The Voice: June 16th, 2026
Meet Our New Membership Coordinator Mike Lecorps, National Indigenous Peoples Day, Business Tax Information, Is Canada in Recession, and more all in this week's edition of The Voice.
Business News
Meet Mike Lecorps – Our New Member Relations Coordinator!
Mike joined the Chamber in 2026, bringing with him deep roots in Medicine Hat after making the city home in 2006. Many in the community will recognize him from his years behind the camera as a videographer or from his presence on local screens with featured community segments such as ‘What’s up in the Hat’ and ‘Around Town’.
With a strong background in broadcasting, Mike brings valuable experience in storytelling and a unique understanding of the region and its people. He is passionate about connecting with others and sharing the stories that make Southeast Alberta such a vibrant place to live and do business.
Mike is committed to celebrating the community and building meaningful connections that support and strengthen the local business landscape. If you have any questions for Mike, feel free to reach out to him at membership@southeastalbertachamber.ca
June 21st is National Indigenous Peoples Day
The month of June is National Indigenous History month, and on June 21, 2026 is the 30th anniversary of National Indigenous Peoples Day. It's a time to recognize and celebrate the traditions, cultures and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis.
Medicine Hat: The City of Medicine Hat welcomes the public to attend its annual National Indigenous Peoples Day event at City Hall on Friday, June 19. The City’s event celebrates the rich history, traditions, cultures, and important contributions of all First Nations, Métis and Inuit residents who make Medicine Hat their home. Read the full article on their website.
Brooks-Newell: Stay updated by visiting the City of Brooks website here, and their Facebook page here.
Learn more on the Government of Canada's website here.
Businesses - Tax information
The June filing deadline is approaching for self-employed individuals
If you are self-employed, or your spouse or common-law partner is self-employed, you have until June 15, 2026, to file your 2025 income tax and benefit return. The CRA has resources to help you understand your obligations and meet important deadlines.
For more information, visit: Self-employed? Make filing easier with these tips from the CRA.
Access to Business Registration Online is changing
Starting July 14, 2026, you'll need to sign in to your CRA account to use Business Registration Online (BRO). From there, you can register for a business number (BN) or CRA program accounts, such as GST/HST.
We're making this change to improve security, better protect your information, and make the service more reliable and easier to use.
Accessing BRO through your CRA account helps us confirm your identity before you register and reduces the risk of unauthorized access and fraudulent registrations.
For more information on registering for a BN and CRA program accounts, visit: Business Registration Online (BRO)
New web page to help you understand SBD and SR&ED rules
The rules for the small business deduction (SBD) and the Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) investment tax credit can be complex, especially when corporations are related or associated. To make these rules easier to understand, the CRA has launched new web pages with plain-language explanations, examples, and scenarios to help businesses determine how these relationships may affect their tax incentives.
Reminder: CRA drop boxes are permanently closed
As of May 29, 2026, the CRA permanently closed its drop boxes across Canada. Taxpayers can continue to file, pay, or submit documents using the CRA's secure online services, by mail, or through participating financial institutions and Canada Post locations.
IS CANADA IN A RECESSION?
The word “recession” is back in everyday vocabulary. And for good reason: on May 29, Statistics Canada confirmed that real GDP had declined by 0.1% on an annualized basis in the first quarter of 2026, following a revised contraction of 1.0% in the fourth quarter of 2025. Two consecutive quarters in the red. Technically, that’s a recession.
But before sounding the alarm, it’s worth taking a closer look. Because there’s a significant gap between the headlines and the reality on the ground. The Canadian economy isn’t collapsing. It’s slowing down. And the distinction is far from superficial.
One word, two very different realities – find out what it means.
Alberta remains the province best positioned for growth in 2026. The positive forecast is driven by high oil prices and better-than-expected economic results in late 2025. Growth is expected to reach nearly 2.5% in the region in 2026, significantly higher than the projected national rate.
The conflict in the Middle East is a major driver for Alberta’s economy. The WTI oil price averaged US$104 per barrel in May, well above the levels projected in the February provincial budget. This premium is expected to translate into a significant increase in government and corporate revenues. Oil production remains at high levels, averaging 4.17 million barrels per day over the first four months of 2026. View the economic outlook.
Medicine Hat-Cypress News
OPPORTOURNITY HIGHLIGHTS CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AND COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Earlier this month, over two days, students, recent graduates, early-career engineers, and young professionals from across Canada travelled to Medicine Hat for OpporTOURnity Medicine Hat: Talent Edition—an immersive workforce attraction initiative connecting emerging talent with local employers, industries, and the community.
