The Voice: May 12th, 2026
Canada-US Trade Talk Continues, Building Trades Paths for Indigenous Youth, Government of Canada Announces New Business Development Bank of Canada Program, and more all in this week's edition of The Voice.
Business News
CCC: Canada–U.S. Trade Talks Continue as Tariff Pressures and Policy Signals Evolve
Canada–U.S. engagement on tariffs and the upcoming CUSMA review continues, with recent signals pointing to both ongoing dialogue and persistent gaps in negotiating positions. Prime Minister Carney indicated that a broader tariff resolution could be reached relatively quickly if both sides align, while emphasizing that Canada is focused on securing a comprehensive agreement rather than pursuing limited, short-term concessions.
At the same time, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has reiterated that the administration’s “America First” approach will continue to guide trade policy, suggesting that existing frameworks are unlikely to return to previous norms. Informal discussions remain active, though formal negotiations have yet to fully resume, and both sides continue to frame the review as a longer-term process rather than a fixed deadline.
Alongside these dynamics, tariff-related impacts are intensifying across key sectors. The U.S. has maintained and expanded duties on steel, aluminum, and derivative products, while also signaling that relief may be tied to future investment decisions. In response, the federal government announced a new $1 billion loan program through the Business Development Bank of Canada, alongside additional support for small and medium-sized enterprises, aimed at helping firms manage near-term pressures and adapt to shifting market conditions. These developments reinforce that tariffs remain a central feature of the bilateral relationship, shaping both policy responses and industry outlooks as Canada and the U.S. continue to navigate the lead-up to the CUSMA review.
BUILDING TRADES PATHS FOR INDIGENOUS YOUTH
Alberta’s government is investing $300,000 into the Building Indigenous Mentorship and Pathways Pilot Program to strengthen career mentorship opportunities for Indigenous youth. The program, delivered by Building Trades of Alberta, focuses on mentorship, community-based outreach and culturally informed career guidance to help Indigenous youth connect with training and employment opportunities in Alberta’s growing skilled trades sector.
GOVERNMENT OF CANADA ANNOUNCES A NEW $1 BILLION BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT BANK OF CANADA PROGRAM AND $500 MILLION IN ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR THE REGIONAL TARIFF RESPONSE INITIATIVE
On May 4, 2026, the government announced $1.5 billion to support several of Canada’s tariffed industries. This includes the creation of a new $1 billion Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) program available to industries that manufacture and export products containing steel, aluminum or copper. In addition, the government is providing an additional $500 million through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI), delivered by Canada’s regional development agencies (RDA), to support tariff-impacted businesses in all sectors of our economy.
Medicine Hat-Cypress News
City secures provincial funding for workforce attraction and growth
The City of Medicine Hat has secured funding through Alberta’s Northern and Regional Economic Development (NRED) program to support a new, multi-year workforce attraction initiative.
The project – known as Opportunity is Calling in Medicine Hat – will be a coordinated marketing campaign designed to attract skilled physicians professionals, entrepreneurs, and remote workers to the city while addressing critical gaps in the local workforce.
Read the full news release to learn more about this workforce attraction initiative. Read this article on their website.
Council Highlights May 4, 2026
City Council highlights from May 4th include Council implementing a pilot program to permit alcohol consumption in designated locations from July 2, 2026 to September 30, 2026, approving a budget amendment to accept third-party funding towards a marketing campaign to attract professionals and entrepreneurs to live in Medicine Hat, appointing a new member to the Subdivision and Appeal Board, and voting to support a two-day tri-area workshop with regional partners.
Cypress County Council passed the 2026 Tax Rate Bylaw
The Bylaw includes a two per cent increase to residential and farmland tax rates and a seven per cent increase to non-residential tax rates.
As part of its long-term planning, council is addressing aging infrastructure and buildings. This includes taking a responsible, forward-looking approach to maintaining and renewing municipal assets to ensure they continue to support safe, reliable service delivery for residents, businesses, and communities.
