The Voice: April 7th, 2026
Meet Samuel, Quarterly Alberta Job Vacancy Report, New Councillor Accountability Framework, Alberta Positioned to Lead in Lithium Production, and more all in this week's edition of The Voice.
Business News
Chamber Board Nominations Now Open
As part of the Board of Director’s succession planning for the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce, nominations are held each year to actively seek out dedicated, community-minded individuals whose common goals and principles coincide with the Chamber of Commerce and the organization’s mandate. The Board of Directors assist in stimulating a strengthened and vibrant economy in our region through our connections, support & influence and help further our mission in Southeast Alberta.
All nominations are due by Friday, May 1, 2026 at 12:00 noon.
We are looking for energetic, enthusiastic and progressive Board members who have the desire to sustain and grow a strong business environment in our community. Successful candidates should be prepared to assist the Chamber of Commerce in accomplishing its goals and objectives and be willing to contribute to formulating policies for the betterment of our business community and advocating for those positions on behalf of our region.
The Board is looking for individuals who are keenly aware of local, provincial and federal issues that affect our business climate and are able to respond to them in a reasonable, professional and discreet manner.
If you or someone you know is interested in working with the Chamber of Commerce Board to accomplish our vision and mission and would like to submit their name for election to the Board, please fill out the online nomination form or download the nomination package HERE.
Should you have any questions, please contact the Chamber office at 403.527.5214 or president@southeastalbertachamber.ca.
Alberta to streamline major project approvals
To prevent unnecessary delays, Alberta’s government will bring forward legislation that, if passed, will set a 120-day approval timeline for major projects. This accelerated process would improve coordination between government and regulatory bodies, as well as provide industry with the certainty needed to make major investments. Indigenous consultation and environmental protections will remain a priority and integral to the process when the new timeline is implemented. Find out more.
Your Local Business Tool Kit
Looking to ignite success for your Southeast Alberta business? Our Local Business Toolkit is your catalyst for growth. This comprehensive guide is packed with insights, strategies, and resources taking you from concept to operations. From validating your initial business idea to securing funding and establishing your brand identity, this practical resource walks you through every critical step of the entrepreneurial journey.
Whether you're evaluating start-up costs, choosing a business structure, or creating your first marketing plan, the Tool Kit provides clear, actionable guidance to fuel your success.
Visit the page and download the toolkit: https://www.southeastalbertachamber.ca/resources/localbusinesstoolkit/
Aligning Alberta’s investment attraction efforts
Starting April 1, the Invest Alberta Corporation’s reporting and oversight will transition from Executive Council to the ministry of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration. This move is part of a broader effort to strengthen alignment between Invest Alberta, key government ministries and the province’s investment attraction partners. Read the release here.
Medicine Hat-Cypress News
2026 HAT Smart residential incentive programs now open
The City of Medicine Hat announces the 2026 launch of its popular and award-winning HAT Smart Residential Incentive program with five incentives encouraging home projects resulting in water and energy conservation for local utility customers.
- Existing Homes
- New Homes
- EnerGuide Home Evaluations
- Scratch and Win
- Water Conservation
Downtown Enhancement and Safety Grant
Downtown Enhancement and Safety Grant is launching on April 13 at 8 a.m.
The grant is a new program designed to support local businesses and property owners in making practical improvements that contribute to a safer, more welcoming city centre in response to feedback from the downtown business community.
The initiative is focused on supporting businesses and property owners in addressing real, day-to-day operational challenges while contributing to a positive environment for customers, employees, and the broader community. It is one part of a broader, balanced approach to downtown that recognizes the importance of safety, accessibility, and inclusivity for all who live, work, and spend time in the area.
Read the news release to learn more about the grant program and how to apply.
Asphalt paving fraud
Fraudulent asphalt paving companies have again been reported in the city. These transient companies may offer paving service at a discounted price, but the work fails to meet minimum industry standards. Be aware of the risks of hiring such contractors, as they are not licensed to operate in Medicine Hat.
Read the Government of Alberta’s Consumer Protection Alert to learn more. And, look up contractors in Medicine Hat to make sure they have an active contractor license within the city. See this news in Neat to Know.
