The Voice: January 27th, 2026
Competition Bureau Report Public Feedback on Algorithmic Pricing, Canada Diverges from US on Chinese EV Tariff Policy, Alberta Business Awards of Distinction Nominations Now Open, and more all in this week's edition of The Voice.
Business News
COMPETITION BUREAU REPORT PUBLIC FEEDBACK ON ALGORITHMIC PRICING AND COMPETITION
Algorithmic pricing is on the rise worldwide. In sectors ranging from hospitality to concert tickets to ridesharing, businesses are using algorithms to guide pricing strategies for their products or services.
Today, the Competition Bureau published a ‘What We Heard’ report highlighting the feedback received through its recent public consultation on algorithmic pricing and competition.
The Bureau received more than 100 submissions from a range of domestic and international respondents, including individuals, businesses, industry associations, members of the academic and legal communities, and consumer interest groups. The report outlines the main issues that they raised and the four key themes echoed in their feedback:
- Dynamically setting or recommending prices creates market efficiencies.
- Algorithmic pricing can lead to anticompetitive behaviour.
- A lack of data transparency could harm consumers, workers and competition.
- Government regulations should address anticompetitive conduct without stifling innovation.
CANADA DIVERGES FROM U.S. ON CHINESE EV TARIFF POLICY
Canada has announced a new trade arrangement with China that will lower tariffs on a limited number of Chinese electric vehicles in exchange for the removal of Beijing’s retaliatory duties on key Canadian agricultural exports. Under the deal, Canada will allow up to 49,000 Chinese-made EVs to enter annually at a tariff rate of 6.1%, down from the 100% tariff imposed in 2024, with the quota rising to 70,000 vehicles within five years.
In return, China will sharply reduce tariffs on Canadian canola seed and meal and remove duties on products such as lobsters, crabs and peas through to at least the end of 2026. The agreement provides near-term relief for Canada’s agri-food sector, which has been heavily affected by China’s retaliatory measures, and signals a tentative easing of trade tensions that have weighed on the bilateral relationship for much of the past decade.
The deal reflects Ottawa’s broader effort to diversify trade and investment ties amid continued uncertainty in Canada’s relationship with the U.S., where tariffs on Canadian steel, autos and other goods remain in place and the future of USMCA is under review. Prime Minister Carney framed the agreement as part of a pragmatic recalibration of Canada’s global trade posture, while emphasizing that the government expects increased Chinese investment and partnerships in Canada’s auto sector over time.
Reaction has been mixed. Agricultural producers and several provincial leaders welcomed restored market access, while auto unions and Ontario officials warned that easing EV tariffs could put additional pressure on domestic manufacturing and jobs. U.S. officials also offered divided responses, with President Trump calling the deal “a good thing,” and other members of his administration describing it as problematic. Ottawa has signaled that a new auto strategy to be released in February will prioritize vehicles built in Canada and seek to attract foreign investment, underscoring that the long-term impact of the China deal will hinge on whether it delivers durable market access, investment, and enforceable rules that safeguard Canadian economic and strategic interests.
Alberta Business Awards of Distinction: Nominations & Submissions Now Open!
The Alberta Business Awards of Distinction celebrate the province’s most outstanding businesses—those driving innovation, building strong communities, and setting the standard for excellence in management and sustainability.
This is your chance to shine a spotlight on local businesses that are making an impact, or to put your own organization forward for recognition.
To date, +400 Alberta businesses have earned this prestigious distinction across 12 diverse award categories, plus the exclusive Alberta’s Best of Business Award. Learn more: https://abbusinessawards.com/about/
Get involved:
Nominate a Business: Know a business that deserves recognition? Share their story. Deadline: February 28, 2026 | Submit an Application: Been nominated or ready to nominate your own business? Apply now. Deadline: March 23, 2026
Medicine Hat-Cypress News
COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS JANUARY 19, 2026
During the January 19 City Council Meeting:
The Capital and One-Time Operating Projects, Policies and Bylaws in Force per Standing Committee and 2025 Outstanding Council Motions were discussed and referred to the standing committees for further discussion.
