The Voice: June 10th, 2025
Provincial Cabinet Policy Committees, Actions to Improve Labour Mobility in Canada, Accessibility Standards Canada Publishes Revised Standard on Accessible Employment, and Report Shows Alberta Producing More Oil and Less Emissions all in this week's edition of The Voice.
Business News
Provincial cabinet policy committees
Cabinet policy committees are essential to the work of government, reviewing policy decisions, setting long-range strategic priorities and contributing to proposals and reviews of legislation and regulation. Provincial Cabinet Policy committees include:
- Alberta First with Committee Chair - MLA Glenn van Dijken
- Building Communities with Committee Chair - MLA Scott Cyr
- Economic Development with Committee Chair - MLA Jackie Lovely
- Public Safety and Wellness with Committee Chair - Chelsea Petrovic
- Legislative Review Committee with Committee Chair - Mickey Amery, Minister of Justice
- Treasury Board with Committee Chair - Nate Horner, Minister of Treasury Board and Finance (President)
- Productivity Review Cabinet Committee with Committee Chair – Premier Danielle Smith
Actions to improve labour mobility in Canada
Canada’s Forum of Labour Market Ministers (FLMM) met this week to advance efforts on breaking down labour mobility barriers. Ministers reported progress, with new legislation and initiatives introduced to speed up credential recognition and reduce red tape. A national plan for credential recognition is expected by June 1, 2025.
Accessibility Standards Canada publishes revised standard on accessible employment
Accessibility Standards Canada has released a revised edition of the CAN/ASC-1.1:2024 (REV-2025) Employment Standard. The updated standard introduces requirements to remove employment-related accessibility barriers and foster inclusive workplace cultures. It includes new sections on culture, support systems, and practical annexes to help organizations support employees with disabilities. Read the announcement
Report shows Alberta producing more oil and less emissions
Alberta’s Oil Sands Greenhouse Gas Emissions Intensity Analysis shows that while production has grown by 96 per cent since 2012, reaching 1.56 million barrels per day, oil sands emissions continue to decline.
The new report supports the federal government's 2025 National Inventory Report, which shows that Alberta had the greatest absolute reduction in emissions of any Canadian province or territory between 2022 and 2023, reducing emissions by 2.1 million tonnes. Find out more
Statements about the closure of Chat TV
Statement from the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce on the closure of CHAT TV: CHAT TV has been a cornerstone of local broadcasting in Southeastern Alberta since 1957 and has served as a vital source of news, community connection, and cultural storytelling for Medicine Hat and the surrounding region for over 6 decades.
CHAT TV was deeply embedded in the community, offering daily newscasts, special programming on elections, natural disasters, and public health events, and showcasing local culture through segments like “Week in Review,” “Tigers Time Out,” “News at Noon”, “Homegrown”, “Taste of the Town” and “Our Town”. They provided a valuable platform for local businesses and non-profits to share their stories and reach audiences through cost-effective advertising and community partnerships.
Broadcasters and those who regulate them can’t lose sight of the vital role that local television news plays, particularly in small markets. Local content for our region is essential to staying informed and connected. The necessary airtime and appropriate staffing levels need to be granted to ensure that local content can be broadcast. Additionally, small, local markets must be able to keep up with trends by providing high-definition broadcasts and online broadcast opportunities.
In both 2017 and 2022, the Chamber of Commerce proudly voiced our support for CHAT TV to the CRTC, emphasizing the station’s role in delivering local news, supporting charitable causes, and celebrating the unique lifestyle of Southeastern Alberta. Their commitment to innovation, including the launch of chatnewstoday.ca, demonstrated their dedication to evolving with the needs of the community.
The loss of CHAT TV is a significant one. It underscores the urgent need to support local media and ensure that small markets are not left behind in the digital age. We thank the entire CHAT TV team for their unwavering dedication and the legacy they leave behind.
The closure marks the end of an era for local journalism in the region, as CHAT TV was not only a media outlet but a community partner whose staff lived, volunteered, and worked alongside the people they served. The Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce expresses our deep appreciation for the decades of service CHAT TV has provided to our region. CHAT TV was more than just a broadcaster—it has been a trusted voice, a community builder, and a vital link in keeping our citizens informed and connected. Read the statement online.
