Your Weekly Tune Up
Alberta to lift almost all remaining health restrictions
Step two of the province’s easing of public health measures will begin on March 1. This includes the end of limits on social gatherings, capacity limits for large venues, remaining school requirements, screening of youth for activities, the mandatory work-from-home order and public masking requirements except in high-risk settings. Under step two, masking requirements in high-risk settings will continue, including at AHS facilities, continuing care centres and on public transit. Isolation remains mandatory for anyone with COVID-19 symptoms or a positive test result. These public health protections will remain in place until step three, which will occur at a later date provided hospitalizations continue to decline. Read more.
Alberta Biz Connect has reinstated its contact form. Workplace guidance and supports to help businesses and non-profits affected by COVID-19 will also be updated on Biz Connect website as information becomes available.
Alberta Budget 2020
The Alberta government presented a balanced budget through Budget 2022 with a surplus of $500 million for 2022-23, GDP growth of 5.4% and an economic recovery to 2014 levels this year. Read or watch the budget address by Minister Toews and see the Press Release.
- Building health system capacity
- Balancing the budget
- Getting more Albertans working
- Investing in students
- Investing in natural resources, environment
- Supporting vulnerable Albertans
The Alberta Chamber's reaction to Budget 2022 was positive and the Chamber network was pleased to see a return to balance and the investments in broadband and skills development, recognizing that work still needs to be done to solidify Alberta's economic footing. Our local Chamber was also pleased to see $59 million to address rural veterinary shortages, as vertinary shortages was an issue we raised with the Minister of Finance, Minister of Labour and Immigration and the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Economic Development.
Highlights of the throne speech
The speech from the throne took place on February 22 with some key highlights announced including:
- Creating jobs by moving forward with Alberta’s Recovery Plan – a plan to create jobs, diversify the economy and create opportunities for every Albertan.
- Addressing cost-of-living pressures through a gas rebate program.
- Building health care capacity so hospitals are better prepared for potential future waves of COVID-19.
- Accelerating the Alberta Surgical Initiative to reduce surgical wait times caused by COVID-19.
- New legislation to modernize the electricity market.
- Legislation to reform and modernize the financial services sector by allowing reinsurance.
- Red tape reduction legislation to advance the goal of eliminating one-third of the provincial government’s regulatory burden.
Government of Canada eases border measures starting February 28
The Government of Canada announced a series of adjustments to the current border measures, representing the beginning of a phased easing of travel restrictions starting on February 28. The ability of the country to transition to a new phase at the border is a result of the actions of tens of millions of Canadians across the country who followed public health measures, including getting themselves and their families vaccinated.
The Chamber network welcomed the decision by the government and moves us towards what is happening in other major jurisdictions.
Quick Check Up
Reporting Reminder for Businesses: Don’t Forget to Declare Your COVID-19 Subsidies
Are you a Canadian business, charity or non-profit organization that has received one or more subsidies to cover part of your employee wages and hiring expenses or commercial rent and property expenses? If so, you need to remember that these subsidies are taxable, unless you are exempt from income tax. You must report these subsidies on your income tax or information return for the tax year (fiscal period) in which you are considered to have received them.
Fuelling Our Business Community
The Medicine Hat and District Chamber of Commerce Requests for Proposals
We invite you to apply for one or more of our open Requests for Proposals for the following services:
Any business or individual is welcome to apply, but preference will be given to proposals that are submitted by members in good standing of the Medicine Hat & District Chamber of Commerce. Contracts are only awarded to members in good standing with the Chamber of Commerce.
You can find the detailed Requests for Proposals, outlining the services required and selection criteria on our website at https://chamber.medicinehatchamber.com/rfp.
Deadline for submissions: Monday, April 4 at 4:00 pm
Questions and communications regarding these Requests for Proposals may be submitted in writing by email up to seventy-two (72) hours prior to the closing time and date to accounts@medicinehatchamber.com.
