The Voice: November 18th, 2025
Alberta Living Wage Network Releases 2025 Living Wage Rates, Understanding the Outlook for the Loonie, Share Your Thoughts about a Proposed New Resource for Alberta Companies, and more all in this week's edition of The Voice.
Business News
Alberta Living Wage Network Releases 2025 Living Wage Rates in partnership with 21 Communities
The Alberta Living Wage Network (ALWN or “The Network”) has released updated living wages for 21 municipalities across the province. Living wages in 15 of those 21 communities increased this year which resulted, in large part, from changes in child care, shelter, and transportation costs. Living wage calculations are an important indicator of affordability with Medicine Hat ranking as the most affordable among the 21 municipalities and Brooks coming in within the top 10 of the 21 municipalities.
BDC: Understanding the outlook for the loonie
Understanding the outlook for the loonie in the months ahead is essential for entrepreneurs who are trying to forecast costs and profit margins and make the right currency moves to stay competitive and grow. Given the current level of uncertainty, the loonie’s exchange rate could move quickly one way or the other. However, businesses should get used to a weak dollar that is unlikely to exceed US$0.75 in 2026.
In general, the impact of the value of the Canadian dollar depends on the nature of your business and its dependence on imports versus exports. A weak Canadian dollar favours exports and the tourism industry. If, on the other hand, you import inputs or machinery, your operating costs could increase in the coming months. Find out more
Share your thoughts about a proposed new resource for Alberta companies
Alberta Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration and Calgary Economic Development are looking for your feedback and insights on Level Up, a proposed new trade program to support Alberta’s businesses with accelerating growth, international expansion and exports. Provide your feedback via a survey for companies or a survey for non-profit organizations. Please complete the survey that applies to you by November 30. Both surveys are designed to take less than 10 minutes to complete.
What is Level Up? Level Up is a new trade program being developed to launch in 2026 to expand supports and resources for Alberta businesses seeking to enter new markets, expand international sales and presence, prepare for trade missions and succeed on the global stage. To learn more about Level Up, see Level Up initial overview and check out more specifics provided in the survey.
For the Alberta company survey, they want to hear from businesses who:
- Already have an established international presence and sales;
- Are looking to expand internationally;
- Are experiencing trade-related challenges; and/or
- Are seeking to grow with the potential to undertake international expansion in the future.
For the non-profit organization survey, they want to hear from organizations and individuals who:
- Support economic activities, development and growth;
- Work with companies directly or are part of indirect supports that benefit companies; and/or
- Are involved in international activities including promoting Alberta and your organization to the world.
And if you don’t fit into either of these categories, perhaps as an Albertan who is interested in international trade and economic growth generally, you can take the non-profit organization survey.
Want more information? You can always reach out to the trade team at trade@gov.ab.ca with general trade inquiries, feedback and ideas.
Medicine Hat-Cypress News
City of Medicine Hat Council Highlights November 10, 2025
During the November 10, 2025 City Council Meeting, Council received presentations about the 2025-2026 City Budget and the Energy Production and Distribution business unit. These presentations were designed to provide Council with an understanding of the budget framework; the key components that have been included in the 2026 approved budget; additional insights into the City's financial position, as well as an overview of the rate-based energy production business units. Read the Highlights. You can also view upcoming and past agendas and minutes online.
2025 Midnight Madness THIS Friday
The Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Downtown Voice, are pleased to launch Midnight Madness THIS Friday November 21st from 4:00 pm to 12:00 am. Midnight Madness is a yearly event that engages downtown businesses and brings together our community for a night of fun events and exclusive deals.
Check out the official Midnight Madness map here, and we will see you Downtown for a night of fun!
Brooks-Newell News
Christmas in the Park & Moonlight Madness
Christmas in the Park & Moonlight Madness will be held on Thursday, November 20. The Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade will head south along 2nd Street, ending at Veteran's Park around 6:30PM. Visit Santa in the Gazebo, and enjoy the Brooks Choral Society, firepits and fireworks. Participating businesses will stay open late and offer customer specials.
