The Voice: June 2nd, 2026
Pride Month, National Indigenous History Month, Men's Mental Health Month, The 2026 Census is Underway, Business Tax Information, New Report on Alberta's Lithium Advantage, and more all in this week's edition of The Voice.
Business News
Pride Month
The month of June is Pride month. Celebrated in Canada and around the world, this month celebrates the accomplishments of the two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, and other (2SLGBTQ+) communities. This day also recognizes the ongoing struggle and the continued work towards equal justice for 2SLGBTQ+ individuals and communities.
Learn more and access the Pride Season toolkit on the Government of Canada's website | AB Human Rights Commission
National Indigenous History Month
Men's Mental Health Month
June is a time dedicated to raising awareness and reducing stigma surrounding men's mental health. It encourages men and boys to prioritize their well-being and seek support if needed. 1 in 2 Canadian men are at risk of social isolation. Not having people to confide in is associated with higher stress and risk of depression.
Learn more at the Canadian Men's Health Foundation. | Read more on the Canadian Mental Health Association's website.
The 2026 Census is Underway
The Census of Population and the Census of Agriculture paint a portrait of Canada's population and farming sector. Census data are essential for planning programs and services in your community. Complete your census questionnaire online today. It's quick, easy, and secure.
Businesses Tax information
On March 26, 2026, the Government of Canada passed legislation that makes the Canada Carbon Rebate for Small Businesses non-taxable for all fuel charge years. The CRA is now reviewing the T2 Corporation Income Tax Returns for businesses that may have included the rebate in their taxable income for the year it was received.
Here’s what this means for your business and what steps you may need to take.
- If your corporation filed before the announcement on June 30, 2025, in which the government committed to making the rebate tax-free, and:
- There is clear indication the rebate amount was reported at line 295 of the Schedule 1, they will complete an adjustment to remove the amount from the calculation of your taxable income. No action will be required on your part.
- There is no clear indication the rebate was included in taxable income, they will be requesting additional information in order to determine if an adjustment to your T2 return is needed.
- If your corporation filed after June 30, 2025, and included the rebate in your taxable income:
- You will need to submit an adjustment request: Requesting a reassessment of your T2 return.
Refer to the flowchart on their website for a visual depiction of this process.
Businesses: Add or update your email address now to avoid missing important CRA changes
The CRA now sends most business correspondence online. To make sure you don’t miss important updates:
This allows the CRA to notify you when new mail is available or when changes are made to your account. Without a current email address you could miss key information.
Learn more here : Businesses : Add or update your email address now to avoid missing important CRA messages
2026 Tax deadlines for Canadian businesses and self-employed individuals
Check out this new web page that highlights the 2026 tax deadlines for Canadian businesses and self-employed individuals. It’s designed to help you stay organized and manage your tax obligations with ease.
NEW REPORT FOCUSES ON ALBERTA'S LITHIUM ADVANTAGE
A recent report from the Alberta Geological Survey highlights the scale of Alberta’s emerging lithium sector, estimating the province holds approximately 82.5 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent in place. As global demand for lithium continues to grow alongside the expanding need for batteries, energy storage, and advanced technologies, the report reinforces Alberta’s potential to become an important player in North America’s critical minerals and energy future.
The greatest lithium brine potential occurs near Red Deer and Fox Creek. The Peace River region northeast of Grande Prairie, and parts of southern Alberta are also prospective, but more data is required to confidently estimate volumes of lithium.
Medicine Hat-Cypress News
FLYING DRONES IN MEDICINE HAT: A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO SAFE (AND LEGAL) FLIGHTS
Medicine Hat is one of Canada’s prime drone flying locations. If drone flight interests you, you have come to the right place! Read on to learn about how you can join this growing industry in a safe and responsible manner.