Council discussed community collaboration on housing challenges and noted that standing committee meetings will now be recorded and posted to YouTube.
Councillor Young was also appointed Acting Mayor from February 3 to March 19, 2026.
Read this article on the city’s website | View Upcoming meetings and agenda online
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS: RECORDINGS TO BE POSTED ONLINE
Recordings of the open meetings of committees of City Council will now be posted online, part of the City’s ongoing efforts to improve access to information and encourage resident awareness of City activities in convenient ways.
Each committee will have its own playlist on the City's YouTube Channel to make it easier for community members to find the video they are looking for. https://www.youtube.com/user/CityMedicineHat
Brooks-Newell News
CITY ANNOUNCES ACCREDITATION FOR GAS, PLUMBING, AND ELECTRICAL PERMITS
The City of Brooks is proud to announce that they have officially received approval to become an accredited agency in the Gas, Plumbing, and Electrical disciplines. Starting January 26 2026, The City will handle these permits directly—making it easier than ever for you to apply for all your Safety Code permits in one place.
Previously, applicants had to apply through the Alberta Safety Codes Authority for Gas, Plumbing, and Electrical permits, while we processed Building Permits. With this new accreditation, Brooks residents will enjoy a streamlined, one-stop process for all permit needs.
Important Transition Notice
To ensure a smooth transition, there will be a 10-day blackout period from January 16-26 2026, during which permit applications cannot be processed. This temporary pause allows us to transfer responsibilities between agencies.
- Effective Date: January 26, 2026
- New Service: Gas, Plumbing & Electrical Permits
- Blackout Period: January 16-26 2026
Our Second McMornings Winner!!
Advocacy in Action
Strengthening Regional Air Service
Reliable, accessible air service is not a luxury for Southeast Alberta. It is a core piece of economic infrastructure that supports business growth, workforce attraction, tourism, health care access, and regional competitiveness. That is why improving air service at the Medicine Hat Regional Airport (YXH) has been a long-standing advocacy priority for the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce.
As a new round of public engagement opens for the City of Medicine Hat’s Airport Master Plan, this is an important moment for businesses to get involved and help the Chamber’s work by participating and encouraging businesses and residents to help shape the future of regional air service.
An online survey through Shape Your City from January 19 to February 8 at 11:59 p.m. Participants can share their perspectives on the future of YXH and will be entered into a draw for a $75 prepaid credit card.
IT’S THE YEAR OF THE USMCA REVIEW. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR CANADA?
The USMCA review is around the corner and there is concern that the United States will seek changes to the Agreement that are detrimental to the interests of Canada and Canadian businesses — or pull out of the Agreement all together.
In this edition of Policy Matters, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce shares their recommendations for what USMCA negotiators should focus on and what Canada can do if the review doesn’t go the way we hope.
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce published their first Policy Matters on USMCA (also known as CUSMA in Canada) in August 2024. As a quick refresher, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement is a free trade agreement that underpins the critical economic partnership among our three North American economies. USMCA took effect in March 2020, replacing the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). It’s up for review in July at which time the three countries will decide whether to extend USMCA for a new 16-year term. If they choose not to, there will be a review every year until the Agreement terminates in 2036.
RURAL DEVELOPMENT ACTION PLAN: REQUEST FOR INPUT
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) is developing a Rural Development Action Plan. Your participation in this consultation will support the Government of Canada's efforts to reflect the needs and priorities of rural communities across Canada.
Your feedback will help:
- Inform federal policies and programs that support the needs and opportunities of people living in rural Canada—now and in the future
- Shape new tools that help government include rural perspectives in decision-making
- Build a stronger, more resilient future for rural Canada
Advancing Alberta’s Designated Industrial Zones: A Chamber Success Story
Since 2019, at the request of Chamber members, the Chamber has been actively engaged in researching opportunities for a designated industrial zone. Recognizing both the potential economic benefits and the regulatory barriers involved, this work aligned with a clear provincial priority to attract and retain large-scale industrial investment across Alberta.
