The Voice: October 14th, 2025
Additional Provincial Mandate Letters Released, Candidate Answers to Forum Questions, Big Changes Coming to 'Made in Alberta', Email List Scam Warning and more all in this week's edition of The Voice.
Business News
Additional Provincial Mandate Letters Released
The Premier tasks Minister Schulz, Environment and Protected Areas, with Amending the Water Act to increase water availability, improve access to water licenses for municipalities, industry and agricultural producers, and ensuring responsible long-term management of Alberta’s water resources, while respecting traditional uses and upholding environmental stewardship. This was in addition to other clear mandates.
Under Energy and Minerals, the Premier tasks Minister Jean with securing approval for a new bitumen pipeline to the northwest coast of British Columbia and working to advance other pipeline projects and corridors to the United States, Ontario, Hudson Bay and the Arctic, as well as developing an expedited 120-day provincial approval process for priority projects.
Within Agriculture and Irrigation, the Premier tasks Minister Sigurdson with developing legislation to put ‘Agriculture First’ and implementing regulatory changes to cut red tape and remove bureaucratic barriers, making the province’s agricultural products more competitive and increasing consumer choice by contributing to local and global food security.
In addition, the Minister will be required to continue to modernize and expand the province’s irrigation infrastructure to ensure farmers, ranchers, processors, communities and recreational users have access to the water they need.
Read all the recently released mandate letters here:
- Mandate letter: Environment and Protected Areas
- Mandate letter: Energy and Minerals
- Mandate letter: Agriculture and Irrigation
- Mandate letter: Indigenous Relations
- Mandate letter: Primary and Preventative Health Services
- Mandate letter: Hospital and Surgical Health Services
- Mandate letter: Mental Health and Addiction
- Mandate letter: Assisted Living and Social Services
Candidate Answers - Vote Prosperity 2025
Leading up to and during our 2025 Municipal Election Forums, we gathered questions from members and the general public. We have sent those questions to all candidates to respond to, as we were unable to get to all the questions during the forums. It is up to each candidate individually to fill out their answers and we are posting responses as they are received. You can read the responses received so far on on our Vote Prosperity page of our website.
Big Changes Coming to Made in Alberta
Alberta’s food and beverage scene is about to get even more exciting. A refreshed website has launched and a brand-new mobile app for iOS and Android has been designed to make discovering and supporting local easier than ever, will be in the App Store and Google Play Store later this month. Whether you’re hunting for your next favourite craft beer, artisanal snack, or fresh-from-the-farm product, the new Made in Alberta platform will put the province’s best food and beverage producers right at your fingertips. Find out more.
Email List Scam
We want to alert you to a scam we have received. Members have reported receiving emails falsely claiming that our Chamber is selling tradeshow attendee lists, member contact lists, or other data.
Please be advised: We do NOT sell any lists. Any message suggesting otherwise is fraudulent. If you receive such an email:
- Do not click any links.
- Do not respond.
- Report the email as spam or phishing.
- Delete it immediately.
Your privacy and security are extremely important to us. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team directly.
Small Business Week Next Week: October 19th – 25th
Next week marks Small Business Week, and the Chamber is proud to celebrate the small businesses that drive innovation, create jobs, and bring vibrancy to our neighborhoods.
Let’s show our appreciation by shopping local, attending a Small Business Week event, or simply sharing a shoutout to your favorite local business online. Learn more and explore resources below:
- BDC small business week: BDC Small Business Week - October 19 to 25, 2025 | BDC.ca
- BDC Resources: https://www.bdc.ca/en/small-business-week/resources
- Social highlights coming: https://www.facebook.com/SEalbertachamber/ | https://www.instagram.com/se_chamber/
Medicine Hat-Cypress News
Advanced Polls open again next week
This past Saturday the first round of Advance Polls saw 822 individuals cast their vote. This coming week Advance Polls will open again on Tuesday, October 14 and run until Saturday, October 18 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m each day.
You can vote at
- Hockey Hounds Recreational Centre 39 10 Street NE
- Holy Family Parish 1451 Strachan Road SE
View the polling station map here. Though electors can cast their vote ahead of time, no ballots will be counted until polls have closed at 8 p.m. on Election Day, Monday October 20. Once polls have closed, results will be posted to the City’s website at least once an hour from 8 p.m. until 2 a.m.
City Council Meeting Highlights
At the October 6, 2025 Council meeting, under unfinished business, City Council Approved Bylaw 4861 - Amending the Procedure Bylaw. Under new business, Council approved a motion to establish a standing line item on the Development and Infrastructure Committee agenda for quarterly reporting from the Economic Development Department, beginning Q4 2025. Council also received a presentation from Jaret Dickie, Manager of Corporate Strategy & Analysis, on Community Service Level Inventory.
