The Voice: February 17th, 2026
Chamber Request for Proposals, 2026 Census: Collection Begins Early in Canada's North, New Affordability Measures for Canadians Alberta Economic Outlook, November 2025 Unemployment Rate and Employment in Alberta's Sub-Regions Report, and more all in this week's edition of The Voice.
Business News
Request for Proposals - Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce
- Design, Production, Installation and Maintenance for Highway Logo Signs
- Janitorial Maintenance
- Shuttle Service for the Home & Leisure Trade Show - Medicine Hat
- Trophy and Engraving Services
- Trade Show Security Services - Medicine Hat
- Information Technology Support Services
- Commercial Grounds Maintenance
Questions and communications regarding the Request for Proposals may be submitted in writing by email up to seventy-two (72) hours prior to the closing time and date to: accounts@southeastalbertachamber.ca
2026 CENSUS: COLLECTION BEGINS EARLY IN CANADA’S NORTH
Statistics Canada is pleased to announce that collection for the 2026 Census of Population has begun in select communities in northern and remote areas of the country. For the rest of Canada, it will begin in May 2026.
NEW AFFORDABILTY MEASURES FOR CANADIANS
Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced a series of new measures to make groceries and other essentials more affordable. Notable measures include a new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, $500 million from the Strategic Response fund to help businesses address costs of supply chain disruptions, and the development of a National Food Security Strategy.
ALBERTA ECONOMIC OUTLOOK
Alberta’s economy is still on track to grow around 1.8% in 2026, outperforming most provinces.
Employment surged back in January as the province turned into Canada’s primary engine of job creation over the first month of the new year. The unemployment rate went down to 6.4%. Momentum continues to be strong for Alberta’s labour market. Retail sales also climbed according to most recent data in November on the back of population growth.
Read More |Â Want more insights on economic indicators and strategies for business? Check out this article from BDC.
NOVEMBER 2025 UNEMPLOYMENT RATE AND EMPLOYMENT IN ALBERTA’S SUB-REGIONS REPORT
The November 2025 Unemployment Rate and Employment in Alberta’s Sub-regions report is now available. Key information highlights that unemployment rates increased year-over-year in 15 of 17 regions compared to November 2024
For Medicine Hat - Brooks - Lethbridge Employment increased in all three regions in November 2025 compared to November 2024. In November 2025, Brooks recorded the lowest year-over-year employment growth (+1.7 percent) among the three regions.
The unemployment rate in all three regions increased between November 2024 and November 2025. In November 2025, Brooks had the highest unemployment rate (7.3 percent). Lethbridge experienced the largest year-over-year increase (+0.8 percentage points) in the province. Find out more
Medicine Hat-Cypress News
THE LAUNCH OF A NEW OVERHEAD POWERLINE TOOL
The City of Medicine Hat has launched an interactive tool that displays overhead powerlines and links to key safety resources, helping residents and contractors stay safe on every project.
At medicinehat.ca/lookupandlive, users can zoom to their location or search for a specific address to locate any overhead wires near their home or jobsite. Clicking a line segment brings up easy-to-understand mapping features and quick links to important safety tools like the Guidelines for Working in Proximity to Powerlines or the form to request an Electric Proximity Safety Plan.
ATTENTION RESTAURANT, COFFEE HOUSE & PUB BUSINESS OWNERS - SEASONAL COMMERCIAL PATIOS
Spring is approaching, and you might be considering opening a patio during the warm weather. Now is an ideal time to prepare your business. Seasonal patios are a great way to enhance the city's vibrancy and offer your customers additional options.
The City of Medicine Hat is offering a few things for restaurant or pub owners to consider:
- On private property? Check your previous permits.
- Using public space? Annual re-application required.
- $2 million liability insurance needed for public property use.
- It's best to apply early - at least 10 business days before opening.
Review the comprehensive guidelines on different types of commercial patios and the application process on the City’s Outdoor Patios & Sidewalk Cafes webpage.
MLA’S SMITH, WRIGHT HOLDING MEDICINE HAT TOWN HALL | February 21, 2026
Cypress-Medicine Hat MLA Justin Wright and Brooks-Medicine Hat MLA and Premier Danielle Smith are holding a joint constituency town hall in Medicine Hat later this month. The town hall offers constituents the opportunity to hear directly from MLAs and ask questions about the pressing issues facing the city and region.
