The Voice: November 25th, 2025
Provincial Budget Consultations Begin, 10th Red Tape Reduction Bill, The .CA Guide is Back, and more all in this week's edition of The Voice.
Business News
Provincial Budget Consultations Begin
An important part of the annual budget process is consulting with Albertans on what they think Alberta’s fiscal priorities should be. The 2026 budget survey is available online and will be open until Thursday, Jan. 15. Albertans can also participate in a telephone town hall hosted by President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance Nate Horner on Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 6:30 p.m. Those wanting to join the town hall can visit alberta.ca/budgetconsultation at the start of the event and click on the event link to listen and participate online. Alberta’s budget must be released before the end of February each year.
10th red tape reduction bill
The Red Tape Reduction Statutes Amendment Act, 2025 (No. 2), will carry five legislative amendments. If passed, the proposed legislation would support the implementation of modernized driver’s licences and ID cards displaying personal health care numbers and Canadian citizenship information. It would also prohibit a registration requirement for Canadian work experience for Albertans seeking registration in regulated professions, unless an approval is granted due to health and safety concerns.
Amendments would also set specific timelines for interim and final registration decisions and require work experience criteria to be published. Find out more.
The .CA gift guide is back.
Hear those faint sleigh bells jingling? Santa’s workshop is busy building he 2025 .CA Small business gift guide and need your help. Think your .CA business would be a good fit? Know a small .CA business that deserves to be showcased?
Medicine Hat-Cypress News
November 10 City Council Meeting Highlights
During the November 10, 2025 City Council Meeting, Council received presentations about the 2025-2026 City Budget and the Energy Production and Distribution business unit. These presentations were designed to provide Council with:
- an understanding of the budget framework,
- the key components that have been included in the 2026 approved budget,
- additional insights into the City's financial position,
- as well as an overview of the rate-based energy production business units.
The intention of these presentations was to give Council the background and context needed to make informed decisions during the upcoming meetings related to the 2026 budget updates.
Read the full highlights here and watch the meeting here. The November 17 meeting provided Council the opportunity to hear the tri-annual management report, providing an overview of municipal finances, investments, and workforce statistics. Council also discussed proposed 2026 budget amendments, utility rate changes, and heard a presentation from the Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society in recognition of Family Violence Prevention Month. Read the full highlights here or Watch the meeting here
2025 Midnight Madness was a BLAST
Thank you to everyone who came down to shop and support local businesses. To the businesses; thank you for the time and energy you put in to make the evening great! The night was amazing, with festive cheer all around. 
Medicine Hat - you made it magical!
Check out the MM Photo Album on our Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CqaiWkBKT/
Attendees, let us know how it was for you. Take a minute to fill out the 2025 Midnight Madness Attendee Survey: https://forms.office.com/r/BhK26ZTNb3
Brooks-Newell News
Annual Workforce & Builder Networking Session
Join a networking session with developers & builders! The City of Brooks development department is hosting a networking event to bring together developers & community suppliers in the Region. Who should come?
- Suppliers
- Realtors
- Equipment Rental Businesses
- Tradespeople
December 4th | Free to attend | RSVP here
Calling All Local Business Owners!
Are you a business owner in the Brooks Newell Region? Our team is always on the lookout for great local businesses to promote — and it’s basically free advertising! Don’t miss your chance to get featured.
Interested? Send us an email at ecdev@brooks.ca or share your story directly on our website!
Coming up in Brooks...
December 8 | AG LEGACY SESSION - BROOKS | 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Please join us for a free information session regarding your agriculture business legacy. All sessions start at 2:00pm- Refreshments will be provided. Our speakers: Sean Wheeler (Certified Financial Planner), John Tempest (Chartered Accountant), and ...
December 8 | HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE | 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Join us on Monday December 8th for hot mulled cider and holiday treats. Talk with our practitioners about services and do some last minute shopping in our retail store including 6D Gift Certificates!
December 17 | CHRISTMAS SOCIAL WITH THE CHAMBER | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Join the Chamber at Piston Broke Brewing in Brooks to celebrate the season together!
