The Voice: October 20th, 2026
Small Business Week, CRTC Takes Action to Improve Information about Cellphone Coverage, New Inclusive Hiring Resource Hub Now Avilable, Reopening the Registration Process for Eligible Historical Agricultural Water Use, and more all in this week's edition of The Voice.
Business News
October 18th - 24th is Small Business Week
The Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce is proud to celebrate Small Business Week; recognizing the entrepreneurs, business owners, and innovators who help drive economic growth, create local jobs, and contribute to the vibrancy of communities across Southeast Alberta.
Small businesses are the backbone of our regional economy. From family-owned storefronts and agricultural operations to professional services, manufacturers, and startups, these businesses play a vital role in shaping the communities where we live, work, and invest.
Read our news release | Learn more at BDC.ca | Ways to support small businesses
CRTC takes action to improve information about cellphone coverage
Following a public consultation, the CRTC is introducing a new approach for how service providers report on their cellphone networks. This will give Canadians more detailed information about cellphone coverage in a specific area, making it easier to compare service options. Canadians will also be able to report locations where coverage maps do not reflect their experience.
This feedback will help improve the accuracy of information over time and provide a clearer picture of connectivity needs across Canada. Find out more
The opportunity ahead: a defining moment for Canadian businesses
Canada is entering a major investment cycle that could create significant opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses. A new BDC study estimates that planned major projects in defence, housing and civil infrastructure, energy, mining, natural gas and AI data centres could attract more than $670 billion in additional investment between 2026 and 2030, generating an estimated $443 billion in economic activity through the supply chains that support these projects.
For businesses, the message is clear: opportunity will favour companies that are prepared, visible and ready to scale. The strongest growth is expected in construction, mining, manufacturing, professional services and wholesale trade, but businesses across many sectors may benefit by positioning themselves as suppliers, subcontractors, service providers or partners in larger project supply chains.
To succeed, businesses need to strengthen financial readiness, manage cash flow, understand procurement requirements, build workforce capacity, invest in productivity and technology, and form strategic partnerships that help them compete for larger contracts. The report also highlights the importance of reducing barriers for SMEs, including improving access to information about upcoming opportunities, streamlining procurement, addressing labour shortages and improving access to financing.
This is a timely reminder for Southeast Alberta businesses to assess where they fit in emerging supply chains, identify gaps in capacity or certifications, and start building relationships now. Find out more
New Inclusive Hiring Resource Hub now available
ACC has launched a new Inclusive Hiring Resource Hub for chambers and employers. Organized around four steps, learn, implement, connect and spotlight, the hub brings together practical tools, employer supports, hiring opportunities and real-world examples to help businesses build more inclusive workplaces. Explore the Hub
Alberta is reopening the registration process for eligible historical agricultural water use
Amendments to the Water Act, proclaimed on March 11, 2026, restores the ability to register traditional agricultural water uses on unpatented Crown land. A Traditional Agricultural Registration is an authorization under the Water Act which allows eligible historical agricultural water uses to be formally registered. The Water Act enabled agricultural water users who used water prior to January 1, 1999, to raise animals or apply pesticides to crops to register their water use (up to 6,250 m3) and receive a priority number based off the date of first use.
This will give ranchers an opportunity to correct the record, have eligible long-standing water use reviewed and receive the recognition and priority associated with that historical use. The reopened program applies to eligible agricultural water use that occurred before Jan. 1, 1999. Applications will be reviewed using available historical information, including aerial imagery and water well drilling records where appropriate.
Applications will be accepted until Dec. 31, 2028, and about 6,800 registrations may be eligible for review. Eligible uses include water for raising animals or applying pesticides on a farm unit, up to 6,250 cubic metres per year. Applicants will be supported through guidance materials, information sessions and application assistance.
Traditional Agricultural Registrations | Traditional Agricultural Registrations application | View this announcement online
Medicine Hat-Cypress News
Canadian Forces Base Suffield included in $8B Alberta defence investment
Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Suffield is set to receive $750 million in federal funding for new facilities as part of a broader investment in Canada’s defence capabilities. The funding will support a new Chemical and Biological Laboratory and Blast Assessment Centre at the Southeastern Alberta military base. The investment is part of about $8 billion in ongoing federal defence investments across Alberta, which are intended to modernize military infrastructure, expand industrial capacity, advance defence innovation and provide the Canadian Armed Forces with the facilities and capabilities needed to operate in Canada and around the world. Continue Reading
Apply for a City board, commission or working group
The City of Medicine Hat is currently recruiting residents to serve on a variety of city agencies. And there’s still time to apply! Whether your interests lie in community development, planning, heritage, accessibility, public safety, libraries, or other civic matters, there's an opportunity to contribute your voice and expertise. There’s no better way to engage than by having a seat at the table – and there just happens to be some empty chairs available! Current openings include:
- Assessment Review Board
- Combative Sports Commission
- Community Vibrancy Advisory Board
- Heritage Resources Working Group
- Municipal Planning Commission
- Public Library Board
- Police Commission
- Subdivision & Development Appeal Board
Applications are accepted until Friday, Oct. 30 at 4:30 p.m. Apply online at medicinehat.ca/cityagencies
Mustard Seed shelter proposal heads to Medicine Hat planning commission
The Mustard Seed’s proposed community shelter and navigation centre in Medicine Hat is moving through the city’s planning process, with a rezoning application set to be discussed by the Municipal Planning Commission next week.