Hosted by Medicine Hat Economic Development, the program connected participants with employers in aerospace, defence, petrochemical manufacturing, municipal government, and other advanced industries, while also showcasing the lifestyle advantages that make Medicine Hat an increasingly attractive place to live and work. Developed in close partnership with leading local employers, the initiative aimed to address critical skill shortages by building employers' capacity to attract top candidates from across Canada.
BATTERY STORAGE PROJECT CONNECTED TO MEDICINE HAT RECEIVES FEDERAL FUNDING BOOST
Aqua-Cell Energy has received more than $1.5 million in federal funding to advance its salt-water flow battery technology and support a pilot project in Medicine Hat. The funding comes through Natural Resources Canada’s Energy Innovation Program under the Battery Industry Acceleration Call and will support research focused on improving the performance and efficiency of the company’s long-duration energy storage systems.
NEW INTERACTIVE PARKS AND RECREATION MAPPING TOOL LAUNCHED BY CITY OF MEDICINE HAT
The City of Medicine Hat has launched a new interactive mapping tool to make it easier for residents and visitors to discover parks and outdoor amenities. The Parks and Recreation Explorer interactive mapping tool hosts the community’s most popular destination parks, playgrounds, pools, spray parks and recreation facilities. The City says that residents can browse locations, discover amenities and get inspired to explore the city’s diverse offerings, whether close to home or within a neighbourhood they’ve never visited before.
Rec & Ride Youth Pass returns for year two
Following a highly successful inaugural season, the City of Medicine Hat's Parks and Recreation department, Medicine Hat Transit, and the YMCA of Southeastern Alberta are proud to once again partner to offer the Rec & Ride Youth Pass this summer.
Brooks-Newell News
RFP’S: CITY OF BROOKS
REPLACEMENT OF BOILERS AT THE EVERGREEN CENTER
The City of Brooks is seeking a qualified contractor to complete a boiler upgrade at its Evergreen Center in Brooks, Alberta. More information or to Bid | Closing Date: 1:00pm August 7
REPLACEMENT OF BOILERS AND HOT WATER HEATER AT THE COMMUNITY CULTURAL CENTRE
The City of Brooks is seeking a qualified contractor to complete a boiler upgrade at its Community Cultural Center in Brooks, Alberta. More Information or to Bid | Closing Date: 1:00pm August 7
Advocacy in Action
CANADIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: A $31-BILLION TICKET TO RIDE: HOW THE WEST COAST PIPELINE CAN BOOST CANADA’S GDP
There’s a train getting ready to leave the station. And in the words of Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency, “the cost of missing this train will be incredible.”
Those words were shared at the Canada Growth Summit on May 7, 2026. Weeks later, Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced a major policy breakthrough at a joint press conference. The landmark MOU between Alberta and Canada—which ultimately lays the groundwork for a West Coast Pipeline—had officially cleared its biggest hurdle yet, with both parties agreeing on an industrial carbon pricing trajectory that will reach $130 per tonne by 2035.
This step towards regulatory certainty arrives at a key moment for industry. Pressure is mounting for safe, reliable energy from stable nations like Canada. Ongoing geopolitical shifts mean supply-chain risks will likely keep energy prices elevated for years to come. Capitalizing on this disruption gives the Carney Government a critical window to fulfill its most ambitious goals: stimulating a trillion-dollar capital infusion within five years, doubling global trade outside the United States by the mid-2030s, and solidifying Canada as a preeminent global energy leader. Continue Reading.
ENGAGEMENT EXTENDED ON REGULATORY REFORM FOR MAJOR PROJECTS
The federal government has extended the engagement period to July 22, 2026, on proposed reforms to streamline regulatory processes and accelerate approvals for major projects. The proposed changes aim to reduce federal review timelines, improve coordination across departments, and reduce duplication in project assessments. Learn more.
Next Level Events
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.
Trade Accelerator Program (TAP) Webinar Recording
Did you miss the TAP webinar on June 4th? Don’t worry! You can watch the “Export Curious How the Trade Accelerator Program Helps Alberta Companies Scale Globally” webinar recording here.
DID YOU KNOW THAT BDC OFFERS FREE COURSES ON THEIR WEBSITE?
BDC's free Entrepreneur's Learning Centre has courses covering everything from cash flow and strategic planning to AI and digital transformation. Whether you're just starting out or levelling up your operations, there's something in the catalogue for you.
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS COMMITTEE: SIP & SOCIAL
Join our Community Connections Committee for a Social and connect with other members of the Chamber.
Whether you're looking to meet someone new, reconnect with a fellow business owner, or just enjoy an evening with people who get what it takes to run a business in this community - this is it. No long presentations. No sales pitches. Just a genuine evening built around you and the businesses that make this region strong.
