The Voice: May 13th, 2025
Possible Postal Disruption, Reducing Interprovincial Trade Barriers, Alberta to Appoint a Special Negotiating Team, and more all in this week's edition of The Voice.
Business News
Possible Postal Disruption – Canada Post Strike
Canadians could see another mail freeze this month. The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) and the postal service are trying to reach a deal on a new collective agreement before their old one runs out on May 22.
Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/canada-post-possible-strike-again-1.7524833
Reducing Interprovincial Trade Barriers
The Government of Alberta is working to reduce barriers to internal trade and open new opportunities for businesses across Canada. Recent efforts include the removal of Alberta’s party-specific exceptions under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA), improving access in areas such as government procurement, Crown land acquisition, liquor, energy, and forest products. If your business is experiencing challenges operating in Alberta or other provinces, the government wants to hear from you.
Alberta to appoint a special negotiating team
Over the past decade, Liberal governments – backed by the NDP – have enacted policies that Albertans feel undermine their economy and future. This has led to widespread frustration following the recent federal election.
While Alberta is willing to collaborate in good faith with Prime Minister Mark Carney to reverse these policies, the province will take immediate steps to protect its interests until tangible changes are made.
Medicine Hat-Cypress News
Exploring a Municipally Controlled Corporation
Did you know the City of Medicine Hat is exploring the possibility of transitioning our distribution and electric generation energy governance to a Municipally Controlled Corporation (MCC)?
Our energy business has been central to our identity since the early 1900s, providing employment, affordable and reliable services, and a steady source of municipal revenue. Its success epitomizes the City’s strength, independence and ingenuity, and is a significant source of community pride. However, the conditions under which the energy business flourished are changing, and we’re carefully considering options to ensure that the energy business continues to drive value for the City and the surrounding community.
At their regular meeting on Tuesday, May 20, Council will review a projected model for establishing an MCC and consider next steps moving forward. Council meetings are open for the public to watch in person or online. Learn more on Shape Your City
May 5 City Council meeting Summary
With another jam-packed agenda, Council pondered changes to non-union salary grids, the sale of the former Food Bank property, code of conduct and indemnification, business license fees, transformer upgrades, and even appointments of public members to advisory boards. See what they decided by watching online or reading the highlights.
Community well-being gaining “Momentum”
The City’s Community Well-Being Plan, titled Momentum, was adopted at the May 5 City Council meeting.
The Community Well-Being Plan lays the framework for the community to collectively respond to ongoing and emerging issues and align and allocate resources based on identified priorities and actions that support well-being. Check out the full plan, or the summary: View the plan here
Medicine Hat Southwest Substation – Project Update
On April 25, 2025, the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) issued a Decision regarding the Medicine Hat Southwest Substation (Proceeding #29734). The Decision grants approval for the construction and operation of the project at the location previously identified as the Preferred Site. A map outlining the approved project components and the AUC Decision document can be found on the project website.
Preliminary work will begin in the upcoming weeks where you may see equipment moving in and out of the site. The City of Medicine Hat appreciates the patience and participation in the process as we aim to provide reliable electrical power and accommodate growth to this portion of the City and the surrounding area. You may contact the City’s project team If you have any questions or concerns regarding these activities.
Become informed ahead of the 2025 municipal election
Now that the dust has settled on Canada’s federal election, residents can turn their attention to Medicine Hat’s 2025 municipal election. Preparations are well underway for election day on Monday, October 20 and the City of Medicine Hat aims to prepare voters and prospective candidates with important and relevant information. The City’s election website, medicinehat.ca/election, will be updated regularly as the nomination period progresses.
For prospective candidates, the website includes step-by-step instructions on the nomination process, information on the roles and responsibilities of an elected official, and important resources like school board guides, the Municipal Government Act, Medicine Hat’s Municipal Development Plan, and other key strategies, reports and plans. The website also contains an up-to-date candidate list, voter information with a list of frequently asked questions, and past election results.
Brooks-Newell News
Planning for Possible Postal Strike
Last year’s Canada Post strike caused problems when people couldn’t receive or send their utility bills. City Council decided to cancel late payment penalties, which led to confusion and extra work for staff. With another possible postal disruption expected after May 22, the City is getting ready. Utility and tax bills will be mailed by mid-May, and a public awareness campaign is underway to promote other payment options. To avoid repeating last year’s issues, Council is being asked to give Administration the power to waive late fees again if mail service is interrupted (Read more at LarkSPUR)
NewGrow Spring 2025
If you want to receive up to $10,000 for a new business idea, time is running out! This funding is a grant (not a loan) and is intended to break down barriers and stimulate business growth in the Region, hopefully leading towards better business retention and expansion. Apply before the June 6th deadline: https://www.brooksregion.ca/business-supports/grants
Business Beautification Program
Brooks Newell Region Economic Development, along with Community Futures Chinook, is pleased to offer businesses in the Brooks Newell Region an opportunity to receive a beautification loan and grant to enhance the appearance of a business. Businesses can apply for up to $15,000 in funding of which 80% would be an interest free loan and 20% would be a grant. Successful applicants could receive up to an $12,000 loan and a $3,000 grant.
