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 broad-based price pressures easing, particularly in services and in core measures that look past the distortions from last year’s GST/HST break. But the picture will not stay this calm for long. Rising tensions in Iran have pushed gasoline prices higher in recent weeks, and that’s likely to show up in the next inflation print. For the Bank of Canada, the signals remain mixed with jobs data and inflation pulling them in different directions. That uncertainty for now will likely keep the Bank on hold at this week’s meeting as it waits for a clearer picture."
- Andrew DiCapua, Principal Economist with Business Data Lab | Read the full CCC Business lab article here.
5 Bills to Keep an Eye On
There are 95 House of Commons sitting days left and 124 pieces of legislation that haven’t received Royal Assent or that haven’t been defeated.
Getting legislation passed in a timely manner is critically important to Canada’s economic future and Canadians’ standard of living.
INCLUSIVE WORKPLACES EXPERIENCE BIG BUSINESS BENEFITS: FREE TOOLKIT
Why it matters: Research shows that environments lacking inclusion and equity can contribute to higher turnover, lower morale, and reduced innovation. Whether you’re looking to update policies, provide staff training, or create a more supportive environment, Unity makes it easy to take action.
More Information | Download the free toolkit today and take the first step towards a more inclusive, high-performing workplace.
Medicine Hat-Cypress News
City refreshes the City Vibrancy Program
The City Centre Vibrancy Program, a funding initiative aimed at supporting local businesses and property owners in enhancing the visual appeal of their commercial space, will launch on April 1, 2026.
Now entering its second year, the program is delivered through a partnership between the City of Medicine Hat and Community Futures Entre-Corp. It supports improvement projects in the city centre by providing financial assistance through a combination of grant funding and interest-free loans.
Council Highlights March 16, 2026
City Council defeated the pending motion from the July 21 City Council meeting to establish a Rate Review Committee and reaffirmed its authority to set utility rates. Council approved two bylaws following public hearings, including rezoning and flood mitigation land designations. Council also approved a reduction to the dishonoured payments fee, effective April 1, 2026.
Brooks-Newell News
Employers, this one’s for you: Closing the Gap: Linking Youth to Employment
Ready to grow your team and connect with the next wave of local talent? Closing the Gap: Linking Youth to Employment is all about helping businesses like yours find motivated young workers, learn new hiring strategies, and tap into supports that make recruitment easier.
Fresh ideas for hiring and retention
Real conversations with local partners
Face-to-face time with youth candidates
Choose to register for Information Sessions, Networking Event, Hiring Event or ALL! Hiring Event priority will be given to those employers who are actively recruiting youth to fill open positions. Date: April 29, 2026 |Â Register Today
Employment Opportunity - Agricultural Technician
Do you enjoy working outdoors, operating equipment, and supporting agriculture in our region? The County of Newell Agricultural Services Department is looking for a full-time Agricultural Technician to join the team. This role supports a variety of programs and operations across the County, including:
• Roadside weed control and vegetation management
• Operating tractors, sprayers, mowers, and trucks
• Facility and grounds maintenance
• Agricultural Services program support
• Equipment preparation and shop operations
Apply by 4:30pm on April 2, 2026 | Read the full job description and find instructions on how to apply here: Employment Opportunities - Newell County, AB
The Business Blend - Bassano Edition
The Town of Bassano is pleased to invite local business owners and operators to an informal meet-and-greet with the Bassano Mayor and our new Chief Administrative Officer.
This gathering is an opportunity to connect, ask questions, and share perspectives on the priorities, challenges, and opportunities facing our local business community. It is also a chance for Town leadership to hear directly from you and begin building strong, collaborative relationships. And because good conversations are better with coffee, we will be bringing fresh coffee and Timbits from Tim Hortons.
March 26, 2026 at 4:00 pm | Town of Bassano Office Chambers | More info and registration here
Sip and Sample - A Taste of Shawarma County!
Get ready to treat your tastebuds! Join us on March 31 from 5 PM to 7 PM at Shawarma County for Sip & Sample, an evening designed to spark curiosity, bring the community together, and—most importantly—let you experience the bold, delicious flavours Shawarma County is known for.
Shawarma County believes the best way to win hearts is by winning tastebuds—once people try the food, they fall in love and come back for more. So come sip, sample, mingle, and experience the magic for yourself.
Advocacy in Action
Op-ed: Feeding the World Is an Economic Opportunity
Nearly a decade ago, the federal government released its Economic Strategy Tables report on agri-food, and laid out an ambitious plan to turn Canada into a global agricultural superpower. Through market diversification, a competitive regulatory environment, transportation and digital infrastructure, and a stable labour supply, Canada could become a top five exporter of agri-food products globally.
Spoiler: Canada did not achieve these lofty goals. Instead of becoming top five, our market share shrunk. We now rank behind countries like China and Brazil, whose exports have grown even faster to fill demand in high-growth regions. While it’s true that we have surpassed nominal export goals — more than 50% growth between 2017 and 2024, from $65-billion to $100-billion — declining market share means that we are leaving agri-food potential untapped, translating to billions of dollars in lost economic opportunity.
Canada’s agri-food opportunity is clear: Analyses have shown that we could grow our market share by 30% and add $44-billion in exports by 2035 if we commit to the necessary policy actions as outlined. But, as the last decade has proved, others will step up if we don’t.
