The Voice: April 21st, 2026
National Volunteer Week, National Tourism Week, Expedited 120-Day Approvals Act, New Provincial Cybercrime Task Force, Temporary Federal Tax Relief, and more all in this week's edition of The Voice.
Business News
NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK
National Volunteer Week (April 19-25, 2026) is a nationwide celebration led by Volunteer Canada every April that recognizes, celebrates, and promotes volunteerism across the country. This year’s theme, “Ignite Volunteerism,” invites Canadians to reconnect with their communities through acts of service, civic action, and mutual support. It encourages people from all backgrounds to “Find Your Thing” — discovering personal ways to contribute, whether through local events, grassroots initiatives, or ongoing volunteer commitments.
Looking to volunteer in your community? Check out the Chamber's "Job Opportunities" page for member's looking for a helping hand!
National Tourism Week
It's National Tourism Week - a coordinated advocacy week led by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada.
In Medicine Hat, Tourism Medicine Hat is celebrating the Tourism Industry from April 20-24 with Tourism Industry Association of Canada! The City of Medicine Hat also announced a full slate of volunteer appreciation events to celebrate National Volunteer Week. Share an impactful moment of volunteerism Volunteers IGNITE Medicine Hat – Fill out form
You can also check out and follow Brooks Regional Tourism - the official Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) for the Brooks Newell Region, representing the area’s tourism industry and communities by promoting and developing meaningful visitor experiences.
EXPEDITED 120-DAY APPROVALS ACT
If passed, Bill 30, the Expedited 120-Day Approvals Act will establish a 120-day approval time frame to accelerate major project development, reduce delays and improve Alberta’s position as a competitor for global investment. The legislation sets clear criteria, application requirements, approval processes and timelines for proponents, regulators and government. To qualify, projects must align with provincial priorities, be of strategic economic importance and involve a minimum capital investment of $250 million. Find out more
NEW PROVINCIAL CYBERCRIME TASK FORCE
Cybercriminals represent a serious and ongoing public risk by targeting families, seniors and businesses across Alberta for financial exploitation. To address these risks head-on, the Cybercrime task force will provide recommendations to address cybercrime, including fraud, identity theft and extortion carried out using technology. Fraudulent schemes are commonly conducted over international borders, making it more difficult for police departments to identify and find the source of the scams.
The cross-ministry task force will comprise experts in law, technology, consumer protection and law enforcement. Membership will also include representatives from the ministries of Justice, Public Safety and Emergency Services, Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, Technology and Innovation and Intergovernmental and International Relations.
A details list of members is available on the alberta.ca Cybercrime Task Force Webpage. View the announcement online. If you think you are being targeted by a scammer:
- Contact your financial institution and the credit bureau.
- Report the scam to local authorities or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
Other resources to help:
TEMPORARY FEDERAL FUEL TAX RELIEF
The Government of Canada intends to introduce amendments to the Excise Tax Act to temporarily suspend the federal fuel excise tax on gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuels from April 20 to September 7, 2026, reducing rates to 0 cents per litre. This measure is expected to deliver approximately $2.4 billion in tax relief before rates return to normal in September. Learn more
Medicine Hat-Cypress News
MEDICINE HAT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT RECOGNIZED WITH PROVINCIAL INNOVATION AWARD
Medicine Hat Economic Development received the Innovative Approach to Economic Development award for medium-sized cities at the Economic Developers of Alberta Conference for its OpporTOURnity Medicine Hat initiative. Launched in the fall of 2024, OpporTOURnity Medicine Hat was designed to move beyond traditional investment attraction tools to create an immersive, on-the-ground experience for a group of key influencers brought directly into the community to witness its strengths firsthand.
Advancing Southeast Alberta's Agri-food Economy
The City of Medicine Hat, in collaboration with Cypress County, the County of Forty Mile, the Town of Bow Island and Town of Redcliff, and the Village of Foremost, released a Summary of Key Findings from their Regional Agriculture and Agri-food Investment Strategy for Southeast Alberta. Agriculture and agri-food are priority sectors for Southeast Alberta, with significant opportunities to attract investment and strengthen long-term regional economic growth. The strategy is one of 17 initiatives currently being advanced that were identified in the Southeast Alberta Economic Opportunity Strategy and Framework.