Click here for the brochure: https://www.brooksregion.ca/public/download/files/262043 | Apply here
Advocacy in Action
The Reality of Regulation: How Political Interference in Building Codes is Making Housing Unaffordable
Check out how politically driven building codes are pushing construction costs and home prices beyond reach. What started as safety standards is now fueling the housing crisis. The pace of regulatory change is rapid. CHBA has reported that there are 374 proposed code changes for National Model Construction Codes for 2025, and 186 out of 1200 standard references are being updated this year.
Remarkably, there is no requirement for cost-benefit analysis when updating these standards—meaning their impact on housing affordability is neither assessed nor understood. Local governments double down on these through municipal codes, which pushes construction costs even higher.
The rising cost of meeting building code requirements is driven by a combination of factors—including the adoption of advanced technologies, higher-priced materials, and increasingly complex regulatory standards. Striking a balance between delivering housing that remains affordable and absorbing the cost of these requirements is becoming more difficult. Today, even baseline code compliance often demands the latest—and most expensive—technologies. While these upgrades may improve performance, they also push home prices beyond the reach of many buyers, undermining overall housing affordability.
The economic landscape further complicates this balance. Inflation and supply chain disruptions add layers of financial strain. The homebuilding industry is in a precarious position, striving to meet building code without passing excessive costs onto homeowners. This delicate balancing act requires innovative solutions and strategic planning to ensure that sustainable housing remains accessible and affordable.
Stakeholders, including policymakers, developers, and community leaders, need to collaborate to find viable pathways that support both sustainability and housing affordability. We need to prioritize with the understanding that if the economics do not work, housing does not get built. Building codes should prioritize life safety and outline minimum standards, not serve as an extension of political manifestos and best-in-class building innovation. Read the Blog.
Prime Minister Mark Carney Meets with US President Donald Trump
Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump took questions at the White House on Tuesday, May 6th at a news event that focused on tariffs, trade and Trump's repeated assertion that Canada should be the 51st state — a notion that Carney again rejected. The wide-ranging Oval Office meeting also included questions about global security and Trump's take on everything from the construction of a predecessor's presidential library to California's planned high-speed rail project.
Watch the full Q&A on CBC news: https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/livestory/recap-everything-that-happened-during-carney-s-visit-to-washington-to-meet-trump-9.6749638
Next Level Events
Be a part of the Brooks Fall Home & Leisure Tradeshow
The Brooks tradeshow is happening October 3rd-5th, and there are multiple opportunities to be a part of it! Book a booth space to showcase your business to thousands of attendees over the weekend, or sponsor a part of the show to get your business name out there.
Coffee & Conversations
Join the Chamber Thursday morning to enjoy coffee and conversations about your business, our business, or life in general! This is a great opportunity to connect in the mornings if your afternoons and evenings are too busy. You can stop by for a quick hello or stay and chat for a while; everyone is welcome!
This round we will see you at Homestead Market | 1750 Gershaw Drive S.W. Medicine Hat
Register to let us know you're coming: https://chamber.southeastalbertachamber.ca/chamber-calendar/Details/coffee-conversations-1318722?sourceTypeId=Website
87th ACC AGM & Policy Plenary Session
You’re invited to experience the sunny southeast energy at the Alberta Chambers of Commerce’s three-day AGM, co-hosted by the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce, May 29–May 31, 2025.
Engage with the region’s energy—both metaphorically and literally—as an energy-producing hub and a driver of progress and innovation. The southeast is a region deeply invested in its people and committed to economic vitality, making it the perfect host for this impactful event.
Find the Agenda here: https://www.abchamber.ca/agm-policy-plenary-session-agenda/
Art of Leadership Women –
June 9th | June 10th | June 25th | June 26th
Elevate your leadership with The Art of Leadership Women conference, returning to Calgary, Vancouver, Ottawa, and Toronto! Develop your leaders, engage your talent, and build high-performing teams. Reach out to the Chamber to get you member code and save $50 per pass or $100 per pass for groups of 5+.
Register at TheArtOf.com today!
Mental Health in the Workplace
Join the Government of Alberta Workforce Consultant Team for a free 1.5-hour webinar staff from the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) to recognize Mental Health Awareness month and discuss mental health in the workplace. Employers and employees are reporting greater signs of stress impacting their lives and their work. This webinar will examine why chronic stress is so prevalent for Canadians, how it shows up and affects the workplace, and how we can manage the well-being of ourselves, our teams, and our clients.
Date: Thursday, May 15, 2025 | Time: 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Register HERE.
Canoe Procurement Group Alberta Job Order Contracting Informational Meeting
Please join us for an Informational Meeting to learn more about the upcoming Canoe Alberta Job Order Contracting bid opportunity. During this session, we will discuss:
- What is Job Order Contracting (JOC)
- How to bid a JOC contract
- Bid opportunity details
Register here: Canoe Procurement Group Alberta Job Order Contracting Informational Meeting | Gordian
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 Miller's Herbs & Haunts, Pets N Pastures, and Blue Studio 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!
Rise-Up Hot Air Balloon Festival
Skyrocket your brand at the Rise Up Hot Air Balloon Festival, May 22-25, 2025!
