The Voice: August 11th, 2026
Government of Alberta Launches AI Information Hub, Alberta Open Farm Days, Minister McGuinty Concludes Alberta Visit Focused on Innovation and Strengthening Canada's Defence Capabilities, BeGrainSafe Week, and more all in this week's edition of The Voice.
Business News
Government of Alberta Launches AI Information hub
Alberta’s government has launched an online information hub and a series of town halls to provide comprehensive information on AI data centre development. As global demand for AI computing continues to grow, Alberta’s competitive tax environment, abundant natural gas and skilled workforce position the province as a premier destination in North America for private data centre investment. By establishing clear rules, environmental requirements and grid-protection policies ahead of development, Alberta is ensuring that major private investments in AI data centres deliver substantial benefits for Albertans and protect the things that matter: power bills, water, land, the environment and communities.
The new website explains what data centres are, why they are being built here, the opportunities they create, how Alberta’s approach differs from other jurisdictions and the safeguards that protect Alberta’s electricity system, water resources, communities and taxpayers. Each answer links to public sources so people can review the information directly..
Alberta Open Farm Days: Rangelands and Pastoralists
Happening August 15th & 16th, Alberta Open Farm Days is your free, behind-the-scenes look at the province's agriculture and local food system. It is also an incubator for agricultural tourism and rural sustainability, bringing Albertans together through educational and hands-on experiences that show where food comes from and how it is produced.
For one weekend, farms, ranches, breweries, orchards, dairies, and food producers across the province open their gates to the public. Learn more and see what’s happening in our region!
Minister McGuinty concludes Alberta visit focused on innovation and strengthening Canada’s defence capabilities
The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, concluded a two-day trip to Alberta, where he met with Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members, researchers, industry leaders and community partners to highlight investments in innovation, defence research, military infrastructure and Canadian industry that are strengthening Canada’s defence capabilities and supporting military readiness.
Hosted by Commander 3rd Canadian Division, Major-General Wade Rutland, Minister McGuinty toured the Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Suffield where he met with reservists undertaking summer training and toured the Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) Suffield Research Centre. At the Suffield Research Centre, he met with defence scientists and engineers to discuss ongoing research and future CAF capability requirements in areas including autonomous systems, counter-uncrewed aerial systems, advanced energetics, and chemical, biological, and radiological defence.
At the Suffield Research Centre, Minister McGuinty also participated in industry engagement sessions where QinetiQ, Amtech Aeronautical, UVAD Technologies, and Landing Zones Canada provided an overview of innovative technologies and their potential defence applications. The Medicine Hat based company, Landing Zones Canada, is receiving advisory services and up to $415,000 in funding from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP). The company is receiving this funding to advance the defence readiness of their projects and further develop their Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) flight control software. These investments will support their overall focus on strengthening capabilities for defence applications and operational deployment.
BeGrainSafe Week
Aug. 10 – 16 is BeGrainSafe week in Canada, started by the Canadian Agriculture Safety Association (CASA) in 2017 to raise awareness of grain entrapment hazards. CASA is a national non-profit dedicated to improving the health and safety of agricultural workers by providing workplace training, grain entrapment prevention education and firefighter rescue training.
To learn about the hazards of grain entrapment and training initiatives, please visit the CASA website.
Medicine Hat-Cypress News
What We Heard Report published for Riverside Corridor Enhancement Project
The City of Medicine Hat has completed and published its What We Heard Report for the Riverside Corridor Enhancement Project. The project focuses on roadway renewal, deep utility upgrades, and safety improvements for Third Street North, an approximately two-kilometre corridor through the historic Riverside neighbourhood.
The document contains all community input received through the official engagement process on the revised corridor design concept– resulting in a 69-page report, and approximately 330 pages of comments captured through the survey.
2026 Special Olympics Summer Games
The Special Olympics Summer Games are HERE! This week from Tuesday to Saturday, atheltes from across Canada will be playing in the games and representing their provinces and territories right here in Medicine Hat! To check out the schedule and results as they come out, you can visit the website here.
Atheletes, ambassadors, and anyone visiting Medicine Hat; on behalf of the business community, welcome to Southeast Alberta! Make sure to ask around for local must-visit spots, and keep and eye out for anyone offering special deals this week!
Stay up to date by visiting the official SOCSG website here, or the Medicine Hat Games Facebook page here.
Brooks-Newell News
Why is the County of Newell Updating the Land Use Bylaw?Â
The purpose of the proposed Bylaw is to update the Land Use Bylaw 2016-21 to include Data Processing Centres and Small-Scale Energy-Integrated Data Centres. Before any new type of development becomes common, it's good governance to make sure the rules are already in place.
Council is reviewing the Land Use Bylaw to establish clear regulations for future data centres before development applications are considered. Planning ahead helps protect residents, gives developers clear expectations, and allows decisions to be made consistently and transparently.
That's why the proposed policy requires applicants to answer them before decisions are made. There are lots of great questions from residents about the proposed Land Use Bylaw changes relating to data centres.