CITY OF MEDICINE HAT: CURRENT ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
The City of Medicine Hat is currently seeking input on several important initiatives that will help shape the future of our community—and your voice plays a key role. Take the opportunity to have a say in one of these current engagement opportunities:
Construction begins on Medicine Hat’s Southwest Substation
Construction will begin June 1 on a new substation in southwest Medicine Hat that will help support growth in the area and improve long-term power reliability for customers in the city’s south. Find out more
Brooks-Newell News
Brooks City Council highlights: May 25, 2026
Brooks City Council focused on governance and policy updates at its May 25 meeting, along with the approval of the Community Partnership Plan, the recreation rate updates for 2026-2027, along with updates to the land use bylaw and the business license bylaw. You can find all the highlights here: https://www.brooks.ca/DocumentCenter/View/8348/Council-Highlights---May-25?bidId=.
You can also view the Council meetings on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeKiIRKTfydWhqRe5TQz4UQ
LAKE NEWELL RESORT LIFT STATION ELECTRICAL UPGRADES
The County of Newell invites the public to submit tender for the Lake Newell Resort Lift Station Electrical Upgrades. The scope of work for this includes the following:
- Demolition and replacement of Lift Station Electrical Pedestal
- Demolition and replacement of wiring and instruments in Lift Station Wet Well
- Temporary electrical equipment and service changes to maintain Lift Station Operation
- Commissioning of new electrical Pedestal and Wiring
The Site of the Work of this Contract is located in Lake Newell Resort, Alberta. Tender closes JUNE 9 @ 2:00pm. All bids must go through the link > https://mpe.bidsandtenders.ca/
Empowering Brooks' Workforce: How the New WERC Program Connects Job Seekers and Local Employers
The WERC program, run by Ballad Group, helps unemployed and underemployed residents gain job-ready skills while connecting employers with trained local talent. Training includes Hospitality & Retail and Industrial Skills, with hands-on learning at 289 Veiner Road. Participants receive support such as living allowances, transportation, gear, and certifications. Employers benefit from skilled hires and onboarding support. Intake opens in July
Phone: 1-855-295-7180 | Email:Â wercbrooks@balladgroup.ca. | Join the waitlist
CONNECTED COMMUNITIES: A COMMUNITY CONVERSATION ON DATA CENTRES
Curious about what data centres mean for our community? Join Brooks Newell Region Economic Development for Connected Communities—a public info session on the growing role of digital infrastructure and what it could mean for local growth. Hear from industry and community voices on:
- What data centres are, and how they work
- Opportunities for economic development
- Energy use and connectivity
- Long-term impacts for our region
This presentation-style event wraps with a moderated Q&A—your chance to ask questions and be part of the conversation. Whether you’re exploring the technology, thinking about future opportunities, or looking to better understand the topic, everyone is welcome. Register here.
Advocacy in Action
ALBERTA CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE PRIORITIES SET AT ACC'S 88TH AGM & POLICY PLENARY
Delegates from local chambers across Alberta adopted 28 policy resolutions to advocate with the provincial and federal governments during the Alberta Chambers of Commerce (ACC) 88th Annual General Meeting and Policy Plenary in Whitecourt on May 28, 2026.
The Whitecourt & District Chamber of Commerce welcomed chamber leaders, business advocates, and partners from across the province for ACC’s annual gathering focused on strengthening Alberta’s business environment, advancing policy priorities, and fostering collaboration across the chamber network.
Alberta Perspectives: Has your perspective changed?
With ongoing economic shifts and trade uncertainty, we are asking you to take a few minutes to share what you are seeing in your business today. What has changed, what has not, and where we should focus next. This activity takes less than 8 minutes and is open until June 12 at 5:00 PM. Your input helps ensure our advocacy reflects real business conditions and the decisions you are making every day.
Share your perspective: https://research.albertaperspectives.ca/jfe/form/SV_41GWfaqETeHzpjg?Source=eblast
Advocacy for the Inclusion of Veterinarians into the Canada Student Loan Forgiveness ProgramÂ
Access to rural veterinarians and animal health technicians is vital to the safety, sustainability, and success of agricultural producers across the country.
