The Voice: October 27th, 2026
Alberta Refocuses on Competitiveness After Referendum Vote, CRA Updates, Federal Consultations Shape Project and Trade Reforms, Build Your Global Connections, and more all in this week's edition of The Voice.
Alberta refocuses on competitiveness after referendum vote
With Albertans voting to remain in Canada, attention is shifting from referendum uncertainty to the policy and economic issues that will shape Alberta's competitiveness going forward.
See the Announcement | Alberta Chambers of Commerce Statement | What Alberta Businesses are saying
CRA Updates
Manage Balance for Businesses is now available in My Business Account
The CRA has expanded its Manage balance service to My Business Account, providing business owners with new self-service options. Users can:
- make a payment toward an outstanding balance
- set up a payment arrangement based on their business’s financial situation
- request a call back from the CRA when additional assistance is needed
Additional payment methods
The CRA is expanding its services by introducing Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Konek as secure and convenient payment options, as of October 19, 2026. This will give Canadians more flexibility to make payments across CRA platforms while expanding access to participating financial institutions and credit unions.
You can find more information at Pay with a debit card through the CRA’s My Payment service.
2027 tax deadlines for Canadian businesses and self-employed individuals
Check out this new factsheet that highlights the 2027 tax deadlines for Canadian businesses and self-employed individuals. It’s designed to help you stay organized and manage your tax obligations with ease.
Free tax support through CRA’s Liaison Officer service
The CRA’s Liaison Officer Service offers free and confidential support to small business owners, self-employed individuals, and those earning rental income to help them understand their tax obligations and how to manage their business income and deductions
Email notifications for SIN updates on business accounts
The CRA now sends an email notification to the email address in your T1 personal income tax account when your Social Insurance Number (SIN) is added to or updated on a business account.
Federal consultations shape project and trade reforms
The federal government has released consultation findings on proposed reforms to major projects, transportation and internal trade. The reports offer an early look at potential changes aimed at speeding up project development, improving goods movement and reducing trade barriers within Canada. The findings provide a useful indicator of where federal policy may be headed as reform discussions continue.
Government of Canada expands support to adopt and commercialize artificial intelligence
The Government of Canada is expanding support to help businesses adopt and commercialize artificial intelligence, with new investments aimed at improving productivity, strengthening competitiveness and helping Canadian companies bring AI-driven solutions to market. The announcement highlights opportunities for businesses and organizations looking to integrate AI, develop new technologies and build capacity for future growth.
Medicine Hat-Cypress News
October 19, 2026 City Council meeting
City Council held its annual Organizational meeting followed by its regular meeting of council on Monday. At the Organizational Meeting, City Council approved:
- The schedule for Deputy and Acting Mayor
- The Council and Committee meeting schedule for 2027
- Appointments to standing committees, boards and commissions for Oct. 19, 2026 to Oct. 18, 2027
At the City Council meeting:
- Council held a public hearing for Bylaw 4890-2026 - Rezoning of 22 Sierra Green SW
- Following the public hearing, City Council approved Bylaw 4890-2026
- Arising from the discussion, City Council approved a motion directing Administration to explore options for a permanent secondary roadway in Saamis Heights
- Council approved City Manager Performance Evaluation Policy 8053-2026 as presented
Cypress County’s Kurpjuweit advances rural priorities during FCM meetings in Ottawa
Cypress County Deputy Mayor Robin Kurpjuweit met with federal ministers in Ottawa earlier this month, advocating for dedicated funding streams for rural communities and discussing infrastructure needs tied to growth and defence investments. Kurpjuweit, who serves as chair of the Rural Forum at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), spent three days in Ottawa between Oct. 4 and 9, meeting with federal ministers and officials as the federal government prepared its upcoming budget.
He said dedicated funding streams for rural communities were a priority, noting that smaller municipalities often have less capacity to compete for federal dollars than larger cities. “It’s just that dedicated rural stream. We’re smaller. Our capacity isn’t the same as the big cities,” Kurpjuweit said. Continue Reading
Highway 3 twinning project between Taber and Burdett nears completion, traffic changes begin Saturday
The twinning of Highway 3 between Taber and Burdett is nearing completion, with traffic changes expected to begin Saturday as crews prepare to open the permanent four-lane highway.