Mayor Linnsie Clark issued this statement on the closure of CHAT-TV: "Yesterday’s announcement that CHAT-TV will no longer be broadcasting after nearly seven decades of service is heartbreaking and a huge loss for our region. Since 1957, generations of Hatters grew up trusting CHAT-TV journalists to deliver the day’s stories reflecting the issues and triumphs of southeastern Alberta - stitching together a draft of our history, one story at a time.” Mayor Clark further stated, "On behalf of Council, to every CHAT-TV journalist, camera operator, technician, and support staff member – past and present: thank you. Your important work promoted transparency, nurtured civic discourse, and chronicled our shared history. You will be dearly missed." Read the full statement online
Medicine Hat-Cypress News
City hosting National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration
The City of Medicine Hat is pleased to invite the public to attend a National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration event at City Hall on Friday, June 20, 2025 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the City Hall plaza by the clock tower. The event will move into the Helen Beny Gibson Lounge if the weather does not allow for an outdoor celebration. A tipi will also be set up outside of City Hall on the grass near Finlay Bridge. The event, and all City efforts within National Indigenous History Month, will honour the rich history, traditions and cultures, and important contributions of Indigenous peoples in the community.
“During National Indigenous History Month and on National Indigenous Peoples Day, we honour the enduring presence and profound knowledge of the Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, Stoney Nakoda, Tsuut'ina, Cree, Sioux, Saulteaux, and the Métis Nation of Region III,” said Aaron Nelson, Manager of Cultural Experiences and Events with the City of Medicine Hat.
“Their stories, traditions, and teachings continue to shape the spirit of this land. Today, and every day, we celebrate the rich cultural mosaic they bring to our shared community and commit to listening, learning, and walking forward together in respect and unity." More information on these opportunities can be found at medicinehat.ca/NIPD.
Community Vibrancy Grant window is open
The latest application intake for the Community Vibrancy Grant is now open until Friday, July 18 at 3 p.m. The 2026 Community Vibrancy Grant application intake has two funding streams – Community Project and Activities, and Annual Festivals and Special Events. Read more on these funding streams, including criteria and available funding as well as the application process at medicinehat.ca/grants.
Interested applicants can also email cdvgrants@medicinehat.ca | Read more
Council Highlights June 2, 2025
At the June 2 meeting, City Council Received a presentation on the Unison Annual Report and Veiner Centre 50 Anniversary. Council also gave first reading to Bylaw 4851 Residential Tax Exemption Bylaw. The Residential Tax Exemption Bylaw is meant to encourage the development or redevelopment of multiple unit residential housing.
There was also an approval of a capital grant application from the Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter in support of the Phoenix Safe House emergency shelter expansion project in the amount of $1.85 million.
The Destination Marketing Organization Annual Report 2024 was presented by Jace Anderson, Executive Director.
There was also a motion approved to refund municipal taxes for Unit #4, 32 Les Little Way SW representing the 2024 property tax exemption used for school purposes.
Read further details on this and much more under the Council Highlights online and the June 2 Council meeting materials.
Bids & Tenders
City of Medicine Hat Owner’s Engineering – Saamis Solar Project
City of Medicine Hat CMH25-67 - Abandonment Engineering Services
Brooks-Newell News
Succession Planning
Succession planning is key to protecting your business or farm and ensuring a smooth transition when the time comes. It’s not just about the future—it’s a smart move for today that can help you gradually step back and even begin accessing retirement income. Brooks Newell Region is offering up to $5,000 in funding to cover professional fees for succession planning. Take control of your future and protect your legacy—apply today!
City Permit Gains
Council is considering bringing plumbing, gas, and electrical permits under local administration. While the City of Brooks already manages fire and building code permits through Superior Safety Codes, the rest are handled by the Alberta Safety Codes Authority (ASCA)—meaning all related fees currently go to the province. In 2024 alone, 264 permits were issued in Brooks, generating $69,464 in fees. Had the City been accredited, it could have retained an estimated $17,366. More than just a financial opportunity, bringing these services in-house would create a fully integrated permitting process, reducing delays and cutting confusion for applicants.