In response, the Chamber of Commerce adopted a formal policy in 2020 focused on Investment Attraction for Industrial Zones. This policy received support through the Alberta Chambers of Commerce and was reaffirmed once again in 2023, reflecting its ongoing relevance and the continued need for clarity and coordination in this space.
Policy Leadership and Recommendations
The Chamber’s policy outlined several key recommendations to the Government of Alberta, aimed at strengthening the province’s ability to attract major industrial investment while maintaining high safety and environmental standards. These recommendations included:
- Working with municipalities to clarify the process for obtaining an industrial zone designation, in support of expanding the number of designated industrial zones across Alberta.
- Assisting and facilitating qualifying municipalities in better understanding the requirements associated with streamlining regulatory approvals.
- Creating a “concierge service” for large industrial projects to help remove barriers and guide proponents through permitting and regulatory processes, while maintaining strong expectations for safety and environmental performance.
- Considering contractual agreement approaches that provide longer-term certainty around regulatory compliance costs, including but not limited to carbon pricing.
- Providing investment attraction support programs that are open-ended, predictable, and transparent, with fair and equitable access for any company that meets established eligibility criteria, while allowing flexibility to address the unique circumstances of each investment.
Collaboration Leads to Clarity
Over the years, the Chamber remained in regular contact with the Government of Alberta to track progress and provide feedback. This sustained engagement has helped lead to greater clarity and more clearly defined criteria for establishing a Designated Industrial Zone.
In particular, the province has now clearly articulated the framework for the Industrial Heartland Designated Industrial Zone, along with comprehensive resources to support municipalities interested in pursuing designation. Additional materials outlining the criteria for provincial designation of industrial zones have been made publicly available through Alberta’s Open Government portal.
Recognizing the need for practical, user-friendly tools, the provincial Designated Industrial Zone team also developed a simplified checklist version of the documentation to support municipalities as they navigate the designation process.
Resources are available online: Criteria for a Designated Industrial Zone (DIZ) (alberta.ca)
A Positive Outcome for Communities
The local Chamber is pleased with the collaboration and ongoing communication with the Government of Alberta, and with the updates that have resulted in clearer, more accessible resources for municipalities. The published criteria and checklist for municipalities pursuing designation are now available online, providing greater transparency and predictability for communities seeking to attract industrial investment.
This progress demonstrates the value of persistent advocacy and collaboration between the business community, municipalities, and the province. The Chamber will continue to work alongside partners to support investment attraction initiatives that strengthen our regional economy and position Alberta for long-term growth.
TRADE NAVIGATOR
Have your say on free trade agreements and fill out the survey about your export journey. Want more insights on Trade Navigator Services? Accelerate your international growth with opportunities, resources and supports.
Next Level Events
ALBERTA VIRTUAL ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION (PRACTICAL GO-TO-MARKET PROGRAM TACTICS FOR DOMESTIC GROWTH)
Join EMC for a 60-minute virtual session designed to create open discussion and help manufacturers grow domestically by expanding into new provinces, leveraging today’s trade environment supports, to build a pipeline. They will highlight resources that can accelerate market entry, then participate in a live round table session to get ideas on what provinces you want to target, ideal buyers, strongest proof points. You’ll leave with new peer connections, a short list of fresh ideas to help your manufacturing business in 2026.
Thursday, January 29, 2026 | 10:00 AM MST Virtual | Register
Real Broker Grand Opening
WHEN: Thursday, January 29th at 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
WHERE: Real Broker | 620 2 St SE Medicine Hat, AB T1A 0C9
Join us for an evening to mix, mingle, and connect as we open the doors to our new space. Enjoy light refreshments, music, and great conversation with our team and community. Ribbon cutting celebration at 5:00pm!
Real Broker came to Medicine Hat in February 2022, it marked a new chapter for real estate in our community. We were thrilled to introduce a forward-thinking, technology-driven brokerage—one focused on collaboration, innovation, and raising the standard of service for both clients and agents.
ACC Webinars for Alberta Businesses
The Alberta Chambers of Commerce (ACC) is pleased to offer a series of webinars throughout the year to help business leaders and entrepreneurs build stronger teams, improve workplace practices, and navigate today’s business challenges.
