The Voice: October 6th, 2026
National Depression Screening 2026, New Productivity Mega Deduction to Help Businesses Invest, Increased Penalties for Illegal Dumping, Alberta and Canada Advance High-Speed Rail Plan, and more all in this week's edition of The Voice.
Business News
October 5th-11th is National Depression Screening 2026
When things feel heavy, even small, simple steps can make a difference.
From October 5–11, take a free, anonymous quiz at areyoufeelingok.com to check in on how you’re feeling. It’s quick, confidential, and can be the first step towards feeling better.
If you’re looking for support, Calgary Counselling Centre and Counselling Alberta offer effective counselling with no waitlist or financial barriers. Visit calgarycounselling.com and counsellingalberta.com and mhfamilyservice.com to learn more about how you can get help, or to register for counselling.
The Government of Canada introduces new Productivity Mega Deduction to help businesses invest, grow and create jobs in Canada
In Budget 2025, the federal government introduced a Productivity Super-Deduction so that businesses can immediately deduct 100% of the cost of eligible new investments – machinery, equipment, and technology.
On September 15, Prime Minister Carney announced that the federal government is building on that success with the new Productivity Mega Deduction. This game-changing new tax incentive will increase the amount of assets covered from roughly 15% of assets to more than 65%, including fibre-optic cable, mining property, oil and gas pipelines, software, research and development, computer equipment, aircraft and vehicles, patents, rail track, bridges, and roads.
To reinforce Canada’s tax advantage, the federal government is also making immediate expensing permanent so businesses can recover these costs sooner. This will lower the after-tax cost of investing and boost capital investment across Canada. As a result, Canada’s marginal effective tax rate on new business investment will fall from roughly 13% to 6.4% – the lowest of any major economy in the world and less than half the rate in the United States. Continue Reading.
See the Canadian Chamber Response here. MNP had additional insights on the announcement here.
More time to apply for $100 Alberta Energy Rebate
Alberta’s government has extended the application deadline for the Alberta Energy Rebate to Oct. 31. This extension gives eligible Albertans who have not yet applied extra time to submit their applications for a one-time, direct payment of $100 to each eligible Albertan to help with the costs of everyday essentials. View this announcement online.
Increased Penalties for Illegal Dumping
This fall, Alberta’s government plans to introduce legislation to strengthen penalties for illegal dumping and increase oversight of large waste facilities. The proposed amendments to the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act would significantly increase fines, with individual offenders facing penalties of $10,000 to $100,000 and corporations facing fines of $100,000 to $1 million. Courts would also have the authority to impose jail sentences of a minimum of 30 days to a maximum of six months. View this announcement online
Collegiate schools open doors for more students
Alberta is now home to 32 collegiate schools operating across 55 locations. More schools mean more students with access to hands-on learning, post-secondary partnerships and career pathways in high-demand fields. Collegiates are operated by school boards in partnership with post-secondary schools and industry partners. Through these partnerships, students can access enhanced career education programming, participate in workplace learning and off-campus education opportunities and earn post-secondary credits while completing high school. Collegiate schools help students develop the knowledge, skills and experience needed for careers in sectors that are driving Alberta's economy, including the skilled trades, STEM, health, agriculture, energy, aviation and advanced manufacturing.
“The South Alberta Flight Academy and the Yuill School of Agriculture are creating meaningful opportunities for students to connect their education to future careers right here in Southeast Alberta. By partnering with industry, post-secondary and government, we are helping students explore their passions, build practical skills and prepare for the opportunities ahead.” Patty Rooks, chair, Prairie Rose Public Schools
Alberta and Canada advance high-speed rail plan
Alberta’s plans for high-speed rail between Calgary and Edmonton are moving forward, with the federal government supporting the province’s efforts to advance the project. Alberta’s government is preparing to launch a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) process this fall, inviting private-sector proponents to submit proposals for a downtown Calgary-Red Deer-downtown Edmonton high-speed rail project that also includes service to Alberta’s two largest airports and the City of Airdrie. The successful proponent’s project proposal will be expected to include minimal financial investment by the provincial government and be integrated into existing passenger rail systems in Calgary and Edmonton. Alberta’s government plans to select a proponent by April 2027.