Brooks-Newell News
Recreation Grant Fund is Open
The recreation funding committee is accepting applications from user groups within the Town of Bassano and Division 6 of the County of Newell. This funding is intended to support the long-term sustainability of recreation and cultural services and improve the quality of life for residents.
Deadline: April 30th |Â Learn more and apply here.
Local Unlocked at Sweet Tooth
Discover the magic behind one of the community’s sweetest hidden gems! Join us for Local Unlocked at Sweet Tooth on Monday, April 27th, from 6 PM to 8 PM— a family‑friendly evening where you’ll get an inside look at how Sweet Tooth creates their handmade candy right here in Brooks!
During this exclusive event, attendees will have the opportunity to watch hard candy being made from start to finish. You’ll watch the candy being made and even try a hands‑on step if you’d like. It’s a great experience for all ages.
Register now to save your spot!
Subscribe to Brooks-Newell Updates
A Brooks-Newell recap of the previous month, what's coming up, Member news, and more! Sent out on the first business day of each month - stay up to date and subscribe now!
Advocacy in Action
Canada Can Buck the Trend on Manufacturing
In a new op-ed, our Senior Director of Manufacturing and Value Chains, Alex Greco, makes the case that many of Canada's manufacturing barriers are homegrown — from slow approvals and regulatory overlap to weak tax competitiveness and persistent labour challenges.
The good news is these are challenges Canada can fix. Read now.
Next Level Events
Women in Food & Beverage
If you're building a business in the food and beverage space, this one was made for you. Our next Industry Roundtable brings together founders and industry experts to dig into the real challenges, share insights, and explore what growth actually looks like in this sector. Come ready to connect, learn, and leave with something you can use.
Register here | Industry Roundtable | May 6
AI, Employment Law, and Enterprise Risk in Canada
AI is transforming how HR teams hire, assess, and manage talent. At the same time, new 2026 employment law requirements across Canada are raising the bar for transparency, accountability, and defensible AI use - especially in recruitment. The opportunity is real. So is the risk.
Join Stuart Rudner, Founder of Rudner Law, for an executive briefing on what HR leaders need to know now — and bring your questions. We'll close with a live Q & A. In 90 focused minutes, you'll learn:
- Where AI creates the greatest legal exposure
- How new hiring transparency rules impact AI-driven recruitment
- Practical guardrails to reduce enterprise risk
- Understand how bias, privacy, and human rights obligations intersect with automated decisions
April 16th | Free webinar | Register here
2026 Reality Bytes Leadership Summit
You won’t want to miss this! The annual Reality Bytes Leadership Summit is BACK and better than ever! Follow up the Chamber’s Leadership Breakfast with an amazing lineup of speakers and special guests (not to mention a mouthwatering catered lunch), bringing you engaging conversations and real-world insights you can use to grow your business today.
Happening October 21st at 10:00 AM - 4:15 PM | Check out the event here.
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 RYZR Barber Shop, Enterprise Motors Ltd, and Christine Peterson - Rite Realty 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!
BDC boosts its Defence PlatformÂ
After introducing it in December 2025, BDC announced on March 12 a major expansion of its Defence Platform up to $6 billion. Building on strong early demand, the Defence Platform combines financing, advisory services, and investments to help small and medium-sized businesses seize opportunities in the defence sector. It supports companies in aerospace, specialized manufacturing, autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and other dual-use technologies.
The Bank announced in January initial investments in dual-use innovators and a strategic partnership with Creative Destruction Lab’s global Defence program, strengthening connections between early-stage companies, investors, and defence stakeholders in Canada and abroad.
To date, $91.7 million in financing has already been provided to 16 businesses and 16 businesses have engaged BDC’s advisory services for defence-related opportunities. This expansion focuses on a two-layer approach that combines direct financial solutions for businesses and indirect solutions that offer more targeted support for the broader ecosystem.
BDC also shared the appointment of Peter Suma as Managing Partner of the StrongNorth Fund, a $300 million venture capital fund dedicated to early-stage Canadian startups developing defence-focused or dual-use deep technologies. For more information, please refer to BDC’s Defence Platform and our latest news release.
