The Voice: March 3rd, 2026
Global Demand for Alberta Surges Visitor Economy, CBC Dragons' Den Auditions, Support for Canadian Exporters Faced with US Tariffs, and Next Steps for Regional Air Service After WestJet's Departure, and more all in this week's edition of The Voice.
Business News
GLOBAL DEMAND FOR ALBERTA SURGES VISITOR ECONOMY
In 2025, Alberta’s visitor economy had another record-breaking year, with the highest level of visitor spending in provincial history. For a second consecutive year, visitor spending saw record-setting growth, increasing six per cent year-over-year and almost doubling the national average for growth. This success is felt in communities across the province; that means stronger businesses, more jobs and new opportunities for Albertans. Read More
CBC DRAGONS’ DEN AUDITIONS – SEASON 21
Applications Now Open – In Person Auditions Across Canada
Applications are open for Season 21 of CBC’s Dragons’ Den. Canadian-based entrepreneurs are invited to apply for the opportunity to pitch their innovative ideas in person across the country. Selected applicants will be contacted in early 2026 to schedule auditions. Take the first step toward braving the Den. Apply Now
SUPPORT FOR CANADIAN EXPORTERS FACED WITH U.S. TARIFFS
Information, tools, and support to help your business navigate the tariffs imposed on Canada by the United States (U.S.). Guidance on how to export duty-free to the U.S. under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
- Supporting Canadian exporters through U.S. tariff challenges
Tools, updates, and programs to help your business navigate U.S. tariffs
- Self-serve resources for problem solving
Answers to questions about U.S. tariffs
- Understanding CUSMA compliance
Rules of origin, certification, and how to qualify for duty-free access to the U.S. under the CUSMA
- Step-by-step guide to CUSMA compliance
Information on how to claim duty-free treatment under the CUSMA
Medicine Hat-Cypress News
CAPITAL GRANT PROGRAM’S SMALL FUNDING STREAM OPEN
The City of Medicine Hat is accepting expressions of interest for the Small Funding Stream of its Capital Grant program. Expressions of interest must be submitted by Tuesday, March 31 at 3 p.m.
Learn more about this funding stream and how to submit expressions of interest at the link below.
WATCH FOR YOUR PROPERTY ASSESSMENT NOTICE IN THE MAIL/INBOX
Collecting residential and non-residential property taxes is one of the various ways the City of Medicine Hat funds municipal services. Your property assessment is used to determine your share of the total property taxes collected.
City of Medicine Hat: More information about your Property Assessment.
Medicine Hat News: Municipal Matters: Valuing our city – Property assessment explained
You can even choose to have online access to your assessment and tax notices and have them delivered directly to your email! Go to medicinehat.ca/etax to create an account and select eBilling before April 22 (Earth Day) for a chance to win a $500 City of Medicine Hat gift card.
If you have questions or concerns about your assessment, please be sure to call or visit before considering filing a formal complaint. They’ll work to achieve mutual understanding. If that is not successful, you may file an appeal to the Assessment Review Board on or before May 6, 2026.
Brooks-Newell News
City of Brooks - 2026 Street Improvements
The Work under this Contract consists of street improvement activities at two locations within the City of Brooks, Alberta. The scope of work varies by site and may include, but is not limited to, the following major components:
- Temporary water and sanitary bypass pumping
- Water main and sanitary sewer main replacement
- Replacement of existing lot services
- Reconstruction of surface works
The Site of the Work of this Contract is located in Brooks, Alberta. Find the Request for Tender here: https://mpe.bidsandtenders.ca/Module/Tenders/en/Tender/Detail/7abbbfd4-7683-474a-b6b1-f270de58044f
Subscribe to the Brooks-Newell Monthly Email!
Every month Naomi, our Brooks-Newell Business Development Coordinator, sends out a Brooks-Newell email with all you need to know about what is coming up that month AND a review of the month before. Events, new members, fun facts, tips & tricks, and more!
Advocacy in Action
NEXT STEPS FOR REGIONAL AIR SERVICE AFTER WESTJET’S DEPARTURE
WestJet’s recent announcement that it will discontinue service between Calgary and Medicine Hat on June 24, 2026 has created significant concern for travelers, businesses, and the regional economy. After nearly 8 years of service, WestJet stated that the Calgary-Medicine Hat and Calgary-Lethbridge routes will end due to sustained low demand and challenges with route viability. The decision affects both WestJet Encore routes and triggers formal notice under the Canada Transportation Act.
In its February public notice, WestJet confirmed:
- The final YXH-YYC flight will operate June 24, 2026.
- Guests booked June 25 or later are being contacted for refunds.
- The airline emphasized that the decision does not reflect the support received from the community or local governments.
- Despite best efforts, WestJet concluded the route could not remain viable.
Despite the notice from WestJet, we know the City of Medicine Hat’s analysis indicates the Medicine Hat market is strong enough to support ongoing air service. Key demand indicators from the City show:
- 379,000 annual trips generated within the primary 60km catchment area (including leaked demand to other airports).