How to Speak to City Council
Have an idea, concern, or question for City Council? Residents can request to appear as a delegation at a Council or Committee meeting to share their views directly. Submit a Request and any supporting materials by 12 PM on the Wednesday before the next scheduled meeting. Delegations are generally limited to 10 minutes, and respectful discussion is expected. Council may respond immediately, refer the item for follow-up, or accept it for information. This process ensures every resident has a clear and respectful way to bring forward ideas and concerns, which will help Council make informed, transparent decisions that reflect our community’s voice. Info pulled from Larkspur
Brooks Council Highlights
Council approved a proposed increase to municipal franchise fees: Fortis Alberta (Electricity): Increase from 14% to 17% of distribution revenue. ATCO Gas (Natural Gas): Increase from 19.5% to 22.5% of distribution revenue. These fees help fund municipal services and reduce reliance on property taxes. The estimated impact to residents will be approx. $1.89/month increase per household for Electricity and Approx. $1.41/month increase per household for Natural Gas. Franchise fees are applied to all utility customers, including tax-exempt entities, ensuring broader cost-sharing.
Council has appointed MPE Engineering to design and manage construction of the new Wastewater Treatment Plant. The 2025 Capital Budget will be updated to include $29.1 million for the project, funded through:
- Federal/Provincial grants: $8.44 million
- Regional partner contributions: $3 million
- Reserve funding: $200,000
See all the Council Highlights
Advocacy in Action
WestJet: Opportunity to Share your Feedback
Would you like to see morning and evening flights, instead of the mid-day flight currently offered? Share you feedback with WestJet here: https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/contact/share-feedback
If you are interested in what the Chamber has been advocating for, you can see our recommendations for improved air service here: https://chamber.southeastalbertachamber.ca/active-policies/Details/medicine-hat-air-service-243063 and our recommendations to the province for improved regional air service here: https://chamber.southeastalbertachamber.ca/active-policies/Details/improvements-to-regional-air-service-252523.
Chamber Participation in Local Roundtable: Advocating for Safer, Stronger Communities
The Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce had the opportunity to participate in a business roundtable with Premier Danielle Smith and MLA Justin Wright on Wednesday, November 12th. The roundtable was a follow-up to a Business Survey on Impacts by Vulnerable Sector, conducted from February 17 to March 11, 2025. There were 98 business responses to the survey with the roundtable providing a unique opportunity to discuss the survey findings directly and review the top concerns identified by local businesses.
We profiled a number of community priorities during the roundtable and sent a follow-up from the request for us to send our additional notes and information that we highlighted during the session. We provided our MLAs with the City's website page related to Shelters to ensure they are aware that we are promoting the community's ability to share input and feedback.
We also shared the Resilient and Inclusive Community Task Force Action Plan that is publicly linked on that page.
The list of items we shared during the meeting for community priorities were those highlighted in the list of advocacy items in the action plan, recognizing there are certain elements that are not within our control at a community level and require advocacy from us, with potential action by other levels of Government. Read our full summary here.
Ag Connections 2025: Strengthening Southeast Alberta’s Agricultural Growth
Agriculture has been the cornerstone of Southeast Alberta’s economy for over a century, and its importance continues to grow. At the recent Ag Connections Conference, organized by Cypress County and Palliser Economic Partnership, producers, agribusiness leaders, and industry experts came together to share insights, explore innovations, and build stronger networks for the future.
The event kicked off with a key note address by Premier Danielle Smith, promoting the breadbasket of Alberta and agriculture as a key economic driver in our region and across Alberta. Jessical Holmes, who many will remember from the Royal Canadian Air Farce, focused on mental health, humour, resilience, while working through challenging times. Shaun Haney focused on the 5 things to Watch out for in Canadian Agriculture, while the whole event was emceed by Katelyn Duban, the WildRose Farmer.
