Your Weekly Tune Up

Supporting Ukraine

We wanted to take a minute to acknowledge the devastating events in Ukraine. Canada is home to more than 1 million Ukrainians and the third largest population of Ukrainians outside of Ukraine and Russia. In 1991, Canada became the first western country to recognize Ukraine's independence. We recognize that many of you will have roots and ties to the people of Ukraine.

The desire to assist those affected by the crisis is widespread. The federal government launched a matching fund on February 25 and will match, dollar for dollar, donations made by individual Canadians to the Canadian Red Cross until March 18, 2022, for crisis relief in Ukraine up to a maximum of $10 million. To make a donation, visit the Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal online or call 1-800-418-1111. With the matching fund contribution, the Red Cross will support preparedness, immediate and ongoing relief efforts and other critical humanitarian activities as needs of people affected by the conflict in Ukraine arise, including support to populations that have been displaced.

Daylight savings time is March 13 - Are you ready to spring ahead?

On Sunday, March 13, we turn our clocks ahead one hour for daylight savings time. If you think losing that one hour is not a problem, think again! Statistics show workplace injuries and motor vehicle incidents increase the day following the daylight savings time change. For more information read Losing sleep over daylight savings time may increase workplace injuries (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety) and Fatigue, extended work hours and workplace safety

Travel Tool Kit Outlining Newly Eased Border Measures

Last week, the Government of Canada loosened travel-related measures. The Public Health Agency of Canada has now also created a Travel Tool Kit to help industry relay the new regulations to travellers.

Investment in rural broadband will help eliminate the digital divide in rural, remote and Indigenous communities

Budget 2022 increases investment into rural broadband for a total of $390 million over four years. This investment supports the implementation of the Alberta Broadband Strategy. Alberta’s Broadband Strategy aims to connect every home and business to high-speed internet by the end of the 2026-27 fiscal year. Check out the quick facts and stats from the announcement and the strategy.

Fuelling Our Business Community

The Medicine Hat & District Chamber of Commerce launches Local Business Support Tool Kit

The Medicine Hat & District Chamber of Commerce launched a new Local Business Support Tool Kit to ensure all businesses have the resources to start and grow their business. This Tool Kit is intended to help promote the success and long-term prosperity of our local businesses and our region by connecting businesses with essential resources and information.

“We saw a gap and a need for this type of resource and decided to take the opportunity to create something for our business community and provide it in one easy to find and accessible location on our website “, further remarked Lehr.

Read Full Press Release

Shop Local Initiatives: Invitation to Provide Your Feedback

The Alberta Chambers network has been undertaking Shop Local initiatives to promote and support local businesses like yours through COVID. We would greatly appreciate 1 minute of your time to tell us how we’ve done and what we can do to continue supporting local businesses going forward! Share your feedback or share this invitation to provide feedback with another local business by directly copying and pasting the URL: https://www.albertaperspectives.ca/c/r/ShopLocal

The Power of Community

Participate in National Nutrition Month with Sedona North

March is National Nutrition Month. The 2022 theme is “Ingredients for a Healthier Tomorrow”. Dietitians are acting on the ingredients needed to create a healthier tomorrow with you, your community and the planet.

Jennifer Paterson, is a local Registered Dietitian in Medicine Hat. This year Jennifer was a featured Dietitian in the national resources to support Canadians in implementing nutrition month activities in their schools, communities, organizations, workplaces and in their own lives.

Read Full Press Release

Enriching Your Business

Contact JoAnne Letkeman, Exclusive Chamber Group Advisor, 403-504-2166 ext 1.

See all our Value Added Benefits!

Fill Up On Funding

Crowdfunding Alberta Program

Crowdfunding Alberta is a made-for-Alberta crowdfunding platform. It helps to connect Alberta’s non-profit organizations with supporters and donors for fundraising campaigns. Find out more: https://crowdfunding.alberta.ca/

Not sure how to do your taxes? Get free help in-person or virtually!

Volunteers may be able to complete and file your taxes for free, by video conference or by phone through a volunteer tax preparation clinic. Most clinics are offered in March and April. Find a tax clinic near you and find out more.

Advocacy in Action

Chamber Makes Submission on Digital Services Tax

The Canadian Chamber participated in Finance Canada's consultations on Digital Services Tax (DST) legislation and provided its recommendations. We support the modernization of Canada’s tax system. However, it is essential for Canada’s tax rules to remain aligned with global standards. The Canadian Chamber underlined their position for the government to standstill on the Digital Services Tax Act, drop its retroactive application and fully support the implementation of the G20/OECD two-pillar plan that has been agreed to by over 130 countries.

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

APEX Tech Talent: Featuring Technology Alberta FIRST Jobs Program

Need Tech Talent?

Join APEX on March 15th at Noon to hear about the Technology Alberta FIRST Jobs Program

Technology Alberta FIRST Jobs Pilot Program – EXTENDED To Additional Terms in 2021 – 2023!

Technology Alberta:

Technology Alberta exists to nurture a dedicated community of people and organizations whose coordinated and collaborative efforts help to make Alberta’s entrepreneurial advanced technology companies the global vendors of choice.

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FIRST Jobs Program:

The FIRST Jobs Program offers a work placement and meaningful work experience for a current student or recent graduate of an Alberta post-secondary institution while supporting the growth of Alberta’s SME Tech Sector. The student placement is to be a remote integrated learning and work experience. Relevant professional topics are situated in the context of the workplace and are offered as a vehicle to enhance workplace performance – both for the young professionals and for the companies themselves.

Register Here: https://apextechtalenttechalberta.eventbrite.ca