Your Weekly Tune Up
Nearly 2,000 jobs created through investment in Alberta
Alberta’s new Investment and Growth Fund is attracting investments to the province, including GoodLeaf Farms’ standing up operations in Calgary. The country’s largest commercial vertical farming company will build a 74,000 square foot indoor farm in the city, after receiving a $2.73-million incentive to locate to Alberta. The company will create 50 jobs during construction and 70 permanent jobs upon startup.
Overall, the first four approved projects under Alberta’s new Investment and Growth Fund, including Goodleaf’s groundbreaking project, will attract $845.8 million in investment and bring 1,950 jobs to Alberta. Read More
Government introduces COVID-19 business support legislation
The Federal Government introduced Bill C-2 in Parliament to implement the recently announced measures. This bill would:
- Extend the Canada Recovery Hiring Program until May 7, 2022, for eligible employers with current revenue losses above 10% and increase the subsidy rate to 50%.
- Deliver targeted support to businesses still facing significant pandemic-related challenges through three streams:
- Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program
- Hardest-Hit Business Recovery Program
- Local Lockdown Program
- Extend the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit and the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit until May 7, 2022, and increase the maximum duration of benefits by 2 weeks.
- Establish the Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit which would provide $300 a week in income support to eligible workers who are directly impacted by a COVID-19-related public health lockdown in their region
QR code vaccine record updated for travel
Albertans planning to travel can now download an updated vaccine record with a QR code to use within and outside Canada in order to meet the recommended Canadian standard for domestic and international travel, including middle names and the record in both official languages. The updated record is available at alberta.ca/CovidRecords. There is no need for Albertans who already have a QR code vaccine record to save or reprint the updated version if they do not intend to travel. Alberta’s QR code scanning app will recognize both the current and updated QR code vaccine record. Proof of vaccinations for members of the Canadian Armed Forces will continue to be accepted. Find out more.
In addition, effective November 30, 2021, fully vaccinated individuals with right of entry to Canada who depart and re-enter the country within 72 hours of leaving Canada will not have to present a pre-entry molecular test. Backgrounder
Beginning in January 2022, the government will reduce child care fees
Subsidies for families earning under $180,000. Parents can apply online starting in the new year. New operating grants for facility-based child-care programs starting in mid-January 2022. This will help providers lower fees for parents without shouldering extra costs. Both the operating grants and subsidy will go to the provider who will then reduce fees for parents. The subsidy is layered in addition to the operating grant to make sure parents who need it most see greater benefits. Find out more.
Quick Check Up
REP safety training now available
The Restrictions Exemption Program Safety Training is now available to employees of Alberta-based businesses and organizations who are implementing the REP and other COVID-19 safety requirements. The 45-minute online training is available at no cost to help assess and manage challenging situations that may arise during their daily operations while implementing the REP program. The training includes information and resources that workers need to keep themselves and customers safe while implementing COVID-19 safety requirements, such as requesting proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test, physical distancing or masking. Employers must enrol for the training on behalf of their employees.
Employers can visit alberta.ca/restrictions-exemption-program-safety-training.aspx to learn more about the training and how to enrol their employees.
Pfizer pediatric vaccine rollout to begin
Pediatric vaccinations for children aged 5 to 11 will be administered at Alberta Health Services clinics around the province. First-dose appointments must be booked through the Alberta Vaccine Booking System at alberta.ca/vaccine or by calling Health Link at 811. Walk-ins are not available at this time.
In addition, children under 12 years of age will continue to have access to businesses and venues participating in the Restrictions Exemption Program, regardless of their vaccination status. Find out more.
Restrictions Exemption Program updated for ski hills and trade shows
Ski hill operators can implement the REP for indoor areas to permit indoor dining and other indoor activities. If participating in the REP, they are not required to adhere to physical distancing requirements for enclosed chairlifts and gondolas, but indoor masking is still required for enclosed areas. In addition, paid-entry markets and trade shows, including artisan and craft fairs and holiday markets, will be able take part in the REP. Find out more.
