Weekly update January 15-21, 2021
Supports for Business
Enhanced Health Measures Remain in Place
Mandatory, provincewide restrictions remain in effect. Continue to follow public health restrictions to protect others as well as the health-care system. Active case numbers are decreasing, but hospitalizations remain high. More information.
Emissions Reduction Alberta’s (ERA) Energy Savings for Business Program
On Feb. 1, Emissions Reduction Alberta’s (ERA) Energy Savings for Business Program begins accepting applications. The program targets small- and medium-sized industrial and commercial facilities that require financial assistance to invest in energy savings and GHG reduction projects. Program applicants are eligible for up to $250,000 per project to a maximum of $500,000 per company. A high volume of projects is expected, so business are encouraged to get their applications in early. Sign up for the launch webinar, Feb. 2. Learn more and apply. https://eralberta.ca/energy-savings-for-business/
Keystone XL: Statement from Premier Kenney
Premier Jason Kenney issued the following statement on cancellation of the Keystone XL pipeline by the Biden Administration:
“The United States is our most important ally and trading partner. Amongst all of the Canadian provinces, Alberta has the deepest economic ties to the United States with $100 billion worth of exports, and strong social connections that go back over a century...
Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the United States’ decision on the Keystone XL project
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, issued a statement on the United States’ decision on the Keystone XL project:
“Earlier today, Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th President of the United States of America. While we welcome the President's commitment to fight climate change, we are disappointed but acknowledge the President’s decision to fulfil his election campaign promise on Keystone XL...
Follow-up Opportunity for the Regulatory Modernization Consultation Summary Report
The Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS) recently released its What We Heard report regarding regulatory modernization. Given the realities and experiences of COVID-19, TBS is providing an opportunity for those who provided submissions to update or add to their original submission. These amendments can be submitted to TBS via email by January 29: rcd-dcmr@tbs-sct.gc.ca. More information.
Innovation Testing Stream Now Open
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) is seeking pre-commercial innovative prototypes that can be tested in real life settings and address a variety of priorities within the Government of Canada, for both military and non-military purposes. $20 million in total funding for the tests is available. Apply by February 5 at 2:00 p.m. ET. More information.
Green Heat: Retrofitting Older Buildings for Low Carbon Heating Launching 2021
With the largest infrastructure portfolio in the federal government, DND/CAF is always looking for ways to reduce its environmental impact. That’s why IDEaS will be launching the Green Heat: Retrofitting Older Buildings for Low Carbon Heating Test Drive. IDEaS will be looking to acquire, install, and operate a large-scale, low-carbon energy system for heating an existing CAF building, as a way of testing viable technologies for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across our portfolio. An advanced procurement notice with additional details on the project will be issued by Defence Construction Canada early in 2021. More information.
Startup Energy Transition Award Competition 2021
The Start Up Energy Transition Award is an international competition for start-ups and young companies worldwide who are working on ideas affecting global energy transition and climate change. For 2021 – our fifth year – we invite innovative, trailblazing start-ups to submit their applications across five different categories, all with the aim of clean energy promotion. These categories are: Clean Energy Generation; Demand-side Innovation; Energy Distribution and Storage; Smart Mobility & Transportation; Quality Energy Access & SDG-7 For 2021, the organizers seek energy start-ups under the theme of "the role of the circular economy in the energy transition. For more details and to apply, please go to: https://deutscheenergieagentur.submittable.com/submit Deadline to apply is January 31, 2021.
Platform Calgary Spring 2021 Junction Program OPEN FOR APPLICATION
Platform Calgary's is now accepting applications for its Spring 2021 Junction program for first-time founders. The program will run from April 6 - June 4, 2021. The plan is to hold this upcoming program virtually. This program is best suited for first-time founders pursuing an innovative driven product or solution and are committed to taking their business to the next level. Entrepreneurs who are pre-seed or early revenue will gain the most value from this program. This program is intense! Startups will take a deep dive into business fundamentals and growth skills through applied workshops, 1:1 coaching, and peer learning. Learn more at platformcalgary.com/junction. The deadline for applications is February 28, 2021.
Canadian Digital Media Network Softlanding Program SCALE FROM HOME
Get up to $4,000 CAD in reimbursable expenses for your business needs with CDMN’s Soft Landing: Scale From Home program. Learn how your startup or scale-up can start offsetting sales and marketing costs. This non-travel program offers up to $4,000 CAD in reimbursable business expenses to qualified, mature Canadian startups and scale-ups to offset the costs of undertaking activities related to net-new sales, business development and marketing projects. In June, CDMN made the decision to postpone applications for our original in-market Soft Landing Program due to COVID-19. Over the past few months, we have been refining our programs to help support Canadian tech-driven companies scale and generate net-new sales revenue in this proximity-optional world. Full program details, eligibility criteria and application information can be found on the following website https://buff.ly/2Iq93uj Deadline to apply: Feb 22, 2021
COVID-19's Effects on the Music Industry
Music Canada has collaborated with Abacus Info, 10 months after the COVID-19 pandemic began, to learn more about how musicians continue to be affected. The survey seeks input directly from musicians about the financial effects they face, how the pandemic impacts their ability to produce music and how they create or grow skillsets to help them get by. Please share the survey with musicians you know; the survey is available in both official languages. Learn more.