Saturday, February 21, 2026 | Hidgon Hall at the Medicine Hat Stampede Grounds | 11:30 AM to 1 PM
Brooks-Newell News
Brooks & Bassano RCMP 2026 Community Consultation Survey
The survey aims to give residents in the City of Brooks and rural residents in the Brooks Detachment Area (County of Newell, Cypress County, Special Areas 2), and Bassano and the surrounding area. Your feedback will play a crucial role in a planning initiative designed to identify the activities and resources necessary to meet community expectations while effectively enhancing safety and security.
Brooks RCMP 2026 Community Consultation Survey |Â Bassano RCMP Community Consultation Survey
Notice of Public Hearing
The City of Brooks will hold a Public Hearing at 5:00 PM on February 23, 2026 to consider amendments to the Northeast Sector Area Structure Plan, Northwest Sector Area Structure Plan, Southeast Sector Area Structure Plan, and the Land Use Bylaw.
Read more here | The hearing will also be streamed on the City of Brooks Facebook and YouTube
Closing the Gap: Linking Youth to Employment
Struggling to find and keep young talent? Join Closing the Gap: Linking Youth to Employment on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, and connect directly with motivated youth (ages 15–24), practical hiring tools, and free employer supports.
- Learn smart recruitment & retention strategies
- Access government-funded programs
- Network with local partners
- Meet potential hires in quick, face-to-face interviews
No cost. Real connections. Real talent. Register here.
For questions or inquiries, please email: Dynorah.Saldivar@medicinehatymca.ca
Advocacy in Action
The Big Questions about AI and Canadian Business
A recent policy matters article by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce examines how artificial intelligence is currently being adopted by Canadian businesses, where Canada is falling behind, and what needs to change to improve competitiveness and productivity.
AI is no longer an experimental technology. It is becoming a core productivity tool, and Canada’s slow adoption poses a real economic risk. Businesses that engage early - and advocate for practical policy, skills development, and investment support - will be better positioned as AI becomes standard across industries.
Read more on the key takeaways and why this matters to business in the full article on our Advocacy Insights page here.
Next Level Events
2026 Home & Leisure Tradeshow - Weekend Package
Special weekend package for Tradeshow weekend, March 6th - 8th!! Staying at any of the listed hotels that weekend? One night equals TWO FREE Tradeshow Tickets! Just ask the front desk.
2026 Home & Leisure Tradeshow - Tickets are LIVE!
With a diverse array of businesses and something for everyone, we are thrilled to showcase the best products, services, and technologies the region has to offer. Purchase your tickets in advance online, skip the line, and save $1 per ticket!
Free Workshop – Inclusive by Design
In this 1-hour-long session, participants will learn about essential disability awareness concepts, implementing workplace accommodations, inclusive onboarding and recruitment techniques, and how to utilize workplace inclusion partnerships.
What Employers Will Gain:
- Practical tips for recruiting, onboarding, and retaining employees from diverse backgrounds.
- Simple strategies for creating accessible and inclusive workplaces.
Simultaneous translation from English to French, ASL interpretation and LSQ interpretation and CART services will be provided.
February 25th at 11:00 AM | Register here
Free ATB Webinar | Protecting Your Wealth From Fraud and Cybercrime
In a time where technology is seamlessly integrated into our financial lives, staying one step ahead of sophisticated cyber threats is more important than ever. At ATB Wealth, they are committed not only to growing your assets but to helping you safeguard them.
On February 26 at 12:00pm (MST), get ahead of fraudsters by joining this free webinar, featuring insights from Aisha Kitchlew, Senior Manager of Fraud and Cybercrime at ATB Financial. Aisha will provide you with practical, easy to implement, high-impact strategies to increase your cyber security posture, secure your family’s accounts and privacy, and ensure your financial peace of mind remains intact.
Register here to attend the webinar or receive the recording.
HIRING & RETAINING YOUTH IN ALBERTA - FREE WEBINAR
A free 1.5-hour webinar focused on strategies to hire and retain youth in Alberta. The City of Calgary Youth Employment Centre will provide expert speakers to examine emerging Generation Z labour trends, learn from other business’s challenges and successes in real life case studies.
Thursday, February 26, 2026 | 2:00-3:30 pm | 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 Indian Pan Flame and Urban Behaviour 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
STARTUP WOMEN
Looking for support as a woman-identifying founder? Startup Women delivers free expert-led webinars, sector-focused roundtables, mentorship at Tour stops, and in-person events to help you build, scale, and succeed. This comprehensive program is designed to advance women-identifying entrepreneurs across Canada by providing the support, resources, and community needed to thrive at every stage of the entrepreneurial journey.
