff rollback undermines Canadian leverage and the U.S. pushing ahead with exemptions for selected allies, Canadian businesses face a prolonged period of uncertainty in North American trade that will require both adaptation and resilience.
Next Level Events
Board Leadership Training Event
Join us for a full-day professional training event designed for board members, non-profit leaders, and community volunteers across Southeastern Alberta. Strengthen your governance skills, network with peers, and gain the tools you need to lead your organization with confidence. This year’s seminar features:
- A keynote workshop with Yvonne Chenier on timely governance topics for non-profits
- Interactive breakout sessions to choose from throughout the day
- Opportunities to connect with local leaders and share best practices
Reconciliation Through Employment
Join us and keynote speaker Patrick Dinsdale, to explore how employment and entrepreneurship can advance reconciliation. Learn how businesses and communities can foster opportunity, strengthen relationships, and walk the path forward together. Happening September 30, 2025. Register now
Soup for the Soul
Join us for a heartwarming soup-making evening! Bring your hands, heart, and appetite as we come together to create three harvest-inspired, nutritious, and delicious soups to support underserved members of our community. This event will also mark the launch of the Soup Sister in Medicine Hat. Your time and energy will do more than fill bowls, it will remind participants that they are seen, valued, and cared for. Spend the evening chopping, stirring, and laughing with new friends, all while enjoying the aromas and flavors of the season.
WHEN: September 20th, 2025 | 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM
WHERE: Root Cellar Food & Wellness | 440 Maple Avenue SE, Medicine Hat
More information & registration here.
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
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!
Fill Up On Funding
Alberta Youth Incentive
Starting October 2025, employers can access the Alberta Youth Employment Incentive, receiving $4,000–$7,500 in funding to help hire young workers. Managed by CAREERS, the program offsets $10/hour in wages and supports employers in creating youth employment opportunities.
Entering the workforce is a vital first step toward building a strong, lifelong career. Youth unemployment is a challenge across Canada, and with a youth unemployment rate of 17 per cent, Alberta especially feels the impact as the result of rapid population growth through international immigration and the highest interprovincial migration of any other province. Young Albertans deserve access to jobs that help them learn, grow and contribute.
2025 Northern & regional economic development program open
Applications are open for the Norther & Regional Economic Development program until November 28, 2025. The NRED program supports community-led projects that drive economic growth, attract investment and strengthen local and regional business. Learn more
Employers & Organizations – Bursary Partnership Program
Businesses, chambers, and community organizations can sponsor students and have the Government of Alberta match up to $3,500 per student per year. Application window: May 1 – November 30, 2025 Learn more & apply
MEE Cluster Manufacturing Finance Program
The Manufacturing and Export Enhancement (MEE) Cluster has partnered with Servus Credit Union to explore opportunities to further their joint goals of helping businesses grow and increase productivity through process improvement and technology adoption. Servus is offering customized financing options to MEE Cluster clients. To learn more visit their website.
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the September 9th 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
Travel Alberta Investor Services Website
Travel Alberta Multi-media Library: Upgraded muli-media library now launched
Other Events
Non-Profits - Fall 2025 Webinars
Events — APEX | Regional Innovation Network of Southeast Alberta
Sept. 16th | Protecting Our Future: Health, Safety, and Employment Standards for Young Workers
Sept. 16th | Build With Validation
Sept. 17th | BusinessLink | Free Cashflow Canvas Bootcamp
Sept. 17th | Writing Legally Sound Policies
Sept. 18th | The Rules of the Game: Competition Law and Procurement
Sept. 23rd | Introduction to Disability Management and Occupational Health & Safety
Sept. 23-25 | Carbon Capture Canada
Sept. 24th | Building Success in Hospitality & Tourism
Sept. 24–25 | Methane Mitigation Canada
Useful Links
Follow us on social media for up-to-the-minute updates
The Voice: September 16th, 2025
Alberta Legislature to Reconvene for Fall Session, Your Health Your Records, CSIS Issues Guidance for Tech Startups, and New U.S. Duty Rules Affecting All Canadian Shipments, and more all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News Alberta legislature to reconvene for fall session The Alberta legislature will reconvene on Oct. 23 at 1:30…
Read More The Voice: September 9th, 2025
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Read More 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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