The Voice: September 15th, 2026
Passenger Rail Virtual Information Session, Alberta's Government Funding New Post-Secondary Spaces, Alberta Bans Solar Panels from Landfills, Rural Crime Prevention, Strategic Changes to Agristability, and more all in this week's edition of The Voice.
Business News
Passenger rail virtual information session
Interested in the future of passenger rail in Alberta? Transportation & Economic Corridors is hosting a virtual public session to learn about the key findings and recommendations from Alberta's Passenger Rail Master Plan. Participants will hear an overview of the plan, ask questions, and explore what passenger rail could mean for communities, businesses, and economic growth across the province.
September 15 at 7:00 pm: Registration required
Alberta’s government is funding more than 8,000 new post-secondary spaces
Alberta is committing more than $148 million over three years to expand high-demand degree, diploma and certificate programs in areas such as health care, education, engineering, technology, early learning and skilled trades. This investment builds on almost $313 million provided through the first two rounds of Targeted Enrolment Expansion, which will add more than 15,000 funded spaces. The new funding responds to student demand while helping train more nurses, paramedics, teachers, engineers and other skilled professionals needed to support Alberta’s growing economy, public services and communities.
Find out more and view the Targeted Enrolment Expansion.
Alberta bans solar panels from landfills
Beginning Oct. 1, Alberta will become the first province in Canada to operate a solar panel recycling program and is banning solar panels from landfill disposal. This will ensure they are directed toward reuse and recycling when they reach the end of their useful lives.
Solar panels contain valuable glass, aluminum, silicon, silver, copper and other metals. Instead of burying those resources, Alberta’s new system will recover them for use in new products, attract investment in collection and processing capacity, and help establish a new recycling industry here at home. Read the Full Announcement
Rural Crime Prevention
Rural Municipalities of Alberta recently provided an overview of common rural crime concerns and outlines measures residents and municipalities can take to support community safety and crime prevention. Rural towns and municipalities face different crime-related challenges than larger urban centers. Because rural areas are often more remote and less densely populated, with limited law enforcement presence and resources, addressing and preventing criminal activity requires a tailored approach. The four primary areas of concern in rural communities are property crime and theft, vehicle theft, farm and agricultural crime, and violence and substance use.
View the strategies residents can use to reduce their risk of becoming victims and measures municipalities can implement to improve community safety and crime prevention. Learn more
Alberta and Canada governments made strategic changes to AgriStability
In recognition of excessive moisture conditions that have affected many producers since the April 30 enrolment deadline, Alberta has opened late participation for the 2026 AgriStability program year. Alberta producers can now sign up for the program until Oct. 1, giving them more time to review and manage business risks associated with extreme weather or other unexpected difficulties. Additionally, the 2026 interim payment rate has been increased from 50 per cent to 75 per cent of the estimated final payment.
This change will put money in producers’ hands sooner and improve cash flow during a challenging growing season. Late participation is subject to a reduced benefit, and producers must pay the required upfront fee by Oct. 1 to be able to be eligible for the 2026 program. Factors such as reduced income, increased expenses or reduced inventory are used to determine a potential benefit.
Read the announcement | Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada) | Agriculture Financial Services Corporation: AgriStability
Medicine Hat-Cypress News
Medicine Hat launches new tools to help employers assess skills beyond traditional credentials
Employers in Medicine Hat and southeastern Alberta have a new set of tools aimed at helping them find qualified workers by looking beyond traditional education and experience requirements.
Medicine Hat Economic Development has launched Competency Match, a free suite of interactive resources designed to help employers evaluate candidates based on observable skills, behaviours and abilities.
The initiative comes as local employers experience workforce shortages, and skilled newcomers and experienced workers can face barriers to employment despite relevant education, experience and transferable skills.