The Municipal District of Taber says the transition will take place in four phases, with motorists advised to expect changing traffic patterns, revised stop locations and temporary traffic controls as work progresses.
Phase 2 of the opening process is expected to begin Oct. 24, shifting eastbound traffic between Taber and the Grassy Lake detour onto the newly constructed eastbound lanes. Westbound traffic will remain on its current alignment during this stage. Continue Reading
Brooks-Newell News
County of Newell Communications Survey
The County of Newell is reviewing its communications practices and structures to make sure that community members receive the information that matters, when it matters, and in a format you'll actually see. This includes looking at how the County shares news and information, program and service details, event promotion, Council updates, and emergency messages in a way that is clear, timely, useful, and easy to understand.
Community members are invited to complete this short survey to help identify what's working in how the County communicates currently, and where improvements might help the County to serve you even better.
All responses are anonymous. The deadline is November 13th at 12:00pm. Take the survey here.
Community Partnership Opportunity: Adopt-A-Family Program
The Adopt-A-Family Program has supported students and families throughout Brooks and the County of Newell for many years. Each year, the need continues to outweigh the support available, and the program would not be possible without the generosity of amazing community donors.
They are reaching out to local businesses, organizations, and community members who may be interested in sponsoring a family and helping make the holiday season a little brighter. All donors will be matched with a family during the first week of November, giving them the opportunity to make a meaningful difference this Christmas season.
If you or someone you know would like to get involved, please reach out to Leslie at lsmith@redeemer.ab.ca or Kallie at Kallie.freimark@grasslands.ab.ca for more information.
Advocacy in Action
Local Perceptions of Municipal Red Tape and Business Supports
The latest ACC Municipal Red Tape and Business Supports research highlights opportunities to strengthen local competitiveness, with Alberta businesses identifying more efficient permitting, responsive municipal services and predictable costs as key priorities. The findings also show businesses continue to face challenges including rising utility costs, workforce pressures and public safety concerns. The research provides ACC and chambers across Alberta with evidence to support advocacy efforts and ensure business priorities are reflected in municipal decision-making.
Build Your Global Connections
Looking to explore new markets, connect with international business leaders or put AI to work? The Canadian Chamber is hosting upcoming international missions to help advance your business goals:
- Italy–Canada Business Forum | October 29, Toronto: Explore opportunities with a major EU economy through direct B2B networking across advanced industry, energy and infrastructure, and defence and cybersecurity. Register now for free.
- B20 Mission | November 9–11, Washington, D.C.: Join our Canadian delegation to directly connect with global business leaders and policymakers on the issues shaping international growth, investment and competitiveness. Explore the mission. Find out more and Register
- Digital Transformation and AI Mission | December 7–8, New York City: Discover how leading organizations are turning AI experimentation into practical adoption, stronger productivity and competitive advantage. Learn more and register.
Express Entry reforms align with Chamber workforce priorities
Starting November 3, 2026, Canada will update Express Entry to give greater weight to eligible Canadian work experience and qualifying job offers in high-wage occupations, including engineers and electricians.
A labour market impact assessment (LMIA) will no longer be required for qualifying job offers used to obtain the new points or meet job offer requirements under the Federal Skilled Worker and Federal Skilled Trades programs. Job offers will still be assessed for genuineness and compliance with program requirements.
These changes align with the Canadian Chamber network’s advocacy to better connect immigration with labour market needs and recognize genuine employer job offers while maintaining safeguards against fraud.
“We welcome these changes to Express Entry and applaud the government and Minister Diab’s endeavour to reduce red tape in the immigration system, while also ensuring that international talent remains in Canada to fill labour gaps. In particular, eliminating the LMIA requirement for qualifying job offers will ease the administrative burden on employers across the country, help clear the backlog, and increase predictability for businesses and skilled workers who are keen to contribute to the Canadian economy. We encourage more initiatives targeted toward reducing persistent labour force gaps and managing the system responsibly with a strategic economic focus that benefits Canada.”
