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 Request For Proposals (RFP's), seeking proposals for the following...
- Design, Production, Installation and Maintenance for Highway Logo Signs
- Janitorial Maintenance
- Shuttle Service for 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
Canada and Alberta reach environmental assessment agreement
The governments of Canada and Alberta have agreed in principle on a Cooperation Agreement on Environmental and Impact Assessment. The agreement aims to reduce duplication between federal and provincial reviews, allowing Alberta to lead assessments for projects under its jurisdiction, coordinate joint reviews, and defer to provincial requirements where appropriate.
Canada extends work-sharing program
The federal government is extending temporary Work-Sharing measures under Employment Insurance until March 31, 2027. These measures help employers affected by tariffs avoid layoffs and provide stability for workers, covering seasonal, cyclical, and non-traditional employees. The extension doubles the maximum agreement length to 76 weeks, simplifies reporting, and expands eligibility for businesses and employees. A new Worker Retention Grant will also provide training opportunities and support up to 70% of employees’ income during work-sharing. Learn more
Water Amendment Act updates
Passed in the legislature in fall 2025, amendments to the Water Act came into effect March 11. The proclamation of these amendments implements a series of common-sense changes that will cut red tape, improve transparency and better meet the needs of farmers, ranchers, businesses and communities, while still maintaining the strong environmental protections that Albertans expect. The amendments also enable communities and others to collect rainwater from rooftops and reuse wastewater. This improves conservation and increases water reuse for municipalities, industry and others.
“Defining rainwater and considering water recycling and reuse are important to our operations. At Big Marble Farms, we are Always Growing™ fresh, local vegetables year-round, and to remain competitive we must use all resources efficiently.” - Ryan Cramer, CEO, Big Marble Farms. Read more
Ministry of Transportation and Economic Corridors’ three-year Capital Plan
Alberta’s government is driving forward with $2.8 billion in funding for infrastructure upgrades and safer roads across the province. This includes significant investments in major rural economic corridors such as the twinning of highways 3, 11 and 63. Find out more and view the list of projects including:
- 1 and Hwy. 36 overpass
- South Saskatchewan River bridge deck on Hwy. 1, at Medicine Hat (785721)
- EID canal concrete box culvert on Hwy. 1
- Cattlepass culvert on Hwy. 1 near Suffield (816471)
- 3 twinning, E of Bow Island (Whitla) through Seven Persons to Medicine Hat
- 41 grade widening, S of Cypress Hill Provincial Park Access Road
- South Saskatchewan River Bridge on Hwy. 41, 40 km S of Empress (751871)
- Lighting improvements along Hwy. 1 and Hwy. 3 near the City of Medicine Hat
Medicine Hat-Cypress News
City launches new data platform
Medicine Hat Economic Development (MHED) has launched a new business and community data portal designed to provide the local business community, residents and potential investors with relevant, up-to-date and accurate data.
The new platform significantly expands the City’s previous community data repository, giving users access to a broader range of economic, transportation, neighbourhood, and workforce information.
Read this article on their website | Medicine Hat Economic Development website
Co-op Place to host the Grand Slam of Curling, November 2026
The world’s best curlers are set to return to Alberta as the Grand Slam of Curling announced today that Co-op Place in Medicine Hat will host the second GSOC event of the 2026 season, the GSOC Masters, from November 3-8, 2026.
Early-bird full-event and weekend passes are now on sale online and at the Co-op Place box office. Medicine Hat will also host the U21 Jr. GSOC, which will run November 5-8, 2026, at the Medicine Hat Curling Centre.
City launches new MHTapp
The City of Medicine Hat’s all-new MHTapp has launched, allowing transit users to plan and book both regular and on-demand transit trips in one convenient place. Transit users can download the mobile app or choose an online desktop version to suit their trip-planning needs. Learn more by reading the full news release linked below.