Read the news release for more information on this announcement and to read the full report.
Draft Land Use Bylaw
The Land Use Bylaw Refresh is updating Medicine Hat’s land use regulations to better reflect how the community has grown and how it will develop into the future. The What We Heard Report summarizes key themes, including a desire for clearer rules, improved certainty, and better alignment with the City’s long-term vision. The next steps are to bring the draft Land Use Bylaw and zoning map to City Council through the legislated process for consideration this summer.
Brooks-Newell News
COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS
Council gave three readings to Bylaw 26/010 and adopted the amendment, which removes the municipal recycling fee as the City transitions to Alberta’s Extended Producer Responsibility system. Residents will see a $9.70 per month reduction on their utility bills beginning in October 2026.
Council gave second and third reading to Bylaw 26/013 and adopted the bylaw to authorize borrowing for a new Public Works building. The new facility will address space constraints, improve accessibility, and support future growth. Required advertising was completed and no petitions were received.
Council gave three readings to Bylaw 26/024 and adopted the amendment updating Schedule “B” of the Residential New Build Incentive Tax Reduction Bylaw for the 2026 tax year. The amendment authorizes tax reductions for qualifying residential new builds without changing the intent or eligibility requirements of the program.
TASTE OF NATIONS – NEW VENDOR APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN
The City of Brooks is currently seeking new vendors and countries that have not previously participated to take part in this year’s Taste of Nations event.
Taste of Nations is a one‑day cultural celebration where attendees move from table to table, sampling food and learning about cultures from around the world. This initial call focuses on expanding the diversity of countries represented by welcoming new cultural vendors.
If you are interested in hosting a table and sharing your culture through food, please contact Rklassen@brooks.ca for more information. A general call for returning vendors will be shared at a later date. See this post on the City of Brooks website here.
BCIS BROOKS GOT TALENT: 15 YEARS OF STARS, STAGE, AND BELONGING
Brooks Got Talent returned for its 15th year, hosted by our BCIS Brooks office. The theme this year: A Season of Stars. How fitting. The evening brought together neighbours, families, and friends. After 15 years, this event has become part of the rhythm of this community. Read more about the 15th year here.
Request for Tender: Farming & Haying Dryland at CDC South
The CDC South has both farming and haying dryland areas Tender opportunities, and the County of Newell invites the public to submit tenders for:
- McLeod Irrigated Farming – approx. 37 acres under lateral irrigation
- Ponderosa Farming – 20 acres total with access to irrigation for cropping and 93 acres of dryland, prairie grass in fenced area ideal for grazing
- Haying Dryland at Lendrum and/or McLeod – approx. 68.5 acres, broken up into smaller sections
Deadline to submit is 4:30 pm on April 30, 2026. To see the full descriptions and maps of these opportunities, go to https://countyofnewell.ab.ca/tenders
Advocacy in Action
HIGHWAY 3 TWINNING - FROM HIGHWAY 885 (WHITLA) TO MEDICINE HAT PRELIMINARY DESIGN PHASE – PUBLIC INFORMATION SESSION #2 INVITATION
Attend a public information session or participate in the online engagement to learn more about the project and provide feedback to inform the final preliminary design.
Session #1 - April 27, 2026 from 4 to 7p.m. | Medicine Hat College (Big Eagle Room)
Session #2 - April 28, 2026 from 4 to 7p.m. | Seven Persons Community Hall
Online public engagement will take place online between April 20 to May 12, 2026. The same information will be shared at each event and online. Visit the project website here. Read the Chamber’s policy on the benefits of Twinning Highway 3 here.
MHPSD COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SESSION
On April 14, the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce was pleased to participate in the Medicine Hat Public School Division Community Engagement Session.
We had the opportunity to reflect on the Government of Alberta Ministry of Education Business Plans, the Outcomes for Learning, along with the Medicine Hat Public School District 2022-2026 Learning Plan to provide input on priorities for the next 4 year Education plan. We have appreciated the opportunity to participate in this unique engagement opportunity and be part of this dialogue in each 4-year cycle.