To help separate facts from rumours, a Frequently Asked Questions page was created that explains:
Why the bylaw is being updated
What the County can regulate
How applications would be reviewed
How residents can participate
What happens next
Learn more, read the proposed bylaw and leave some feedback > https://countyofnewell.ab.ca/data-centre-faq
Request for Proposal - Consulting Services for the Update of the County of Newell – Village of Duchess Intermunicipal Development Plan
The County of Newell invites qualified planning consulting firms to submit proposals to facilitate the review and update of the Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP) between the County of Newell and the Village of Duchess.
Read the full RFP and find information on how to submit > Consulting Services for IDP
Export Readiness & Opportunities in Japan: Free Information Session on August 21
This October, Palliser Economic Partnership (PEP) is once again offering a curated Japan Exploratory Tour (see below for details), and there is a free Japan Market Opportunities & October Exploratory Tour Information Session on Friday, August 21 in Brooks (or via ZOOM).
Whether you're already export-ready, developing a value-added product, or simply beginning to explore international opportunities, this information session is designed to help you better understand what it takes to succeed in Japan—and whether this October's tour is the right next step for your business.
→ During the session they’ll discuss:
- Export readiness for Canadian food and agribusiness companies
- Opportunities and challenges in the Japanese market
- What you'll experience on the October Japan Exploratory Tour
- Funding opportunities that may help support participation
→ Planning for the October tour is already underway, and space is limited. If you're considering joining, this information session is the perfect opportunity to learn more, ask questions, and determine whether the tour is a good fit for your business.
Date: Friday, August 21 | Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Heritage Inn & Suites (1239 2 Street West, Brooks, AB)
Cost: Complimentary (Sponsored by PEP) *Attend in person or online via Zoom (meeting link will be provided upon registration).
Register for the Info Session Here | Register for Japan Here
Advocacy in Action
Advancing a more competitive Canada
The Alberta Chambers of Commerce joined chambers from across the country in launching Chambers of the Federation: An Agenda for a More Competitive Canada, a business-led framework focused on strengthening internal trade, labour mobility, infrastructure, and investment competitiveness. The recommendations provide a roadmap for reducing barriers, improving productivity, and creating greater economic opportunities for businesses across Canada.
Next Level Events
Grant Writing 101 – Free live webinar
This 2-hour webinar covers core proposal and grant writing skills, how to avoid common pitfalls, understanding what funders look for, and tips on how to maintain good relationships with your funders. To access the recording of this webinar, please visit https://www.youtube.com/AlbertaCDU
August 26 at 1:30pm MDT | Register for free here
Heart of the Horse
Experience the Art of Horsemanship this August 21st–23rd at the Cypress Centre in Medicine Hat, Alberta! Experience horsemanship through competitions, demonstrations, and more!
Learn more about the event here:Â https://www.theheartofthehorse.ca/
Trade Accelerator Program
The Trade Accelerator Program (TAP) provides the tools, connections, and knowledge needed to successfully enter and grow in new markets. In the course of four sessions, you’ll gain the knowledge you need to take on the world.
Day 1–3: In-Person Workshop
Participants will engage in immersive, hands-on sessions covering key topics in international trade and business development. Each day builds on the last, guiding attendees through the strategic elements of crafting a customized export plan. Topics may include:
- Market research and selection
- Export financing and logistics
- International marketing strategies
- Regulatory compliance and risk management
Day 4: Virtual Mentorship Day
Participants will reconnect virtually with the expert speakers and industry professionals they met during the in-person workshop. This dedicated mentorship day provides an opportunity to receive personalized feedback, refine their export plans, and gain deeper insights from those who shared their expertise earlier in the program.
Learn more about the program and sign-up for the Medicine Hat cohort here.
BusinessLink Alberta - Vision to Venture: Business Model Canvas Workshop
Turn your business idea into a clear and practical model during this free, interactive workshop at the YW Community Hub in Calgary. Participants will explore the nine sections of the Business Model Canvas before creating their own with guidance and input from other entrepreneurs. The session is designed for anyone developing a new idea, validating an existing business or looking for a simple way to strengthen their plans.
Wednesday, Aug. 26 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Â | In-Person |Â 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
Chamber Members
We would like to welcome CAPP - Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers 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!
Safety Buzz Campus Launches Southeast Alberta's First Mobile Commercial Driving Simulator
Safety Buzz Campus (SBC) is proud to introduce a groundbreaking new training tool to Southeast Alberta: a state-of-the-art, portable commercial driving simulator designed to help employers improve driver competency, reduce risk, and enhance road safety.
As the only simulator of its kind currently available in Southeast Alberta, this highly realistic training system provides an immersive driving experience that allows drivers to develop and demonstrate skills in a safe, controlled environment without putting people, equipment, or property at risk.
At a time when Canada continues to face a shortage of safe, qualified commercial drivers, tools like this simulator are more important than ever. It gives students, job seekers, and community members a realistic, low-pressure way to experience what commercial driving can feel like before committing to training. By removing some of the fear and uncertainty around operating larger vehicles, the simulator helps people see that commercial driving is a learnable, achievable career path—and one that is open to people from many different backgrounds.
