The Voice: February 24th, 2026
Canada Announces New Express Entry Categories for 2026, 6 Predications for Canada's Economy in 2026, Reporting Fees for Service Payments in the Trucking Industry, Government Announces New Measures to Help Protect Canadians Against Extortion, and more all in this week's edition of The Voice.
Business News
Canada Announces New Express Entry Categories for 2026: What You Need to Know
Canada has released the results of its 2025 public consultations on Express Entry and officially announced the new categories that will guide invitations in 2026. The consultations, led by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), gathered feedback from thousands of stakeholders to determine which occupations and skills should be prioritized in the coming year, released through this report.
Through surveys and engagement sessions, participants highlighted the importance of using targeted categories to address labor shortages in key sectors. The strongest support focused on health care, social services, STEM fields, and the skilled trades. Stakeholders also emphasized the need to address long term labor shortages and support leadership and innovation across the economy.
Following this input, IRCC has announced new categories for 2026 along with the continuation of existing ones. These additions are designed to better align immigration selection with Canada’s workforce needs. IRCC notes that category-based selection complements general Express Entry draws and helps align immigration with Canada’s evolving workforce needs.
Full eligibility details and category descriptions are available on IRCC’s website. For additional questions or to share comments, IRCC invites communication via IRCC.Engagement-Engagement.IRCC@cic.gc.ca.
6 PREDICTIONS FOR CANADA'S ECONOMY IN 2026
Canada avoided a recession tipping point last year, but now it faces a more fundamental test: Can it move from survival to sustained growth? As emerging demographic shifts continue to reshape the economic landscape, the Canadian economy will operate below potential, setting the scene for fiscal policy to play a more prominent role this year.
Expectations are high for the business community on its ability to confront complacency and adapt to a United States that is distancing itself from neighbours. The central challenge for the Canadian economy will be managing this difficult transition without allowing prior weaknesses to become further entrenched.
Overall, the Canadian Chamber Business Data Lab concludes that 2026 will reward preparation over prediction, with resilience, productivity investment, and strategic flexibility separating stronger firms from weaker ones. Read more about the 6 Predictions for Canada's Economy in 2026
Reporting fees for service payments in the trucking industry
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has lifted the moratorium on the penalties for failure to report fees for service transactions in the trucking industry.
Starting with the 2025 tax year, trucking businesses must report fees for services paid to a Canadian-controlled private corporation (CCPC) that exceed $500 in a calendar year on a T4A slip (box 048) to avoid penalties. A business is considered to be operating in the trucking industry if its primary source of income comes from trucking activities.
The deadline to file T4A slips for the 2025 tax year is February 28, 2026. Since this date falls on a Saturday, an information return will be considered on time if the CRA receives it or it is postmarked on or before March 2, 2026. For more details, visit Compliance requirements for the trucking industry.
GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES NEW MEASURES TO HELP PROTECT CANADIANS AND BUSINESSES AGAINST EXTORTION
The Government of Canada announced new measures to strengthen Canada’s ability to detect, disrupt, and prevent extortion across Canada, especially in the most affected areas like Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta. By improving how financial intelligence is collected and shared, law enforcement will be better equipped to trace criminal networks, support investigations, and hold those responsible accountable.
The Government of Canada is prioritizing efforts, mobilizing the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) to help to combat extortion and support law enforcement investigations. Read more here. Key measures include:
- Prioritizing financial intelligence resources to tackle extortion.
- Launching the Countering Extortion Partnership with financial institutions, government, and law enforcement.
- Assigning financial intelligence experts to support police.
- Providing financial institutions with clear guidance on how to detect extortion transactions.
- Publishing intelligence on how criminals move and hide extortion money.
Medicine Hat-Cypress News
Medicine Hat city Council Highlights
On Tuesday, City Council received a presentation on the 2026 Property Assessment results, gave first reading to two bylaws, approved an updated Community Funding Framework, and approved a motion to pause further work on the Transportation Master Plan and associated strategies, while re‑starting engagement on the Riverside Corridor with a renewed focus on trust‑building.
Property Assessment Notices will soon arrive by mail
Property assessment notices will begin arriving in residents’ mailboxes beginning Feb. 27, 2026. Legislation allows property owners 60 days from the Notice of Assessment date (March 7, 2026) to review and discuss any concerns with the City’s Assessment Department.
Property assessment appeals must be received by the Clerk of the Assessment Review Board by May 6, 2026.
City Council sets the annual tax rate in April, and tax notices are mailed out in May. Tax payments are due June 30, 2026. Read this article on their website.
Brooks-Newell News
PACE CANADA’S SALT FLATS BROOKS SOLAR PROJECT HAS BEEN SCRAPPED
Last week the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) published a letter from PACE Canada confirming that it requests to withdraw the application.
“Our decision to put the application on hold was not easy and we look forward to the updates from the AESO on the revised Restructured Energy Market (REM) which will enable us to move our development forward,” stated Jon Poulin, the director of development and engineering for PACE, in a letter to city councillors.