The opportunity to provide input on workforce capacity building and preparing our youth for the future, as well as helping to shape successful outcomes within our education system is always valuable for us, and also provides a way to build community partnerships and engagement.
CANADIAN TRUCKING REGULATIONS HUB LAUNCH
Alberta’s government is launching the Canadian Trucking Regulations Hub on April 22; a new digital tool that centralizes regulatory, safety, and route-planning information for truck drivers across provinces and territories. The Hub aims to increase efficiency, enhance safety, and support interprovincial trade.
This initiative aligns with a number of ongoing Chamber policies. Alberta’s Role in Enhancing Interprovincial Collaboration through the ACC and Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce which calls for greater alignment of regulations, improved workforce mobility, and stronger enforcement of interprovincial trade agreements. Learn more
HATE CRIME COMMUNITY WORKSHOP
On April 15, the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce attended a community workshop by StopHateAB. Together we discussed where hate is impacting marginalized groups in Medicine Hat, and how we can bring together a resourced, community-led collective into action right now. Worries and skepticism were shared about potential resistance due to the political atmosphere, paying attention to engage and involve those that are ready and passionate, and how important it is that we hold each other accountable and make this so much more than just ‘flavour of the month’ (we do have to bring flavour, but the sustainable kind!).
We know this topic isn't new, and we need to bring creativity and movement in a way that meets the topic of hate where it lives today.
Next Level Events
Ribbon Cuttings All Around
Medicine Hat, join us at the grand re-opening of Miller's Emporium this Friday, April 24th at 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Ribbon cutting at 12:00 PM and lots of goodies and services to check-out!
Brooks, join us at 6D Health's 1st Year Anniversary also this Friday, April 24th from 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM. Ribbon cutting at 2:30 PM. Check out the mini market, get a physic medium reading, and more!
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!
Attendees will have the opportunity to watch hard candy being made from start to finish, and even try a hands‑on step if you’d like. Participants will also enjoy a private shopping experience complete with a 10% discount on all in‑store‑made products.
Duchess: Business on the Green
Join us on April 29th from 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm at the Duchess Gold Course for an afternoon of great food, golf and networking!
The event kicks off with a lunch buffet, followed by time on the course - participants can enjoy time at the driving range, or a round of golf at the beautiful 9 hole course nestled just north of Duchess, Alberta. Former PGA Alberta Pro Brenda Friedrick will be on site offering tips and pointers to help golfers of all skill levels improve their game.
2026 State of the Region
Join us for our first State of the Region, an event that reflects a regional perspective. This new approach will allow us to share each council’s vision across the Medicine Hat–Cypress region, following the creation of each of their respective strategic planning sessions, and highlight the path forward for Southeast Alberta.
Following the Business Roundtable, doors open and networking begin at 11, with lunch service at noon. Following the meal, you will have the opportunity to hear from:
- Mayor Linnsie Clark, City of Medicine Hat
- Mayor Dan Hamilton, Cypress County
- Mayor Chris Czember, Town of Redcliff
The State of the Region is a town hall-style event where members can connect with their elected representatives and learn about their activities and plans for the future.
May 14th at 11:00 AM - 1:15 PM | Learn more about the event here | Head straight to registration here.
Other Upcoming Events
Pitch Up! Rural Pitch Competition | April 24 at 9:30am – 12:30pm | Online | Register Here
The National Day of Mourning, held by the Medicine Hat Regional Safety Committee and the Alberta Construction Safety Association | April 28 at 11:00 AM | Memorial Arboretum Park | More information
BDC Webinar - AI that pays off: Where to start for real results | May 12 at 12:00 PM E.T. | Online | Learn more and register here.
AI Ergo Assist Puts Ergonomics Expertise at Fingertips | June 24, 2026 at 12:00 PM EST | Virtual | Learn more here
Exploring Employer and Employee Toolkits | April 23, 2026 at 1:00 PM EST | Virtual | Learn more 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 Buffalo Jump Farms ltd, Hargave Ranching Co Inc, and Kevin Dykstra Finishing 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!
BDC: ARE RISING COSTS HERE TO STAY?