February 11, 2026 | Work Smarter, not harder | Register here
February 25, 2026 | The ROI of Talent Attraction & Retention | Register here
March 4, 2026 | Plain Language, Safer Workplaces | Register here
March 18, 2026 | Communicating with impact in everyday conversations | Register here
Missed a webinar or want to revisit a session? Watch the recordings
ALBERTA MANUFACTURING SECTOR INFORMATION SESSION | JANUARY 28, 2026
Join the Workforce Consultant Team from the Government of Alberta for a FREE 1-hour webinar featuring the Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC). In this session, you’ll discover programs and resources designed to meet Alberta employers’ workforce needs, including wage subsidies, WIL Works, and other initiatives that help businesses attract, develop, and retain top talent. Register
GOVERNMENT OF CANADA, WESTERN INNOVATION FORUM 2026
February 24-26, 2026 | FREE Virtual Event | REGISTER
WIF 2026 is an industry-oriented event that connects western Canada’s defence industries, cutting-edge innovators, and researchers to innovation-driven investment, research, partnerships, and Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB)-related business opportunities. How to participate:
- Complete a registration profile (providing capabilities information in your profile makes it easier for other WIF participants to connect with you).
- Identify available meeting times in your WIF platform calendar using the “My Agenda” tab (other participants can request meetings during these indicated times once the meeting scheduling period opens)
2026 Home & Leisure Tradeshow: Are You Booked?
The Home & Leisure Tradeshow is March 6th - 8th and we are EXCITED! We are proud to host not only the longest-running but also the largest trade show in Medicine Hat.
For businesses, the personal connections you can make with thousands of consumers and clients is unmatched. Trade Shows are a GREAT marketing investment! The positive impact of exhibiting at a trade show isn’t confined just to the event, as 87 percent of attendees will pass along some of the information they obtain, and 64 percent will tell at least six other people about it!
Book your booth now by emailing Brad at events@southeastalbertachamber.ca, calling him at (403) 527-5214 ext.224 or by visiting our site mhtradeshow.ca
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 Laura-Lee Bishop Therapy, Hat Motel, and Moses Advisory Group Inc. 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!
Doane Grant Thornton's Western Canada Business Insights
Western Canada’s business landscape is evolving—and understanding what’s ahead is critical for success.
Doane Grant Thornton's Western Canada Business Insights Report brings together perspectives from more than 130 business leaders across BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. These conversations reveal the realities of operating in today’s economy: rising costs, talent shortages, and the push for digital transformation.
But they also highlight opportunities—collaboration, innovation, and strategies to future-proof operations. This report isn’t just about trends; it’s about actionable insights that can help businesses navigate uncertainty and seize growth.
Whether you’re a small business owner or part of a larger organization, these findings offer valuable guidance for planning and decision-making. Read the full report now
FREE BDC RESOURCES AND INFORMATION:
A number of helpful resources are available from the BDC to help your business grow and prosper
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION – MODERNIZE YOUR BUSINESS
Do you want to gain practical insights and start building a digital roadmap that works for your business, no tech expertise required? BDC’s free on-demand course breaks down how digital tools and strategies can help you work smarter, stay competitive, and grow with confidence! Learn more.
BUSINESS HEALTH ASSESSMENT FOR ENTREPRENEURS
This self-evaluation of your current business will help you assess your strengths and vulnerabilities to external shocks.
From inflation and interest rates to trade tensions and global events disrupting supply chains, your business is facing more volatility than ever before. This quiz will help you understand how solid your business is and where you need to make improvements. Take the assessment
ADVISORY BOARDS: A POWERFUL TOOL TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS
Looking for an easy, cost-effective way to grow your business, boost sales, and plan ahead? Consider creating an advisory board. It’s an often-overlooked strategy that can make a big difference.
While business owners are often busy with day-to-day challenges, an advisory board offers a valuable outside perspective to challenge certain strategic decisions and provide new ideas. Learn more.
New Year. New Savings: Elavon Promotion
From invoicing and managing inventory to staff scheduling, and analytics we have solutions to help your business run efficiently and securely accept payments, from anywhere that your customers are located – at the counter, in the aisle, online, or curbside.