- Adam Hajji, Director of Government Relations, Canadian Chamber of Commerce
For local employers, the changes could support recruitment and retention in eligible occupations. Candidates seeking job offer points must update their Express Entry profiles before November 3. Existing scores will be recalculated automatically, with invitation rounds paused for up to two weeks during the transition. Find out more
Next Level Events
2026 Presidents' Reception & Annual General Meeting
See what we've been up to in the past year all while getting a chance to eat, drink and connect with others at our Annual General Meeting and President's Reception! Join us for an opportunity to meet and network with the Chamber of Commerce members, current/ past Directors and Presidents of the Board, and the Chamber operations team.
November 24th from 5:00pm - 8:30pm | Register here
DEAM Lunch & Learn - Presented by REDI Enterprises
Join us for a light lunch as we explore the value of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility in the workplace. The presentation is intended to raise awareness of disability employment, provide information on benefits and supports available to job seekers with disabilities, as well as employers who hire inclusively.
Thursday, October 29th at 11:30am - 1:00pm | Register here.
Explore VFC: Up to $5,000 Per Student Hire
Thinking about hiring student talent through Venture for Canada's Internship Program — but not sure where to start? Join the weekly live employer webinar for a quick, practical walkthrough of the full employer journey: from completing your application to accessing funding and successfully wrapping up the internship. No registration needed — just join live:
English session: Wednesdays, 1:00–1:30 PM EST
French session: Wednesdays, 2:00–2:30 PM EST
In just 10-minutes, understand:
- How to complete your Employer Application and Business Verification
- How to find an intern through the Internship Bulletin Board, or move forward with an eligible student you’ve already identified
- When and how to submit a Hiring Request Form
- What to expect for funding approval, required paperwork, and payroll setup
- How to start the internship and meet reporting requirements
- What’s involved in the final payment process
Ready to learn more? Join live on Zoom every Wednesday at 1:00PM EST.
Delivering Beyond Borders: Navigating Global Supply Chain and Logistics
Canadian businesses need reliable, cost-effective systems to move products across borders. This Startup Global 2026 webinar from Startup Canada will help entrepreneurs understand the fundamentals of international logistics and supply chain management, including shipping models, Incoterms, compliance considerations, risk management and strategies for handling disruption.
Register to attend this webinar that takes place on November 5
Startup Women Industry Roundtables
Industry roundtables run February to November 2026, with the next session on Women in Franchise Businesses taking place Wednesday, November 25, 2026. This virtual, closed-door session is designed for early-stage, women-identifying entrepreneurs looking to explore franchise opportunities or learn how to turn an existing business into a franchise. Register Now
Enriching Your Business
There's a reason Chambers Plan is Canada's #1 plan.
Todd Currie, Exclusive Chamber Group Advisor
Medicine Hat & District | (403) 504-2166 ext 2
Scott Walls, Exclusive Chamber Group Advisor
Brooks-Newell Region | (403) 892-9675
Fuelling the Business Community
Chamber Members
We would like to welcome Shauneen Vanderham | RE/MAX Medalta Real Estate 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!
CRA: Supporting First Nations Employees and Workers
The CRA, is committed to helping employers/payers understand and comply with their tax obligations, while upholding the rights of First Nations employees and workers. They are pleased to introduce a new email series entitled “Supporting First Nations employees and workers”. Each installment of the series will address a key topic to help employers/payers provide support to First Nations employees and workers. The series will explore the following:
- Understanding the tax exemptions under section 87 of the Indian Act and employer/payer responsibilities – Learn about the tax exemptions that apply to the income of certain First Nations employees and workers and how to fulfill your responsibilities as an employer/payer.
- Contributing to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) – Learn how employers can elect to extend CPP coverage to their First Nations employees whose income is tax exempt and not subject to CPP contributions.
- Accessing tax credits and benefits – Discover the tax credits and benefits that are available to First Nations employees and workers, and what you can do to help provide them with access and support.
- Completing and filing T4 and T4A slips – Receive guidance on how to report and file T4 slips for First Nations employees and T4A slips for First Nations workers.
To subscribe and receive these emails directly in your inbox, go to Electronic mailing list.
Exclusive Chamber Member Offers: Grand Slam of Curling Masters
The world’s best curlers are coming to Medicine Hat this fall. The Grand Slam of Curling Masters takes over Co-op Place from November 3–8, 2026, bringing top men’s and women’s teams from around the world to the city for six days of internationally televised competition. Through the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce, members have access to exclusive offers to bring employees, clients and colleagues to experience the action live.
