The Voice: October 21st, 2025
Small Business Week, Municipal Election Day, Getting it done for Albertans: Smart Spending, Lasting Results, BDC: The importance and impacts of consumer spending on business and GDP and more all in this week's edition of The Voice.
Business News
Small Business Week: October 19th - 25th
Small businesses drive innovation, create jobs, and strengthen our local economy. The Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce proudly supports entrepreneurs and small business owners who make our community vibrant and resilient. Let’s celebrate their impact and continue to champion their success—this week and every week!
- BDC small business week: https://www.bdc.ca/en/small-business-week
- Local events happening near you: https://chamber.southeastalbertachamber.ca/chamber-calendar
Municipal Election Day: October 20, 2025
We hope you took the opportunity to have your voice heard on October 20th, as your voice matters. However, it doesn’t stop on election day and for our members, we hope you continue to engage with us over the next four years as we work with our elected representatives on strengthening Southeast Alberta. Find out more at the Chamber’s Vote Prosperity page.
Getting it done for Albertans: Smart spending, lasting results
Premier Danielle Smith has issued a new set of mandate letters focused on keeping life affordable, spending wisely and delivering results to Albertans. Some key highlights include:
For Treasury Board and Finance Minister Nate Horner, he will be tasked with keeping Alberta’s finances disciplined by holding non-emergency spending growth below inflation plus population and growing the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund to at least $35 billion by 2027 to secure long-term prosperity for future generations. The Premier has also given a mandate to maintain Alberta’s position as the province with the lowest net-debt-to-GDP ratio in Canada.
For Minister Neudorf in Alberta Affordability and Utilities he is to continue implementation of the policy framework and contingency planning to ensure a sufficient level of reliable base load generation in Alberta in the event the CER remains in place, while completing legislative and regulatory implementation of Alberta’s Restructured Energy Market and other regulatory reforms to deliver a more reliable grid and stable, affordable electricity prices.
Within Technology and Innovation, the Premier tasked Minister Glubish with Implementing Alberta’s AI data centre attraction strategy, combining strong investment attractiveness with stable, affordable electricity and fair returns for Albertans. He will also need to develop an intellectual property (IP) strategy and continuing to ensure Albertans have access to reliable, high-speed internet.
For Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, Minister Nally will work on reducing administrative red tape and improving operational efficiency across government, including collaboration with Independent Officers of the Legislature and applying the ‘Automatic Yes’ policy framework to all applicable permitting overseen by the Ministry of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction. View the full press release and the mandate letters:
BDC: The Importance and Impacts of consumer spending on business and GDP
Strong economic growth depends primarily on consumer spending, which accounts for 60% of GDP year in and year out. In the current economic climate, marked by high uncertainty, consumer demand plays an even more important role. Household confidence in the economy and strong demand for Canadian goods and services are key factors in stimulating business investment and hiring. High interest rates in recent years prompted many households to cut back on debt. While debt has been rising slowly since the Bank of Canada began lowering rates, Canadian consumers remain in relatively good financial shape. Read more.
Medicine Hat-Cypress News
Service level inventory
The Community Service Level Inventory is a detailed catalogue of City services, the cost to deliver those services, and the impact on the City’s overall budget. The inventory reflects the current state of external services (as of October 2025). We will continuously review, evaluate, improve, and enhance services, service levels, processes, and delivery methods to meet community needs. The inventory is reviewed and updated annually to ensure it remains relevant and accurate.
Election results
Recent updates to the Local Authorities Elections Act ban the use of electronic tabulators so, for the first time in decades, the ballots from Medicine Hat's Municipal Election will be counted by hand. Ballot counting will begin after the polls close at 8 p.m. on Monday, October 20. Preliminary unofficial results for the 2025 Municipal Election will begin appearing on the City’s website as soon as counts are reported and updated hourly until 2 a.m. on election night. If ballot counting continues past that time, updates will resume at least once per hour during regular business hours until counting is complete. Election results are considered official at 12 noon on the fourth day after Election Day.
Results can be found at medicinehat.ca/electionresults
Brooks-Newell News
Cattle, Commodities & Market Insight
ATB is hosting a timely and informative event focused on the intersection of Cattle, Commodities, and Markets—a must-attend for anyone in agriculture or agribusiness. With a record-low national cattle herd and strong consumer demand, this session will explore the economic forces shaping the industry and what they mean for price forecasts through 2025.