Register Here | Friday, June 19, 2026 (4:00 PM - 5:30 PM)
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 Ace Brooks Corp. and Goldland Construction Inc. 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.
Heart of the Horse Happening August 21st-23rd, 2026
Get ready for three unforgettable days celebrating the extraordinary partnership between horse and rider at Heart of the Horse — a world-class equine event that brings together top talent, thrilling competition, education, and community.
Come watch the exciting Colt Starting Competition, where elite trainers demonstrate the art of developing trust, confidence, and skill in young horses. Watch these colts potential transform into partnership right before your eyes.
Canada’s finest competitors will also showcase their versatility and horsemanship in Canada’s Top Ranch Horse Competition, highlighting the athleticism and real-world abilities of the working ranch horse. The action continues with the high-energy Ranch Scramble, a fast-paced crowd favorite that blends teamwork, strategy, and skill.
Beyond the arena, enjoy engaging demonstrations from respected horsemen and women, offering valuable insight into training, ranch work, and equine care. Explore the vibrant Trade Show, featuring western wear, tack, equine products, artisan goods, and unique finds for horse lovers of all kinds.
Don’t miss the highlight of the weekend — “An Evening with Horses”, a spectacular NightShow filled with inspiring performances under the lights.
Whether you’re a lifelong equestrian or simply looking for an exciting summer event, there’s something for everyone at Heart of the Horse. For tickets and more information, visit www.theheartofthehorse.ca | Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @theheartofthe.horse | We hope to see you there! 🐎
Supporting Dignity and De-Escalation Training
This interactive session is designed to provide practical strategies and tools to support respectful engagement and effective de-escalation in community settings. Build skills to address housing insecurity, trauma & substance use with dignity using de-escalation tools to create safer communities for all. This training is offered at no cost to participants, and participants will receive a certificate upon completion.
Date: Friday, June 19 2026
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Location: Medicine Hat Public Library-Theatre (414 1st St SE) [in person only!]
Reserve your spot here 
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/supporting-dignity-de-escalation-strategies-tools-for-community-safety-tickets-1990186894576?aff=oddtdtcreator
Reagan Weeks Wins Women in Business Inspire Award
The Women In Business committee of Medicine Hat held their annual Inspire Awards Luncheon on Friday. Winning the 2026 Inspire Award is Dr. Reagan Weeks, the Superintendent and CEO of Prairie Rose Public Schools.
The award recognized a female community member who has gone above and beyond to mentor, encourage, and inspire others. Weeks said receiving the award was an honour, but credited the recognition to the people she works alongside at Prairie Rose.
Fill Up On Funding
Renewed support for entrepreneurs with disabilities
A $5.5 million investment through PrairiesCan will renew the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP) across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba over the next five years. The program aims to provide business information, training and development, mentorship, and one-on-one advising to support entrepreneurs with disabilities. Learn more here.
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.
You can find more information here: https://www.canada.ca/en/prairies-economic-development/services/funding/regional-tariff-response-initiative.html
Propel Student Work Placement Program
The Propel Student Work Placement Program connects post-secondary students with paid, hands-on experience in tourism. Led by Tourism HR Canada and funded by the Government of Canada, it supports employers with wage subsidies and helps build a skilled, diverse workforce. Find out more.
WIL Digital Applications Now Open — Funding Available
WIL Digital is an innovative work placement program that benefits both employers and students. WIL Digital helps employers grow their businesses by providing a wage subsidy to hire post-secondary students while students gain meaningful work experience and on-the-job learning. WIL Digital is funded by the Government of Canada's Student Work Placement Program (SWPP). Learn more and Apply
![WIL_Digital[1]](https://growthzonecmsprodeastus.azureedge.net/sites/2171/2026/06/WIL_Digital1.jpg "WIL_Digital[1]")
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the June 9th crossword puzzle (and here are the answers for the bonus June 9th Voice Word Search).
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 18 | Virtual | AI Visibility for Business Growth: Turning Attention into Sales
June 23 | Building Resilient Supply Chains
June 24 | Government of Alberta Temporary Foreign Workers and Employer Rights and Responsibilities
June 24 | Vision to Venture: Business Model Canvas
June 24 | Say It So It Sells: Clarify Your Message and Attract the Right Clients
Useful Links
Follow us on social media for up-to-the-minute updates
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Meet Our New Membership Coordinator Mike Lecorps, National Indigenous Peoples Day, Business Tax Information, Is Canada in Recession, and more all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News Meet Mike Lecorps – Our New Member Relations Coordinator! Mike joined the Chamber in 2026, bringing with him deep roots in Medicine Hat after making…
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