Continuous Improvement Program ensuring high quality Planning and Development customer experience
The City of Medicine Hat’s Planning and Development Services department has implemented a Continuous Improvement Program, intended to continuously review department processes and procedures, including tracking timelines for approvals. The intent is to ensure a predictable, transparent, and user-friendly customer experience through a commitment to identify areas for improvement, especially those related to efficiency and communication with applicants, the public and all interest holders. The program was launched in summer 2024, focused on identifying and creating simpler steps, clearer communication, better tracking, and faster, more transparent service for applicants, staff, and the community. View the program initiatives to date
Residents, developers and business owners who’ve navigated any of these processes are encouraged to fill out Planning and Development Services’ feedback form. This feedback helps the department make forms, checklists, and instructions clearer.
Medicine Hat College research highlights path to stronger defence innovation hub in Southeast Alberta
A webinar hosted by The Centre for Innovation (C4i) at Medicine Hat College examined how Southeast Alberta can build on its military, research and industry assets to strengthen its role in Canada’s defence innovation network.
The national Defence Innovation Hub Nexus webinar shared the findings of a year-long research project examining how regions can strengthen their role in Canada’s defence innovation ecosystem.
The research, funded through a Department of National Defence MINDS Targeted Engagement Grant, included more than 50 interviews with industry, government, academia and other organizations in Canada and allied countries.
Brooks-Newell News
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS ON COUNTY OF NEWELL PROPOSED BYLAWS
The County of Newell Council will be considering Bylaw 2137-26, an amendment to the existing municipal Land Use Bylaw 201621, to redesignate lands from A-GEN Agriculture, General District to I-GEN Industrial, General District to allow for industrial development that is ancillary to the function of Newell Regional Landfill facility. The land that is the subject of the proposed land use bylaw amendment is legally described as PART OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER & SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 34, TOWNSHIP 19, RANGE 15 WEST OF THE 4TH MERIDIAN, AND PART OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF SECTION 35, TOWNSHIP 19, RANGE 15 WEST OF THE 4TH MERIDIAN
Additionally, the Council of the County of Newell will be considering Bylaw 2135-26, an amendment to the existing municipal Land Use Bylaw 2016-21, to redesignate the above-noted lands from S-PPS SPECIAL, Parks and Public Service District to A-GEN Agriculture, General District to allow for the continued use of the agriculture parcel.
The land that is the subject of the proposed land use bylaw amendment is legally described as PLAN 1910458, BLOCK 1, LOT 1, IN THE NORTHWEST QUATER OF SECTION 30, TOWNSHIP 22, RANGE 14, WEST OF THE 4TH MERIDIAN.
The public hearings for both bylaws will be held September 24, 2026 in the County of Newell Council Chambers at 11:30 a.m. A copy of the proposed bylaws may be inspected at the County of Newell office during normal business hours or online: Public Hearings - Newell County, AB. Anyone wishing to make a presentation regarding the proposed bylaw should contact the Chief Administrative Officer no later than 4:00 p.m. on the 17th day of September 2026. Both written and/or verbal presentations may be given at the public hearing.
Welcome Week: a global initiative dedicated to celebrating and welcoming new and returning residents to the community
Welcome Week provides an opportunity for all of us to strengthen connections, learn about local resources, celebrate diverse cultures and experiences, and recognize the many contributions of those who call Brooks home. It is a time to come together and showcase the welcoming and inclusive spirit that makes our city a great place to live, work, and belong.
Throughout the week, local organizations, businesses, and community partners will host a variety of events and activities designed to bring people together, showcase community resources, and celebrate the diversity that makes Brooks a welcoming place for everyone. The event schedule includes community open houses, family activities, employment opportunities, library tours, community markets, and cultural and educational experiences.
See a complete list of activities and events taking place throughout the City of Brooks in support of Welcome Week happening September 10th - 18th.