Funding of $3,900,000 was approved for preliminary design of an outdoor aquatics facility on the south side of the community and sports fields in Brier Run. Council also approved the establishment of the Southeast Alberta Economic Opportunity Advocacy Committee. An increase of $107,571 was approved to the 2026 budget for the Mayor and Council salary and wages, funded through operating reserves. A motion was approved to review Policy 8046 – Whistleblower Policy and bring forward an updated Whistleblower Policy to Council for approval by end of Q4 2025. Read the full highlights here.
Medicine Hat ranks 3rd in Canada in the top 10 cheapest Cities to Live
Medicine Hat offers small-city lifestyles with a much lower income requirement and ranks #3 in the top 10 cheapest cities to live in Canada, according to MoneySense.
Bridging art and recreation
For the first time in Big Marble Go Centre’s history, Medicine Hat’s premier recreation facility is hosting a professional art exhibition, Pal·imp·sest, from October 9 to November 4!
This offering has been made possible through collaboration with the Alberta Foundation for the Arts' Travelling Exhibition (TREX) program.
The initiative aligns with Parks and Recreation’s commitment to diversifying what our recreation facilities have to offer. And, it aligns with the City-administered TREX Southeast program’s effort to bring art to unique public spaces. Read the news release to learn more about the exhibition, and the collaboration that made it possible.
Brooks-Newell News
Advance Polls, Election Day and Candidate Information
In Brooks, advance polls will be held at the JBS Canada Centre in the Cenovus Flexhall (323 1st Street East) from 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. on the following dates on October 18, 2025. All Electors can vote at an Advance Poll. Advance Polls are for the convenience of the Elector - the intention is to now offer a choice of voting times. Voting Stations will open at 10:00 a.m. and will be open nonstop until 8:00 p.m. at the JBS Canada Centre Fieldhouse, 323 1st Street East, on Election Day, October 20, 2025. Find out more.
LarkSPUR has been profiling each of the candidates each week with three questions posed. They have asked all 12 council and 2 Mayoral candidates the same three questions—designed to show how they think about Brooks’ future, how they handle tough choices, and how they work with others. The questions are:
- If the City of Brooks received a $1 million grant to spend any way you wanted, what would you do with it—and why?
- How should Council decide on spending priorities?
- Tell us about a time you worked with people who saw things differently and how you found common ground.
You can read the responses here.
Canada Post Strike: What It Means for Your Utility Bill
With Canada Post on strike, the City of Brooks wants to make sure you're prepared and know your options.
What to Know:
- You're still responsible for payment, even if your bill is delayed.
- October billing will be processed on October 15 and ready for pickup at City Hall on October 16.
- Due date is November 14.
- Need a paper copy? Stop by City Hall during business hours.
- Want to avoid future delays? Sign up for e-billing at ico.brooks.ca:9191.
- Don’t have e-billing yet and need a copy? Email us at utilities@brooks.ca.
Other Ways to Get Your Bill:
- Call us for your total.
- Pick up a copy at City Hall.
- Email utilities@brooks.ca.
Sign up for e-billing or pre-authorized payments to make things easier
Advocacy in Action
Southeast Alberta represented at 2025 Canadian Chamber AGM & Conference
Southeast Alberta business represented! Southeast Alberta Chamber President, Aaron Fleming and Executive Director, Lisa Dressler attended the 2025 Canadian Chamber AGM & Conference, where chamber of commerce executives and community business leaders from across the country gathered to discuss the economic and political issues affecting Canadian business and to shape the national policy direction for the year ahead.
The week commenced with the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Canada providing professional development opportunities with training in AI, strategy and growth, wrapping up with recognition of Chambers across the country. Our local Chamber received it's accreditation certification renewal, as an accredited Chamber since 2016 and carrying forward to 2030.
We were pleased to receive our accreditation renewal as it represents the highest national standard of Chamber excellence in leadership, governance and operations. It demonstrates to our community, members, and Board of Directors that our Chamber has dependable governance policies and procedures and has built resilient core operations that align with hundreds of Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade across Canada.
The event then proceeded into the national policy plenary session and AGM where 13 Alberta-led policies were successfully passed, further strengthening our province’s influence in shaping Canada’s business landscape.
Discussions and thought leadership focused on key issues including transportation, infrastructure, and economic competitiveness in Canada’s energy sector—ensuring Alberta’s priorities are part of the national conversation
The host Chamber in Mississauga showcased their culinary tourism and wrapped up the week with a celebration of the Canadian Chamber’s 100 year anniversary. This milestone event was a commemorative event for the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce, as we were there 100 years ago as one of the founding Chambers of the national federation.