The Ag Connections 2025 agenda also featured insightful plenary sessions and practical breakout discussions designed to address the most pressing issues in agriculture.
For the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce, agriculture is more than a sector—it’s the backbone of our regional economy and it’s why events such as this are so important for us to be part of. Agriculture fuels jobs, drives investment, and creates ripple effects across transportation, manufacturing, and retail. That’s why we advocate for policies that support agribusiness growth, from improving risk management and regulatory processes to promoting ag education and securing water resources for sustainability. By championing agriculture, we’re not just supporting farms—we’re building a resilient, innovative, and prosperous Southeast Alberta. Learn more about our advocacy and member benefits at: www.southeastalbertachamber.ca
ACC contributes to foreign credential advisory committee final report
The Alberta Chambers of Commerce (ACC) continues to drive solutions to close skills gaps and strengthen Alberta’s workforce through its Talent Development Task Force and ongoing research on labour and skills shortages.
ACC President & CEO Shauna Feth serves on the Foreign Credential Advisory Committee, bringing the perspective of Alberta’s business community to shape credential-recognition processes that better reflect employer needs.
The committee’s Final Report — now publicly available — outlines recommendations to streamline foreign-credential recognition, supporting a more inclusive, responsive, and competitive Alberta workforce. Read the full report
Next Level Events
Carts & Commerce - Costco After Hours
Join us for a one-of-a-kind evening at Costco Medicine Hat, exclusively for Chamber Members, Business Owners, and Costco Members to experience Costco like you have never seen before!
This special after-hours event offers a unique blend of networking, fun, food and shopping. Whether you're looking to connect with fellow business leaders or just enjoy a fun night out, this event is the perfect way to experience Costco like you have never seen before.
Saturday, November 22nd | Register Now
The Business Blend - Brooks
Got questions about business, the Chamber, or just want to connect over caffeine? Come find Naomi at The Steaming Cup on Monday, November 24th, between 8:30 AM and 1:00 PM for The Business Blend — a casual, come-and-go event where members and non-members alike are welcome to chat about all things business.
No appointment needed — just bring your ideas, questions, or curiosity. Let’s talk shop (and sip coffee... or tea)! The cost is whatever you would like to eat or drink while there, attendance is free!
Leveraging your strengths to maximize impact webinar
ACC in partnership with FutureFocus, is offering a 12-part leadership webinar series to help Alberta employers strengthen their leadership and workforce capacity. In this first session, discover how to tap into your strengths to boost performance, motivation, and purpose at work — and how strengths-based leadership can support more engaged teams.
November 26, 2025 at 12:00pm | Register now
2025 Presidents' Reception & Annual General Meeting
See what we've been up to in the past year all while getting a chance to eat, drink and connect with others at our Annual General Meeting and President's Reception! Join us at The Hampton Inn and Suites Medicine Hat for an opportunity to meet and network with the Chamber of Commerce members, current/ past Directors and Presidents of the Board, and the Chamber operations team.
Thursday, November 27, 2025 from 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM | Register Now
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
Check Out Our Chamber Members
Curious as to who is a Chamber Member? Check out our Member directory! Discover and connect with local companies across various industries in our region. Users are not permitted to use the Business Directory to email or contact in bulk. All users must comply and be in accordance with Canadian anti-spam legislation.
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!
Chamber Member Seasonal Promotions
Business deals, promotions and events from our Members to YOU this holiday season!
Check out the list to see what local businesses have going on this Christmas: https://chamber.southeastalbertachamber.ca/holidaypromotions
Elavon – Special Promotion
When you open a new payment processing account by November 30, 2025, you could receive a $200 statement credit.* The right payment solution can help grow your business, increase customer loyalty, and set you apart from competitors. With flexible point-of-sale solutions customized for your business needs, we make accepting payments easier for you and your customers.
What are you waiting for? For over 30 years we have been helping businesses of every size provide fast and secure payments. Let us do the same for you.
