The Voice: September 1st, 2026
Happy New Fiscal Year, Alberta Culture Days, Federal Wildfire Outlook Highlights Preparedness and Resilience, Reducing Trade Barriers and Strengtheing Agri-Food Growth in Southeast Alberta, and more all in this week's edition of The Voice.
Business News
Happy New Fiscal Year & Alberta Culture Days!
September 1st isn’t just the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce’ new fiscal year (going into our 127th year as an organization), and Alberta Day, but it also marks the start of Alberta Culture Days - Alberta's largest celebration of arts, culture, heritage, diversity and community spirit through events across the province.
If you have questions about your membership and renewal season, you can call the office at (403) 527-5214 or email info@southeastalbertachamber.ca. You can also log into your Info Hub to view billing details.
Learn more about Alberta Culture Days and the events going on in our amazing province at alberta.ca/alberta-culture-days!
Federal wildfire outlook highlights preparedness and resilience
The federal government provided its August update on the 2026 wildfire season, reporting continued wildfire activity across several regions of the country and noting that above-average temperatures and dry conditions could sustain elevated wildfire risk in the coming weeks. Continued preparedness and resilience planning will position businesses to respond effectively and support economic stability through the remainder of the season.
Medicine Hat-Cypress News
City of Medicine Hat: The Survey Says...
Phase 2 of engagement for the Riverside Corridor Enhancement project took place from May 12 to June 15, 2026 with feedback received through stakeholder meetings, a survey, door knocking, and four open houses. The results are detailed in the City's What We Heard Report. Many common questions are also answered in the updated Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
This phase of engagement focused on design elements where public input can help inform future decisions. Community feedback is an important part of decision-making; however, project decisions must also consider factors such as safety requirements, accessibility, technical analysis, operational needs, budget, and Council direction.
The purpose of engagement is to provide decision-makers with a clear understanding of community perspectives and the trade-offs associated with different options, rather than identify a single preferred choice. No decisions have been made on the future of this project and those who participated in the engagement can complete a brief five-minute survey to help the City evaluate their public participation process.
Public input on the City's Water Management and Adaptation Strategy is being used to support the identification of actions and adaptations in the final strategy with aging infrastructure, growth and water demand, and balancing conservation and amenities being among the highest priority areas to focus on over the next 10-20 years. Review the full survey results.
The City collected feedback on Urban Hens from May 19 to June 2, with feedback considered alongside research, best practices from other municipalities, operational requirements, and financial analysis as the City finalizes recommendations for Council. No decisions have been made on the future of this project. Read the "What We Heard" report
City designates Indigenous cultural gathering space in Police Point Park
The City of Medicine Hat, in partnership with the Miywasin Friendship Centre, has designated an Indigenous cultural gathering space in Police Point Park, recognizing the deep and enduring relationship Indigenous Peoples have with this land.
The approximately 100 square-foot space sits beside the Nature Centre, located on the west side of the facility. A sign will be installed on-site indicating the location of the space. Read the full news release to learn more, including an upcoming ground blessing, and how to book the space for cultural purposes.
Brooks-Newell News
Age of Adaptation: Todd Hirsch on Navigating Economic Chaos
Economic uncertainty, global disruption, and rapid technological change are reshaping how we live and do business. Join renowned economist, author, and keynote speaker Todd Hirsch for an engaging discussion on the forces driving change—from inflation and trade instability to AI and shifting global markets.
Attendees will leave with practical insights and strategies to help navigate uncertainty and adapt in an ever-changing economy.
September 10, 2026 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm | 129 2 St W, Brooks | Register Here
Bassano Business Breakfast - Sip, Sample & Socialize
As part of our Sip & Sample series, this welcoming morning gathering brings together local business owners, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and professionals for a relaxed networking experience. Enjoy a hearty pancake breakfast, sip coffee, and socialize with fellow business and community members from across the region.
Whether you're looking to make new connections, discover opportunities for collaboration, or simply catch up with colleagues, this event offers the perfect start to your day.
Thursday, September 10th | 7:30am - 10:00am | Let us know you're coming!
Public Hearing for Proposed Bylaw 2129-23 Land Use Bylaw Text Amendment (Data Centres)
The County of Newell has proposed to amend the Land Use Bylaw, Bylaw No. 2016-21, adding a section on Data Processing Centres and Small-Scale Energy-Integrated Data Centres, in addition to amending Land Use Districts.