The Government of Canada has implemented the Canada Student Loan Forgiveness Program to attract and retain essential professionals in rural and underserviced areas. Examples of eligible occupations include family doctors, nurses, teachers, social workers, and pharmacists. However, veterinarians and animal health technicians are not included in the list of occupations eligible for student loan forgiveness.
The exclusion of veterinarians and animal health technicians from this federal incentive is a missed opportunity to support a critical service in rural communities that has a direct impact on the economic stability of the country.
To support further advocacy for the inclusion of veterinarians and animal health technicians into the Canada Student Loan Forgiveness Program, a survey has been created to show the economic value of veterinary access in Alberta. The survey is intended to gather input from Albertan farmers and ranchers about the importance of veterinary services to agricultural productivity, animal health, and business viability. All responses are anonymous and the deadline to complete the survey is June 30, 2026.
Next Level Events
Ribbon Cuttings Galore!
Steaming Cup Grand Re-Opening
Steaming Cup, Brooks AB | Thursday, June 4th at 10:00 AM
Western Financial Customer Appreciation Event
Western Financial Group Downtown, Medicine Hat AB | Thursday, June 4th at 11:00 AM
BrokerLink Open House
BrokerLink, Medicine Hat AB | Wednesday, June 10th at 4:00 PM
EDC GLOBAL ECONOMIC OUTLOOK FOR CANADIAN EXPORTERS
Rising costs. Pricing pressures. Tighter cash flow. Elevated risk. For many exporters, that’s not a forecast—it’s today’s reality. Despite the volatility, some exporters are finding pockets of growth. Others are struggling with a more immediate challenge: How to respond before rising costs erode margins.
This webinar is focused on what exporters are facing—and what they can do about it.
Thursday, June 11, 2026 |  1:00 – 2:00 p.m. ET | Register Here
Export Opportunities & EDC SupportÂ
Join Calgary Economic Development and Export Development Canada (EDC) for a targeted session on June 23, 2026 to explore export opportunities across key regions, including the UAE, Andean markets, Central America
and the Caribbean. Gain an overview of market dynamics, high-potential sectors, and specific areas of demand for Canadian solutions, particularly in energy and oil & gas. EDC will also highlight the tools and support available to help Canadian companies succeed internationally. The session will conclude with an interactive Q&A.
For more information and to register, visit https://www.showpass.com/market-briefing-export-opportunities-edc-support/
Redcliff Days 2026
Join the Town of Redcliff for the annual community celebration of Redcliff Days! Three days of live entertainment, community activities, garage sales, market vendors, and fun for the whole family.
June 19th - 21st | Visit www.redcliff.ca to view the full schedule of events and activities.
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 Sean D. Miller Professional Corporation, La Diperie Medicine Hat, and Optimize Wealth Management - Troy Hale 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!
Medicine Hat JazzFest 2026
Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Medicine Hat JazzFest returns June 16–21, 2026, with six days of outstanding live music and community celebration. Since 1996, the festival has become one of southeastern Alberta’s premier cultural events, bringing acclaimed artists and music lovers together in unique venues throughout the city.
This milestone edition features an exceptional lineup of Canadian and international talent, including Grammy-winning vibraphonist and drummer Jason Marsalis, bassist and vocalist Kristin Korb, pianist and composer François Bourassa, trumpeter Ron DiLauro, The Ostara Project, MA:Q featuring Mary Ancheta, and bassist Robert Lee.
From straight-ahead jazz to contemporary and cross-genre performances, the festival offers something for seasoned fans and curious newcomers alike.
Festival favourites return throughout the week, concerts on the Esplanade Terrace and on-stage in the main theatre, workshops and jams on the front lawn, and the return to Medalta Potteries for the Dance Party, so audiences can enjoy live music in two of Medicine Hat’s most distinctive cultural spaces.
JazzFest continues to offer a mix of free and ticketed events, along with affordable youth pricing for attendees 25 and under, making the festival accessible to a wide range of audiences. Beyond the music, JazzFest delivers significant cultural and economic benefits, attracting visitors from across the Prairies while supporting local restaurants, hotels, retailers, and attractions.
