The Voice: July 21st, 2026
Special Ballot Requests Now Open for October 19 Referendum, Alberta Business Priorities, Workplace Safety Supports Business Performance, Pacific Gateway and Pathways Progress, and more all in this week's edition of The Voice.
Business News
Special Ballot requests now open for October 19 Referendum
Online applications to Vote by Mail are now open for the October 19, 2026, Referendum. Vote by Mail, also known as a Special Ballot, is available to all eligible Alberta electors. Electors do not need to provide a reason to apply.
“Vote by Mail gives Albertans the flexibility to choose a day and time that works for them to sit down and consider the referendum questions,” said Gordon McClure, Chief Electoral Officer. “With 10 questions, some electors may want extra time to review the questions and voting by mail lets them do that on their own schedule.”
Vote by Mail is a convenient option for electors who will not be available or are going to be away from their electoral division during advance voting days October 13 -17, or on Election Day, October 19. This includes students studying away from home.
Applications to Vote by Mail close October 9, 2026, and all completed Special Ballot packages must be received by Elections Alberta by mail before 5:00pm on October 16, 2026. Returning Offices will not accept Special Ballot packages.
Apply to Vote by Mail
Electors can secure a Special Ballot by:
- Completing the online form at https://specialballot.elections.ab.ca/,
- Writing to info@elections.ab.ca, or
- Contacting the Returning Office for their electoral division starting September 21.
The last day to request a Special Ballot is October 9, 2026. Electors are encouraged to apply earlier enough to ensure they receive it and can return it by the deadline.
Once an application is received, a Vote by Mail package will be mailed to the address provided by the elector, which will include a prepaid return envelope. Special Ballot packages will begin mailing to electors on September 1, 2026.
Special ballots may also be picked up in person at:
- Elections Alberta's head office in Edmonton starting September 1, or
- The elector's electoral division Returning Office starting September 21.
A designate may pick up a package on the elector's behalf. A person may apply for a Special Ballot on behalf of an elector only when the elector requires assistance due to disability or illness. If an elector does not wish to be added to the List of Electors, they can request a secure Special Ballot.
Completing your Vote by Mail
Once electors receive their package, they can complete it at a time that suits them. Elections Alberta must receive completed packages by mail before 5 p.m. on October 16, 2026.
Electors voting by mail must sign a declaration and provide identification to prove their name and address. Please note: electors are required to include copies of their accepted ID with their Special Ballot. Please do not send Elections Alberta original forms of ID.
Other Voting Options
Electors may vote during Advance Vote in their electoral division, October 13-17 at any advance voting location in their electoral division.
Election Day voting locations will be open 9:00am to 8:00pm on October 19, 2026. Electors must vote at their assigned voting location in their electoral division on Election Day.
Referendum Information
Visit our website to learn more about Referendum 2026. Apply to work during the Referendum at our recruitment webpage. All positions and training are paid. Please see the Important Referendum Information Update for more information on ballots, voting, and voting requirements. Follow Elections Alberta on social media for more Referendum 2026 updates.
ACC: Alberta business priorities
The Alberta Chambers of Commerce' latest Alberta Perspectives research found that 87% of businesses believe it is important to resolve Alberta-specific trade issues with the U.S. and secure a tariff-free trade agreement, with 67% describing it as very or vitally important to Alberta's economy.
Workplace safety supports business performance
The Government of Alberta released its latest Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) eNews, providing employers with updated guidance and resources. For Alberta businesses, maintaining strong workplace safety practices helps reduce operational risk, support workforce reliability, and minimize disruptions.
Staying informed of OHS requirements is an important part of maintaining productive and resilient operations. Learn more
Pacific Gateway and Pathways Progress
The federal government has referred the Port of Vancouver Gateway Strategy to the Major Projects Office, with plans to expand terminal and rail capacity to support Canada's goal of doubling exports to non-U.S. markets by 2035. The strategy also includes consideration of Alberta's proposed West Coast Oil Pipeline as part of future bulk-terminal planning.
The announcement reinforces the Provincial Chamber's longstanding advocacy for trade-enabling infrastructure that strengthens market access and supports Alberta's export competitiveness. Learn more
In addition the MOU between the province and the federal government outlines a policy and fiscal framework to support the development of the proposed Pathways Project.
As an important step to achieving 16 MT of emission reductions, Pathways is expected to transport and permanently store approximately six million tonnes of captured carbon dioxide annually from multiple oil sands facilities through a shared transportation network and a storage hub in the Cold Lake region. The Pathways Project is expected to create up to 40,000 jobs across the country and represents billions of dollars in federal and industry investment in Alberta. Read the Full Article
Export Alberta supports international market growth
The Government of Alberta continues to promote export-focused missions and events designed to help Alberta businesses diversify internationally. Through Export Alberta, companies can connect with trade officers, participate in trade missions, identify new buyers, and access programs such as the Alberta Export Expansion Program. As global trade conditions evolve, these supports can help Alberta firms develop new markets and reduce reliance on a single export destination.