Brooks-Newell News
Business & Investment Opportunities in the Brooks Newell Region
The Brooks Newell Region team is working to identify gaps and opportunities that exist in the Region - thus attracting new business and investment. These gaps and opportunities have been identified through research and studies performed by the economic development team. This includes bi-annual business retention and expansion surveys, a workforce development strategy and investment attraction study.
Arno Doerksen appointed to the Council of the Alberta Order of Excellence
The Honourable Danielle Smith recently appoints Reeve Arno Doerksen as a member of the Council of the Alberta Order of Excellence for a term to expire on December 31, 2028. The Alberta Order of Excellence Council is made up of prominent volunteers who represent Alberta’s diverse backgrounds and geographical regions and demonstrate career and community leadership.
Council carries out duties to ensure the Order meets its objectives, including reviewing nominations received from across the province, country and internationally; recommending persons to be granted membership in the Order to the Chancellor; advising the Chancellor on matters concerning the Order; and promoting the Alberta Order of Excellence in the community. Find out more.
Prairie Sky and Grasslands Industry Meet & Greet
Whether employers are hiring or simply interested in supporting future trades talent, this helps students build confidence while also giving employers the chance to connect with motivated students and fellow professionals.
Advocacy in Action
Alberta Business Pulse on Hot Button Issues
The recent Alberta Perspectives province‑wide survey captured business perspectives on issues shaping long term confidence, workforce expectations, and the provincial business climate.
A total of 594 responses were received from respondents across Alberta, with 74 per cent representing the private sector and nearly two-thirds identifying as the senior leader of their organization. The insights were collected through the Alberta Perspectives platform between January 28 and February 6, 2026.
While businesses remain generally optimistic about Alberta’s long‑term future, emerging risks are dampening confidence and shaping business decisions.
Why WTO Reform and the Digital Trade Moratorium Matter for Canadian Business
Global business momentum is building ahead of the World Trade Organization’s 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14). As of March 5, 2026, 189 chambers of commerce and business associations from every region of the world have endorsed the Global Business Statement calling for urgent WTO reform and renewal of the Moratorium on Customs Duties on Electronic Transmissions. The Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce is proud to stand among these signatories, joining other Canadian and international partners to advocate for a stronger, more predictable, and future‑ready global trading system.
MC14 presents a pivotal moment. The voice of Canadian business – including Southeast Alberta – is clear: a revitalized WTO is essential for prosperity at home and abroad.
Read the full Advocacy Insights article here.
Next Level Events
FREE Scotiabank Agriculture Succession Planning Seminar
Please join Joe Devine, Scotia Wealth Management Wealth Advisor and the Scotiabank Agriculture Banking team for a presentation on succession planning for family farms. In addition to our team, we will have a guest speaker presenting on farm tax considerations for the year ahead. Lunch will be provided.
WHEN: Tuesday March 24th, 2026 at 11:00 AM -1:00 PM
WHERE: Medicine Hat Lodge | 1051 Ross Glen Dr SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1B 3TB
Please RSVP to Rebecca Lydon
Branch Manager 403.488.1000 EXT 4000
rebecca.lydon@scotiabank.com
Hiring Practices for Today’s Workplace
A practical workshop designed to help organizations strengthen every stage of the hiring journey. Participants will explore strategies for attracting strong candidates, improving recruitment methods, and conducting interviews that lead to better hiring decisions. The session also highlights how thoughtful onboarding and clear communication set new employees up for success from day one.
Online workshop | March 19th, 2026, from 10:30am to 12pm | Registration
BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESS: FROM IDEA TO MARKET
Designed for early-stage founders, this interactive session helps you turn concepts into action. Learn practical strategies to validate your idea, build a strong foundation, and take confident steps toward launching your business.
Webinar | March 25 | Register Here
CIPEC Webinar Series - Energy Management and Clean Economy Investment Tax Credits (ITC)
The Canadian Industry Partnership for Energy Conservation (CIPEC), through Natural Resources Canada's (NRCan) Office of Energy Efficiency, presents a monthly series of free 60-minute webinars. This month, join us March 25th for a CIPEC webinar featuring The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
Wednesday, March 25, 11:00 AM | Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams
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 Todd Currie - Sun Life Financial Advisor and TPI Trevello Travel Group 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!