* To qualify for the promotion, you must sign up for a new payment processing account with Elavon Canada between October 1 and November 30, 2025. Merchant accounts must be activated and actively process-ing payment transactions by December 15, 2025 for a minimum of one week and be in an open status at the time of the incentive credit. A one-time $200 credit will be applied to your Elavon statement within 90 days after the first deposit date. Limit one credit per customer. Cannot be combined with another offer. Elavon reserves the right in its sole discretion to modify, suspend or terminate the promotion at any time without additional notice. Restrictions may apply. Services provided by Elavon Canada Company.
Fill Up On Funding
BDC Advisory Trade Resilience Solutions
Navigate tariffs and trade uncertainty with confidence. BDC Advisory Services’ trade resilience solutions can help you face uncertainty by moving away from reacting to trade news, to giving you tools to build resilience through thoughtful near to mid-term planning—all at a reduced cost. Connect with BDC account managers to learn how you can enroll and take advantage of these solutions.
Contact: Raj Sureddy Email: Raj.Sureddy@bdc.ca | (250)264-7349 & Nonso Monwuba Email: Nonso.monwuba@bdc.ca | (587) 726-0916
Regional Tariff Response Initiative Fund
PrairiesCan has implemented a new program for businesses whose exports are being affected by tariffs from the U.S., Mexico, China, and the European Union, among others. The 'Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI)' fund covers all sectors, and there are both repayable and non-repayable investment contributions. Apply any time before December 31, 2027, or until all funding is used.
Advancing methane reduction technologies
Alberta’s government is investing $29 million to help energy companies reduce methane emissions and advance clean technologies. Funded through the Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) system and delivered by Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA) and the NGIF Accelerator, these programs aim to lower costs, boost competitiveness, and attract investment while accelerating progress toward emission-reduction goals. Learn more.
Don't miss the chance to learn more about ERA's newest program in an upcoming informational webinar on Thursday, November 27, 2025, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. (MST). If you’re unable to attend the live session, a recording of the webinar will be made available afterward on ERA’s website and YouTube channel. Register for the webinar.
New funding opportunity to advance energy innovation through Artificial Intelligence
The Office of Energy Research and Development (OERD) has launched the Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Canadian Energy Innovation Call for Proposals under the Energy Innovation Program. This initiative will fund applied research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) projects that use AI to accelerate energy technology innovation, reduce costs, and strengthen Canada’s competitive edge in the clean energy transition. The Call seeks high-impact projects that develop Canadian-made AI solutions to accelerate energy innovation. It aims to connect AI and energy experts, foster collaboration, and improve access to secure, high-quality energy data across Canada’s innovation ecosystem. Expressions of Interest are due December 4, 2025 by 1:00 p.m. ET. Learn more.
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the November 10th 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
Other Resources
Alberta Economy Indicators at a Glance
Labour Market Notes – Labour market pushes ahead
Quarterly Alberta Job Vacancy Report for the second quarter (Q2) of 2025
Labour market rebounds after a summer slowdown
Alberta Labour Force Highlights – September 2025
Other Events
Non-Profits - Fall 2025 Webinars
Events — APEX | Regional Innovation Network of Southeast Alberta
November 20 | Navigating Tariffs & Cross-Border Trade for Alberta Manufacturers
Nov 25, Nov 26, Nov 29 | Risk Management – Board Development
November 27 | Future of Funding: How AI is Changing the Game
December 10 | Inside the Investor Mindset: How to Win Capital and Build Partnerships
Useful Links
Follow us on social media for up-to-the-minute updates
The Voice: November 18th, 2025
Alberta Living Wage Network Releases 2025 Living Wage Rates, Understanding the Outlook for the Loonie, Share Your Thoughts about a Proposed New Resource for Alberta Companies, and more all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News Alberta Living Wage Network Releases 2025 Living Wage Rates in partnership with 21 Communities The Alberta Living…
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