The Tax Rate Bylaw establishes the rates of taxation to be levied against assessable property within Cypress County for the 2026 taxation year. Notices will be mailed out later this month. View more in the May 5 County agenda package: https://cypresscounty.allnetmeetings.com/pubs/publicAgenda.aspx?aId=9A918A1F-6258-4A06-9B00-DFC27828BF21
Brooks-Newell News
County of Newell’s annual report is now online
This report includes audited financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2025, and features updates from Agricultural Services, Municipal Services, and Planning & Development departments. The report highlights that Development activity in the County of Newell remains strong. 2025 saw an 18% increase in Development Permits compared to last year and a 66% increase in approved subdivisions. In 2025, a total of 13 Development Permits were approved for new businesses, reflecting continued economic growth and diversification across the County.
View the report and past reports here | https://newell.allnetmeetings.com/pubs/download.aspx?ty=ag&agid=A4DD6209-8963-485A-9B10-52D486F5EA01&atid=41F47AD0-8461-4A76-BD28-254EC4262AFD
2026 Property Assessment & Tax Notices Mailout
The 2026 Property Assessment & Tax Notices have been mailed. If you do not receive your Property Assessment & Tax Notice by May 31, please contact the County of Newell to obtain a copy.
County Council continues to offer a discount on the current municipal portion of your taxes, if paid in full by 4:30 pm on June 15, 2026. The Tax Penalties & Incentive Bylaw (2008-21) provides for:
- a discount of 2.5% applied to all current municipal taxes paid by June 15th
- a penalty of 8% applied to current year taxes outstanding as of November 15th
- a penalty of 12% applied to all taxes in arrears as of March 1st of each year
Please note: To ensure your payment is applied to the correct account, include the bottom return portion of the Tax Notice referencing the Tax Roll that is being paid with your payment.
Payment options can be found here: https://countyofnewell.ab.ca/making-payments. Contact the County with any questions regarding your property assessment and tax notice at 403-362-3266.
Request for Proposal - Construction of a Municipal Microgeneration Solar PV System
The County of Newell is soliciting proposals from qualified contractors for the design, supply, and installation of a grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) system at the County of Newell Administration and Shop facility complex located within the County of Newell at 183037 Rge Rd. 145. This project aims to reduce operational costs, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and align with the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre (MCCAC) funding program requirements.
Advocacy in Action
CANADIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: FUTURE OF BUSINESS SUMMIT
More than 600 business leaders, policymakers, economists and community representatives from across Canada gathered in Ottawa on April 20–21 for the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s inaugural Future of Business Summit, focused on strengthening Canada’s economic resilience and long‑term competitiveness.
Throughout the Summit, speakers emphasized that Canada’s future prosperity depends on stronger domestic capacity, diversified trade relationships, and collaboration between business, government, and communities. Key discussions explored trade diversification beyond reliance on the U.S., reducing internal trade barriers, boosting productivity, scaling small businesses, building a resilient workforce, and ensuring food, energy, and economic security.
Participants also highlighted the importance of major infrastructure projects, economic reconciliation with Indigenous communities, innovation in sectors such as agriculture and health, and the need for long‑term thinking beyond political cycles to support sustainable growth across all regions of the country.
Events like the Future of Business Summit play a critical role in ensuring that regional and rural perspectives are part of national economic conversations. Discussions around trade diversification, workforce challenges, infrastructure, and supply chain resilience directly impact businesses in Southeast Alberta that rely on access to markets, labour mobility, and competitive regulatory environments.
For our region, national dialogue on reducing internal trade barriers and strengthening domestic capacity can help:
- Improve access to interprovincial and international markets for local producers and exporters
- Support workforce development and labour mobility for growing industries
- Create opportunities for small and medium‑sized businesses to participate in major projects and supply chains
- Ensure rural and regional economies are considered in long‑term policy planning
By convening business and government leaders from across the country, summits such as these, help shape policies that influence day‑to‑day business conditions in communities like ours — reinforcing the importance of advocacy, collaboration, and regional voices in building Canada’s economic future.
