The Voice: April 14th, 2026
Alberta-China Advisory Committee Launches, Federal Minimum Wage is Now $18.15/Hour, Alberta Commits $247M to Strengthening the Workforce, and more all in this week's edition of The Voice.
Business News
ALBERTA-CHINA ADVISORY COMMITTEE LAUNCHES
The committee will provide targeted insight on trade and investment opportunities with China, supporting government efforts to focus on partnerships that deliver results for Albertans. In 2025, Alberta’s exports to China were valued at almost $9.6 billion, making China Alberta’s largest export market after the U.S. and a priority market to attract further investment and grow key industries. Crude oil exports have increased significantly following completion of the Trans Mountain Expansion pipeline, reaching 220,700 barrels per day in 2025.
China represents significant demand for Alberta’s world-class agriculture, agri-food and energy products. Advancing this partnership further positions Alberta as a reliable global supplier of food and energy. Read More
FEDERAL MINIMUM WAGE IS NOW $18.15/HOUR (EFFECTIVE APRIL 1, 2026)
As of April 1, the federal minimum wage has increased from $17.75 to $18.15/hour, slightly higher than the earlier projected $18.10.
- This applies to federally regulated sectors (banking, telecom, interprovincial transportation, etc.)
- If a provincial minimum wage is higher, you must pay the higher rate
- Payroll updates aren’t optional — compliance is required
- The increase is tied to inflation (CPI), meaning this will continue to adjust annually
While the increase may seem modest, it reflects a 21% rise since 2021, something employers should factor into long-term compensation planning. More information
ALBERTA COMMITS $247M TO STRENGTHENING THE WORKFORCE
The Government of Alberta is proposing a $247 million investment in career and employment services as part of Budget 2026, with the goal of helping more Albertans find and keep meaningful work. Read the announcement.
A key focus of the strategy is reducing barriers to employment. Targeted supports will be expanded for individuals facing challenges entering the workforce, including youth, people with disabilities, and workers needing to reskill or upskill. The plan also includes tools and resources to help employers build more inclusive, accessible, and adaptable workplaces.
The proposed job-matching platform could reduce the time and cost associated with recruitment by improving how employers connect with qualified candidates.
More accurate job matching increases the likelihood of long-term retention—saving businesses the expense of repeated hiring and training.
Bottom Line for Southeast Alberta
This investment represents more than a provincial policy announcement—it’s an opportunity for Southeast Alberta businesses to access skilled workers closer to home, reduce hiring challenges, and build a more resilient local workforce. Employers who stay informed and engage with these programs early may be better positioned to grow, adapt, and compete in a tight labour market.
Medicine Hat-Cypress News
Council Highlights April 7, 2026
At the April 7 City Council meeting, Council approved changes to the electric rate class and meter model and gave first reading to several tax bylaws. Council also confirmed funding for numerous local events and initiatives through the 2026 Community Vibrancy Grants, approved updates to the City’s Public Participation Policy, and advanced work on an Urban Hens bylaw.
The Impact of the City Centre Vibrancy Program
Downtowns don’t transform overnight. They evolve through a series of decisions (by businesses, property owners, and the community) to invest, build, and believe in the future of a place. Read about the Impact of Our City Centre Vibrancy Program on the City's website.
Though Medicine Hat's City Centre Vibrancy Program is now closed for the 2026 year (join the waitlist), you can check out the other incentives available here.
Brooks-Newell News
COUNTY OF NEWELL | 2026 ASSESSMENT CYCLE
Every year the County of Newell conducts General Property Assessment inspections for all properties located within their boundaries. The purpose of these inspections is to update Property Assessment information.
You may see their assessor in your yard to take pictures, measure buildings, and might even knock on your door. If the Assessor has any follow up questions, a Request for Property Information form will be emailed or mailed to the registered owners.
Volunteer Organizations Invited to Join the 2026 Volunteer Expo
Volunteer organizations across the Brooks–Newell region are invited to take part in this year’s Volunteer Expo. This event is a great opportunity to showcase your organization, connect with potential volunteers, and network with other community groups. The expo is free for service organizations and provides a platform to share your mission and recruit the helping hands that keep local programs running.
- Date: April 25, 2026
- Time: 10 AM – 2 PM
- Location: JBS Canada Centre Field House
- Cost: Free for service groups
Organizations that rely on volunteers are encouraged to sign up early to secure a booth. To register call 403‑362‑4549. See this info on the City’s page here.
Local Unlocked at Sweet Tooth
Discover the magic behind one of the community’s sweetest hidden gems! Join us for Local Unlocked at Sweet Tooth on Monday, April 27th, from 6 PM to 8 PM— a family‑friendly evening where you’ll get an inside look at how Sweet Tooth creates their handmade candy right here in Brooks!
During this exclusive event, attendees will have the opportunity to watch hard candy being made from start to finish. You’ll watch the candy being made and even try a hands‑on step if you’d like. It’s a great experience for all ages.