For 30 years, Medicine Hat JazzFest has showcased the power of live music to bring people together. Find the full schedule and tickets at medicinehatjazzfest.com and experience this landmark celebration for yourself.
Fill Up On Funding
Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) in the Prairie provinces
Are you a high growth business* that is scaling up and producing innovative goods, services or technologies? Are you all about inclusivity and building a stronger Canada? Do you need more resources to accelerate your growth goals?
Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) is accepting expression of interests for Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) on an ongoing basis. BSP supports high-growth* businesses that are seeking to improve productivity, scale-up and commercialize technology. It offers interest-free, repayable funding to incorporated businesses. Find out more.
CanExport Innovation to open for 24 hours June 2, 2026
The CanExport Innovation program will soon begin accepting applications for its next funding round. Please note that demand will exceed available funding; applications will be assessed until the budget is fully allocated. As a result not all eligible projects will receive funding. For the June 2026 intake, in support of Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy, CanExport Innovation will give priority consideration to applications involving defence and dual-use technologies.
In continued support of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, applications seeking partnerships with organizations in Indo-Pacific region countries will receive secondary priority. Applications meeting these priority criteria will be assessed first, followed by remaining eligible applications on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to available funding. Learn more about Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy and Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, including the list of eligible countries.
For more information: https://www.tradecommissioner.gc.ca/en/our-solutions/funding-financing-international-business/canexport-innovation.html
CanExport SMEs is still accepting applications
The CanExport SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) program offers competitive funding to help eligible Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises expand into new international markets. The program supports businesses by sharing the costs of export-related activities, helping reduce risk and support export diversification. It is intended for companies with meaningful economic ties to Canada, the capacity to grow internationally, and a clear plan to export Canadian goods and services. Successful projects may receive up to $50,000 in funding for international business
development activities. Funding is limited, and applications are assessed on a rolling competitive basis.
Important: Program requirements have changed since the 2025 application period. Applications that do not reflect these updates may be deemed ineligible. Review what's changed this year before applying. Deadline EXTENDED: AUGUST 31, 2026 at 10:00 PM
Alberta Youth Incentive
The Careers Alberta Youth Employment Incentive makes it easier – and more rewarding – for employers to bring young talent into their business. Qualified employers can receive up to $7,500 to hire Albertans aged 15 to 24, helping you fill workforce needs today while investing in the skilled workforce of tomorrow. Find out more
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the May 24th 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
Clean Economy Investment Tax Credit (ITC) webinars
June 3 | IDEAS Webinars - Innovation in Advanced Manufacturing
June 4 | Employment Standards in Alberta – Administration and Enforcement
June 11 | Startup Women - Understanding the Funding Landscape in Canada
June 11 | Understanding the Funding Landscape in Canada
June 16 | Strategic Planning For Your Co-op's Future
June 16 | Calgary | Startup Global Pop-Up Pitch Competition
June 23 | Building Resilient Supply Chains
Useful Links
Follow us on social media for up-to-the-minute updates
The Voice: June 2nd, 2026
Pride Month, National Indigenous History Month, Men’s Mental Health Month, The 2026 Census is Underway, Business Tax Information, New Report on Alberta’s Lithium Advantage, and more all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News Pride Month The month of June is Pride month. Celebrated in Canada and around the world, this month celebrates…
Read More The Voice: May 26th, 2026
Alberta Rural Health Week, Changes to Provincial Cabinet, Canadian Small Business tax Deadlines, and Canada’s 2026-2028 Levels Plan, and more all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News Alberta Rural Health Week 2026 celebrates the people bringing care closer to home Alberta Rural Health Week (ARHW) returns May 25 to 29, 2026, celebrating…
Read More The Voice: May 19th, 2026
Government of Alberta Spring Session Concludes, 2025 Economic Spotlight, Emissions Reduction Alberta Releases Its Three-year Plan, Riverside Corridor Enhancement Project Engagement Opportunities, City of Medicine Hat Launches Open Data Portal and more all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News GOVERNMENT OF ALBERTA SPRING SESSION CONCLUDES This spring session, Alberta’s government delivered a…
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