The Government of Canada also committed today that the Calgary-Red Deer-Edmonton High-Speed Rail corridor will be referred to the federal Major Projects Office as a transformative strategy and will work with Alberta to advance the project once a private proponent has been selected by the Government of Alberta. The two governments will work collaboratively to support planning and the advancement of the project, including exploring financing options. View this announcement online
Medicine Hat-Cypress News
Poilievre outlines economic priorities at Medicine Hat town hall
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre spoke about the future of Canadian business, investment and economic competitiveness on Thursday during a town hall at Medicine Hat College. The event, hosted by the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce and Medicine Hat-Cardston-Warner MP Glen Motz, brought business leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, community leaders and residents together for a discussion about issues affecting Canada’s economy.
The Chamber said the event was intended to give members of the business community an opportunity to hear directly from a federal political leader and ask questions about issues including workforce availability, housing, regulatory efficiency, infrastructure, trade, agriculture, energy development, transportation and the cost of doing business.
Poilievre used his opening remarks to outline his views on the cost of living, government spending, resource development, taxation and Canada’s business environment. Continue Reading
Southside Aquatic Facility RFP
The City of Medicine Hat is advancing the development of the Southside Aquatic Facility to expand outdoor recreation opportunities and enhance community access to aquatic amenities. The City is seeking a qualified multidisciplinary consulting team to provide planning, engineering, development, design, regulatory approvals support, stakeholder and public engagement, procurement support, and construction-phase services. The Consultant will work collaboratively with City Administration and key stakeholders to advance the project through a phased, stage-gate delivery approach.
The City's objective is to develop a financially sustainable, operationally efficient, and community-focused aquatic facility that meets current recreational needs while preserving opportunities for future expansion and integration with complementary recreation amenities. View the City of Medicine Hat RFP here.
Brooks-Newell News
Brooks Home & Leisure Show Draws Strong Crowds, Local Support, and Business Opportunities
The Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce celebrated its third successful Brooks Home & Leisure Show following a busy three-day event held October 2-4 at the JBS Canada Centre in Brooks. The annual show brought together businesses, organizations, service providers, and community members from across Southeast Alberta, creating opportunities for residents to discover new products and services while helping exhibitors connect directly with customers and generate new leads.
"The energy throughout the weekend was fantastic. Exhibitors reported strong engagement, visitors had the opportunity to explore a wide range of products and services, and we saw firsthand how important face-to-face connections remain for local businesses," remarked Brad Tajiri, Events Manager with the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce.
Lisa Dressler, Executive Director of the regional Chamber further emphasized, "As a Chamber, our goal is to create meaningful opportunities for businesses to grow, connect, and succeed, and events like the Brooks Home & Leisure Show showcase the entrepreneurial spirit of our region and highlight the tremendous talent and innovation found within our business community."
Applications are Open for Members-at-Large on County Boards & Committees
The County of Newell Council invites written applications from County residents interested in serving on the following Boards:
- Agricultural Pest Act/Weed Control Act Appeal Committee - 3 members required (4-year term). This committee is responsible for reviewing appeals of weed or pest notices and determining whether or not these notices are justified and suitable for the situation.
- County of Newell Library Board - 1 member residing within the Rosemary Library Area (3-year term). This board oversees the provision of library service throughout the County and meets four times per year in the evenings.
Applications will close at noon on Friday, October 16, 2026. Find the application form and instructions on how to apply here > https://countyofnewell.ab.ca/members-at-large
Skilled Trades Fair | October 21, 2026
Are you a business owner looking to connect with the next generation of skilled workers? Businesses can set up a booth, showcase the trades within their organization, talk with students about career opportunities and start building relationships with potential future employees.
Email Amber to register.
2026 Brooks-Newell Leadership Breakfast
Join us for our 2nd annual Brooks-Newell Leadership Breakfast, a signature event that brings together leaders from across our region. Happening Friday, October 23rd from 7:30am - 9:30am.
Confirmed Speakers:
- Mayor Norm Gerestein, City of Brooks
- Reeve Arno Doerksen, County of Newell
- Mayor Mike Wetzstein, Town of Bassano
- Deputy Mayor, Deborah Reid-Mickler, Village of Duchess
This is your opportunity to engage directly with regional decision-makers, participate in open dialogue, and help shape the conversation that drives our communities forward. Register for the breakfast here.