Consumer protection consultation
The Government of Alberta is seeking input on a proposed modernized licensing and regulatory framework for direct selling and prepaid contracting under the Consumer Protection Act. The initiative aims to simplify requirements for businesses while strengthening consumer protections.
Stakeholders and businesses are invited to complete a questionnaire by May 27, 2026 to help inform the development of this updated framework.
Direct Selling and Prepaid Contracting - Engagement Questionnaire
ALBERTA’S AEROSPACE AND DEFENCE INVESTMENT IN SOUTHEAST ALBERTA
The Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce welcomes the Government of Alberta’s announcement to grow the province’s aerospace and defence sector, particularly funding that supports small- and medium-sized businesses and strengthens innovation infrastructure in southern Alberta.
Investments such as the Leading Industry Forward Together (LIFT) Initiative recognize the critical role SMEs play in building a resilient, diversified economy. Helping Alberta businesses access training, certification, and market visibility is essential if local companies are to successfully compete for national and international aerospace and defence contracts.
The Chamber is especially encouraged by the funding to support a feasibility study for the Foremost Unmanned Aircraft Systems Test Range and congratulates Community Futures Entre-Corp and the Village of Foremost in being awarded this opportunity.
As Foremost is currently one of Canada’s two only dedicated beyond visual line of sight testing sites, the Foremost range represents a strategic economic asset for Southeast Alberta, with the potential to support commercialization, advanced manufacturing, and high-skilled job creation across the region.
As defence and aerospace investment accelerates nationally, Southeast Alberta has the land, expertise, and entrepreneurial capacity to contribute meaningfully to Canada’s defence supply chain. Supporting SMEs, rural innovation infrastructure, and organizations like Community Futures Entre-Corp helps ensure these opportunities translate into real economic growth for our communities.
The Chamber looks forward to continued collaboration with the Government of Alberta, the Alberta Aviation, Aerospace and Defence Council, and regional partners to ensure businesses in Southeast Alberta can fully access these opportunities and that policy implementation reflects regional strengths and realities.
Next Level Events
Connecting for Opportunity: Powered by REDI
Join us for an engaging and meaningful afternoon at REDI Enterprises, in partnership with the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce.
This event brings local businesses together with the REDI team to connect, learn, and explore new collaboration opportunities, and to highlight the all of the ways REDI can save you time and money in your business.
Thursday, May 21st from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM | REDI Enterprises | Please Register by May 19th
Are You Prepared for Canada’s Product Requirements?
Before launching a product in Canada, it is important to understand the regulations that may apply to your business. In this webinar, you will gain an overview of key Health Canada product categories, learn how to determine if your product is regulated, and identify common compliance mistakes that can lead to delays or penalties.
This session on Thursday, May 21 will help you take a more informed and confident approach to launching your product. Secure your spot today. Register Now
Fundraising for Founders
Our goal is to get you so well-versed and so comfortable with the language and mechanics of raising money that a VC would be surprised by you. If you can effortlessly talk deal terms, you're more likely to raise more money, and on better terms.
Online event | Fundraising for Founders | June 1-4, 2026
How the Trade Accelerator Program Helps Alberta Companies Scale Globally
Are you an Alberta-based business looking to expand beyond Canada or curious about exploring new international markets—but not sure where to start?
Join the Trade Accelerator Program and Medicine Hat Economic Development for an upcoming Trade Accelerator Program (TAP) information webinar, designed to introduce growth-stage companies to one of Canada’s leading export development programs. This session will walk you through how TAP equips businesses with the tools, expert guidance, and practical export planning needed to confidently pursue global growth.
Thursday, June 4th | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | More info & registration here
CDC Newell Ag Summit
This summit is designed to be practical, informative, and forward-thinking - focusing on ideas that can be applied and connections that matter, all while highlighting the beautiful grounds at CDC South.