Fuelling Our Business Community
Planting the Seeds of Change and Cultivating our Future Together
The Medicine Hat & District Chamber of Commerce held its virtual Presidents' Reception, Membership Appreciation and Annual General Meeting on November 25 recognizing past presidents and long-standing members. View Full Press Release
During the Annual General Meeting, Marcus Campbell, Past President, Lisa Kowalchuk, Executive Director, and the Chamber team gave a year in review, chronicling strategic priorities, advocacy successes, operational achievements, and challenges. View Annual Report
The Power of Community
Nominations are now open for the Inspiration Awards
Showcase the power and spirit of our community by nominating people and organizations in our community that demonstrate leadership in the prevention of bullying, sexual violence, family violence or child abuse. Nominations for the 2022 Inspiration Awards are open until Jan. 14. Nomination forms can be found at Inspiration Awards.
Enriching Your Business
New Sustainable Innovation diploma encourages change on a global scale!
Medicine Hat College’s new Sustainable Innovation program, which launches in Fall 2022 with majors in business and science, provides learners with career paths that will lead change, drive new ways of doing business, and create a future that is prosperous in response to the United Nation’s Global Sustainable Development goals.
“This program really is the future of the workforce. For individuals who are passionate about social responsibility and want to make a difference in the world, this curriculum will challenge them to broaden their perspective and provide opportunities to make an impact,” says Timothy Spielman, dean for the School of Business and Continuing Studies.
“There is a shift happening in the way that industry operates and our learners can be at the forefront of that change. This is the first Sustainable Innovation diploma in Canada and we are very proud of the potential this education can offer our students and society.”
Read the full story here.
See all our Value Added Benefits!
Fill Up On Funding
Women’s Economic Recovery Challenge Grant Program
Alberta’s government is committing $1 million in grant funding for projects that increase women's participation in the economy. Eligible non-profits can apply for up to $250,000 in funding in these focus areas:
- increasing the representation of women and girls in STEM
- increasing female entrepreneurship
- decreasing the challenges women face in the workplace
- helping women transition to a new career, supporting inclusive employer training and updating employment skills
Examples of eligible projects could include the development and implementation of programs and educational materials, delivering training and networking opportunities and executing media or educational campaigns. Applications can be downloaded from the Women’s Economic Recovery Challenge Grant Program website and submitted via email. The deadline to apply is Jan. 12, 2022.
Advocacy in Action
Canadian businesses still missing clear line of sight to strong, sustained economic growth following throne speech
The federal government delivered its Speech from the Throne and the business community was looking for a bold plan for strong, sustained economic growth to be outlined within it. While we applaud continued support for those industries hardest-hit by COVID-19, we are still missing key measures that will move us from recovery mode and into economic growth. Read the statement from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
The Story of the Highway 3 Twinning Development Association (H3TDA): Advocacy and Lobbying for Community Safety and Economic Viability
Established in the 1970's, H3TDA has been lobbying for the twinning of Highway 3. Through economic and development analyses, community engagement, and safety awareness, H3TDA has engaged with the Minister of Transportation, as well as senior provincial staff to advocate for the transportation needs of Southern Alberta. Currently, H3TDA consists of members from almost every municipality between Medicine Hat and the Crowsnest Pass, strengthening the lobbying efforts of the Association at a grassroots level. Find out more about the vision, strategy, planning and recent community engagement survey results.
Next Level Events
Midnight Madness Event Fundraising Huge Success
The Medicine Hat & District Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Methanex, was able to raise $476 for the Santa Claus Fund during Midnight Madness on November 19th. The funds were collected for entry into the Petting Zoo which was held at the Chamber office!
Scotiabank decided to match the funds so a donation of $952 was made to the Santa Claus Fund!
Other News
- The City of Medicine Hat is looking for volunteers for the Adopt-a-Rink program
- Statement from Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Economic Development on the results of the softwood lumber second administrative review
- Four accelerators, including 500 Global, Plug and Play, the Alberta Pre-Accelerator and the Community Safety and Wellness Accelerator powered by Alchemist, are part of the Alberta Scaleup and Growth Accelerator Program that is run by a consortium led by Alberta Innovates.
- Premier names parliamentary secretaries
Other Resources
- Mini-guide to help employees’ mental health through winter
- Avoid last minute delays at tax time by setting up My Account
- Key performance indicators (KPIs): How to set the right metrics for your business
- 7 deadly sins in borrowing money for your business
- Tourism’s Big Shift: New Report Identifies Key Trends Shaping Canada’s Tourism Sector
- Weekly Economic Review
- Alberta Economy - Indicators at a Glance
Other Events
Useful Links
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