Canadian Chamber Business Data Lab (BDL) Launches to Help Businesses Transform and Adapt to New Opportunities Through Better Data and Insights
The Chamber network Business Data Lab (BDL), which was created in collaboration with Statistic Canada, will provide future-focused, real-time data and insights for companies of all sizes, sectors and regions of the country. The BDL will bring together data from a variety of sources to track evolving market conditions, providing Canadian businesses with critical information to help them make better decisions and improve their performance. More details will be announced in the first quarter of 2022.
The Power of Community
Free Tax Clinics
Did you know...the Canadian Mental Health Association provides a free tax clinic for low-income people in our community. Tax information can be dropped at the Canadian Mental Health office Monday to Friday 8:30am to 3:30pm at Unit 130, 450 3rd Street SE
Medicine Hat. For more information, please call 403-504-1811.
The Veiner Centre is also offering free Tax Clinics for Seniors 50+ and AISH clients. The income limit is $35,000/year for single or $45,000/year for a couple. To schedule an appointment with the Veiner Centre income tax volunteers call 403-529-8364.
Celebrate our Agriculture and Food Sector Year Round
February 22nd was Canada's Agriculture Day and with an abundance of fresh local foods right on our doorstep, Albertans are encouraged to support local producers and processors. When you spend money on locally grown food it keeps money in our community and in our province and supports a key economic driver for economic recovery. Agriculture has always been a major economic contributor, but the past few years of record-setting highs in food and beverage manufacturing have really put the spotlight on the enormous potential for Alberta’s food industry, contributing billions to our GDP and employing nearly 70,000 Albertans.
There are many ways to support Canadian agriculture and Alberta local food, such as visiting local producers, processors, distillers and brewers, shopping the local food section in our grocery stores and ordering from our local restaurants...and don't forget about our community farmer's markets that will be open right around the corner this spring.
Enriching Your Business
See all our Value Added Benefits!
Fill Up On Funding
ICYMI: Temporary Expansion to the Local Lockdown Program
Is your business affected by capacity restrictions of 50% or more? Have you experienced a monthly revenue loss of at least 25%? Then you may be eligible for improved wage subsidy, rent subsidy, or both under the temporary expansion to the Local Lockdown Program, now extended until March 12, 2022. Applications are now being accepted for period 24 and will open soon for Periods 25 and 26.
Don't forget about the Hardest Hit Business Recovery Program, which is open to businesses in all other sectors that have experienced revenue reductions of at least 50%. Maximum wage and rent subsidy 50%. To receive this subsidy, your business must experience an average revenue loss of at least 50% over 12 months as well as a minimum revenue loss of 50% in the current month.
She's Next Grant Program $10,000
Women entrepreneurs can apply for a chance to receive one of 10 grants of $10,000 CAD each and one year of mentorship support to further develop their businesses. To learn more and to apply for the Visa She's Next Grant Program, applicants must submit a short video with details about their business and digital presence. The program is open to all women entrepreneurs in Canada. Applications are being accepted until March 15.
Get up to $100K all online
Apply online for a Small Business Loan from BDC. You can expect:
• Affordable rates
• The possibility to postpone principal payments for the first 6 months
• No application fees
• No personal collateral required
Canadian Media Fund
The Canadian Media Fund fosters, promotes and finances Canadian content, across all audiovisual platforms, and helps share it with the world. Find out more and apply for funding.
BMO Launches Business Within Reach
Launching during Black History Month, BMO for Black Entrepreneurs is commiting $100 Million in loans to provide Black-led business owners with greater access to working capital, educational resources and professional partnerships to start up, scale up and grow. Learn more.
....And still more Funding
Advocacy in Action
Assessment 101
At the February 7th City Council Meeting, Sue Sterkenburg, Manager and City Assessor presented an Assessment 101 to Council, providing insight into how City Assessment is determined. Our local Chamber has remained committed to advocating for predictable and fair Market Value Assessments since 2013. We have worked since that time with the assessment department as well as local businesses in achieving the recommendations put forward by the business community and helping businesses better understand the assessment and taxation process, timelines and requirements.
#TeamChamber Busy with Parliamentary Appearances
Appearance Before House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance
Mark Agnew, Canadian Chamber Senior Vice President, Policy and Government Relations, appeared before this committee as part of the Committee’s study of Bill C-8, The Economic and Fiscal Update. During this appearance, he highlighted several areas of importance for the Canadian business community. Watch.