With over 8,000 attendees and 200,000 social media views this month, your logo will soar alongside vibrant balloons, two stunning Balloon Glows, and a lively Community Day. Don’t let this opportunity float away—email sponsors@riseupmh.ca today to secure your sponsorship and elevate your business!
Join us for an unforgettable festival, featuring seven breathtaking flight times, two mesmerizing Balloon Glows at Kin Coulee Park, and a vibrant Community Day in downtown Medicine Hat with the Rise Up Market, Hues for Humanity Colour Run, yoga, art parties, movies at the Monarch, and more. Check the full schedule at https://www.ourcollectivejourney.ca/rise-up/event-schedule and get ready to elevate your brand!
Qinetiq as Finalist for Global Growth at Alberta Chamber Awards
Congratulations to the 2025 Alberta Business Awards of Distinction Finalists! We are thrilled to announce the finalists for this year's Alberta Business Awards of Distinction! After careful consideration and evaluation, our judges have selected the best of the best in the industry who have demonstrated excellence, creativity, innovation, and passion in their work. Get ready to be inspired by their outstanding achievements and join us in celebrating their success!
Finalists: 2025 Award Finalists - Alberta Business Awards
More about ABAD: https://abbusinessawards.com/
Save Money and Grow Your Business - Evalon Promo
We provide payment processing solutions to help you save money, efficiently run your business and make it easy for your customers to pay any time, from anywhere. Here are a couple of ways that we can help your business grow:
- Credit Card Surcharge* helps you lower your payment acceptance costs.
- Dynamic Currency Conversion allows you to accept global currencies with ease.
Chat and find the solutions that work for you business: https://join.paymentstart.com/CAChamber
*Disclaimer: * Certain provincial or local laws may restrict or limit the amount or applicability of the merchants’ surcharge percentage. Although we offer credit card surcharging in most provinces, merchants are responsible for determining the legality of surcharging in their provinces, and merchants are solely liable if their surcharge practices are found to be unlawful. Credit card surcharge applies to credit card only, not available on debit card or prepaid card transactions. Credit card surcharge is not available in Quebec.
** Debit cards for the Plus network are not eligible for On Demand Funding. Established interchange and payment acceptances costs will be collected for transactions settled through On Demand Funding. Copyright © 2025 Elavon Canada Company. All rights reserved. Elavon is a trademark in the United States and/or other countries. All rights reserved. All features and specifications are subject to change without notice. This document is prepared by Elavon as a service for its customers. The information discussed is general in nature and may not apply to your specific situation.
Fill Up On Funding
Breaking Barriers in Child Care
The government is accelerating its work to create more inclusive, accessible and welcoming child-care spaces across Alberta. Licensed child-care providers can now apply for up to $5 million in new funding through the second intake of the Inclusive Spaces Program Grant. Applications are open until June 13, as part of the $15-million federal-provincial investment in the Inclusive Spaces Program Grant under the Canada-Alberta Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement.
Learn more here: Breaking barriers in child care | alberta.ca
Business Benefits Finder
Get a tailored list of government programs and services to help your business grow. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a business,or a not-for-profit organization; from funding to advice. Everything you need.
https://innovation.ised-isde.canada.ca/innovation/s/?language=en_CA
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the May 6th 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 OHS News - April 2025
April Alberta Community Development Newsletter
Critical Infrastructure Defense Act
Premier Danielle Smith’s meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney
Tourism pays off for communities, the data proves it
Exporting energy, importing opportunity in Illinois, Michigan and Ohio
Other Resources
Other Events
AI for SMBs: A Free Google course
Marketing Strategies in Foreign Markets
Unlocking Indo-Pacific Markets
Tariffs & Trade: Building Resilience in Uncertain Times webinar | On-Demand
May 21 | Empowering Employers: Compensation | Webinar
May 21 | From Pitch to Profit: Insider Secrets to Securing Investment | Webinar
May 21 | BBB Canada Webinar: Becoming an Employer of Choice
May 21-23 | Inventures Conference | Calgary
June 2-5 | Fundraising for Startups
June 9-12 | Angel Investing
Useful Links
Follow us on social media for up-to-the-minute updates
The Voice: May 13th, 2025
Possible Postal Disruption, Reducing Interprovincial Trade Barriers, Alberta to Appoint a Special Negotiating Team, and more all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News Possible Postal Disruption – Canada Post Strike Canadians could see another mail freeze this month. The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) and the postal service are trying to…
Read More The Voice: May 6th, 2025
May 5th was Red Dress Day, Congratulations to the Newly Elected Prime Minister Mark Carney, Governments Extend Agristability Enrolment Deadline for 2025 Program Year, and more all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News May 5th was Red Dress Day Red Dress Day honours the memories of missing and murdered Indigenous women and…
Read More The Voice: April 29th, 2025
Certificate of Origin Signing, Alberta Immigrant Impact Awards, Investing in Industrial Innovation and Emissions Reduction, Powering Up Communities with AG Society Dollars, and National Volunteer Week all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News Certificate of Origin Signing: Member Benefit A Certificate of Origin is a document that states the origin of goods…
Read More