To get you started we will give you a $150 statement credit* when you open a new payment processing account for your business by February 28, 2026. Learn more and get started today!
* To qualify for the promotion, you must sign up for a new payment processing account with Elavon Canada between January 1 and February 28, 2026. Merchant accounts must be activated and actively processing payment transactions by March 15, 2026 for a minimum of one week and be in an open status at the time of the incentive credit. A one-time $150 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.
Copyright © 2026 Elavon Canada Company. All rights reserved. Elavon is a trademark in the United States and/or other countries. All rights reserved. All features and specifications are subject to change without notice. This document is prepared by Elavon as a service for its customers. The information discussed is general in nature and may not apply to your specific situation.
Fill Up On Funding
MICRO-GRANTS │ CANADA COUNCIL FOR THE ARTS
Micro-grants funds activities that will grow and advance your artistic career or practice. This may include engaging in career or artistic development activities, participation in a presentation or exhibition opportunity, increasing accessibility for audiences, artists and/or arts workers who are Deaf or have disabilities or market and network development. Up to $10,000 per application. Applicants can receive a maximum of $30,000 per year. Find out more
LOCAL FESTIVALS — BUILDING COMMUNITIES THROUGH ARTS AND HERITAGE
The Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage — Local Festivals component provides funding to local groups for recurring festivals that present the work of local artists, local artisans, local heritage performers or specialists, and local First Nations, Inuit and Métis cultural carriers. This includes the celebration of 2SLGBTQI+ communities and Indigenous cultural celebrations.
Learn more here
ALBERTA EXPORT EXPANSION PROGRAM
The Alberta Export Expansion Program (AEEP) supports Alberta’s small- and medium-sized enterprises, industry associations, Indigenous organizations, economic development organizations that promote Alberta exports through international travel to formal outbound trade events.
- The program provides per diem allowances to offset flight costs and accommodations.
- An applicant organization has a limit of 2 travellers per mission.
- Formal event attendance is supported at up to 50% of receipted base registration fees (for example, trade shows and conferences).
- Travel for business meetings alone and for business meeting days is not eligible.
As of January 7, 2026, $1.1 million out of the $2 million budget this year has been requested. Intake for the program is continuous and will remain open until the annual budget has been spent.
Applications must be submitted within 2 months after the first day of international formal trade-related event participation and within the corresponding funding fiscal year (April 1 to March 31). APPLY HERE
THRIVE LAB FOR WOMEN
Through BDC, Thrive Lab for Women, they will provide $100 million in equity and equity-like investments to women-led businesses. These companies seek to make a social impact that is tied to the UN Sustainable Development Goals such as food security and responsible agriculture, health and well-being, education, reduced inequalities, and responsible consumption and production. As a collaborative Lab, they work with 25 co-investment partners who are responsible to source, pre-qualify and recommend women led business to invest in. Find out more
Meet The Government Of Alberta’s North Asia Trade Experts:
Looking to grow in China, Japan, South Korea or Taiwan? The Government of Alberta’s North Asia trade team helps businesses explore opportunities, validate demand, and build trusted partnerships in these key Indo-Pacific markets. Director Aarij Bashir brings extensive experience in export promotion, investment attraction and leading trade missions, while Senior Trade Officer Lana Leishman has broad experience in international trade and relations across Canada and abroad, particularly the Japanese and South Korean markets. Together, they work closely with Alberta companies to navigate market entry and accelerate international growth in North Asia.
Connect with Aarij.Bashir@gov.ab.ca and Lana.Leishman@gov.ab.ca to explore trade opportunities in North Asia.
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the January 20th 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.
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The Voice: January 27th, 2026
Competition Bureau Report Public Feedback on Algorithmic Pricing, Canada Diverges from US on Chinese EV Tariff Policy, Alberta Business Awards of Distinction Nominations Now Open, and more all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News COMPETITION BUREAU REPORT PUBLIC FEEDBACK ON ALGORITHMIC PRICING AND COMPETITION Algorithmic pricing is on the rise worldwide. In…
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