- 75,000 passengers moved through the airport in 2019 at peak service levels.
- Post-pandemic recovery in 2025 reached roughly 35 percent, mirroring available seat supply at the time.
- Medicine Hat Regional Airport was one of Canada's fastest-growing airports by aircraft movements in 2025.
In our earlier Advocacy Insights post, Strengthening Regional Air Service, we highlighted the critical importance of reliable air connectivity. We also outlined that addressing gaps in air service requires long-term strategic planning, coordinated regional advocacy, and partnerships with government and industry. The current situation reaffirms exactly why this work matters.
Read more about where we go from here and what's ahead in our latest Advocacy Insight's article here | Contact us if you would like updates or want to be part of our ongoing air service advocacy efforts.
What Alberta’s 2026 Spring Legislative Session Means for Southeast Alberta Business
As Alberta’s government opens the 2026 spring sitting this week, the policy direction is clear. The focus is on strengthening the economy, reducing barriers to growth, and protecting the people and communities that make Alberta competitive. These are priorities that align closely with the work our Chamber is driving across Southeast Alberta.
Over the coming months, our Chamber will watch this session with interest. Several proposed pieces of legislation have the potential to directly impact business operations, investment decisions, and the overall climate for growth in our region. We will engage where needed and work to ensure the business community has a clear understanding of both the opportunities and the risks connected to policy changes.
Read our Advocacy Insights article for a brief overview of the areas our Chamber will monitor closely and why they matter for local business.
Next Level Events
2026 Home & Leisure Tradeshow THIS WEEKEND!!
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 all THIS WEEKEND! Purchase your tickets in advance online, skip the line, and save $1 per ticket.
2026 Home & Leisure Hotel Weekend Package
Special weekend package! Staying at any of the listed hotels this weekend? One night equals TWO FREE Tradeshow Tickets! Just ask the front desk.
PERFECTING YOUR PITCH
Expect hands-on practice, real-time feedback, and practical insights to help you pitch with clarity and purpose. This is an online event
FRAMEWORKS FOR SUCCESS: VIRTUAL INFORMATION SESSION
Everyone is welcome—employers, service providers, job seekers, or anyone curious about community programs. They’ll be talking about who Train Alberta is, what the Frameworks for Success program offers, how it benefits community members, ways Train Alberta can support you, and much more!
March 5 at 11am | Join Here
Futurpreneur’s Indigenous Entrepreneur Start-Up Program
Ready to launch your Indigenous start-up or side hustle? Join this interactive webinar to walk through Futurpreneur’s application process. Learn eligibility requirements, available free resources and connect directly with program support to move your business idea forward with confidence.
Friday, March 6 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. | Online | Register Now
Fundable: What Lenders and Investors Look For
In this free webinar, Vajra Capital joins Business Link Alberta to give small business owners a clear, practical look at how lenders actually evaluate businesses — and what you need in place before you apply for financing.
March 12 at 12:00 PM | Learn more and register here
NAVIGATING INTER-PROVINCIAL TRADE IN CANADA | STARTUP GLOBAL 2026
This is the first of three webinars Startup Canada will host, as part of the Startup Global 2026 program. These webinars will walk you through the tools and resources you need to get your business export ready. Each webinar will provide you with the opportunity to connect with industry leaders and organizations and build foundational relationships for entering new markets!
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- Understand the structure of Canada’s internal market and how interprovincial trade rules impact business expansion.
- Identify common interprovincial barriers (regulatory, logistical, and administrative) and strategies to navigate them effectively.
- Recognize key tax and compliance considerations when operating across multiple provinces and territories.
- Assess readiness and risks when scaling operations coast to coast to coast within Canada.
Thursday, March 19, 2026 | 9:00AM - 10:30AM PT | 12:00PM - 1:30 PM ET | 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 Ready Set Grow Child Development Centre and Tracy's Place the Chocolate Shop 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!
Home & Leisure VENDO Contest
Chamber Members! Enter for a chance to win a FREE Digital Billboard Advertising Campaign valued at over $5000! Promote your business on 6 Medicine Hat Digital Billboards for 6 weeks with VENDO Media.
Enter now here | Winner will be drawn March 16th, 2026.
CHARITYVILLAGE CONNECTS: THE 2025 FEDERAL BUDGET: WHAT NONPROFITS NEED TO KNOW TO NAVIGATE 2026
On November 4th, the federal government released its latest budget. CharityVillage explores the new fiscal plan and what it means for nonprofits and charities across Canada.
Their guests break down the key measures affecting funding, employment, and social programs, and share insights on how organizations can prepare for the changes ahead. This conversation offers timely analysis and practical takeaways to help you navigate the budget’s impact with confidence.