15% Off for Chamber Members
Save 15% on eligible weekday and weekend tickets with promo code CHAMBER15 through this link.
Team Outings & Staff Appreciation
Special group pricing is also available through this link:
- 10 tickets for $230 + HST: use code GSOCTEAM10
- 20 tickets for $440 + HST: use code GSOCTEAM20
Additional tickets can be added for $25 + HST each with the 10-ticket package or $20 + HST each with the 20-ticket package.
VIP Experiences
Looking to entertain clients or reward your team? A very limited number of VIP lounge tables are available. Contact Kristi Petrushchak at kristip@thecurlinggroup.com for details.
Get tickets: Use your Chamber-exclusive promo code when purchasing through the Grand Slam of Curling ticket page.
Fill Up On Funding
Enhanced Regional Tariff Response Initiative
An enhanced tariff support program rolled out last week. This includes a maximum of up to $3M in nonrepayable funds (up to $1 million for an eligible pivot project and up to $2 million for eligible liquidity assistance). To be eligible, your business must:
- be an incorporated for-profit business located and operating in the Prairies
- have a minimum of $1 million in annual revenue in one or both of your company’s last two fiscal years
- must have been viable prior to tariffs
In addition, your business must demonstrate that it has been affected by ongoing trade disruptions, including U.S. tariffs, Canadian countermeasures, or countervailing duties. This could be demonstrated if your business:
- operates in a sector impacted by Section 338 or Section 232 tariffs (including direct exporters
- and also indirect exposure, for example as a supply chain partner to an affected exporter),
- or operates in another tariff impacted sector
- has at least 25% or more revenue coming from goods that are ultimately exported to the U.S.
- has experienced significant cost increases where tariffs have raised the price of goods and
- materials needed for production; supply chain disruption; or loss of revenue or customers
New three-year program connects tech developers with Alberta’s post-secondary institution labs
Emissions Reduction Alberta is expanding their Lab Services Incentive Program (LSIP) into a three-year, $4.5-million initiative to help technology developers access specialized testing, research infrastructure and expertise at eight Alberta post-secondary institutions. LSIP will provide up to $1.5 million annually through 2029. Eligible companies can receive incentives covering up to 50 per cent of lab service costs, helping them test, validate and advance their technologies. Eligible activities include testing, validating, characterizing, or otherwise advancing elements of an innovative technology solution.
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. More information
Emissions Reduction Alberta: Agriculture, Water, and Land Challenge
Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA) is investing $60 million through the Agriculture, Water, and Land Challenge to help the province’s agriculture, forestry, water, land, and waste technologies move from pilot to practice. The Challenge will help innovators test promising solutions under real operating conditions and build the evidence producers, operators and communities need to adopt them, while improving productivity, reducing environmental impacts, and creating economic opportunities for Albertans.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Wednesday, December 16th, 2026 at 5 p.m. Mountain Time | More Info and Apply Here
Genome Alberta’s work placement program
Genome Alberta’s work placement program is expected to support around 20 one-year placements with 18 to 20 Alberta small- and medium-sized businesses. Graduates will build skills in areas such as bioinformatics, big data and business development while gaining valuable experience with Alberta employers. If you are an Alberta employer and work in the space of health, energy, environment, or agriculture and agri-food with a genomics/omics component and you are able to support a new position that helps the company grow or diversify through business development or bioinformatics activities centred around its genomics technologies or services, be sure to find out more and express your interest: https://genomealberta.ca/funding-opportunities/work-placement/.
New tool connects employers with skilled talent
The provincial government introduced Talent Exchange during the WorkFirst Alberta Summit, a new platform designed to help employers connect with job seekers based on their skills and experience. By focusing on capabilities rather than job titles, the platform aims to improve talent matching and help businesses address workforce challenges. Learn more
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the October 20th 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.
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The Voice: October 27th, 2026
Alberta Refocuses on Competitiveness After Referendum Vote, CRA Updates, Federal Consultations Shape Project and Trade Reforms, Build Your Global Connections, and more all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News Alberta refocuses on competitiveness after referendum vote With Albertans voting to remain in Canada, attention is shifting from referendum uncertainty to the policy…
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