Visit the calendar of upcoming events that support Alberta's job creators to expand their exports.
Medicine Hat-Cypress News
City announces Momentum Kick-Off Grant recipients
The City of Medicine Hat has awarded grant funding to 12 recipients as part of its new, one-time Momentum Kick-Off Grant program. The grant program was created in 2026 to support projects that help advance strategic objectives of Momentum: Medicine Hat’s Community Well-Being Plan. A total of $95,300 has been awarded to 12 local non-profit organizations.
Nomination period extended for Arts and Culture Legacy Award
The City of Medicine Hat has extended the nomination period for its newly-created Arts and Culture Legacy Award.
The City has extended the 2026 nomination deadline to Friday, August 7. The extension provides residents with an additional three weeks to submit the form and other required materials within the nomination package. Read the full article on their website.
Brooks-Newell News
Sip & Sample at the Steaming Cup
We’re hosting Sip & Sample at The Steaming Cup on July 28th from 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Come try a 'flight' of 4 summer iced drinks - including lemonade (yes, they squeeze the lemons themselves), in-house steeped iced tea, and iced coffee. One of these special drinks is an event-special so be sure to stop in and give them a try. In-house baked goods will also be available to sample - time to figure out your new go-to order!
PLUS all attendees will get a "bring a friend and you both get a 10% off a beverage" coupon (say that ten times fast), all retail items will be 10% off, AND post a pic of your flight and tag the Steaming Cup on Facebook and/ or Instagram and be entered to win a $20 gift certificate - one entry for each platform!
Business Spotlights
Is there a local business you want to see get a business spotlight? Business spotlights are a way for Newell Proud to promote all of the amazing local businesses right here in our region!
Proposed Development Permit Process for Agricultural Buildings
The County of Newell is considering amendments to its Land Use Bylaw that would require Development Permits for new Agricultural Buildings.
The proposed changes are intended to help producers identify potential issues before construction begins. By reviewing the proposed location of a building in advance, the County can identify concerns such as underground utilities, registered utility easements, road rights-of-way, drainage issues, wetlands, and flood hazard areas that could result in costly delays or relocation after a building has been constructed.
The goal is not to create unnecessary red tape or regulate normal farming practices. Instead, the proposed process is designed to help protect producers' investments by identifying potential issues early, when they are easiest and least expensive to address.
Existing legally constructed Agricultural Buildings would not be affected by the proposed changes. Portable Agricultural Structures that meet the bylaw requirements would also continue to be exempt from Development Permit requirements (but not necessarily other permits such as electrical, plumbing, etc…).
No decisions have been made. Council is seeking feedback from agricultural producers, landowners, and residents before considering the proposed bylaw amendments. To learn more about the proposed Bylaw, review frequently asked questions, and submit your comments, visit https://countyofnewell.ab.ca/ag-building-development-permit
Would you like to speak with the Planning & Development team? Call at 403-794-2313 or email jacksonm@newellmail.ca.
Advocacy in Action
Shaping the Future of Agriculture - Why the Next Agricultural Policy Framework Matters to Southeast Alberta
Agriculture is not just an industry in Southeast Alberta - it is a cornerstone of our economy, communities, supply chains, and way of life. From primary production and food processing to transportation, equipment, research, and agribusiness services, agriculture supports thousands of jobs and drives economic activity across our region.
That is why the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce is closely following the development of Canada's Next Agricultural Policy Framework (2028-2033), the federal-provincial-territorial agreement that will guide agricultural investments, programs, and priorities for the next five years. The framework will replace the current Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership and help shape how governments support producers, processors, and agricultural businesses across the country.
Our Submission on Modernizing Canada’s Regulatory System
Regulatory modernization needs to move beyond small, incremental changes and deliver real measurable reductions in administrative burden.
That's why, on July 10, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce submitted nine recommendations to the Treasury Board of Canada that we believe would transform Canada’s regulatory system from one that is fragmented and process-driven into one that is coordinated, transparent and focused on enabling economic growth.
SHARE YOUR TARIFF-RELATED CHALLENGES
ACC partner EMC is gathering input from Alberta manufacturers experiencing tariff-related challenges. Employer feedback will help inform sector-specific workforce profiles, planning tools, and supports designed to strengthen Alberta's manufacturing sector.
If your organization has been impacted by tariffs, or you know another manufacturer that has, consider sharing your experience.
Next Level Events
Heart of the Horse
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/
Ohpikiwin: Journey to Financial Empowerment
Futurpreneur’s Ohpikiwin Series supports Indigenous entrepreneurs in building financial knowledge and confidence through Indigenous perspectives. This workshop will explore financial empowerment through an Indigenous lens, connecting practical tools with values such as community care, honesty, wisdom, courage, kinship, sustainability, and future generations.