WHEN: Wednesday, October 29, 2025 @ 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM
REGISTER: Cattle, Commodities & Market Insights Tickets, Wed, 29 Oct 2025 at 11:30 AM | Eventbrite
Advocacy in Action
Southeast Chamber of Commerce Expresses Its' Concerns For The Next City Council
Aaron Fleming, Chamber President commented on the next four years of municipal council and the challenges that the Chamber of Commerce would look at: "It's very important for a municipal council to make decisions and to see things move forward, as that is one of the challenges that we have seen in the last four years. Dissension causes many challenges and delays". Further commenting, "If things stagnate and things don't happen, there's additional costs and frustrations."
"When you look at local politics, you have to be able to have some experience. For us as a Chamber, we'll have questions about fiscal responsibility, taxes, and how our municipalities will strategically move forward in the right direction to reduce red tape, to attract business and retain the businesses we already have.
The Chamber of Commerce would happily be a partner and offer our thoughts and any guidance that we have through our policies and from what we've heard from our businesses to be able to help our municipal councils over the next four years. The Chamber of Commerce looks forward to working with whoever is elected into those positions," concluded Fleming.
Watch the Video: https://youtu.be/QyW58rKeEdU?si=Bt5bnGRHKfTGGcu_
Find out more at Vote Prosperity 2025
City of Medicine Hat Shows Progress on Streamlining Development Processes to Support Business Growth
In alignment with the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce’s active policy on Creating a Business-Friendly Regulatory Environment, the City of Medicine Hat has made strides in improving transparency, predictability, and efficiency across several departments. These changes reflect a commitment to working with the business community to reduce red tape, enhance customer service, and foster a more supportive climate for business and development. The City recently released it’s Q3 report on application processing times, provided more predictable costs for developers with utility installations, streamlined the patio process, provided traffic count data online, modernized airport parking and removed requirements for certain shared lease spaces. Find out about all the updates here.
Canadian Chamber of Commerce: 100 Years of Impact
The Canadian Chamber Network marked a century of leadership, advocacy, and impact for Canadian business at its 100-Year Celebration. The evening featured “Roaring Twenties”–themed festivities, where founding members were recognized and Alberta’s founding Chambers of Commerce were celebrated: Drumheller, Edmonton, Southeast Alberta (Medicine Hat), Okotoks, Olds, Peace River, Red Deer. Learn more
Next Level Events
2025 Tek Day by Partek
TEK DAY is a free, exclusive event designed to give business leaders practical insights into today’s most pressing technology challenges. Learn directly from industry experts on cybersecurity, AI, and business continuity, and leave with clear strategies you can apply to protect your business, make informed decisions, and leverage technology for growth.
Bring your team and clients along to TEK DAY. The insights shared will benefit everyone—offering a chance to build stronger connections, explore new perspectives, and take away strategies that drive growth and innovation for your business.
November 4th, 2025 | More details and registration here
Rights & Responsibilities For Temporary Foreign Workers & Employers
You are invited you to this important information session on the Rights and Responsibilities for TFWs and Employers. Join to learn more about your rights in Canada as a Migrant Worker or Employer.
Speakers: Emina Cehic & Marina Omar Effendi
Temporary Foreign Worker Advisory Office (TFWAO), Government of Alberta.
October 22 | 4.30pm
BCIS - Brooks (500 Cassils Rd E, Brooks)
-or-
Medicine Hat (222 South Railway)
-or-
Online: https://forms.office.com/r/PMfuwd3r0c
Supporting your small business journey: Navigating Government Tools and Resources
There are hundreds of federal, provincial and territorial government programs and services to help Canadian businesses start, grow and scale. Do you know where to find them? We can help with that.
Join Innovation Canada for a free online session on Friday, October 24, 2025, to learn from Government of Canada representatives about the support available to business owners and entrepreneurs including:
- Business Benefits Finder: a powerful tool that provides you with a customized list of business support programs and services, all in under a few minutes.
- BizPaL: helps you quickly identify the licences and permits you may need to comply with federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal standards.
- Accelerated Growth Service: a service led by expert advisors with private sector experience who can help you identify and leverage the right government support.
English session: Friday October 24th at 1:30 p.m. EDT | Register for the free webinar on Eventbrite
French session: Friday October 24th at 11:00 a.m. EDT | Register for the free webinar on Eventbrite
Get your business ready for the economic revolution
Canada’s economy is entering a new era of transformation. Shifting trade partnerships, rapid technological advances and a wave of business transfers are reshaping the economic context and creating new avenues for growth, innovation and productivity.
Join BDC’s Chief Economist, Pierre Cléroux, and a panel of experts to understand how you can prepare for a changing business landscape. You’ll hear the latest economic insights, see how other entrepreneurs are adapting and discover concrete actions to get your business ready for the economic revolution.