Supports for Individuals
Scholarship program supports equality in Alberta
The Leaders in Equality Award of Distinction (LEAD) Program is now accepting applications from students eager to make a difference in their communities. The new program is supporting students who are working to reduce gender discrimination in their communities or who are studying in fields where their gender is traditionally under-represented. Each successful student will receive $2,500. More information.
Community Supports and Resources
COVID-19 vaccines: Minister Shandro
Minister of Health Tyler Shandro issued a statement on the delay of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Read the statement.
Advocacy
ACC statement on Keystone XL decision
Alberta Chambers of Commerce (ACC) President and CEO Ken Kobly issued a statement on yesterday's decision to cancel the Keystone XL pipeline project."The Keystone XL pipeline was a project that would have created jobs, generated revenue, and bolstered energy security on both sides of the border. Given the central role the energy industry plays in Alberta and the fiscal implications of backstopping the project, there's no doubt this decision will tremendously impact our province. Our entire country will experience the economic ramifications, particularly as we continue to grapple with a global pandemic and historically low oil prices." Read the full statement.
Tax Increases Should Be Off the Menu for the Hospitality Industry
Did you know the excise tax on beer, wine and spirits is set to increase again on April 1? Now is not the time for higher taxes, especially increases targeting the hospitality sector. This crucial Canadian industry needs to be able to remain competitive to be able to recover from the crisis. It's time to #FreezeTheAlcoholTax. Help spread the word: Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn
The Resilience of Canada’s Business Community in 2020 – Canadian Chamber of Commerce Annual Report
As a new year begins, with light at the end of the proverbial tunnel, we reflect back on ALL this unique business network has achieved — with and for our members and partners, for our stakeholders and shareholders, for our communities and for our people. When we look back on 2020, we are humbled by your trust in us. We are proud to share with you our 2020 Annual Report; we have accomplished much together. We hope you will take this opportunity to share this report with your colleagues and your own members, as applicable. They are our network’s collective achievements on behalf of Canadian business.
With your support, guidance and collaboration, we will do much more in 2021. We are, indeed, all in this together.
Could Climate Policy Become Policy Trade? Insight from #TeamChamber
Published in Policy Options, Aaron Henry, Canadian Chamber of Commerce Senior Director of Natural Resources and Sustainable Growth, expands upon Canada’s role in a climate trade regime post-COVID-19, post-Brexit, post-Trump and post other trade-shaping discussions and actions. Read more.
The Importance of Continued Business Supports as Economy Contracts in Q1
Canadian Chamber of Commerce Chief Economist Trevin Stratton had some thoughts following the release of the Bank of Canada’s Monetary Policy Report. After a significant rebound in the second half of 2020, Canada’s economy once again faces a setback as it will contract by 2.5% in the first quarter of this year according to the Bank of Canada’s latest projections. This marks the first quarterly contraction since the first wave of the pandemic in Q2 last year. Read the statement.
New Resources
Alberta Film Location Gallery - Promoting Medicine Hat & District
Alberta Film, a part of the Government of Alberta, supports the growth, sustainability, competitiveness and business attraction of Alberta's screen-based production industry. Do you own a unique distinctive building or home in Medicine Hat? Would you like to see it on the big or small screen one day? Consider uploading pictures through this Submission Form where they will be available for viewing by location professionals worldwide seeking the perfect location for their projects. There is no cost to upload pictures.
New Resources for Food, Health and Consumer Products Manufacturers
In early January Food, Health & Consumer Products of Canada (FHCP) released new resources that will help employers understand evolving public health guidance on vaccination as the sector continues to work to ensure prioritized distribution of COVID-19 vaccines for food, health and consumer goods manufacturing workers. Learn more.
Crisis Management Foundations for Canadian Businesses, with RC Advisory Services
Read a recent blog from RC Advisory Services that advocates crisis planning. Companies with a crisis plan are the fittest and the most likely to survive a crisis and the need for a strong crisis plan has been made abundantly clear by COVID-19. This blog post is filled with excellent tips and takeaways. Read more.
Featured Webinars
January 25
Breaking Down Barriers: Successfully Build & Optimize Your Website | Register Here.
January 26
Breaking Down Barriers: Successfully Reaching Potential Clients | Register Here.
State of the City Address | Register today
January 27
Tax year-end filing for businesses | Register here.
January 28
Food for Thought: Leveraging the Value of Culinary Tourism | Register Now.
Industrial Revolution 4.0: E-commerce | Register Now.
February 4
Google Guide for SMEs | Register Now.
February 17
Canada 360 Virtual Summit | Register Now with discount code CCCMember
February 25
Employer Workshop - Understanding and Recruiting Gig Workers | Register
Various Dates in January and February
Canada Summer Jobs 2021 Overview and how to apply | Register here.
Culinary Tourism February 9 and 16 | Register here.
Women Entrepreneurs in STEM: Breaking Down Barriers to Starting a Business | Register here.
Board Development Series | Register here.