AGENT SWARMS: WHAT IT MEANS WHEN AI CAN BUILD ITS OWN TEAM
Most association professionals have a working mental model for AI at this point. You give it a task, it works through it, and it gives you something back. Maybe it drafts a member email, summarizes a report, or helps you brainstorm event themes. It's one AI, one task, one output. That model is already outdated.
AI is moving from assistant to coordinator. From a tool that helps with individual tasks to a system that can manage complex, multi-step workflows with minimal human direction. Agent swarms are an early but meaningful step in that direction.
It's called an agent swarm, and it represents a meaningful shift in how AI systems approach complex work. READ 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
Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta’s Spring 2026 Community Grant Cycle is now open!
Community Grants address the greatest needs across Southeastern Alberta by providing essential funding to local charities and non-profit organizations. These grants are made possible by donors who contribute to the Community Fund, with investment income distributed through an application-based granting process held twice each year. Important deadlines:
- Letter of Intent (LOI) deadline: March 4, 2026, at 4:30 pm
- Full application deadline: March 16, 2026, at 12:00 pm (noon)
Apply now through our Community Grants page: https://cfsea.ca/community-grants/
CIRA NET GOOD GRANT
Each year CIRA invests over a million dollars to support communities, projects and policies that make Canada's internet better for everyone. CIRA Net Good Grants empower organizations across the country to do the critical work to close Canada's digital divides in connectivity, online safety and internet policy. Funding Available for:
- Infrastructure
- Online safety
- Policy engagement
Deadline: March 18, 2026 | Apply Here
NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL CANADA CHALLENGE PROGRAMS
The National Research Council Canada (NRC) is launching new Challenge programs to strengthen Canada's research and innovation capacity in quantum, electric vehicles and AI. Stay tuned to learn how you can express interest in opportunities to shape the program's design. You can find all information HERE
- AI for Productivity: Driving AI adoption in manufacturing, clean tech and agriculture to improve productivity and profitability. Program duration: 2026-2033
- e-Auto: To accelerate the transition of the automotive industry from internal combustion engine to electric vehicles. Program duration: 2026-2033
- Quantum Internetworking: To develop solutions for networking quantum sensing, computing, and communications technologies. Deadline: April 2, 2026
- Critical Battery Materials Initiative: To develop AI-enabled platforms that can discover critical battery materials and processes in a third of the time it takes today, contributing to the growth of the Canadian supply chain. Program duration:Â 2023-2027
- Arctic and Northern: To address pressing issues impacting the quality of life of northern peoples. Program duration:Â 2022-2029
- Internet of Things: Quantum Sensors: To develop revolutionary sensors that could be engineered and commercialized for applications in the environment, natural resources, health care, and defence. Program duration:Â 2021-2028
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the February 10th 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
Other Events
Events — APEX | Regional Innovation Network of SE AB
Non-profit learning webinars | Alberta.ca
February 18, 2026 | BOOSTING SALES WHEN CASH IS TIGHT – FREE BDC WEBINAR
February 19, 2026 | Curious About Taxes? Learn How Small Business Owners Can Stay Compliant and Save!
February 26 | StrikeUP 2026: Canada's Conference for Women Entrepreneurs
March 3 | Grant Writing 101
March 19 | Entrepreneur Forum For Newcomers in Alberta
March 25 | Southern Alberta Economic & Tourism Summit
Useful Links
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The Voice: February 17th, 2026
Chamber Request for Proposals, 2026 Census: Collection Begins Early in Canada’s North, New Affordability Measures for Canadians Alberta Economic Outlook, November 2025 Unemployment Rate and Employment in Alberta’s Sub-Regions Report, and more all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News Request for Proposals – Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce The Southeast Alberta Chamber…
Read More The Voice: February 10th, 2026
Canada’s Ag Day, New Automotive Strategy Signals Big Change, Red Tape reduction Office Consultation, BDC Study, and more all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News FEBRUARY 10TH IS CANADA’S AGRICULTURE DAY! On February 10, 2026, we’re celebrating Canada’s Ag Day, marking the 10th official anniversary of this national day of recognition. While Canada’s…
Read More The Voice: February 3rd, 2026
February is Black History Month, Stay Ahead with Alberta’s New Labour Market Info Portal, Alberta’s Corporate Income Tax Year in Review, and more all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News February is Black History Month Each February, people across Canada participate in Black History Month events and celebrations that honour the legacy…
Read More