Advocacy in Action
Tax changes support business investment
The federal government is expanding and making permanent immediate expensing for a broader range of business investments through the new Productivity Mega Deduction. The measure will allow businesses to immediately deduct the full cost of eligible investments, including machinery, technology, software, vehicles, pipelines, and rail infrastructure. This measure is intended to encourage productivity, growth and long-term competitiveness. Learn more
Why Southeast Alberta Could Be Canada's Next Defence Investment Hotspot
As Canada prepares for a significant expansion of defence spending, Southeast Alberta is uniquely positioned to become one of the country's most attractive destinations for defence innovation, testing, manufacturing, research, and investment.
A new report from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce's Business Data Lab, Deepening Our Defence: Canada’s Ambitious Task to Expand the Defence Industrial Base, highlights Canada's growing need to strengthen domestic defence capacity, supply chains, infrastructure, and industrial capabilities. For Southeast Alberta, the findings reinforce something local business leaders have recognized for years: our region already possesses many of the assets needed to support Canada's next generation of defence and security priorities.
The question is no longer whether there is opportunity. The question is whether we are ready to seize it.
Why Southeast Alberta Stands Out
Few regions in Canada can offer the combination of assets already found in Southeast Alberta. The region is home to:
- CFB Suffield, Canada's largest military training area
- Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) Suffield
- British Army Training Unit Suffield (BATUS)
- The Foremost UAS Test Range
- Beyond Visual Line of Sight drone testing capabilities
- Significant airspace and open testing environments
- Available industrial land
- Competitive operating costs
- Strong transportation connections
- A growing aerospace and autonomous systems cluster
Together, these assets create a rare environment where defence research, testing, innovation, training, and commercialization can occur within a single region. For investors seeking locations that can support emerging defence technologies, few places in Canada can match Southeast Alberta's combination of space, infrastructure, expertise, and accessibility.
Why Investors Should Pay Attention
As global security priorities shift, countries are increasingly making strategic investments closer to home. This trend is expected to generate demand for new production facilities, testing environments, research partnerships, defence-adjacent technology companies, and more.
Southeast Alberta offers investors several competitive advantages:
- Space to Grow: Unlike major urban centres where industrial land is increasingly constrained, Southeast Alberta offers room for expansion and new development opportunities.
- Lower Operating Costs: Companies can access competitive land, facilities, and operating expenses while maintaining access to national and international markets.
- Strategic Defence Assets: Few regions possess direct proximity to military, research, and testing assets on the scale available through CFB Suffield and DRDC Suffield.
- Innovation Potential: Emerging technologies can move more rapidly from concept to testing and commercialization when researchers, industry, and end-users are located within the same ecosystem.
Opportunities for Local Businesses
Not every opportunity will involve large defence contractors. In fact, many opportunities will be found within existing local companies. Businesses should begin asking:
- Could our products or services support defence supply chains?
- Are there procurement opportunities we should explore?
- Could we partner with larger defence firms?
- Do our technologies have both civilian and defence applications?
- Are there certifications or security clearances we should pursue?
- Could we participate in research, testing, demonstration, or pilot projects?
The businesses that begin exploring these questions today will be better positioned as future opportunities emerge.
Resources and Further Insights:
The Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce is a member of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Defence and Security Committee and will continue to provide updates on any advocacy and opportunities.
Community Futures Entre-Corp is hosting a Defence Forum on October 29 | Register to attend
Medicine Hat Economic Development has identified Aerospace and Defence as a strategic sector for our region and developed a sector profile along with a State of the Industry Report.
The Centre for Innovation (C4i) at Medicine Hat College has brought together leaders and stakeholders from across defence, innovation, industry, academia, and procurement to help shape the future of defence innovation and collaboration in Southeastern Alberta.
For businesses:
- Attend events and stay informed through the Chamber Subscriptions and the APEX Regional Innovation Network
- Review the Government of Canada Defence Investment Plan
- Register for procurement platforms and browse tender opportunities
- Find out about funding opportunities
- Explore security clearance requirements
Canada further reduces internal trade barriers
Canada’s internal trade ministers are speeding up work to reduce barriers that make it harder to hire workers, sell products and expand across provincial and territorial borders. At their meeting in Iqaluit on August 27, ministers committed to further expand mutual recognition within Canada, with a focus on trade in services and considering model mutual recognition legislation. What’s already changed? Updated labour mobility rules include a 30-day service standard for credential applications, and online digital registries for tradespersons are being implemented.