FROM VISION TO IMPACT: BLACK YOUTH CHARTING THE PATH FOR TOMORROW’S LEADERSHIP
This year's Black History Month Summit theme was Future Forward – Empowering Black Youth for Civic & Economic Leadership. This theme focused on long-term strategies to expand Black youth participation in civic life and economic development. Through a panel conversation, facilitated by Executive Director Lisa Dressler, our youth reflected on leadership, connecting with mentors and community, and pathways into business, governance, and public service.
Panelists included:
Mouhssin (“Moe”), founder of RYZR Barbershop, shared his journey from Morocco to BC to Medicine Hat and the challenges and supports involved in building a business. With over 15 years in the industry and multiple awards, he emphasized transforming skill into community impact and expressed his hope to expand, mentor young barbers, and deepen his local involvement.
Tata Mugisha, captain of the MHC Rattlers Men’s Soccer Team, spoke about overcoming obstacles in school and post-secondary life, finding belonging through sport and church, and his aspirations in policing. As the leader who brought home gold at the 2024/2025 ACAC Men’s Futsal Provincial Championships, Tata highlighted discipline, teamwork, and the broader influence of athletic leadership.
Nasrene Juma, Nursing student at Medicine Hat College and President of the Black Students Community Club, discussed the club’s focus on culture, connection, and belonging through events like the Annual Students Gala Night. Nasrene shared about the projects that the Black Student Community have worked on with the biggest focus being about connection and community engagement. There's always a challenge funding various events and the resources are needed for leadership, succession and support of the different activities they facilitate in the community.
Concluding remarks were focused on listening, engaging, speaking up to ensure your voice is heard and contributing your ideas. The panelists showcased the value of getting involved in your community, connecting with others and seeking out mentorship opportunities. The event provided a great way for people to connect with various community leaders and to engage in dialogue about moving individuals and our economy forward in not only the black community, but moving and growing together within our community.
Fill Up On Funding
AGRIMARKETING PROGRAM: MARKET DIVERSIFICATION FOR SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES
The AgriMarketing Program offers targeted support tailored to specific sector needs. This includes a combined $75 million in contribution funding over 5 fiscal years (2026-2027 to 2030-2031) to promote market diversification, in addition to support already provided under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP). The following support encourages greater diversification to respond to market instability in the Canadian agriculture, agri-food and agri-products sector, including fish and seafood:
- Market Diversification for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises
- Market Diversification for National Industry Associations
Deadline: Ongoing until September 30, 2030 or until funding is fully committed.
CANADIAN APPRENTICESHIP STRATEGY - INVESTMENTS IN TRAINING EQUIPMENT
The Canadian government has doubled its investment in the Union Training and Innovation Program—a measure that will help support union-led training across the country and ensure more apprentices are equipped with the proper training and skills needed to thrive.
Eligible organizations include unions representing Red Seal trades workers, organizations managing their own training funds, and training providers that provide technical training to apprentices as part of a recognized apprenticeship program or a Red Seal trade.
Deadline: Ongoing | More information or to apply
STARTUP GLOBAL
Ready to take your business beyond borders? Startup Global offers free expert-led webinars, industry roundtables, and a $100,000 pitch competition, with in-person pop-ups in Halifax, Victoria, and Mississauga. A comprehensive program designed to equip Canadian entrepreneurs with the tools, networks, and resources needed to confidently expand their businesses into international markets.
COMMUNITY INITIATIVES PROGRAM (CIP) PROJECT-BASED GRANT │ GOVERNMENT OF ALBERTA
The Community Initiatives Program (CIP), Project-Based grant stream supports projects that enhance and enrich communities throughout Alberta by helping non-profit organizations with:
- new programs
- enhancements to an existing program
- community events
- gender equity projects
- 2SLGBTQQIA+ events and new programs
- technology
- portable equipment
ANNUAL DEADLINES: January 15 | May 15 | September 15
For more information, read the CIP Project-Based Guidelines
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the February 24th 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.
Useful Links
Follow us on social media for up-to-the-minute updates
The Voice: March 31st, 2026
Meet Samuel, Quarterly Alberta Job Vacancy Report, New Councillor Accountability Framework, Alberta Positioned to Lead in Lithium Production, and more all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News Meet Samuel, our new Member Relations Coordinator! Meet Samuel (or Sam) Tawiah, the Chamber’s new Member Relations Coordinator! Samuel is originally from Ghana and pursued…
Read More The Voice: March 24th, 2026
CCC Bank of Canada Rates, 5 Bills to keep an eye on, Inclusive Workplaces Experience Big Business Benefits, and more all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News Canadian Chamber of Commerce: Bank of Canada Rates “February is the dip before the spike. There are some encouraging details in the inflation data, with…
Read More The Voice: March 17th, 2026
Canada and Alberta Reach Environmental Assessment Agreement, Canada Extends Work-Sharing Program, Water Amendment Act Updates, Ministry of Transportation and Economic Corridors’ Three-Year Capital Plan, 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 of Commerce has recently released multiple…
Read More