Advocacy in Action
Unlocking Growth and Efficiency for Alberta’s Food and Beverage Businesses
After reading about the opportunities below, we encourage you to complete this quick poll here: Unlocking Growth and Efficiency for Alberta’s Food and Beverage Businesses – Fill out form
Alberta’s food and beverage sector is one of the province’s fastest-growing and most innovative industries, yet many producers face the same operational challenge: how to scale production without overextending capital, staff, or infrastructure.
AB Food Connect and the SCALE program were created to address exactly that gap. Developed by the Alberta Food Processors Association (AFPA), these free resources help businesses save time, control costs, and bring products to market faster while maintaining quality and compliance.
What is the SCALE Program?
This Strengthening Capacity & Long Term Expansion (SCALE) Program is designed to strengthen the capacity of Alberta’s food and beverage processors. AFPA provides expert coaching through Industry Navigators, specialized workshops, and tiered funding to help SMEs scale production, adopt new technologies, and improve operational efficiency. AFPA is well-positioned to help processors navigate these trade uncertainties.
What Is AB Food Connect?
AB Food Connect is an online matchmaking tool that brings together three critical parts of the food and beverage ecosystem: producers, co-packers, and commissary kitchens. The online platform allows producers who lack in-house manufacturing capacity to find qualified partners that can process, manufacture, or package products according to their specifications. Co-packers and kitchens can showcase their capabilities, specialties, certifications, and available capacity to businesses actively seeking production partners. The service is available province-wide and is open to businesses at every stage, from start-ups and scale-ups to established brands expanding into new markets.
The platform supports business development by opening the door to new partnerships, long-term contracts, and more consistent facility utilization. For co-packers looking to expand their client base or diversify product lines, AB Food Connect functions as a low-cost marketing and lead-generation tool designed specifically for the industry. Producers can quickly identify partners that match their product type, scale, and operational needs.
Benefits for Food and Beverage Producers
For producers, the SCALE program and AB Food Connect can be strategic growth tools. It’s easy to access and free to use. One of the most practical advantages of the SCALE program and AB Food Connect is accessibility. Registration is simple, and the AB Food Connect platform is free to use for both producers and service providers. These programs are supported by AFPA, which brings decades of industry experience, training, and advocacy to the platform. This backing adds credibility and trust, particularly for businesses forming new production partnerships.
By connecting the right partners at the right time, Alberta’s food and beverage businesses can operate more efficiently, scale responsibly, and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
Interested in learning more about Unlocking Growth and Efficiency for Alberta’s Food and Beverage Businesses – Fill out the form
FINAL AGREEMENT SIGNED FOR MAJOR PROJECT REVIEWS
A finalized federal-provincial agreement will reduce duplication in major project reviews, strengthen investor certainty and rely more on Alberta’s regulatory system. The agreement allows Canada to rely on Alberta’s environmental and regulatory system for projects primarily within provincial jurisdiction. For projects where both federal and provincial assessments are required, Alberta and Canada will work together to avoid duplication by coordinating permitting and jointly reviewing project conditions. Read the article here.
ALBERTA LEADER ROUND TABLE
Join EMC on April 23rd for a virtual roundtable discussion focused on one of today’s most pressing challenges—building and retaining a strong, high-performing workforce. As organizations continue to navigate labor shortages, evolving employee expectations, and increasing pressure on productivity, traditional approaches to onboarding, performance management, and benefits are no longer enough.
This interactive session will bring together leaders from across industry to share insights, experiences, and practical strategies that are working right now. The discussion will explore how companies are improving onboarding processes to accelerate productivity, shifting away from outdated annual reviews toward more meaningful performance conversations, and redefining benefits to better support retention.
April 23rd at 10:00 AM | Virtual | Register Here
Next Level Events
Sip and Learn - Resilience Coach
Join us for a casual and interactive Sip n' Learn session as we explore Resilience Coaching.
Sharpen your skills in this one-hour Sip & Learn session. You’ll get a taste of the Resilience Coach course, a course that equips you with the knowledge and skills necessary to support others in their recovery journey, focusing on brain development, resilience, and practical coaching techniques.
Through engaging discussion and a short, practical activity, you’ll explore simple ways to support others. Leave with insights you can apply right away and the curiosity to dive deeper into the full course.
May 12th at 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Register for the session now! *Appetizers are included in the price of admission, and a cash bar is available.
Driving Business Success: City Insights, Future Plans & Collaboration to Succeed
You are invited to join us for a Business Round-Up with the City of Medicine Hat, right before State of the Region, to discuss plans, progress and improvements within City departments and learn about the 2026-2027 capital budget and strategic plans recently adopted by City Council.
This will also be an opportunity for you to view some changes to participate in a roundtable discussion with the Chamber on some of the advocacy efforts, and proposed updates to existing recommendations and ongoing work-in-progress items for our municipal Government.
May 14th at 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM | More event information here | Head straight to registration.