Advocacy in Action
CUSMA Review: Canadian Chamber Submits Recommendations
The Canadian Chamber has submitted recommendations to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative as part of the consultation on the upcoming CUSMA review. A version of this submission has already been provided to the Government of Canada, with another to the Government of Mexico. View the Submission
Key Recommendations are based on cross-sector engagement with businesses throughout 2024–25, with policy recommendations focused on three priorities:
1. Prioritize the continuity of the Agreement and its existing key provisions.
2. Implement targeted measures to strengthen the Agreement and enhance North American economic security.
3. Strengthen North American economic integration by reducing or eliminating recently imposed tariffs within North America.
CUSMA Ongoing and Upcoming Advocacy
Parliamentary Committees: On November 6, Catherine Fortin LeFaivre, SVP, International Policy & Global Partnerships and Gaphel Kongtsa, Director, International Policy appeared before both the House of Commons International Trade Committee and the Senate Foreign Affairs and Trade Committee on our CUSMA priorities. We continue to actively engage with MPs, Senators, and ministerial offices to advance these discussions
Engagement with the United States: The Canadian Chamber led a trade mission to Washington, D.C., focused on advancing discussions related to the CUSMA review and Section 232 tariffs. The mission included meetings with policy experts, U.S. officials, and members of Congress, as well as a jointly hosted public forum on the CUSMA review with the Brookings Institution. Continued engagement with U.S. stakeholders—including business associations, government representatives, legislators, and think tanks is planned through 2026.
Strengthening Work with Mexico: We will be expanding our Mexico-focused activities in the months ahead, leveraging our ongoing CUSMA initiatives and established partnerships with key counterparts in Mexico, including the Consejo Coordinador Empresarial. In collaboration with Global Affairs Canada, we are contributing to the planning of the Team Canada Trade Mission to Mexico in February 2026.
Continued Work to Improve the Regulatory Environment for Natural Health Products
Bill C-224 (formerly Bill C368) was introduced by sponsor, MP Blaine Calkins for first reading on September 18, 2025. Details regarding current status and latest activity are available online here: https://www.parl.ca/legisinfo/en/bill/45-1/c-224
When parliament was prorogued in spring 2025, all committee work, including the agenda of the Standing Committee on Health, and the debate on Bill C368 was halted.
Bill C-224 was introduced in September with second reading taking place on November 17, 2025. However due to time limitations was dropped to the bottom of the Order of Precedence.
For background, private members’ hour occurs for one hour each sitting day, and items are considered in the order listed in the 'Order of Precedence'. When the time provided for the consideration of Private Members' Business expires, the order is dropped to the bottom of the order of precedence on the Order Paper.
This means the bill is not lost—it remains on the Order Paper but moves to the end of the list. It will only come up again when its new position reaches the top during a future Private Members’ Hour. The challenge with advocacy at a federal level is sometimes the time is takes for a private members' bill to be heard and have the necessary changes adopted.
Next Steps:
- Completion of second reading, to which we anticipate it would then be referred to Standing Committee on Health for study and possible amendments.
- It would then move to the committee reporting, then back for Third Reading, then if passed, Senate consideration.
- If passed by both chambers, it will receive Royal Assent and become law.
Our goal is that our recommendations in our policy 'Improving the Regulatory Environment for Natural Health Products' will be adopted.
Bill C-224 seeks to amend the Food and Drugs Act to address regulatory treatment of Natural Health Products (NHPs), differentiating them from conventional drugs and reduce regulatory burdens.
Our policy, Improving the Regulatory Environment for Natural Health Products, advocates for:
- Reducing regulatory burdens and costs for NHP businesses.
- Avoiding inequitable treatment compared to pharmaceuticals.
- Preventing negative impacts on small producers
- Ensuring recommendations from previous Standing Committee on Health are implemented
- Ensuring consultation with the NHP industry
Bill C-224 directly supports this position by proposing legislative changes to the Food and Drugs Act that could:
- Counterbalance Health Canada’s recent fee proposals (effective April 2025).
- Provide a clearer, more business-friendly framework for NHPs.
Next Steps for Advocacy
- Monitor Committee Referral: After second reading, the bill will go to the Standing Committee on Health. This is the critical stage for amendments and stakeholder input.
- Engage with MPs & Committee Members by submitting our policy position in support of C-224.
- Leverage our Chamber network for unified advocacy.