The application concerns a property at 514 South Railway Street S.E., where the organization is proposing a community shelter and navigation centre.
The city has received an application to change the property’s zoning from Urban Villages and Corridors to Direct Control Special Use. The proposed change would facilitate future development of the site as a shelter and navigation centre.
Brooks-Newell News
Updates from the Crop Diversification Centre (CDC)
The CDC project has us managing 15 leases of varying uses. From storage to office space, greenhouse bays to field space, everyone has different levels of needs/wants and expectations. We anticipate 2 more partners in the coming months in the greenhouse and have begun working to secure more research projects in the fields for 2027. See the full report
Illegal dumping affects all of us.
Waste left in ditches, fields or on public land can harm wildlife, water quality, and public safety, leaving farmers, landowners and taxpayers paying for cleanup.The Government of Alberta is proposing stronger penalties for illegal dumping. If approved by the legislature, fines would range from:
▪️ $10,000 to $100,000 for individuals
▪️ $100,000 to $1 million for corporations
Courts would also be able to impose jail sentences in certain circumstances. See illegal dumping? Report it:
📞 Environmental concerns: Alberta’s 24-hour environmental response line at 1-800-222-6514
📞 On municipal land: contact the local municipality.
📞 On public or Crown land: call 310-LAND (5263).
Include the location and photos or videos if you can safely collect them. Please use appropriate landfills, recycling depots, and hazardous waste disposal options. Responsible disposal helps protect the rural spaces we share. Learn more: https://www.alberta.ca/cracking-down-on-illegal-dumping
2026 Brooks-Newell Leadership Breakfast
One way the Chamber supports small businesses in our region is by hosting events that give YOU the opportunity to voice your opinion and engage with regional decision-makers. This is the last chance to register for our 2nd annual Brooks-Newell Leadership Breakfast, a signature small businness week event that brings together leaders from across the region.
Friday, October 23rd from 7:30am - 9:30am | Heritage Inn & Suites | Register here.
Advocacy in Action
Trade & Tariffs - What It Means for Your Business
Tariffs, supply chain disruptions, rising costs, labour mobility barriers, and changing market access can impact businesses of all sizes and sectors across Southeast Alberta.
Over the past year, as your Chamber, we have been working with provincial and national partners to advocate for practical solutions, identify new opportunities, and connect businesses with resources that support competitiveness and growth. Share your input and explore resources: https://chamber.southeastalbertachamber.ca/advocacyinsights/Details/trade-tariffs-what-it-means-for-your-business-361562
6 Questions You Should Be Asking About Tariffs
Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC) is seeking input from Alberta manufacturers to help develop sector-specific workforce profiles and planning tools. Feedback from employers will help ensure these resources reflect the realities of manufacturing operations across the province. Take the survey
More Alberta Business Owners Can Now Access Workforce Training Funding
Investing in people is one of the most effective ways businesses can improve productivity, increase competitiveness, and adapt to changing market demands. However, for many employers, the cost of training has often been a barrier.
Recent changes to Alberta's Canada-Alberta Productivity Grant (CAPG) are designed to make workforce training more accessible and affordable for employers across the province. The updates introduce two significant improvements:
- Business owners and employed family members are now eligible trainees.
- Government funding for eligible training costs has increased from 50% to 75%.
These changes recognize the reality that many Alberta businesses are family-operated, particularly in rural and regional communities like Southeast Alberta. In many cases, owners and family members are directly involved in daily operations and play critical roles in business growth, innovation, and succession planning. While the recent changes are encouraging, questions remain:
- Are employers aware of the funding available?
- What workforce skills are businesses most in need of?
- What barriers still prevent companies from investing in training?
- Why have some eligible employers not applied for CAPG funding?
To help answer these questions, the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce is gathering feedback from employers across the region. If you are an employer in Southeast Alberta, we encourage you to take a few minutes to complete our survey: Alberta Employer Training Needs and CAPG Participation Survey
Learn more about the changes, why this matters to Southeast Alberta, and our perspective here.