You’re Invited: Demo Day
Employers, fleet managers, safety professionals, community partners, students, job seekers, and members of the public are invited to experience the simulator firsthand during an upcoming demonstration event. This is an opportunity to try what a new career in commercial driving could feel like in a realistic, supportive, and approachable environment.
Demo Day: September 10, 2026 1-3pm Location: Safety Buzz Campus Ltd
Elavon Meet or Beat Offer - Get a $250 Visa Gift Card!
During July and August, eligible new members who sign up through Elavon's Chamber Referral Program can take advantage of the Meet or Beat Promotion. Elavon will review the member's current processing rates and, if they are unable to meet or beat them, the member may qualify for a $250 Visa Gift Card, subject to the offer terms and conditions.
Manage payments wherever business takes you. With flexible payment options, next business day funding, and 24/7 support, you can run your business with confidence while giving your customers more ways to pay.
What are you waiting for? Get started! Find the payment solution that is best for you: join.paymentstart.com/CAChamber
*Offer valid from July 1 to August 31, 2026. Merchant processing cost comparison is based upon the calculation of the rate and associated per item cost as determined by the three most recent processing statements with a date less than four months old. Please allow 6 to 8 weeks for receipt of your $250 Visa gift card. The awarded gift card is not returnable, refundable, or reloadable, and cannot be used to make cash withdrawals. Use of awarded gift cards in certain provinces and other countries may be restricted by law. Use of awarded gift cards may be restricted at some online merchants, including pay-at-the-pump transactions. The awarded gift card is subject to restrictions, fees, limits, or costs established by the prepaid gift card issuer. The following business and rate types are excluded from this offer: merchants using proprietary mobile programs, merchants priced below established card network interchange costs, franchise locations accepting payments under a corporate pricing program, association membership, trade group, or warehouse pricing, petroleum merchants, and merchants processing through a third-party network. Offer may be extended, modified, or discontinued at any time without notice.
Fill Up On Funding
New infrastructure fund opens applications for eligible projects
The Government of Canada launched the Build Communities Strong Fund, which will provide infrastructure funding through multiple streams beginning in 2026-27. Eligible projects include housing-related infrastructure, transportation systems, post-secondary facilities, healthcare infrastructure, climate resilience projects, and community infrastructure.
Applications are currently being accepted through the Direct Delivery stream for shovel-ready projects.
Business benefits finder updated with funding and support programs
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada updated its Business Benefits Finder platform. The tool allows businesses and not-for-profit organizations to identify federal programs and services, including grants, loans, tax credits, advisory services, and wage subsidies, based on their specific needs and business profile.
Eureka Cluster CELTIC NEXT next generation communications collab industrial R&D call for proposal (Autumn 2026)
CELTIC-NEXT, the Eureka cluster focused on next-generation communications, has launched its autumn 2026 call for collaborative research and development (R&D) project proposals. As an international, industry-driven research, development, and innovation program, CELTIC-NEXT supports projects in the fields of information and communication technologies (ICT) and telecommunications. The program launches 2 calls for proposals each year to foster innovative and collaborative R&D projects.
The CELTIC-NEXT Autumn 2026 Call invites Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and other organizations to propose collaborative, industry-driven R&D projects that advance next-generation communication technologies supporting a secure, trusted, and sustainable digital society. The program promotes innovative ICT solutions through international partnerships that connect industry, academia and research to drive technological progress and market impact.
Detailed information here |Â Application deadline: October 26, 2026
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the August 4th 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 News
Alberta Labour Force Highlights
Alberta Indigenous Labour Force Highlights
Tourism in Canada, 2025: A pillar of economic resilience
Finding New Provincial Grant Opportunities (Search a listing of Government of Alberta open datasets and publications eg. 'Economy and Finance').
Other Events
August 12 | Building Strong Teams and Effective Relationships – Board Development
August 12 | Your Customers Are Your Best Marketers: How to Leverage Their Stories
August 13 | Bank on a Strong Start with RBC
August 18 | EDA Cananda Alberta Productivity Grant Webinar (CAPG)
August 19 | EMC The Case for Reconnecting Canada’s Manufacturing Economy
August 19 | Committees and Meetings – Board Development Program
Useful Links
Follow us on social media for up-to-the-minute updates
The Voice: August 11th, 2026
Government of Alberta Launches AI Information Hub, Alberta Open Farm Days, Minister McGuinty Concludes Alberta Visit Focused on Innovation and Strengthening Canada’s Defence Capabilities, BeGrainSafe Week, and more all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News Government of Alberta Launches AI Information hub Alberta’s government has launched an online information hub and a…
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Liquor Sales Application (LSA) Portal System Transition, Statement on Advancing Canada’s Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences Sector, Canada Launches Defence Drone Initiative, and more all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News Government of Canada launches Defence Drone Initiative to strengthen Canada’s sovereign defence capabilities The Government of Canada launched the Defence Drone Initiative (DDI),…
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