125 years ago, 100 years ago and continuing our legacy today, our Chamber is a leader, champion and voice for business success, locally, provincially and nationally. We are invested in our region’s success, representing businesses locally and showcasing out region’s strength on the national stage.
Taking action on trucking safety
Alberta’s government continues to work with industry partners to build on this progress and ensure that only safe, qualified drivers, carriers and training schools operate in the province’s trucking sector. Read more.
- On April 1, the province launched the Class 1 Learning Pathway, a made-in-Alberta program that raises the bar for training by requiring 125-133 in-truck training hours, which is well above the national Mandatory Entry Level Training minimum.
- By late 2025, driver experience records will follow the driver, not the company, improving transparency for hiring and insurance.
- Alberta’s government has invested $54.1 million over three years in training and transferability grants to support driver recruitment, training and onboarding, retention and industry diversification.
- Oversight of driver training schools, driving instructors and driver examiners include regular audits, inspections, investigations and ensuring compliance with the Code of Conduct and Ethics.
- Driver training schools, driving instructors and driver examiners found not in compliance with safety regulations are issued remedial actions, such as directives to correct non-compliance, re-education, administrative penalties and disciplinary actions as such as suspensions or cancellation of their licence.
The Chamber has been advocating for improvements to address the truck driver shortage since 2023, as truck driving plays a critically important role in our economy. From the food we eat, to the gas we put in our vehicles and warm our homes with, we are impacted on a daily basis by the role that the trucking industry plays in the supply chain. Given the shortage in drivers with Class 1 licenses, there needs to be more done to expand the number of qualified drivers to support this critically important industry. Find out more about our recommendations.
Requests for Input
- Share your views: Consulting Canadians on the operation of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA): Closes November 3, 2025
- Nuclear Energy Engagement: Closes Oct 25, 2025 - An expert panel is gathering feedback on how nuclear power could be integrated into Alberta’s energy mix
- Foreign Ownership of Land Regulations (FORL) Engagement: Open - Alberta is exploring realignment measures toward achieving the initial policy intent behind the Foreign Ownership of Land Regulations (FOLR) to reduce red tape and improve administrative efficiency by exempting certain commercially or industrially zoned lands from FOLR requirements.
Next Level Events
Pick & Paint Night at Creative Freedom Art Hub
Pick & Paint Night at Creative Freedom Art Hub
Presented by the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce
Join us for a relaxed and creative evening on Wednesday, October 16th from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Creative Freedom Art Hub. This come-and-go social event is part of our new Connector Series, designed to bring our members and business community together in fun, informal ways.
Pick from a wide selection of ceramics to paint and take home
Connect with fellow Chamber members and guests
Free to attend – just pay for the ceramic pieces you choose
Whether you're a seasoned artist or just looking to unwind, we’d love to see you there! Register now
DEAM Lunch & Learn - Presented by REDI Enterprises
Join us for a light lunch while exploring the value of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility in the workplace. The presentation is intended to raise awareness of disability employment, provide information on benefits and supports available to job seekers with disabilities, as well as employers who hire inclusively.
2025 Leadership Breakfast - Cypress County, Medicine Hat, Redcliff
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
2025 Leadership Breakfast - Brooks-Newell region
Join us for our inaugural Brooks Newell Leadership Breakfast, a signature event that brings together 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. It will take on a new format with an interactive Leadership Panel featuring Senior Leadership from the city, towns, and county. 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.
November 5th, 2025 | More details and registration here
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 Metheral's Off Road Services Ltd, Medicine Hat Metis District of the Otipemisiwak Metis Government, and Mortgage Connection 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!
Agri-courses at Medicine Hat College
Agriculture shapes our region — and understanding it can help your business, your community connections, and your own skills. Whether you’re managing a farm, supporting the ag industry, or exploring regionally relevant learning opportunities, the following courses are built to be short, flexible, and impactful:
Agri-Business Certificate | Starts October 20, 2025 (In-person & online)
Learn to manage and grow a farm or ranch with this four-course program focused on practical agri-business skills. Explore decision-making, finance and economics specific to agriculture, and apply data and technology to improve planning and productivity. Click here to learn more and register
Take all four courses, or complete them individually, depending on your needs and schedule:
- Agri-Business: Business Management Skills (28 hours)
- Agri-Business: Agricultural Economics and Finance (28 hours)
- Agri-Business: Data Analytics (21 hours)
- Agri-Business: Trends & Technologies (7 hours)
Agri-Tourism Certificate | Starts February 5, 2026 (In-person & online)
Explore how agri-tourism is shaping Southeastern Alberta. This practical course explores the essentials of agri-tourism—from U-picks to seasonal events—while sharing real examples and tools to help you create an experience that fits your life and community. Click here to learn more and register
Agri-Welding Certificate | Starts January 20, 2026 (In-person)
Build practical welding skills to handle essential farm repairs quickly and confidently. This course is built for people who want the welding skills to make quick, reliable repairs and reduce downtime on the job. Click here to learn more and register
Ramsay Logistics: Navigate CUSMA compliance
We recently reached out to our member company Ramsay Logistics, as we receive various calls and concerns about trade and tariffs. Our ask…’Can you provide us a one-page document that would help our members navigate CUSMA compliance’.