Next Level Events
Webinar: How to select the right global markets for your business | December 2
Learn how to pinpoint the best global markets for your business — using strategy, data, and expert insight. In this focused session, international trade strategist Peter Gray, CITP, will outline the key criteria for evaluating new markets, including demand trends, regulatory environments, cultural fit, competition, logistics, and digital readiness. You’ll also discover reliable sources of market intelligence and see practical examples of effective market screening. We’ll highlight common pitfalls companies face when expanding abroad and share best practices for making informed, risk-aware decisions. You’ll also learn how advisors and FITT-trained experts can help guide successful market entry. Perfect for professionals looking to expand with confidence and clarity. Register using this link here.
Less then 10 Spots | 2025 Presidents' Reception & Annual General Meeting
See what we've been up to in the past year all while getting a chance to eat, drink and connect with others at our Annual General Meeting and President's Reception! Join us at The Hampton Inn and Suites Medicine Hat for an opportunity to meet and network with the Chamber of Commerce members, current/ past Directors and Presidents of the Board, and the Chamber operations team.
Doors open 5:00 PM | Taco Bar by El Super Taco
Thursday, November 27, 2025 | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM | Register Now
Recruit, Reward and Retain: Discover the Power of Employee Benefits
Struggling to attract and retain top talent in today's competitive job market? You're not alone. What if you could use strategic employee benefits as a secret weapon to stand out, motivate your workforce, and boost loyalty? Join the Chambers Plan to Uncover The Power of Employee Benefits.
This is a free event with lunch provided by Brightan Financials: Don't miss out on lunch and networking with other Chamber members and be sure to come with any burning benefits questions you might have! Register now.
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 MH Voice, Bring Back The Porch, and DeeJay's Pub & Bakery 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!
Elavon – Special Promotion
When you open a new payment processing account by November 30, 2025, you could receive a $200 statement credit.* The right payment solution can help grow your business, increase customer loyalty, and set you apart from competitors. With flexible point-of-sale solutions customized for your business needs, we make accepting payments easier for you and your customers.
What are you waiting for? For over 30 years we have been helping businesses of every size provide fast and secure payments. Let us do the same for you.
* To qualify for the promotion, you must sign up for a new payment processing account with Elavon Canada between October 1 and November 30, 2025. Merchant accounts must be activated and actively process-ing payment transactions by December 15, 2025 for a minimum of one week and be in an open status at the time of the incentive credit. A one-time $200 credit will be applied to your Elavon statement within 90 days after the first deposit date. Limit one credit per customer. Cannot be combined with another offer. Elavon reserves the right in its sole discretion to modify, suspend or terminate the promotion at any time without additional notice. Restrictions may apply. Services provided by Elavon Canada Company.
Fill Up On Funding
Investing in rural Ag society infrastructure
The Agricultural Societies Infrastructure Revitalization Program has provided $7.5 million to support 106 projects across Alberta, helping rural facilities stay safe, modern and vibrant community hubs that strengthen local engagement and economic activity. Agricultural societies can apply for grants between $10,000 and $100,000 for major repairs and upgrades. Learn more
Alberta Manufacturing Productivity Grant
Funded by the Government of Alberta, the Alberta Manufacturing Productivity Grant (AMPG) helps small- and medium-sized manufacturers improve their operations, invest in technology to automate production and increase competitiveness in markets across Canada and abroad. To compete in our modern economy, manufacturers must ensure their operations are world class. This includes leveraging advanced manufacturing technologies to enhance productivity.
Business Link Programs
Business Link Programs support new and small businesses to find relevant funding; get expert confidential start-up advice; receive training and market research information; plus access a variety of tools to develop your business. Have a business idea? Receive free business advice and guidance to launch your business with confidence. Ready to scale your operations? Use our free programs and resources to maximize your business’s potential.
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the November 18th 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 News
Other Resources
Alberta Economy Indicators at a Glance
Labour Market Notes – Labour market pushes ahead
Quarterly Alberta Job Vacancy Report for the second quarter (Q2) of 2025
Labour market rebounds after a summer slowdown
Alberta Labour Force Highlights – September 2025
Other Events
Non-Profits - Fall 2025 Webinars
Events — APEX | Regional Innovation Network of Southeast Alberta
Nov 26, Nov 29 | Risk Management – Board Development
November 27 | Future of Funding: How AI is Changing the Game
December 10 | Inside the Investor Mindset: How to Win Capital and Build Partnerships
Useful Links
Follow us on social media for up-to-the-minute updates
The Voice: November 25th, 2025
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