In-Person, located near Brooks | Thursday, June 18th 12:00 PM - Friday, June 19th 1:00 PM
Heart of the Horse 2026
Experience the Art of Horsemanship this August 21st–23rd at the Cypress Centre in Medicine Hat, Alberta! Experience horsemanship through competitions, demonstrations, and more!
Learn more about the event here: https://www.theheartofthehorse.ca/
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 Northback Holdings Corporation, Stacked Pancake and Breakfast House, and Upfront Counseling Solutions 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!
Get free, confidential tax help from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
Are you a small business owner, self-employed, or earning rental income? The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) offers free, personalized support to owners of small businesses, self-employed individuals, and those earning rental income. The Liaison Officer service is available across Canada to help you understand your tax obligations. A visit from a liaison officer is 100% confidential; the information you choose to discuss with a liaison officer will not be shared with other areas of the CRA.
Mental Health Coverage: Chambers Group Insurance Plan
Did you know that the Chambers Group Insurance Plan has benefits that include mental health coverage?
May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, so this is a great time to explore the mental health programs available to you through my benefits:
- my benefits health – tools and information to help you understand mental health concerns and find community supports
- myStrength – self-guided online programs designed to support your mental wellbeing
- Mental Health Navigator – virtual access to experts who can recommend appropriate care
- Employee Assistance Program – 24/7 access to professional counselling, plus guidance for stress, finances, relationships, and more
Already on the plan, visit the Health & Wellness Tab in my-benefits to explore what's available. Not on the Chamber Plan? Find out more here.
BDC: Dual use
Dual use is a term applied to technologies, goods, services and software that have a primary use in the commercial civilian market but also have a defence, security or intelligence use case. Dual use can also define companies that sell to both civilian and defence markets; these companies pursue a dual-use strategy.
Are you considering a dual-use strategy to enter into the defence market? Discover what to consider before adopting this strategy for your business. Read the article
Fill Up On Funding
INDUSTRIAL TRANSFORMATION CHALLENGE
ERA is putting $50 million to work through our annual Industrial Transformation Challenge to back the next wave of technologies that will cut emissions, strengthen Alberta’s industrial and natural resource sectors, and improve environmental performance.
Funded through the Government of Alberta’s Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) fund, the annual Challenge supports pilot, demonstration, and first-of-kind commercial projects that help industry lower costs, improve competitiveness, and accelerate technology adoption.
Application Deadline: June 17, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. MDT | More information and to apply
AGRICULTURE FOR LIFE – GRANT STREAM
Alberta agriculture and agri-food employers can access funding through Agriculture for Life – Grant Stream 2 to strengthen HR practices, attract and retain talent, and access professional training. With up to 90% cost-share available, it’s a great opportunity to invest in your workforce.
Deadline: November 30, 2026 | More information and to apply
WILWorks Skilled Trades in Advanced Manufacturing
WILWorks Skilled Trades in Advanced Manufacturing is a pre-apprenticeship program for youth (ages15-29), offering foundational skills in advanced manufacturing trades. This program is designed to build a skilled workforce for Canada’s manufacturing future, utilizing employer-led, hands-on training and mentorship.
The employer-friendly approach lets you integrate training easily into the workplace while allowing participants to gain valuable, real-world experience during a training period of 8 weeks or more. Funded by the Government of Canada’s Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy, eligible employers receive a wage subsidy of up to $5000 to support quality training periods.
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the May 5th 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.
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The Voice: May 12th, 2026
Canada-US Trade Talk Continues, Building Trades Paths for Indigenous Youth, Government of Canada Announces New Business Development Bank of Canada Program, and more all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News CCC: Canada-U.S. Trade Talks Continue as Tariff Pressures and Policy Signals Evolve Canada-U.S. engagement on tariffs and the upcoming CUSMA review continues,…
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