Smoker Wars
The 4th Annual Smoker Wars is Father’s Day weekend, June 13–14, at the Centennial Regional Arena. Register your team now by emailing brookssmokerwars@gmail.com or message them on Facebook!
More about this event: https://brooksregiontourism.com/events/brooks-smoker-wars-2/
Learn from the Experts - Brooks: Mastering Financial Planning For You and Your Business
Learn from the Experts is coming to Brooks with a session designed to empower business owners and executives to take control of their financial future, focusing on the unique challenges and opportunities you face in creating your own retirement and the critical role a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) professional plays in this journey.
By attending this session, you will be better equipped to navigate the complexities of financial planning as a business owner and take decisive steps towards securing a prosperous future, both for your business and your personal life.
Advocacy in Action
Progress on Creating a Business-Friendly Regulatory Environment
In 2013, the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce first drafted a 'red-tape reduction' policy with a commitment to working with community partners and the government to create a more business-friendly environment. This commitment recognizes that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are a significant economic boon to the local, provincial, and national economies. We know that having to satisfy regulations and policies, complete forms, and follow processes can be costly for businesses, resulting in the stagnation of economic growth. An effort to nurture business and minimize hurdles by eliminating unnecessary regulatory requirements makes good economic sense for everyone.
Many businesses in our community have found certain processes and regulations in the City burdensome, costly and time-consuming, and there may be several opportunities to reduce inefficiencies and maximize mutual prosperity. As a Chamber, we have regular conversations with our municipalities and our businesses to find solutions to these challenges.
What have we worked on for our members....
While we know this work is ongoing, we have noted various achievements since we adopted the policy in 2013 and have worked with various individuals and departments in City Administration since then, which you can read online here.
While we have noted several achievements and improvements, we also recognize this work is not complete. Following our last business roundtable with the City and our business community on May 9, 2025, the Chamber of Commerce adopted revised recommendations with our updated policy recommendations here: Creating a Business-Friendly Regulatory Environment
Alberta Chambers and Canadian Chamber outreach to Prime Minister Carney and Cabinet
The Canadian Chamber has released 100-day mandate letters to Prime Minister Mark Carney and the new Cabinet, that outline practical, business-focused actions to boost growth, stability and productivity. If implemented, these measures would show real commitment to supporting Canadian businesses during a time of economic uncertainty. View the letters.
The Alberta Chambers of Commerce (ACC) sent a letter to Prime Minister Carney, highlighting priority areas for our network including:
- Repeal and Reform Federal Legislation Hindering Growth
- Advance a National Energy and Trade Corridor Strategy
- Lead on Removing Internal Trade and Labour Barriers
- Stabilize U.S. Trade Relations
- Accelerate Comprehensive Tax Reform
Additional letters were sent to the newly appointed Ministers and Secretaries of State. Read the full letter from the ACC to Prime Minister Carney.
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Statement Tariffs
“Unwinding the efficient, competitive and reliable cross border supply chains like we have in steel and aluminum comes at a great cost to both countries. In 2018, under the last round of steel and aluminum tariffs, we saw significant net negative job loss in America. Doubling the steel and aluminum tariffs to 50% is antithetical to North American economic security. The fact remains that Canada is a reliable and secure trading partner that supplies materials that sustain American jobs.” in a statement from Candace Laing, President and CEO, Canadian Chamber of Commerce
"Ultimately, the end of this trade war with the U.S. will not come through the courts. It will come when we have negotiated a durable, new agreement on trade that is trusted and respected by all involved," said our President and CEO, Candace Laing, in a statement responding to the recent U.S. court ruling that blocks some tariffs.
Alberta’s Business Climate is Changing — What Should Come Next?
It’s a critical time for Alberta’s business community to share its perspective. We invite you to take part in our brief research—open until 5:00 PM on June 12. Your input plays a vital role in informing the advocacy efforts that represent Alberta businesses at all levels.
Next Level Events
Energy in Motion!
Every Saturday for the month of June enjoy fun activities, games, and outdoor excitement designed to celebrate and promote our amazing green spaces. It’s all about getting active, connecting with community, and showcasing everything parks and recreation has to offer. Click on each event for more details:
June 14 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Kiwanis Central Park
Member Ignite Night
New to the Chamber? New as a business owner? Just have some questions? It's time to blast off!