Advocacy in Action
Business enablement at the CFIA
The Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce has been working on interprovincial trade barriers related to our agriculture and agri-food industry
https://southeastalbertachamber.growthzoneapp.com/ap/CloudFile/Download/rXX930vr
Federal fuel excise tax relief extended
The Alberta Chambers of Commerce is pleased to see that the government has extended the temporary suspension of the federal fuel excise tax until January 31, 2027, and applying 50% of the regular excise tax rate from February 1 through March 31, 2027. This announcement follows advocacy by chambers of commerce and boards of trade from Alberta and Atlantic Canada which urged the government to maintain the suspension to continue beyond its original September 7 expiry date.
Alberta Referendum: October 19
With 10 questions on the referendum ballot, it is anticipated that lines to vote may be extremely long, as it will take longer to complete the ballot. Employers are still expected to provide three consecutive, non-work hours for employees who have not yet voted, with this in mind you may want to encourage your employees to get a mail in ballot, along with you. A mail in ballot also provides time to thoroughly read through the questions and make informed decisions. You can currently read all of the proposed questions on the Elections Alberta website.
Request a mail in ballot prior to September 25
The Alberta Chambers of Commerce has also compiled objective, research-driven information on the economic considerations surrounding the upcoming referendum. This resource hub brings together the latest ACC research, analysis, media coverage, and reference materials in a single location and will be updated regularly as new information becomes available. Learn more
Alberta Perspectives | Municipal Red Tape Research: Have a Say
What is helping - or getting in the way - of doing business in your community?
Alberta Perspectives wants to hear what Alberta businesses are experiencing on the ground, from municipal services and permitting to public safety, business supports and the pressures affecting growth.
Sharing your insights will take approximately 5 minutes and help our network advocate on behalf of your business with local and provincial government. Closes September 18, 2026 at 5:00PM MST
Take the survey: https://research.albertaperspectives.ca/jfe/form/SV_4JwZZkDBOCz4l02
Next Level Events
Brooks Fall Home + Leisure Tradeshow happening October 2nd - 4th
The Southeast Alberta Home & Leisure Tradeshow is Brooks largest business showcase, drawing thousands of visitors over three days, from October 2nd-4th, 2026. Entering its third year of production, the show continues to grow its audience and impact.
A great opportunity to get a head start on your fall projects, find your next food + drink favourite, and shop all of the great tradeshow booths and market vendors. With 100 booths and market stalls to explore, there is truly something for everyone.
Online ticket are now live - grab your tickets ahead of time, and skip the lines day-of: https://chamber.southeastalbertachamber.ca/ap/Events/Register/7EFOO1vcNCQCd
BDC / EMC Economic Outlook for Manufacturers
Join Pierre Cléroux, Vice President, Research, and Chief Economist at BDC – Canada’s development bank – for the latest on the state of the Canadian economy, manufacturing, and highlights from BDC’s recently released Report: The Digital Transformation of SMEs in the Age of Artificial Intelligence. Jean-Pierre (JP) Giroux, President of EMC, will provide an overview on the Issues Affecting EMC’s manufacturing network and the solutions and resources EMC is bringing to help.
Virtual Event | September 28, 2026 at 1:00pm EST | Register here.
Tariff Roundtable & Networking Event
Join Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium for an Alberta Tariff roundtable designed to help manufacturers understand current tariff developments and focus on the issues that matter most to their business. With tariff announcements and trade speculation emerging almost daily, it can be challenging to separate meaningful information from background noise.
Matt Sando of Jori Logistics will present “Tariffs: News vs. Noise”, offering Alberta manufacturers a practical framework for identifying important developments, assessing potential business impacts, and responding with greater clarity and confidence. The session will also include networking over coffee and a light breakfast, along with an overview of EMC’s Alberta Tariff Impact Study needs assessment led by Sue Oguchi.
Tuesday, September 29th - Medicine Hat - 8:30am - Tariff Roundtable and Networking Medicine Hat- EMC Canada
Thursday, October 1st - Brooks - 8:30am - Tariff Roundtable and Networking Brooks - EMC Canada
OHS: Practical Strategies for Onboarding and Protecting New Workers workshop
Registration is now open for a free, full-day workshop designed to help employers, supervisors and safety professionals better protect young and new workers on the job. Funded by a creative sentencing order resulting from a conviction under Alberta's OHS legislation, this workshop gives you practical, research-backed tools to help young and new workers in high-risk environments develop into confident, independent contributors.