A final decision is expected in Q2 or Q3.The AUC is expected to accept the withdrawal letter this week. Read more
COUNTY OF NEWELL IS HIRING: INFORMATION & TECHNOLOGY – PROJECTS ASSISTANT
The County of Newell is looking for an organized and motivated Information & Technology – Projects Assistant to support IT projects and initiatives across the organization. This full-time, in-office 3-year term position (with the possibility of extension) works closely with their IT team to help coordinate projects, support system improvements, assist with procurement, and contribute to process improvements across departments.
If you’re detail-oriented, enjoy project coordination, and want to be part of a team supporting modern, effective municipal government and its services, click here to find out more: Full job description or to apply
INVITATION TO BID | CRACK SEALING ON COUNTY PAVED ROADWAYS
The work to be undertaken generally involves, but is not necessarily limited to: Crack Sealing County Paved Roadways for the year of 2026.
Estimated Contract Start Date: May 4, 2026
Estimated Contract End Date: June 15, 2026
Advocacy in Action
BRITISH MILITARY RETURNS TO CFB SUFFIELD
The British Military will be returning to Suffield this spring to test high-tech drones at the Southern Alberta Base. Read the article here.
This renewed focus on innovation, testing, and next-generation defence capabilities reinforces what our Chamber recognized more than five decades ago: Suffield is not only a military asset, but an economic and strategic anchor for our region.
For more than 50 years, the relationship between our Chamber, CFB Suffield, and the British Army Training Unit Suffield (BATUS) has been built on foresight, partnership, and shared economic opportunity.
In 1972, under the Presidency of Jim Horsman, the Chamber of Commerce recognized the importance of establishing a strong and formal relationship with CFB Suffield and BATUS.
At that time, the Chamber created the Suffield Liaison Committee, acknowledging the significant role the military would play in the economic potential of Southeast Alberta through the demand for local supplies, goods, and services.
Jim Horsman was a visionary. He understood early on that strong, respectful connections between the business community and the military were essential not only to support base operations, but also to ensure local businesses were informed, prepared, and positioned to participate in the opportunities that followed. The Honourable Jim Horsman shared his perspectives with us back in 2025.
From traditional procurement to emerging opportunities in defence, aerospace, and technology, the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce remains committed to strengthening the connections that help our businesses, our military partners, and our region move forward together.
Why Canada Should Be Betting Bigger on Mexico: A New Era of Opportunity for Canadian Business
As Canada navigates an increasingly complex global trade environment, one message from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce has become unmistakably clear - it’s time to think bigger about Mexico. The combination of a historic trade mission, renewed political cooperation, and a surge in bilateral business interest is ushering in a new era of opportunity for Canadian companies.
The recent news release from the Canadian Chamber, related to their recent trade mission, paints a compelling picture of why this moment is pivotal. Canada stands at a pivotal juncture. Deepening our relationship with Mexico is not simply good diplomacy - it’s sound strategy for long-term economic resilience, competitiveness, and growth.
Read more on why this matters in our latest Advocacy Insights article.
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!
INCLUSIVE WORKPLACE: ESSENTIAL CONCEPTS AND STRATEGIES FOR INCLUSIVITY
This certificate program introduces participants to essential concepts and strategies that create inclusive workplaces for all employees, with a focus on women in skilled trades apprenticeships. Participants gain knowledge and skills to improve workplace culture and create inclusive environments that attract and retain diverse talent.
This program provides skills training using industry validated content, virtually facilitated learning blended with e-learning and an impactful workplace performance project. More Information here
DURATION: 7 weeks consisting of weekly 2-hour sessions
LEARNING ENVIRONMENT: Live – Virtual
REGISTER HERE: March 5, 2026 – April 16, 2026 – Fully Funded | REGISTER HERE: May 5, 2026 – June 16, 2026 – Fully Funded
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
TALENT PIPELINE MANAGEMENT – FREE WEBINAR DELIVERED BY THE ALBERTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Discover how TPM helps employers build stronger, more responsive talent pipelines and align training with real‑world needs. Perfect for anyone interested in practical, employer‑driven workforce solutions.
March 4, 2026 | 1:00 pm - 2:15 pm | Register HERE
TAX Productivity Super-Deduction webinar
Food and Beverage Canada is hosting MNP for a focused, one-hour webinar on the Productivity Super-Deduction and key tax measures from Federal Budget 2025. Learn how Canadian manufacturers can leverage these incentives to improve cash flow and reinvest in growth.
Topics include:
- Tariffs and financial risks
- 100% immediate expensing for buildings and machinery
- Updates to SR&ED, including the $6M expenditure limit
- Clean tech and automation incentives
- Cross-border tax considerations
- Practical tax savings scenarios for manufacturers of all sizes
Why attend? Gain a clear roadmap to maximizing new federal incentives—whether you’re expanding your facility or upgrading equipment.