Geopolitical tensions have done more than make headlines recently—they’ve reset the cost structure facing Canadian businesses. Energy prices, wages, financing costs, exchange rate volatility and tariffs have all been driven higher or prolonged by recent geopolitical tensions. How will these five forces evolve in the months ahead? BDC’s April 2026 Monthly Economic Letter makes one message very clear: higher costs are no longer temporary.
Canadian businesses are now operating in a structurally more expensive, volatile and uncertain economic environment. Key takeaways from the article:
1. Rising costs are permanent, not transitional . Energy, input materials, wages, financing costs, tariffs, exchange rate volatility and trade disruptions have fundamentally reset the cost structure facing Canadian businesses. BDC stresses that this is no longer a post-pandemic adjustment but a long-term reality.
2. Labour pressures remain elevated despite slower growth. Even with job losses earlier in 2026 and a higher unemployment rate, wage growth remains well above inflation, driven by demographic challenges such as an aging workforce and slower population growth. Labour scarcity has become structural, not cyclical.
3. Input and supply chain costs are increasing sharply. Prices for materials and industrial goods continue to rise, compounded by geopolitical disruptions and trade fragmentation. A weaker Canadian dollar is further increasing import costs for machinery and equipment.
4. Profit margins are under pressure . Businesses are finding it harder to pass rising costs on to customers as consumers become more price-sensitive. This creates a challenging choice between protecting margins or risking lower demand in a soft economy.
5. Canada’s economy is growing, but below potential BDC expects approximately 1.0 percent GDP growth in 2026. Canada is not in recession, but growth remains modest, uneven and fragile given global uncertainty and ongoing trade tensions.
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
Student Work Placement Program (SWPP), Powered by Magnet
Access up to $5,000 in funding through the Student Work Placement Program (SWPP)! The Government of Canada’s Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) provides employers with funding support when they hire post-secondary students for paid work placements approved by the student’s post-secondary institution. As a SWPP delivery partner, Magnet has supported 40,000+ placements.
Learn more about the program and apply | Check out the Chamber’s resources on WIL | Login or create a Magnet account through the Chamber
GOVERNMENT OF ALBERTA - BURSARY PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM
Business owners, municipalities and organizations are encouraged to invest in northern Alberta by sponsoring post-secondary students. The Bursary Partnership Program (BPP) brings together sponsors and the Northern Alberta Development Bursary Program with a return of service bursary. The program will match sponsor’s amount of up to $3,500 per student per year. Sponsors must provide the Request for Matching Funds form per student, each year they want the program to match their funds.
DEADLINE: Between May 1 – November 30 of each year | More information & to apply
Market Diversification for Small and Medium-sized Enterprise
The AgriMarketing Program offers targeted support tailored to specific sector needs. This includes a combined $75 million in contribution funding over 5 fiscal years (2026-2027 to 2030-2031) to promote market diversification, in addition to support already provided under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).
The support encourages greater diversification to respond to market instability in the Canadian agriculture, agri-food and agri-products sector, including fish and seafood.
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the April 14th 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
Guide to Starting and Running a Home-Based Business in Alberta
Accounting 101: Everything business owners need to know
Free Google Learning Program – Google Training at your own pace
A 5-step recruitment plan for small businesses
5 Canadian Legislation Updates Every Small Business Should Know
Other Events
April 22 | Trading faster, safer, and cheaper: How AEO programmes help SMEs compete globally
April 23 | Tech Night by Community Futures Entre-Corp
April 28 | Succession Planning in Non-profit Organizations
April 30 | Unlock Viral Engagement: Stop Broadcasting, Start Connecting
May 5 | Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Non-Profit Voluntary Sector
May 5 | Calgary | Beyond Aid vs. Trade: How Canada Can Align Development and Economic Partnerships in a Changing World
Useful Links
Follow us on social media for up-to-the-minute updates
The Voice: April 21st, 2026
National Volunteer Week, National Tourism Week, Expedited 120-Day Approvals Act, New Provincial Cybercrime Task Force, Temporary Federal Tax Relief, and more all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK National Volunteer Week (April 19-25, 2026) is a nationwide celebration led by Volunteer Canada every April that recognizes, celebrates, and promotes volunteerism across the…
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