See this Op-ed blog and the policy actions outlined on the CCC website | If you would like to read more about the policies and recommendations we have related to our agriculture and agri-food sector, click here
Southeast Alberta Chamber Submits Policy Resolutions to Alberta Chambers for Provincial Consideration
The Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce has submitted 11 comprehensive policy resolutions to the Alberta Chambers of Commerce for consideration at their annual policy plenary session in May, representing one of the most extensive policy advocacy packages in the organization's recent history.
The wide-ranging policy submissions address critical economic, infrastructure, and regulatory challenges affecting businesses and communities across Alberta, with particular focus on issues impacting southeastern Alberta's diverse economic base.
"These 11 policy resolutions represent the collective voice of our business community and demonstrate our commitment to advancing solutions that will strengthen Alberta's economic competitiveness," stated Aaron Fleming, Board of Directors President for the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce. "From transportation infrastructure to agricultural innovation, from healthcare reform to regulatory modernization, these policies address the real challenges some of our members are facing every day."
The policy submissions span diverse areas of economic importance. Read more in the Advocacy Insights article here.
Next Level Events
Webinar Recording: Progress, Gaps, and What’s Next
Hosts Ayo Aiyeleye from Alberta Innovates and Arielle Land from Movement51 spoke to Emily Smiley, Executive Director at Movement51, and Courtney Dragani, Chief Growth Officer at Movement51 and The51, about how changes in the capital landscape impact women entrepreneurs. They covered:
- How to align with current investor priorities.
- The opportunity within the women-led venture landscape.
- Where funding frameworks are working and where further refinement is needed.
FOUNDER FRIDAYS - POWERED BY ALBERTA'S REGIONAL INNOVATION NETWORKS
Founder Fridays is more than a series-it’s a launchpad for Alberta’s founders, mentors, investors, and ecosystem builders. It’s about upskilling, building connections, and accelerating startups through every stage. Powered by Alberta's Regional Innovation Network and Alberta Innovates, Founder Fridays expects to welcome guest speakers from across Alberta.
April 3rd, 2026 | Register Here
AI, Finance, and the Future of Impact: From Fear to Foresight
Every major technology shift has changed the way we live and work. AI is the first to challenge how we think. Join Sage Intacct and three nonprofit finance leaders for a candid conversation on how AI is being used in nonprofit finance today. They will discuss where human judgment, transparency, and accountability still matter most. Delve into what this shift means for leadership, mission, and long-term impact.
Free webinar | April 9 at 1pm ET / 10am PT | Register Now
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 AlphaTech Windows & Doors and Final Proof Editing & Proofreading 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!
Riipen’s FuturePath
Riipen’s FuturePath program helps Alberta employers move real business projects forward by connecting them with trained, project-ready postsecondary students. Through a government-supported, cost-shared model, employers can engage student talent on structured, short-term projects without taking on the burden of full recruitment or onboarding. Riipen manages the coordination, matching, and administration, making the process simple and efficient for your team. It’s a practical way to advance business priorities, increase capacity, and build meaningful connections with Alberta’s emerging workforce.
MNP: Is your organization taking the right steps to reduce the risk of fraud?
Strong fraud prevention measures are crucial to protect your organization from financial and reputational damages. However, it can be challenging to understand whether the measures you have in place are working effectively — or leaving your organization vulnerable to risks.
MNP’s Fraud Prevention Assessment can help you identify your organization’s strengths and reveal opportunities for improvement across 5 key areas, and provides strategies with the report. Take the assessment.
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
Supporting women entrepreneurs through the Maïa movementÂ
We are also pleased to introduce Maïa, a national movement designed to transform how women entrepreneurs access opportunities, markets, and networks, and to announce our endorsement of the Maïa Declaration of Principles.
Maïa brings together those with a shared ambition: placing women entrepreneurs and the human dimension at the heart of the economy. While women-led businesses are key drivers of innovation and growth, they continue to face structural barriers to financing, markets, and influential networks. Maïa was created to address these gaps through collective action and long-term systemic change.
By joining Maïa, partners become active contributors to a national movement focused on action and impact. Together, we can create the conditions for women entrepreneurs to grow, connect, and fully access economic opportunities. For more information, visit Maïa today!
Science Horizons Youth Internship Program
The Science Horizons Youth Internship Program is an employer support program that helps post-secondary graduates acquire hands-on work experience and mentorship in an environment-related STEM field. The Science Horizons Youth Internship Program gives employers the freedom to:
- Gain access to funds to hire scientific and technical staff with less financial risk
- Grow their business
- Hire talent eager to utilize their skills
- Develop new talent within their company
In addition to the paid internship contribution, employers may be eligible up to a maximum of $5,000 for training, skills development, and/or wrap-around services; please contact Jennifer Ash, Project Manager, for more details at jash@biotalent.ca.
TRADE ACCELERATOR PROGRAM
The Trade Accelerator Program (TAP) is an innovative program designed to help small- and medium-sized enterprises gain knowledge and a network of contacts to unleash their export potential. Offered through a series of online workshop sessions with trade and industry experts, Canadian business leaders learn to overcome export barriers and reach new markets faster. Now available through the World Trade Centre of Toronto’s online platform.
Ready to expand your business horizons? Through TAP, you’ll learn the ins and outs of exporting, discover the resources available to companies like yours, and find out how to build and sustain a profitable future.
DEADLINE: Ongoing | More Information
CanExport SMEs is now accepting applications
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 at 10:00 PM (MDT)
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the March 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.
Other Resources
Other Events
Useful Links
Follow us on social media for up-to-the-minute updates
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 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