When: Friday, February 27 | 1:00–2:00 PM ET (English) Register
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 CitiCans 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!
WELCOMING THE 2026 SPECIAL OLYMPICS CANADA SUMMER GAMES
Hear from Kara Brake, Business Improvement Analyst for the City by day and Games Manager for the upcoming Special Olympics by night.
In the most recent Municipal Matters article from this past Friday, Kara dives into the positive impact hosting the games will have on community, what makes the Special Olympics different from traditional sporting events, and how the City is working behind the scenes to support. Kara also shares about the important role volunteers play in bringing these games to life.
Safelink Alberta: Building Bridges Community Education
Join the SafeLink Alberta on Thursday, March 12th for coffee and some sweet treats. This informal, come-and-go gathering is an opportunity to learn more about substance use debris, naloxone, STBBI testing, and the work the SafeLink team and community partners are doing in the area.
This event is designed specifically for local business owners and staff who would like to ask questions and connect directly with the team in a welcoming and informative setting. No registration is required; simply drop in at your convenience.
WHY CONSTRAINTS ARE YOUR ASSOCIATION'S SECRET WEAPON FOR AI INNOVATION
Some of the most interesting AI innovation happening in the world right now isn't coming from organizations with unlimited budgets and massive engineering teams. It's coming from people who have to think differently precisely because of their constraints.
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
CALL FOR PROPOSALS – DEFENCE INNOVATION SECURE HUBS
Through the From innovation to operational advantage: Defence Innovation Secure Hubs challenge Call for Proposals (CFP), the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) seek to establish Defence Innovation Secure Hubs (DISHs) focused on quantum and uncrewed systems (UxS). DISHs are intended to provide secure, mission-oriented environments where government, industry, not-for-profit organizations, and academia can collaborate to advance technologies beyond early development and toward defence and security applications.
A total funding envelope of $50 million is anticipated under this challenge. Up to $10 million in non-repayable contributions per project will be awarded in fiscal year 2026-2027, and up to $15 million per project in fiscal year 2027-2028.
Deadline: 2:00 PM (Eastern time), Thursday, April 2, 2026 | More information & To Apply
CANEXPORT SMES
The CanExport SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) program offers competitive funding to help eligible Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises expand into new international markets.
The program supports businesses by sharing the costs of export-related activities, helping reduce risk and support export diversification. It is intended for companies with meaningful economic ties to Canada, the capacity to grow internationally, and a clear plan to export Canadian goods and services.
Successful projects may receive up to $50,000 in funding for international business development activities. Funding is limited, and applications are assessed on a rolling competitive basis.
Important: Program requirements have changed since the 2025 application period. Applications that do not reflect these updates may be deemed ineligible. Review what's changed this year before applying.
Deadline: May 29, 2026 | More Information & To Apply
THE REGIONAL DEFENCE INVESTMENT INITIATIVE (RDII) IN THE PRAIRIE PROVINCES – EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) is now accepting expressions of interest (EOI) for the Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII).
The RDII is part of a broader whole-of-government strategic approach to building sovereign defence capacity while reinforcing industrial strength across the country. It provides repayable contributions to for-profit businesses, and non-repayable contributions to not-for-profit organizations and eligible Indigenous recipients, to support activities that enable organizations to:
- accelerate the integration of businesses, focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), into defence supply chains
- increase the defence industrial and innovation capacity of businesses and technology centres
- pivot their dual use technologies, products and services to meet a military need
If you represent a business or organization, within or positioning itself in, the defence supply chain in Alberta, Saskatchewan or Manitoba with the capacity to contribute to Canada’s defence industrial base and help to meet the military needs, the Regional Defence Investment Initiative may be a fit for you.
Deadline: December 31 2027 (or until all funding is committed) | More information and to apply
REGIONAL TARIFF RESPONSE INITIATIVE (RTRI) IN THE PRAIRIE PROVINCES
With $1 billion in targeted support, the RTRI strengthens the competitiveness of impacted small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) by helping them diversify their markets, create new export revenue sources, adopt innovative technologies to boost productivity and competitiveness, and build more resilient supply chains. To that end, RTRI will equip businesses, and the organizations that support them, to seize new opportunities, adapt to global trade disruptions, and boost domestic trade. These investments will contribute to long-term economic resilience in the face of continued global uncertainty.
Eligible applicants include:
- incorporated companies, corporations, and co-operatives
- Indigenous-owned businesses and organizations
- not-for-profit organizations that support businesses
Deadline: Any time before December 31, 2027 (or until all funding is committed) | More information and to apply
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the February 17th 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: February 24th, 2026
Canada Announces New Express Entry Categories for 2026, 6 Predications for Canada’s Economy in 2026, Reporting Fees for Service Payments in the Trucking Industry, Government Announces New Measures to Help Protect Canadians Against Extortion, and more all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News Canada Announces New Express Entry Categories for 2026: What…
Read More 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…
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