Appearance Before Standing Committee on Agriculture
Robin Guy Canadian Chamber Senior Director, Transportation, Infrastructure & Regulatory Policy, appeared at this committee in support of our Canada’s FoodLink campaign. His remarks included a stress on the importance of acting on the numerous reports that have been completed to help Canadian agriculture grow, as well as the need to prioritize regulatory issues supporting Canadian innovation and supply chain corridors. Watch.
Appearance Before House Industry Committee
Our Senior Director, Natural Resources, Environment, and Sustainability David Billedeau appeared at the House of Commons Standing Committee on Industry and Technology. In addressing the key issues of the Chamber’s Critical Minerals Council, the remarks delivered highlighted that the transition to a low-carbon economy hinges on the availability of critical minerals, the opportunity this presents for Canada and the necessary elements of an effective critical minerals strategy. Watch.
Next Level Events
2022 Home + Leisure Tradeshow
April 22nd - 24th
Each year the Chamber invests time and resources into creating a quality trade show for our community, and we are proud to host not only the longest-running, but the largest trade show in Medicine Hat. Bringing business together under one roof provides a fantastic experience for everyone. For businesses, the personal connections you can make with thousands of consumers and clients is unmatched. For consumers, you'll find fresh inspiration, helpful tips, innovative products and fantastic deals in remodeling, home improvement, design, gifts and services. Learn More
March is Fraud Prevention Month
Every year, thousands of Canadians fall victim to fraud. Most people don't think it could happen to them, but fraudsters are using increasingly sophisticated methods to target people of all ages and from all walks of life. More and more of these schemes are being attributed to organized crime. The impact on individuals, families, and businesses is devastating. In this series by the Better Business Bureau you will hear why Fraud Prevention month is essential to supporting our community with consumer education.
March 3: Cryptocurrency Scams
March 10: Identity Theft
March 17: Online Scams
March 24: Business Fraud and Scams
March 31: Mass Marketing and Phone Scams
Are you Ready for INternational Women's Week?
Throughout this week you can choose from 50+ events and initiatives here: https://www.investottawa.ca/IWW/
Cheers to International Women’s Day 2022
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce will discuss how to ensure we’re on the right path to an inclusive economic recovery where all Canadians are able to reach their full potential in the workplace. View Event
Other News
- Health Canada authorizes Novavax's Nuvaxovid COVID-19 vaccine
- Health Canada authorized Medicago's Covifenz COVID-19 vaccine
- Manufacturing growth in Alberta
- Government Announces Next Steps on Trans Mountain Expansion Project
- Bill 37: The Builders’ Lien (Prompt Payment) Amendment Act, 2020 will come into force August 29, 2022
- Open Letter: Canada needs to get to work securing its trading future with the U.S.
- Alberta’s government declared Red Tape Reduction Week in the province from February 22-25, highlighting the red tape reductions iniitiatives accomplished by the provincial Government. If you have an idea to Cut Red Tape or find out more, visit the provincial website.
Other Resources
Other Events
Canada 360° Economic Summit - Now On Demand
How to Create A Landing Page that Converts | Mar 2 https://chinook-createalandingpage.eventbrite.ca
StrikeUP 2022 Digital Conference for Women Entrepreneurs, hosted by StrikeUP Canada | Mar 3 | Register
How to Setup Your Google Ads Account | Mar 9 https://chinook-setupgoogleads.eventbrite.ca
Medicine Hat Tourism Town Hall | March 7 | Register
Google Ads: How to Use Keywords Efficiently | March 16 https://chinook-howtousekeywords.eventbrite.ca
Startup Women: Women in the Trades, hosted by Startup Canada | Mar 16 | Register
How to Create Content with Canva | Mar 23 https://chinook-createwithcanva.eventbrite.ca
Startup Women: Fundraising 101, hosted by Startup Canada | Mar 30 | Register
Startup Global: Entrepreneurs Going Global Panel #1: Early-Stage Advice | Apr 28 | Register
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