Wednesday, July 29 from 4 to 6 p.m. – Online | Learn More
Ready to Grow Your Business? Start With Your First Hire
Hiring your first employee is a major milestone, but knowing where to begin can be challenging. This practical webinar will guide you through the hiring process—from defining the role and creating a job description to understanding employment requirements, making an offer, and onboarding your new hire. You'll gain practical tips to help you hire with confidence, avoid common mistakes, and build a strong foundation for your growing team.
Jul 30, 2026 at 12:00 PM | Secure your spot here.
Understanding Credit: Your Guide to Safe Credit Use
YWCA Calgary is hosting a webinar with Credit Canada to help participants build long-term financial independence and safely navigate the Canadian credit system. This session will discuss safe credit use and information to help attendees better understand and manage credit. For entrepreneurs, strong credit knowledge can improve access to funding and help build a more stable foundation.
Thursday, July 30 from 2 to 3 p.m. – Online | Learn More
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
Chamber Members
We would like to welcome Back Nine Medicine Hat and Outcome Employment Services 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!
Alberta Youth Employment Incentive
Explore the Alberta Youth Employment Incentive, a cost-effective way to hire talent. 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.
BDC: Financing for payroll: How to pay salaries in a cash flow crunch
Not having the cash to pay workers’ wages isn’t a situation any business wants to find itself in. But meeting your payroll obligations can sometimes be challenging, even when your company is thriving. Payroll financing is an option that enables businesses of any size to secure the funds they need to sustain their operations during a cash flow crunch or slowdown. This type of funding is particularly useful for small businesses that have limited cash reserves, but many employees on payroll.
When do you consider a loan to fund your payroll? Read the full article here.
RFP: Kennel Supply & Installation
The Medicine Hat SPCA (MHSPCA) is seeking proposals from qualified vendors to design, supply, and install replacement dog kennels at its shelter facility. The goal is to replace aging chain-link kennel fronts with safe, durable, hygienic, and animal-welfare-focused kennel systems that support daily operations and long-term sustainability.
Proposals must be submitted by: August 15, 2026. Get more details for the RFP by logging into your Info Hub or by visiting the SPCA website.
Chamber members! Post your RFP's through your Info Hub so other members can see! Looking for some added promotion? Use promotional credits.
Fill Up On Funding
SWPP Wage Subsidy Funding Available for Summer & Fall 2026
Have you hired, or are you planning to hire, post-secondary students for the summer and/or fall? If the answer is yes, you may be eligible to receive up to $5,000 for each student you hire with the Student Work Placement Program (SWPP).
The SWPP, Powered by Magnet application portal is open for the summer (May 1 - August 31, 2026) and fall (September 1 to December 31, 2026) funding periods. Eligible employers can receive up to 50% of the wages to a maximum of $5,000 for each eligible student hired for a work-integrated learning placement (e.g. co-op or internship).
It's not too late to apply for summer funding! If you haven't submitted your SWPP application yet, there's still time. Summer applications are still being accepted, but encourage you to apply as soon as possible while funding remains available.
It's not too late to apply for summer funding! If you haven't submitted your SWPP application yet, there's still time. Summer applications are still being accepted, but encourage you to apply as soon as possible while funding remains available.
Hiring 10+ students? Magnet offers a dedicated, streamlined application process with one-on-one support. If hiring 10+ students, email swpp@magnetnetwork.ca to get started.
Important: The Government of Canada, as the funder of SWPP, made updates to program criteria which took effect on April 1, 2026, including changes to the wage subsidy amount and Net New requirements. Please refer to our website or attend an upcoming webinar for more information.
Visit the website to learn about eligibility criteria. Funding is first-come, first-served. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible!
REGIONAL ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE INITIATIVE (RAII)
To stay at the forefront of this technology, the Government of Canada announced $200 million for AI-powered businesses. This funding, delivered by Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs) is available in all regions to help bring new AI technologies to market and speed-up AI adoption in critical sectors such as agriculture, clean technology, healthcare and manufacturing.
Deadline: December 31, 2028 or until funding is fully committed | More information or to apply
Looking to strengthen your supply chain and connect with new opportunities?
Supplyflow.net is helping build a stronger manufacturing network by connecting Canadian manufacturers, suppliers, and industry partners. The platform supports more resilient supply chains, stronger business relationships, improved sourcing, and new opportunities for growth across Canada.
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the July 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 Events
July 22 | Women in Creative Industries Roundtable
July 22 | Board Roles and Responsibilities
August 5 | The Role of the Board Chair
August 12 | Building Strong Teams and Effective Relationships
August 19 | EMC The Case for Reconnecting Canada’s Manufacturing Economy
Useful Links
Follow us on social media for up-to-the-minute updates
The Voice: July 21st, 2026
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