To learn more or register for a workshop, visit any of the following:
Business Link Alberta – Upcoming Events and Learning Opportunities
Get F.R.E.S.H. About Your Finances
Multiple session dates – Online | Register Today
Build Better Bookkeeping Habits
Thursday, Sept. 17 | 11:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. – In Person | Reserve a Spot
Simplify Your Customer Management
Thursday, Sept. 24 | 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Online | Learn More
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 2G Land Ltd. 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!
Canadian Tire and Tim Hortons join forces to link their loyalty programs
Canadian Tire Corp. Ltd. and Tim Hortons are hoping to perk up their customer bases by linking their loyalty programs.
Under a partnership launched between the home goods retailer and cafe giant on Wednesday, customers who link their Triangle and Tims Rewards accounts will earn between two and five per cent in Canadian Tire money in addition to Tims points on select Tims purchases. Right now, 53 per cent of Triangle Rewards customers are enrolled in both loyalty programs. Canadian Tire has about 12 million Triangle Rewards members and 1,600 locations across its banners. Tims counts eight million loyalty program users and 4,000 restaurants in Canada. (CBC News)
Medicine Hat’s Landing Zones named finalist for ASTech Awards, with CFO speaking at showcase
A Medicine Hat technology company is being recognized as one of Alberta’s leading innovators, while one of its executives prepares to take the stage during the provincial technology event. Landing Zones Canada Inc. is a finalist for the 2026 ASTech Awards, and the company’s CFO, Dylan Richards, is a featured speaker at the ASTech Awards Opening Ceremonies and Innovation Showcase in Calgary on Sept. 18.
The company, founded in 2022, is being recognized for its drone technology, which has applications in firefighting, environmental work, and the aerospace and defence sectors. Richards said the nomination puts Landing Zones among a group of Alberta companies, researchers and organizations doing innovative work across a range of industries.
Alberta Youth Employment Incentive
Explore the Alberta Youth Employment Incentive, a cost-effective way to hire talent. Qualified employers can receive up to $7,500 to hire Albertans aged 15 to 24, helping you fill workforce needs today while investing in the skilled workforce of tomorrow.
Fill Up On Funding
Northern and Regional Economic Development (NRED) program
Applications are open for Alberta's Northern and Regional Economic Development (NRED) program, with grants available for projects supporting investment readiness, business retention and expansion, and regional economic development.
Eligible applicants include municipalities, Indigenous communities and incorporated not-for-profit organizations with an economic development mandate. Grants range from $10,000 to $300,000.
Apply by November 19 | NRED fact sheet
Details about the program, including the Program Guidelines, Application Companion Guide, and the link to the Online Application Portal can also be found on the Northern and Regional Economic Development Program webpage. To support applicants, a series of virtual information sessions will be held to provide guidance on eligibility, timelines, and how applications will be evaluated to assist you in planning out a strong application:
- September 16, 2026 – 10:00 am to 11:00 am – Click here to join September 16 meeting
- September 21, 2026 – 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm – Click here to join September 21 meeting
- October 29, 2026 – 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm – Click here to join October 29 meeting
- November 12, 2026 – 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm – Click here to join November 12 meeting
For more information, including updated Program Guidelines and an updated Application Companion Guide, please visit: www.alberta.ca/northern-and-regional-economic-development-program.
Alberta’s government is investing $5.5 million to build a stronger workforce
Through the Alberta Industry Skills Grant (AISG), Alberta’s government is responding to sector-wide skill shortages and investing in provincewide workforce development. Alberta’s government has allocated $5.5 million for the AISG in 2026-27. Applications will be accepted through to Oct. 30, through a competitive call for proposals process, with successful projects expected to begin in early 2027. The AISG provides funding to collaborative, industry-led training initiatives that respond to evolving workforce needs and strengthen Alberta's economy. Open to all industries, the competitive grant program complements existing workforce development programs by supporting practical, industry-driven solutions.