2026 State of the Region
Join us for our first State of the Region, an event that reflects a regional perspective. This new approach will allow us to share each council’s vision across the Medicine Hat–Cypress region, following the creation of each of their respective strategic planning sessions, and highlight the path forward for Southeast Alberta.
Following the Business Roundtable, doors open and networking begin at 11, with lunch service at noon. Following the meal, you will have the opportunity to hear from:
- Mayor Linnsie Clark, City of Medicine Hat
- Mayor Dan Hamilton, Cypress County
- Mayor Chris Czember, Town of Redcliff
The State of the Region is a town hall-style event where members can connect with their elected representatives and learn about their activities and plans for the future.
May 14th at 11:00 AM - 1:15 PM | Learn more about the event here | Head straight to registration 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 Elements Consulting Inc, Alberta Small Brewers Association, and Tan N Glow 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!
SOUTHERN ALBERTA HIGHER EDUCATION RELATIONSHIP CREATES SHARED VISION FOR REGION’S POST-SECONDARY INSTITUTIONS
An historic collaborative relationship between four southern Alberta post-secondary schools is expected to create a shared vision for the future of higher education in the region and further solidify southern Alberta as a destination for post-secondary learners.
The Southern Alberta Higher Education Relationship is described as a formal Commitment to Work Together that unites Red Crow Community College, Lethbridge Polytechnic, Medicine Hat College and the University of Lethbridge in a partnership to enhance higher education in southern Alberta through collaborative efforts.
Officials say the alliance’s Blackfoot name, Innakotsiiysinni (respect for others), reflects the shared goals and mutually supportive nature of the agreement. Read More
THE ACC IS AWARDED 3.5 MILLION FOR REGIONAL TARIFF RESPONSE INITIATIVES | EXPANDING TRADE OPPORTUNITIES AND MARKET GROWTH
The ACC is proud to be part of an important investment supporting Alberta businesses. Through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI), ACC will deliver domestic trade missions and initiatives designed to strengthen supply chains, enhance productivity, and expand domestic trade opportunities for small- and medium-sized businesses
“Helping Alberta businesses adapt to tariff impacts is critical — and so is building for the future. By strengthening domestic trade and connecting firms to new markets and partners across the Prairies, this project will boost productivity and open up new opportunities for long-term growth.”
— Shauna Feth, President & CEO, Alberta Chambers of Commerce
Elavon April Promotion
During 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
WIL Digital - Work Placement Program
WIL Digital helps employers grow their businesses by providing a wage subsidy to hire post-secondary students while students gain meaningful work experience and on-the-job learning. WIL Digital is funded by the Government of Canada's Student Work Placement Program (SWPP). Applications are NOW OPEN for the Summer 2026 term. All Summer 2026 placements must start on or after April 1, 2026, and end on or before August 31, 2026.
The Summer 2026 application submission deadline is July 15, 2026, subject to available funding and program capacity. Learn more here.
![WIL_Digital[1]](https://www.southeastalbertachamber.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/2171/bb-plugin/cache/WIL_Digital1-landscape-901f6b7b154ebf7f602ddf2799dc6508-cng96wmt2si5.jpg "WIL_Digital[1]")
TRAINING-ON-THE-JOB (TOJ) PROGRAM
The TOJ program is designed to help people who are no longer able to go back to their regular job and employer. The worker develops skills and gains work experience while you receive financial and other support from WCB during your new employee’s training period.
This program is designed to help employers bring a new employee into a position.
DEADLINE: Ongoing | More information and to apply
ALBERTA CARBON CAPTURE INCENTIVE PROGRAM
The Alberta Carbon Capture Incentive Program (ACCIP) will support and accelerate the development of new carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) infrastructure by providing incentives for facilities to incorporate this technology into their operations.
Deadline: Ongoing | Find out more
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the April 7th 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 Events
April 15 | Making Better Technology Decisions as a Business Owner
April 15 | Indigenous Founders Circle: Dream It
April 15 -17 | EDA Xperience 2026: Fresh Ideas, Bold Futures
April 16 | CleanTech, AI, Automation and Robotics
April 16 | Edmonton | Where Does Your Data Live? And Who Controls It? What the Canadian Social Sector Needs to Know About Data Sovereignty
April 23 | Tech Night by Community Futures Entre-Corp
Useful Links
Follow us on social media for up-to-the-minute updates
The Voice: April 14th, 2026
Alberta-China Advisory Committee Launches, Federal Minimum Wage is Now $18.15/Hour, Alberta Commits $247M to Strengthening the Workforce, and more all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News ALBERTA-CHINA ADVISORY COMMITTEE LAUNCHES The committee will provide targeted insight on trade and investment opportunities with China, supporting government efforts to focus on partnerships that deliver…
Read More The Voice: April 7th, 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 Chamber Board Nominations Now Open As part of the Board of Director’s succession planning for the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce, nominations are held each…
Read More 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…
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