The Domestic Trade Commissioner Network has also supported more than 30 trade missions and over 2,000 businesses across Canada, with more missions planned this year. Learn more and join upcoming domestic trade missions led by Alberta Chambers of Commerce.
Electrifying Canada Could Add $3 Trillion to the Economy
Doubling Canada’s electricity supply and putting more clean power to work across the economy could add a cumulative $3 trillion to Canada’s economy by 2050, support 1.6 million additional jobs in 2050 and deliver $5 in economic benefits for every $1 invested in the power sector compared to business as usual. That’s the headline finding from Powering Canada’s Growth, the Canadian Chamber's new report with New Economy Canada. The research makes the economic case for building the electricity system Canada will need to power more homes, businesses and industries and capture the growth that comes with it.
Next Level Events
Finding Your Price + The Psychology of Price
Ready to price with confidence? This interactive online workshop series helps early-stage women and non-binary founders make stronger, evidence-based pricing decisions. Each session blends hands-on workshop content with live Q&A.
October 14 & 28 | Virtual | Finding Your Price + The Psychology of Price
Going Up: Scaling Your Business
Join StartUp Women for their third Startup Women 2026 webinar, designed for entrepreneurs ready to scale or curious about what expansion takes. We'll cover how to use market research to spot growth opportunities, strengthen your supply chain, and navigate logistics and manufacturing as you grow.
Webinar | October 14, 2026 | Register Now
Building the Foundations of Safe, Fair and Healthy Small Business Workplaces
The Government of Alberta’s Ministry of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration (JETI) extends an invitation to all small and medium-sized employers, to join us for a collaborative information session about Small Business Supports, Employment Standards, Occupational Health and Safety, and Regional Employer Supports. Join us to gain insight and learn about tools and programs for employers.
Wednesday, October 14, 2025 | 1:30 – 2:30 pm |To register, click HERE.
EXPANDING AND DIVERSIFYING IN A TURBULENT ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT
Join EMC for an interactive conversation about navigating expansion and diversification in an uncertain economy. Connect with fellow manufacturers, exchange experiences and explore the economic, facility and operational considerations that can influence your next stage of growth.
Thursday, October 22nd - 10am – Virtual | Register here: Expanding and Diversifying in a Turbulent Economic Environment - EMC Canada
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 Be Green Lawncare and Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC) 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!
MHPS Downtown Patrol Unit receives Alberta Community Justice Award
We are proud of our Medicine Hat Police Service, with the Downtown Patrol Unit, PACT and PEACE teams that have contributed to an overall positive and proactive approach to community safety and crime prevention. Their work contributes not only to crime reduction, but also to a stronger sense of belonging and shared responsibility within the downtown core. Read the full release with our comments in Member News here.
Tapping into Medicine Hat export potential
In September 2026, the Trade Accelerator Program (TAP) launched its first Medicine Hat cohort, bringing together 10 Alberta-based companies from technology, energy, food and beverage, aerospace and other sectors. Through interactive sessions, participants explored practical strategies for international trade logistics, branding, financing, negotiation and more. Ready to grow your export potential? Join upcoming TAP cohorts and learn more at alberta.ca/tap.
MNP Trade chain reviews: What are they, and when do you need one?
As the global tariff war evolves, many Canadian businesses are concerned about how this will impact their competitiveness and long-term sustainability. A trade chain review is among the most prudent steps you can take to understand if and how severely the ongoing trade uncertainty will affect you.
While not exclusively applicable to the current circumstance, this process can unlock efficiencies, increase transparency, and improve resiliency. MNP provides a practical overview of when to undergo a trade chain review and key steps to ensure the process is informative and actionable. Find out more.
Fill Up On Funding
Could your idea strengthen Canada’s defence capabilities?
IDEaS is calling on Canadian innovators to tackle three pressing operational challenges:
- RF data fusion for command and control
- Modular wind power for Northern operations
- Sustainable Northern operations: water and waste
Individuals, businesses, academia, not-for-profits and eligible provincial, territorial and municipal government organizations can apply and each challenge offers up to $6.75 million in phased funding —supporting everything from early concepts to technologies ready for testing and demonstration.