Register here: https://www.bdc.ca/en/small-business-week/bdc-hosted-events/get-business-ready-economic-revolution
Watch the Video: https://youtu.be/QyW58rKeEdU?si=Bt5bnGRHKfTGGcu_
Find out more at Vote Prosperity 2025
Employer Wage Subsidy Webinar with Canada Summer Jobs & Student Work Placement Program
Join the Workforce Consultant Team from the Government of Alberta for a free 1.5-hour webinar delivered by representatives from Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) and the Student Work Placement Program (SWPP). This session will explore funding opportunities available to businesses. Canada Summer Jobs provides wage subsidies for summer work experiences for youth aged 15 to 30, while the Student Work Placement Program supports co-op placements, internships, and other work-integrated learning opportunities. Learn how these programs can benefit your business! During the presentation, expert speakers will walk you through program details, including eligibility criteria and application processes, and will be available to answer your questions.
Date: November 19th | Time: 9 am – 10:30 am MST | Register 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!
Yuill School of Agriculture to Strengthen Education, Innovation, and Alberta’s Agri-Food Future
A new era of agricultural learning is taking root in Southern Alberta as Prairie Rose Public Schools announced the creation of the Yuill School of Agriculture, an innovative partnership designed to cultivate hands-on learning and community growth. Set to open in the fall of 2027, the new school will serve students in Grades 10 through 12, offering a comprehensive program that blends classroom instruction with real-world agricultural experience. Operating under Prairie Rose Public Schools in partnership with Neubauer Farms, the initiative builds on a shared commitment to developing the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Construction is expected to begin in spring 2026, supported by a collaborative investment from the Yuill Family Foundation, the Government of Alberta, and Prairie Rose Public Schools. This 76-acre site will be the home to a 60x130 ft building that will house everything from conception to consumption; from farm to table. Find out more
Nichole Neubauer receives province’s highest honour
Nine remarkable Albertans will become this year’s newest inductees into the Alberta Order of Excellence during an investiture ceremony at Government House, including Nichole Neubauer from Neubauer Farms. Nichole Neubauer, a local farmer and educator, has dedicated her career to creating opportunities for young Albertans to engage with agriculture in meaningful ways. Through hands-on initiatives such as the Growing Minds program based out of Neubauer Farms and the Agriculture Discovery Centre (ADC) located at Irvine School, she has shared her passion for farming with tens of thousands of young people. She has served in many leadership roles during her time and played a key role in the new Yuill School for Agriculture. Nichole continues to be a passionate advocate for agriculture and promoting Southeast Alberta.
Brook's Home and Leisure Show VENDO Media Giveaway
Excited to announce the WINNER of the Brook's Home and Leisure Show VENDO Media Giveaway, and that winner is Brandy Wilde with Icy Mountain Water Co. Ltd!
Fill Up On Funding
Ethnocultural and Anti-Racism Grants Now Open
The Alberta Government Ethnocultural and Anti-Racism Grants support community-led initiatives that celebrate cultural diversity and address racism. With a combined investment of $13.5 million over three years, the Ethnocultural and Anti-Racism Grants help community organizations deliver projects that reduce discrimination, foster inclusion and support the attraction and retention of a diverse and skilled workforce.
The Ethnocultural Grant Program provides up to $50,000 for initiatives that create opportunities to build connections with ethnocultural and Indigenous groups, and up to $15,000 will go toward projects that celebrate diversity. The Anti-Racism Grant Program will provide up to $10,000 to support initiatives that both educate people living in Alberta and build organizational capacity to support anti-racism work, and up to $5,000 will go to projects that raise awareness of racism and its impacts. Find out more
Alberta’s Investment and Growth Fund
The Investment and Growth Fund provides incentives to attract major private-sector investments across Alberta. Budget 2025 allocates $15 million to the Fund, with plans to increase it to $50 million annually — supporting new projects and driving economic growth. The IGF program targets new investments and expansion projects located across the province. Learn more
Mastercard’s Small Business Navigator
This new centralized digital suite of resources are designed to help you succeed at all stages of your business journey. Small Business Navigator brings together:
- Cost-saving offers for accepting payments and simplifying operations
- Cybersecurity resources to learn how to protect your business
- Economic insights that can help you understand market trends and anticipate shifts
It serves as your one-stop hub for a wide range of resources to meet real-world needs and further support your business growth. Explore Mastercard’s Small Business Navigator
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
No crossword puzzle last week, so no answers to share.... but check your emails for this edition's 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
Annual population report, Alberta - Open Government
BDC: AI for sales and marketing | BDC: Website assessment Tool
Alberta Labour Force Highlights – September 2025
Alberta Indigenous Labour Force Highlights – September 2025
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 21st, 2025
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