We would like to welcome our new Chamber Members, or those who are curious about membership, to the New Members Welcome Night and Member 101. Network with your peers, meet other business owners, enjoy an evening out and learn what the Chamber can do for ayou!
Cocktail hour begins at 5pm, following at 6pm is Member 101 where you will have a chance to sit down with each Chamber staff member, tell us about yourselves, your business, your goals and learn how each of us can help you get the most out of your membership all in a fun, casual 'speed networking' style format.
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 Palliser Economic Partnership, 71 Construction Services, and ETHOS Career Management Group 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!
Super T Aviation Academy and CTSaero Partner to Lead Canada’s Next Generation of Flight Training
In a bold move set to transform aviation education in Canada, Super T Aviation Academy and CTSaero (ImMRsiv) have announced a strategic partnership that brings cutting-edge innovation to flight training. This Alberta-born collaboration integrates real-world flight instruction with virtual reality (VR), mixed reality (MR), and artificial intelligence (AI) to offer a safer, more immersive, and more affordable pathway for the next generation of pilots.
Super T Aviation and CTS Aero are proud to announce their partnership as part of the Transport Canada XR Trial-a national initiative exploring the integration of Mixed Reality Flight Simulation Training Devices (MR FSTDs) into the Canadian pilot licensing framework.
As one of the selected host sites for this cutting-edge trial, Super T Aviation will deploy the ImMRsiv MR FSTD, developed by CTS Aero, at its Medicine Hat facility. The ImMRsiv system blends high-fidelity virtual environments with a fully tactile physical cockpit to create a deeply immersive, data-rich training experience. The result is a simulator that preserves the realism and complexity of real-world flight while offering unprecedented flexibility, safety, and affordability.
"Super T's long-standing commitment to quality flight training makes them an ideal partner," said Garrett Lawless, President of CTS Aero. "Together, we're not just evaluating new technology-we're shaping the future of how pilots are trained in Canada."
This Alberta-born collaboration is achieved by leveraging the unique strengths of both organizations; this collaboration aims to evolve the structure and delivery of flight training. The joint goal is to produce more-safer, and better-prepared-pilots who are capable of safely accelerating through early flight stages and advancing into modem airline roles with greater confidence and competence all while reducing the current training footprint. In a global context of rising demand and critical pilot shortages, this initiative reflects a forward-looking approach to aviation workforce development.
Under Transport Canada's Alternate Means of Compliance framework, the project will collect real-world data on how Mixed Reality simulation can safely replace select in-aircraft training missions-potentially increasing throughput and access to licensing, while maintaining or exceeding existing performance standards.
Super T Aviation Academy, based in Medicine Hat (CYXH), stands as one of Canada's most established and respected flight training schools. In continuous operation since 1965, the academy remains a family-run institution with three generations of pilots and aircraft maintenance engineers dedicated to safety, excellence, and accessibility in aviation education.
CTSaero, through its ImMRsiv Flight Training Software, is at the forefront of aerospace training technology. Their platforms harness the power of VR/MR and AI to create realistic, responsive training environments that can be accessed anytime, anywhere - dramatically increasing both flexibility and retention.
The trial runs through 2025 and is expected to contribute significantly to national and international best practices in aviation training modernization. Read the release.
Medicine Hat Jazzfest 2025
Now in its 29th year, Medicine Hat JazzFest continues to be one of the city’s most anticipated summer events—blending world-class music with a strong sense of community and place. From June 17–22, downtown venues, open-air patios, and even an airport hangar will come alive with jazz, funk, soul, Latin, and more.
This year, JazzFest introduces two exciting additions. First, the Youth Jazz Intensive, a new initiative that brings top Canadian jazz educators to mentor emerging Alberta talent, culminating in a public performance at the festival’s Hangar Dance Party.
Second, that Hangar Dance Party—always a festival favourite—is expanding, with a full afternoon and evening of music, dancing, and all-ages fun at Super T Aviation on Saturday, June 21 from 3–9 PM.