The Call for Proposals for these challenges opened September 10, 2026, and closes October 20, 2026, at 2 p.m. EDT.
Visit IDEaS for challenge details. Know an innovator? Share this opportunity.
Investing in community-led cultural initiatives
Applications are now open for the Ethnocultural and Anti-Racism Grant programs, which support local cultural and anti-racism initiatives across Alberta.
Alberta's government is investing $2.5 million in both the Ethnocultural and Anti-Racism Grant programs, which are now open for applications. The funding will support community-led initiatives that celebrate Alberta’s many different cultures, foster understanding and help address racism.
The Ethnocultural Grant and Anti-Racism Grant programs help organizations deliver projects and educational initiatives that strengthen the connections between Albertans and create more welcoming communities. For the 2026 intake, up to $2 million is available through the Ethnocultural Grant program and up to $500,000 is available through the Anti-Racism Grant program for projects across Alberta.
Northern and Regional Economic Development (NRED) Program
he Northern and Regional Economic Development (NRED) Program provides funding for stakeholder-driven projects that strengthen regional economies across Alberta. NRED will be open from August 24, 2026 to November 19, 2026 at 4:00 pm (Alberta Time). For more information, including updated Program Guidelines and an updated Application Companion Guide, please visit: Northern and Regional Economic Development Program | Alberta.ca.
To support applicants, a series of virtual information sessions will be held to provide guidance on eligibility, timelines, and how applications will be evaluated to assist you in planning out a strong application:
October 29, 2026, 1:30 to 2:30 pm – Join the October 29 meeting
November 12, 2026, 1:30 to 2:30 pm – Join the November 12 meeting
The Food-Link Fund: Food Hub Program
Intake begins October 14 and closes December 11, supporting investments in regional infrastructure, equipment, and logistics capacity that connect local producers to markets and improve supply chain efficiency.
The Food Hub Program aims to:
- support the expansion of existing facilities, modernization, and/or establishment of food hubs that enhance the storage, aggregation, processing, and distribution of food
- support investments in regional infrastructure, equipment, and logistics capacity that connect local producers and enhance supply chain efficiency
- lower barriers to entry for small and medium-sized businesses and increase competition within regional food systems
Build Communities Strong Fund – Local Impact Stream
Intake opens October 19 and closes the end of November (six-week window), supporting community infrastructure that provides facilities that the public can access, which generate economic activity. The BCSF Local Impact Stream supports local governments (and their related organizations), and incorporated not-for-profit organizations by investing in community infrastructure projects for public use and/or benefit that enhance community well-being and economic strength across the Prairie provinces; and enable communities—including rural, remote, and Indigenous communities—to create, improve, or modernize infrastructure that delivers lasting economic benefits.
Alberta launches new Level Up trade program
Looking for more support to expand into more markets? Level Up is Alberta’s new province-wide trade program helping businesses pursue international and domestic growth opportunities. Access on-demand learning, expert-led workshops, personalized coaching and practical resources to help navigate new markets with confidence. More than 200 Alberta businesses and 25 organizations are already part of Level Up, building a growing community of companies and trade experts from across the province.
Learn more and apply today. Join the Level Up 101 webinar on October 8 for a guided walkthrough of the program with Calgary Economic Development and the Government of Alberta.
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the September 29th 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
October 8 | Co-operatives in Action: Venue Co-op YVR & Multicultural Health Brokers Co-operative
October 15 | AI for Export: How to Use AI and Digital Tools to Reach Global Clients
October 15 | Rethinking the Future of Co-operatives: Academic & Co-operative Education Panel
October 21 | Skilled Trades Fair
October 22 | EMC – Lean and Green Manufacturing
Useful Links
Follow us on social media for up-to-the-minute updates
The Voice: October 6th, 2026
National Depression Screening 2026, New Productivity Mega Deduction to Help Businesses Invest, Increased Penalties for Illegal Dumping, Alberta and Canada Advance High-Speed Rail Plan, and more all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News October 5th-11th is National Depression Screening 2026 When things feel heavy, even small, simple steps can make a difference.…
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