Bill S-7: Legislation to Reduce Red Tape and Support Economic Growth
Every year, Canadian businesses spend more than 3.1 million hours navigating government requirements, filling out forms and complying with overlapping rules. That's valuable time that could otherwise be spent growing their businesses.
The federal government recently introduced Bill S-7, aimed at cutting that unnecessary red tape and making it easier to do business in Canada.
Bill S-7 is a much-needed recalibration of how the government interacts with industry and sends an encouraging signal that the government gets it. By removing outdated requirements, eliminating duplication and streamlining processes, this legislation represents a practical step toward making it easier and less expensive to do business in Canada.
The Southeast Alberta Chambers continues its work with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce to identify opportunities to cut red tape, and we welcome this legislation as a demonstration of that commitment. Read the Statement
Next Level Events
The Next Owners: Turning Business Succession into Opportunity
Who says you have to start a business from scratch to become an entrepreneur? Buying an existing business can be a great way to step into entrepreneurship while helping an established company begin its next chapter.
Join the Business Data Lab next Friday, October 23, from 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. ET, for a free webinar hosted in collaboration with Tangerine. They'll explore the ins and outs of buying a business, navigating succession and securing financing, with practical insights from experts and time for your questions. Whether you're thinking about becoming a business owner or planning for the future of your own company, this conversation is for you. Learn More and Register for Free
EMC - UNLOCKING DOMESTIC & DEFENCE MARKET OPPORTUNITIES - MANUFACTURING EXCELLENCE FORUMS
Canadian manufacturing is facing a changing market, but with that change comes significant new opportunity.
Join EMC in Calgary on October 27 and/or Edmonton on October 29 for Unlocking Domestic & Defence Market Opportunities, EMC’s Manufacturing Excellence Forums focused on helping manufacturers identify where they fit in Canada’s growing defence and domestic supply chains. No cost for manufacturers to attend.
Learn how to access new B2B markets, navigate defence procurement and Controlled Goods requirements, strengthen domestic supply chains, replace imports, and position your company for new growth opportunities. You’ll hear directly from industry experts, connect with other manufacturers, and leave with practical insight into where opportunities are emerging — and how to pursue them.
CALGARY - Oct. 27th Manufacturing Excellence Forum - Calgary
EDMONTON – Oct. 29th Manufacturing Excellence Forum – Edmonton
Defence Growth Tradeshow
Interested in learning more about the defence ecosystem? Whether you're building a startup, growing an established company, conducting research, supporting economic development, or exploring new opportunities, this FREE event is for you!
In-person event in Medicine Hat | October 28, 2026 | Free admission
Defence Growth Forum
Join defence and industry leaders in Medicine Hat, Alberta on Oct. 29th for a day of insights, discussion and connection focused on the future of Canada's defence sector.
In-person event in Medicine Hat | October 29, 2026 | Register here.
StrikeUP Connects: Global Entrepreneurship Scaling and Trade
On November 4, StrikeUP Connects with the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH) for a free virtual conversation on scaling, trade and the realities shaping growth for women entrepreneurs. Whether expansion is already part of your plan or you are simply thinking about what comes next, this session will offer practical perspective to help you move forward.
November 4, 2026 | 1:00–2:00 PM EST | Free Virtual Session via Zoom
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 Phase II Boutique 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!
Innovation in Breast Health comes to the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital
The Medicine Hat Health Foundation is proud to announce that Sentimag and Magseed technology has officially been implemented at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital (MHRH) to advance the quality of care received by breast cancer patients. It is especially meaningful to celebrate this innovation during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The Sentimag and Magseed technoloy will pair with the new Trident HD Imaging Unit in Diagnostic Imaging, further enhancing the breast health services available to patients in the region. Read the release in Member News.
Exclusive Chamber Member Offers: Grand Slam of Curling Masters
The world’s best curlers are coming to Medicine Hat this fall. The Grand Slam of Curling Masters takes over Co-op Place from November 3–8, 2026, bringing top men’s and women’s teams from around the world to the city for six days of internationally televised competition. Through the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce, members have access to exclusive offers to bring employees, clients and colleagues to experience the action live.
15% Off for Chamber Members
Save 15% on eligible weekday and weekend tickets with promo code CHAMBER15 through this link.
Team Outings & Staff Appreciation
Special group pricing is also available through this link:
- 10 tickets for $230 + HST: use code GSOCTEAM10
- 20 tickets for $440 + HST: use code GSOCTEAM20
Additional tickets can be added for $25 + HST each with the 10-ticket package or $20 + HST each with the 20-ticket package.