The festival continues to offer a mix of free and ticketed events, with a $20 Youth Ticket for attendees 25 and under, and affordable full-week passes. Performers this year range from JUNO-nominated drummer Sanah Kadoura to high-energy favourites Shuffle Demons, and celebrated Albertan talent Cheryl Fisher.
JazzFest brings significant cultural and economic value to Medicine Hat, drawing visitors from across the Prairies and boosting local businesses throughout the week. Find the full schedule and tickets at medicinehatjazzfest.com. See how Medicine Hat makes a big impact—one note at a time.
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
Food Futures Program - Alberta Food Processors Association (AFPA)
AFPA has received funding from the Alberta Government to support work integrated learning placements in the food and beverage industry. Employers who meet the requirements can apply to receive wage subsidies of 50%.
Investing in Green Jobs for Youth
The federal government announced a $15 million investment to create 470 youth employment and training opportunities in Canada’s natural resources sectors, including energy, mining, forestry, and clean tech. Through the Science and Technology Internship Program (STIP) – Green Jobs program, businesses can apply for funding to hire and mentor youth (ages 15–30) for up to 12 months.
Read the announcement. | Apply STIP - Green Jobs
Other Funding Opportunities
- Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund: Closes June 27, 2025 (Stream 1, Preconstruction) and March 4, 2026 (Stream 2, Shovel Ready) – Funding for critical minerals clean energy and transportation infrastructure projects.
- Affordable Housing Innovation Fund: Open - Support for new ideas that will drive change and disrupt the industry.
- Alberta is Calling, Moving Bonus: Closes March 15, 2026 - A one-time refundable tax credit for individuals who move to Alberta and work in key occupations.
- On-Farm Value-Added: Open - Supports primary producers in adding value to their agricultural products.
- Value-Added Program: Open - Invests in projects that increase company sales and production capacity, expand market opportunities and create jobs.
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the June 3rd 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 Resources
Alberta Economy - Indicators at a Glance
CUSMA Compliance Hotline: 1-833-760-1167
Labour Market Notes – Labour market resilient
Leading the way on interprovincial trade: Newly launched GoA free trade website
Canadian Renewable Energy Project Map: updated database of renewable energy projects in Canada
Travel Alberta Emergency Management Resources
2025-28 Business Plan | Travel Alberta
Preparedness Survey of Albertans, 2024 Results
Foodtech in Canada: 2025 Ecosystem Report
RDN Blog: Unlock Better Housing Solutions: Why a Housing Needs & Demands Assessment Matters
Marketing Strategies in Foreign Markets
Unlocking Indo-Pacific Markets
June 10 | Recruitment Revolution: Powering Up for the Future of Work | Register
June 17 | Growing on Purpose: Confidence for Women Entrepreneurs | Register
June 18 | EDC Webinar: Global Market Intelligence: Manage trade risks | Register
June 18 | BBB Canada Webinar: Unlock the Power of AI Agents
June 19 | How to prepare your IP strategy to attract investors | Register
June 19 | Strategic Social Media: Aligning Content with Your Marketing Goals | Register
June 25 | Women in Agriculture | Startup Women 2025 | Register
Useful Links
Follow us on social media for up-to-the-minute updates
The Voice: June 10th, 2025
Provincial Cabinet Policy Committees, Actions to Improve Labour Mobility in Canada, Accessibility Standards Canada Publishes Revised Standard on Accessible Employment, and Report Shows Alberta Producing More Oil and Less Emissions all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News Provincial cabinet policy committees Cabinet policy committees are essential to the work of government, reviewing…
Read More The Voice: June 2nd, 2025
Local Government 101, Businesses are you ready for CRA mail to go online, Exploring a Municipally controlled corporation (MCC), and new Economic Development Tool all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce Celebrates 125 Years of Advocacy and Leadership by Hosting 2025 Alberta Chambers of Commerce AGM The…
Read More The Voice: May 27th, 2025
Local Government 101, Businesses are you ready for CRA mail to go online, Exploring a Municipally controlled corporation (MCC), and new Economic Development Tool all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News Businesses, are you ready for your CRA mail to go online? The CRA has started the transition to online mail as…
Read More