Big Marble Farms Begins Supplying Locally Generated Power to the City of Medicine Hat
Big Marble Farms announced the interconnection of its on-site power generation system with the City of Medicine Hat’s electrical grid, marking a major milestone in local energy collaboration, sustainability, and agri-food innovation.
Following an energization order from the Alberta Electric System Operator in February, Big Marble Farms can now export excess electricity generated at its Medicine Hat greenhouse facility back to the City’s power system.
The agreement allows the City of Medicine Hat to purchase surplus electricity produced during off-peak greenhouse production periods, strengthening local energy resilience while maximizing the efficiency of existing infrastructure.
“This project reflects years of collaboration, investment, and persistence,” said Ryan Cramer, President of Big Marble Farms. “Our goal has always been to grow fresh food locally, year-round, as efficiently and responsibly as possible. Being able to supply clean, locally generated power back to the community is a win for our business, the City, and the broader region.”
Short Courses to Make Work Feel Easier
Step into the new season with skills that expand your professional toolkit and reignite your curiosity. A little upskilling now can make a big difference in the months ahead.
Work smarter with others, not harder alone: Strengthening Cross‑Functional Teams helps you build collaboration, communication, and conflict‑resolution skills to support organizational success.
In‑Person | Thursdays, April 2–16 | 9 AM–4 PM | Register Here
Elavon March & April Promotion
During March and April, any new member who signs up through our Chamber Referral Program will receive a $150 statement credit. This exclusive offer is available for a limited time! How Members Can Participate:
- Submit a web inquiry through the Elavon Chamber landing page: https://join.paymentstart.com/cachamber
- A dedicated Elavon sales representative will contact them within 24–48 hours.
- Complete the sign-up process by April 30, 2026 to qualify for the $150 statement credit. Click the link for full details.
Fill Up On Funding
The Equal Slice Program is officially back for 2026!
In partnership with Pizza Hut Canada, StartUp Canada is continuing their commitment to supporting diverse entrepreneurs across the country. Through the Equal Slice Program, founders can access $100,000 in pitch competition funding, educational webinars, and practical business resources, all designed to help entrepreneurs grow with confidence. Because everyone deserves an equal slice of opportunity.
Find out more and apply.
Off-Site Construction Challenge
The Challenge, delivered under the Energy Innovation Program (EIP), drives the industry to design and demonstrate how innovative OSC methods can be used to build more energy efficient and resilient multi-unit residential buildings. Finalists will receive up to $180,000 in grant funding for the planning and development of their design. The winner will receive up to $10 million in contribution funding to help bring the design to life.
Closes March 27 | How to apply and more details here.
Regional Homebuilding Innovation Initiative
Through the Regional Homebuilding Innovation Initiative (RHII), the federal government is investing $50 million over 2 years, starting in 2024-25, to support local innovative housing solutions across the country. PrairiesCan will invest $9.6M in projects such as designing and upscaling of modular homes, the use of 3D printing, mass timber construction, panelized construction, as well as implementing net-zero and climate resilient housing practices.
Closes March 31 | How to apply and more details here.
INDIGENOUS EMPLOYMENT TRAINING PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM
Indigenous Employment Training Partnerships provides grant funding to Indigenous communities and organizations to deliver group-training projects designed in partnership with employers and other partners.
These partnerships will assist unemployed or under-employed Indigenous individuals to gain the necessary skills training and work experience to obtain and maintain long-term employment.
DEADLINE: Ongoing | More Information and to apply
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the March 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.
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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 The Voice: March 10th, 2026
Another Tradeshow Done, Spotlight Alberta Excellence, Alberta Nuclear Energy Survey, and more all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News Another Home & Leisure Show Complete! That is a wrap on the 2026 Home & Leisure Tradeshow! Thank you to all our exhibitors who helped make it happen, to the attendees who joined…
Read More 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…
Read More