VIP Experiences
Looking to entertain clients or reward your team? A very limited number of VIP lounge tables are available. Contact Kristi Petrushchak at kristip@thecurlinggroup.com for details.
Get tickets: Use your Chamber-exclusive promo code when purchasing through the Grand Slam of Curling ticket page.
Fill Up On Funding
Alberta Satellite Rebate Program now open
Rural and remote Alberta households in the hardest-to-reach areas can now apply for a one-time rebate of up to $1,000 to help cover the cost of satellite internet hardware, installation and applicable taxes. The Alberta Satellite Rebate Program is intended for households where ground-based broadband projects have not reached and are not currently underway or planned. Eligible purchases must be made between Aug. 11, 2026, and March 31, 2027, from an authorized vendor, with applications accepted through the program portal until March 31, 2027.
Eligibility is based on federal broadband availability data, which identifies locations that lack high-speed internet and are not served by an active broadband expansion project. About 10,000 Alberta households fall into this category. Households can check their address at alberta.ca to see if they qualify, and those that do not qualify may be able to request a review through the online portal.
Changes to the Canada-Alberta Productivity Grant (CAPG)
Recent changes to CAPG help improve access and affordability for Alberta employers while maintaining the CAPG’s focus on productivity enhancing skills training. What is new?
- Eligible business owners and employed family members are now eligible trainees.
- The Government of Alberta’s contribution toward eligible training cost will increase from 50 per cent to 75 per cent.
What this means for employers and training providers:
Employers can take advantage of the increased government contribution and expanded eligibility when planning eligible training. Training providers and post-secondary institutions can continue to support employers by offering eligible training that aligns with their workforce and productivity needs. Learn more by registering for a webinar and visiting the CAPG website.
The Southeast Alberta Chamber would like to gain insight into businesses’ workforce training needs, barriers to accessing training, and reasons some employers have not yet applied to the Canada-Alberta Productivity Grant (CAPG). Your feedback will help identify how employers and training providers can better support productivity-enhancing skills development and help us provide feedback to Government. Alberta Employer Training Needs and CAPG Participation Survey – Fill out form
Hiring students can be a big win for your organization!
The Student Work Placement Program (SWPP), powered by Magnet, makes hiring students easy and saves you money. With SWPP, you can get up to $5000 for each eligible student you hire for a work placement approved by their post-secondary institution. Applications are all reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early means your application can progress while you find your student hires. Find out more about student talent and funding available on our Work-Integrated Learning Page.
And the launch of Canada Summer Jobs is approaching! The Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program will launch its annual call for applications on October 27, 2026. The call will close on December 3, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. Prepare now to apply for CSJ funding! Who Can Apply. Carefully review the Prepare to apply section of the Applicant Guide and the Articles of Agreement.
Important: To be eligible for CSJ funding, your organization must have been in operation for a minimum of 2 years at the time of application.
New trade program now available for Alberta businesses seeking global growth
As businesses navigate ongoing trade disruptions and growing uncertainty in the global economy, Calgary Economic Development and the Government of Alberta have launched Level Up — a free program for Alberta businesses across all sectors. Through a combination of on-demand learning, expert-led workshops and one-on-one mentorship, Level Up equips companies with the resources and support to pursue international growth with confidence. Apply Today.
From left to right: Shona Reilly, Director of Trade, Calgary Economic Development; Joseph Schow, Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade, Immigration at the Government of Alberta; Matthew Lowe, founder and CEO, ZeroKey; Brad Parry, President and CEO, Calgary Economic Development.
PrairiesCan and Regional Partners Present RTRI Funding Opportunities: Tariff Relief
The Government of Canada maintains a screening tool, updated with tariff related information, to help you identify available provincial and federal funding opportunities. The ISED Business Benefits Finder will notify you of new opportunities that fit your search parameters after you answer a few questions about your business.
Watch the English Webinar Recording and review the Tariff Supports for SME Stakeholders. Connect with PrairiesCan
Federal AI commercialization funding available to Prairie businesses
The Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) continues to accept applications from businesses and organizations adopting or commercializing AI technologies. The program supports projects that improve productivity, encourage innovation, and accelerate technology adoption. As businesses increasingly look to automation and digital tools to address labour and competitiveness challenges, the program provides a potential pathway for investment support. Find out more
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the October 13th 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: October 20th, 2026
Small Business Week, CRTC Takes Action to Improve Information about Cellphone Coverage, New Inclusive Hiring Resource Hub Now Avilable, Reopening the Registration Process for Eligible Historical Agricultural Water Use, and more all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News October 18th – 24th is Small Business Week The Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce…
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