Application status: Open – September 9, 2026 to October 30, 2026
Online information sessions: September 21 and 22, 2026
Deadline to submit questions: October 7, 2026 at 3:00 pm Alberta Time
Visit alberta.ca/AISG to learn more and register for an upcoming online information session on September 21 or 22, 2026.
If you need cash flow
BDC has advice and tools that can help you get started. Read the insights and learn more about BDC Pivot to Grow - the new liquidity stream that provides financing from $250,000 to $5 million, interest-only payments for up to 36 months, simplified application. The minimum revenue requirement is now $1 million. Available until March 31, 2028.
Counter-tariffs and business support measures
The federal government has announced new counter-tariffs on select U.S. products, effective September 8, along with a $7.5 billion support package for businesses and workers affected by trade disruptions. Businesses with U.S. supply chain exposure are encouraged to review potential impacts and available supports. Find out more and review the list of supports available:
Check your exposure
- Canada Tariff Finder: Free lookup by product keyword or HS code.
- Canada’s September 8 counter tariff list: Full tariff-item-level list of affected U.S. goods.
- Trade Commissioner Service tariff hub: Current U.S. measures by sector, CUSMA compliance guidance, and a support line at 1-833-760-1167.
Alberta tariff portal and concierge service
A reporting portal and concierge service where businesses can flag tariff impacts and be matched to available supports, announced August 26 and not yet live.
Business Benefits Finder: A short questionnaire that matches your business to federal, provincial and municipal funding, tax credits, wage subsidies and advisory services, including supports beyond the tariff response.
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the September 8th 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 Resources
Alberta Economy Indicators at a Glance
CIP Organizational Development and Collaboration Grant
Work‑Sharing and Worker Retention Grant
10 Traditional Marketing Strategies When Social Media Isn’t Enough
The right type of financing for your business project
Other Events
Brooks YMCA September Workshops
Non-profit learning webinars | Alberta.ca
September 16
- Cyber Insurance 101 Part 1 Webinar
- Business Link Alberta - Alberta Small Business: Our Impact, Our Community
- Everything Government Can Do for Your Business
September 17
- Managing Tariffs and Cash Flow for Canadian Exporters
- ASAE Year-End Association Health Check: Strengthening Governance, Operations, and Member Value for 2027 Planning
- Build a Smarter Business Plan With AI and Free Tools
- Entering Canada’s Defence Market: How to Get Started
- AI for Growth: Find Your Money
September 21-24 | Fundraising for Entrepreneurs
September 22 | SEO: Understanding the Basics
Useful Links
Follow us on social media for up-to-the-minute updates
The Voice: September 15th, 2026
Passenger Rail Virtual Information Session, Alberta’s Government Funding New Post-Secondary Spaces, Alberta Bans Solar Panels from Landfills, Rural Crime Prevention, Strategic Changes to Agristability, and more all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News Passenger rail virtual information session Interested in the future of passenger rail in Alberta? Transportation & Economic Corridors is…
Read More The Voice: September 8th, 2026
Canada Announces Targeted Countermeasures and Support in Reponse to Tariffs, Southeast Alberta Recieves Provincial Funding to Strengthen Agri-Food Sector, Responsible Data Centre Develpment Principles, and more all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News Canada announces targeted countermeasures and substantive support for workers and businesses in response to U.S. tariffs To support Canadian…
Read More The Voice: September 1st, 2026
Happy New Fiscal Year, Alberta Culture Days, Federal Wildfire Outlook Highlights Preparedness and Resilience, Reducing Trade Barriers and Strengtheing Agri-Food Growth in Southeast Alberta, and more all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News Happy New Fiscal Year & Alberta Culture Days! September 1st isn’t just the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce’ new…
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