MNP Fraud Risk Assessment
This quick self-assessment helps you uncover vulnerabilities, validate strengths, and sharpen your organization’s fraud prevention and response strategy. Take the assessment.
Members Can Access Resources & Discounts
Chamber Members can log into the Info Hub and access resources from the Voice and more! Including small business resources, community resources, grants and funding and more. and Having trouble logging in or accessing the additional resources and support; contact us to help.
Elavon April Promotion
During April, any new member who signs up through our Chamber Referral Program will receive a $150 statement credit. This exclusive offer is available for a limited time! How Members Can Participate:
- Submit a web inquiry through the Elavon Chamber landing page: https://join.paymentstart.com/cachamber
- A dedicated Elavon sales representative will contact them within 24–48 hours.
- Complete the sign-up process by April 30, 2026 to qualify for the $150 statement credit. Click the link for full details.
Fill Up On Funding
Co-operative Development Program
Co-operators is committed to helping build more resilient and sustainable communities. We highly encourage co-operatives that operate in the following sectors to consider applying for funding:
Social wellness: Co-ops promoting positive mental health among youth
Inclusive economy: Co-ops supporting underserved individuals to gain job skills, employment opportunities and financial resiliency
Environmental resilience: Co-ops supporting the transition toward a low-carbon emissions economy, reducing risks related to climate change, and protecting biodiversity
Co-operatives operating in other sectors are also welcome to apply. Applications will be accepted until April 15, 2026, before 11:59 p.m. Learn more and apply here.
Alberta Export Expansion Program
Is your company in a solid export-ready position? Are you looking to find new markets for your products? This Government of Alberta program provides funding to export-ready small and medium-sized businesses to travel to global markets to promote their products, make business connections and explore partnership opportunities. Companies that meet eligibility criteria can receive grants to attend international trade events open to the public.
Funding helps cover event registration costs and includes per diems for up to two travellers per organization per event. Organizations can receive up to $15,000 through the AEEP program each fiscal year. The program operates on a first-come, first-served basis and has a budget of $2 million for the 2025-26 fiscal year.
For more information on available funding, eligibility criteria, program guidelines and the application process, visit https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-export-expansion-program
PrairiesCan Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI)
With $1 billion in targeted support, the RTRI strengthens the competitiveness of impacted small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) by helping them diversify their markets, create new export revenue sources, adopt innovative technologies to boost productivity and competitiveness, and build more resilient supply chains.
To that end, RTRI will equip businesses, and the organizations that support them, to seize new opportunities, adapt to global trade disruptions, and boost domestic trade. These investments will contribute to long-term economic resilience in the face of continued global uncertainty.
Apply any time before December 31, 2027, or until all funding is used | You can find more information here.
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the March 31st 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
Other Events
Events — APEX | Regional Innovation Network of SE AB
Non-profit learning webinars | Alberta.ca
April 8 | Rock My Cash Flow
April 15 -17 | EDA Xperience 2026: Fresh Ideas, Bold Futures
April 28 | Succession Planning in Non-profit Organizations
May 5 | Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Non-Profit Voluntary Sector
Useful Links
Follow us on social media for up-to-the-minute updates
The Voice: April 7th, 2026
Meet Samuel, Quarterly Alberta Job Vacancy Report, New Councillor Accountability Framework, Alberta Positioned to Lead in Lithium Production, and more all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News Chamber Board Nominations Now Open As part of the Board of Director’s succession planning for the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce, nominations are held each…
Read More The Voice: March 31st, 2026
Meet Samuel, Quarterly Alberta Job Vacancy Report, New Councillor Accountability Framework, Alberta Positioned to Lead in Lithium Production, and more all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News Meet Samuel, our new Member Relations Coordinator! Meet Samuel (or Sam) Tawiah, the Chamber’s new Member Relations Coordinator! Samuel is originally from Ghana and pursued…
Read More The Voice: March 24th, 2026
CCC Bank of Canada Rates, 5 Bills to keep an eye on, Inclusive Workplaces Experience Big Business Benefits, and more all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News Canadian Chamber of Commerce: Bank of Canada Rates “February is the dip before the spike. There are some encouraging details in the inflation data, with…
Read More