THE PURPOSE of proposed Bylaw No. 2129-26 is to update the Land Use Bylaw 2016-21 to include Data Processing Centres and Small-Scale Energy-Integrated Data Centres.
A copy of the proposed bylaw may be inspected at the County of Newell office during normal business hours, or any time on the County website: https://countyofnewell.ab.ca/public-hearings
Advocacy in Action
How are U.S. tariffs affecting your business?
Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC) is seeking input from manufacturers across Alberta to better understand the impacts on operations, investment decisions, workforce planning, and future growth. Your insights will help inform industry priorities and support the development of practical tools, resilience strategies, and workforce planning resources. Participate today
Rapid impact survey: new 50% U.S. section 338 tariffs
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is seeking input on how the new 50% U.S. tariffs may affect Canadian businesses, particularly SMEs. Take a few moments to share information on potential impacts to sales, costs, investment, production, contracts, employment, and local economies. Share your input
Reducing Trade Barriers and Strengthening Agri-Food Growth in Southeast Alberta
Agriculture and agri-food remain cornerstones of Southeast Alberta's economy. From primary production and livestock operations to food processing, value-added products, and export markets, our region's success depends on efficient regulations, competitive business conditions, and access to markets beyond provincial borders.
That is why the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce continues to advocate for the removal of unnecessary interprovincial trade barriers and practical solutions that help producers, processors, and agri-food businesses grow.
Over the past several months, the Chamber has been actively engaged in discussions surrounding interprovincial trade, meat processing capacity, labour shortages, regulatory modernization, and market access opportunities for Alberta producers.
Next Level Events
Alberta Innovation Network: Defence Innovation Hub Nexus
A free national webinar featuring a panel of leaders from industry, government, academia, and the defence sector, hear insights from innovation hubs supporting defence ecosystems in Canada and allied nations.
September 3, 2026 | 11:00am – 12:30pm MDT | Register Here
Government Resources With Corporations Canada & Innovation Canada
Hosted by Futurpreneur Canada, this webinar will help entrepreneurs learn how to navigate government resources and find support for their businesses. Explore tools such as the Business Benefits Finder, BizPaL and Accelerated Growth Service to find funding programs, permits, licences and tailored guidance.
Tuesday, Sept. 8 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. – Online | Reserve a Spot
Trade Accelerator Program (TAP)
Expand your business into international markets through this four-session program for entrepreneurs. Gain expert insights, practical export strategies, and access to a global alumni network to build valuable connections and unlock new opportunities worldwide.
September 15-17 | In-Person in Medicine Hat | Apply for the Cohort
UPCOMING CO-OPERATIVES FIRST WEBINARS
Co-operatives First has a new and fresh line up of webinars for the fall. See a comprehensive overview of what they are, how they work, and what unique features set them apart from other businesses
What is a Co-op? - Wednesday, September 2nd at 2 p.m. MT
Employee Ownership Options with Worker Co-operatives - Tuesday, September 8 at 1:00 p.m. CST
An Overview of Co-ops in Canada - Thursday, September 10th at 2 p.m. MT
How to Finance a Co-op Using TFSA/RRSP-Eligible Funds - September 28, 2026 at 12 pm MT
Starting a co-op in Alberta - Wednesday, October 7th at 2 p.m. MT
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 CAPP - Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers 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!
Resources and tools for Canadian exporters facing U.S. tariffs
If the tariffs imposed by the United States are affecting your exports, the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) can help you understand your options, connect you with the right resources, and explore opportunities in other markets. What you can do:
- Check whether your goods are CUSMA-compliant CUSMA-compliant goods may be exempt from certain U.S. tariffs. To get help:
- Call the TCS tariff support line at 1-833-760-1167
- Use the step-by-step guide to CUSMA compliance
- Watch the video: Set yourself up for CUSMA compliance
- Find tariff and duty information Use tariff tools to check duty and tariff information based on your product and Harmonized System code. See: Tariff tools from the Government of Canada
- Review remission and tax relief options If your business is affected by tariffs, you may be able to access Government of Canada remission or tax relief measures. See: Remission and tax relief measures in response to U.S. tariffs
Up to $3M in New tariff-relief Grant Funding
If your business has been impacted by U.S., China, or Canadian counter-tariffs, there's a federal program worth knowing about, and it just got significantly bigger.
The Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) helps tariff-impacted Canadian businesses invest in productivity, new markets, and supply-chain resilience. As of September 2026, the non-repayable portion rises to up to $3,000,000 (from $1M), within a program maximum of $5M per project. Non-repayable means it's a grant you keep, not a loan. It covers up to 50% of eligible project costs.
And if you've already spent money responding to tariffs, those costs may be claimable retroactively, up to 12 months before you apply. This may be a fit if your business:
- Is incorporated and has been operating for 2+ years
- Can show real tariff impact (higher input costs, lost orders, lost market access)
- Was healthy before the tariffs hit (before March 21, 2025)
- Is planning a project of roughly $1M or more
Funding is first come, first-served, and won't last long. One of our members, Impact Applications, put together a plain-English breakdown and a 2-minute eligibility check: https://impactapplications.ca/rtri/ Or email their team directly at funding@impactapplications.ca and they'll tell you whether it's worth pursuing
Fill Up On Funding
Alberta Export Expansion Program
Is your company in a solid export-ready position? Are you looking to find new markets for your products? Then the Alberta Export Expansion Program (AEEP) may be for you. This Government of Alberta program provides funding to export-ready small and medium-sized businesses to travel to global markets to promote their products, make business connections and explore partnership opportunities. Companies that meet eligibility criteria can receive grants to attend international trade events open to the public. Funding helps cover event registration costs and includes per diems for up to two travellers per organization per event. Organizations can receive up to $15,000 through the AEEP program each fiscal year.
The program operates on a first-come, first-served basis and has a budget of $1.5 million for the 2026-27 fiscal year. For more information on available funding, eligibility criteria, program guidelines and the application process, visit https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-export-expansion-program
BUILD CANADA HOMES
Build Canada Homes works as a catalyst—bringing partners together, unlocking public land, and tailoring financial tools to make ambitious housing projects viable. Our goal is simple: reduce risk, attract investment, and enable modern building methods so communities get the homes they need, faster and more affordably.They prioritize proposals that include the following features:
- Ready to build
- Construction ready to begin within 12 months
- Affordability
- Depth and duration of affordability that meets local needs, supports community stability and creates capacity in non-profit housing
- Innovation & Speed
- Modern construction methods like modular and factory-built housing to cut costs and speed up delivery
- Strong partnership
- Collaborative projects that successfully leverage capital and bundle submissions for regional impact
- Made in Canada
- Canadian materials to strengthen supply chains and support local manufacturing
Deadline: Ongoing | More information and to apply
ENBRIDGE SAFE COMMUNITY FIRST RESPONDER PROGRAM:
To be eligible for a Safe Community First Responder grant, emergency response organizations must support communities within 10 miles (in the U.S.) or 20 kilometers (in Canada) of our operations. Organizations that closely meet eligibility criteria, have high potential impact for community safety and have a direct partnership with Enbridge may also be invited to apply for funding.
DEADLINE: Ongoing | More Information and to apply
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the August 25th 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 News
Alberta Labour Force Highlights
Alberta Indigenous Labour Force Highlights
Tourism in Canada, 2025: A pillar of economic resilience
Finding New Provincial Grant Opportunities (Search a listing of Government of Alberta open datasets and publications eg. 'Economy and Finance').
Other Events
September 2–3 | Indeed FutureWorks: Better hiring is in your future
September 10 | Startup Women - Women in Retail & E-Commerce Industry Roundtable
September 15 Deadline | EmpowRise - Fully funded entrepreneur training program for Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) founders across Alberta
September 17 | Perfect Your Pitch
September 21-24 | Fundraising for Entrepreneurs
Useful Links
Follow us on social media for up-to-the-minute updates
The Voice: September 1st, 2026
Happy New Fiscal Year, Alberta Culture Days, Federal Wildfire Outlook Highlights Preparedness and Resilience, Reducing Trade Barriers and Strengtheing Agri-Food Growth in Southeast Alberta, and more all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News Happy New Fiscal Year & Alberta Culture Days! September 1st isn’t just the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce’ new…
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