We’re pleased to share these two documents that highlight the Canada-United States-Mexico agreement and duty-free treatment of goods, as well as a quick How to Guide on Completing a CUSMA Certificate, Origin Criteria and Distinctions you need to know. These documents are highly valuable for businesses who:
- Export or import goods within North America.
- Want to reduce costs through duty-free access.
- Need to navigate complex origin rules to ensure compliance.
- Seek to avoid penalties or delays due to incorrect documentation.
Check out the documents CUSMA Presentation Document | CUSMA Qualification Guide
If you are looking for more, check out the Step-by-Step Product Qualification summary they have provided on essential items, disqualifiers and rules of origin and of course, you can always contact them for further assistance.
QinetiQ Systems Canada (Medicine Hat) featured in Alberta Chamber News
QinetiQ Systems Canada won the Global Growth Award of Distinction in June of this past year and were recently featured in the Alberta Chambers of Commerce newsletter.
“We are a global leader in the innovation, development, and delivery of advanced uncrewed vehicle systems, proudly supporting Canada’s national security and allied defence operations worldwide. With a focus on mission-led innovation, we deliver high-performance solutions that strengthen operational readiness while fostering local, provincial and federal economic growth through a robust Canadian supply chain, advanced research and development, and skilled employment opportunities.” - QinetiQ Systems Canada
Fill Up On Funding
More support for parents and students
Alberta’s government is providing a free education toolkit that parents can use to help support their child’s learning while schools are closed, and funding support up to $150 a week per student to help families find childcare and education supports for their child. In addition, the provincial Government is providing child care subsidies, distance education, home education and family programming. Find out more.
Alberta Youth Employment Incentive
The Alberta Youth Employment Incentive makes it easier – and more rewarding – for employers to bring young talent into their business. Qualified employers can receive up to $7,500 to hire Albertans aged 15 to 24, helping you fill workforce needs today while investing in the skilled workforce of tomorrow. This program is funded by the Government of Alberta and administered by CAREERS: The Next Generation, a non-profit with nearly 30 years of experience connecting youth and employers across the province. Applications are now open – don’t miss this opportunity to grow your team and support Alberta’s future workforce. Apply today!
Learn about the Canada-Alberta Productivity Grant
The new Canada-Alberta Productivity Grant replaces the previous Canada-Alberta Job Grant (CAJG) program. The CAPG program aligns with Alberta’s efforts to increase productivity and help employers invest in skills training that boosts productivity. 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 https://www.alberta.ca/canada-alberta-productivity-grant for more information on the program, eligibility and how to register for online information sessions. Additional questions can be directed to jobgrant@gov.ab.ca.
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
No crossword puzzle last week.... and this week. Keep an eye out for next week where we will continue the weekly puzzle fun!
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 News
Other Resources
Alberta Economy - Indicators at a Glance
Annual population report, Alberta - Open Government
BDC: AI for sales and marketing | BDC: Website assessment Tool
Highlights of the Alberta Economy - August 2025
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
October 23 | Better Safe than Sorry, Eh: Competition Law 101
October 28th | Business Growth Tradeshow
October 29-30 | Economic Growth Forum
October 29 | Women in Professional & Educational Services
November 5 | Expand your Customer Base: Proven Strategies for Growth
Useful Links
Follow us on social media for up-to-the-minute updates
The Voice: October 14th, 2025
Additional Provincial Mandate Letters Released, Candidate Answers to Forum Questions, Big Changes Coming to ‘Made in Alberta’, Email List Scam Warning and more all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News Additional Provincial Mandate Letters Released The Premier tasks Minister Schulz, Environment and Protected Areas, with Amending the Water Act to increase water…
Read More The Voice: October 7th, 2025
Small Businesses Big Impact, Alberta Activates Contingency Mail Delivery Plan, 5-Minute Mental Health Check-In, and more all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News BusinessLink: Small Businesses, Big Impact Every dollar you spend is a choice, and that choice has power. Buying local doesn’t just support a business. It helps someone hire their…
Read More The Voice: September 30th, 2025
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, More Mandate Letters from the Province, Good Driver Rate Cap Extended, Important Changes to How Tax Preparers Obtain Access to Accounts, and more all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News September 30th – National Day For Truth and Reconciliation Indigenous peoples have a deep and enduring…
Read More