Your Weekly Tune Up
Government of Canada will remove pre-entry test requirement for fully vaccinated travellers on April 1
The Government of Canada announced that effective April 1, 2022 at 12:01 AM EDT, fully vaccinated travellers will no longer need to provide a pre-entry COVID-19 test result to enter Canada by air, land or water. Fully vaccinated travellers seeking to arrive in Canada before April 1, 2022, must still have a valid pre-entry test. On-arrival random testing will remain in effect to track new variants.
Alberta 2022 Capital Plan
The Budget 2022 Capital Plan includes:
- $5.8 billion for municipal infrastructure;
- $3.2 billion for capital maintenance and renewal;
- $2.2 billion for health facilities;
- $1.8 billion for roads and bridges;
- $1.5 billion for schools;
- $1.3 billion for streamlining service delivery;
- $0.8 billion for public safety and emergency services:
- $1.7 billion for other Capital Plan envelopes; and
- $1.9 billion in schools, universities, colleges and hospitals - sector self-financed capital spending.
Find out more or review the detailed capital plan here.
Improving safety for roadside workers
The Traffic Safety Amendment Act will require all motorists traveling in the same direction or in the opposite direction on single lane highways to slow down to at least 60 km/h when passing a stopped roadside worker vehicle with its lights flashing.
How the war in Ukraine will affect Canada’s economy
In addition to concerns about the human tragedy unfolding in Ukraine, many businesspeople are also wondering how this war and the sanctions imposed on Russia will affect the Canadian economy and their company. Find out more from BDC. EDC has also published FAQs on What Canadian exporters need to know about Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Canadian Chamber President and CEO Perrin Beatty: One of Top 100 Lobbyists for 2022
Congratulations to our President & CEO Perrin Beatty for being recognized for his work on behalf of Canadian businesses! Working with government is a key part of our vision to build a Canada of thriving business opportunity, a strong economy and a better life for all. Onwards and upwards!
Fuelling Our Business Community
2022 Vital Conversations Survey
Each year, CFSEA hosts a Vital Event which is a periodic check-up that measures the vitality of our community and helps to determine CFSEA’s annual granting priorities. This year, CFSEA is hosting the 2022 Vital Conversation which is a facilitated discussion with community members to learn more about trends impacting local quality of life.
The following 2022 Vital Conversations Survey is open to all residents of Medicine Hat and the results will be used to explore issues, opportunities, and solutions in our community.
At the end of the survey, you will have the option to be entered into a draw for a $100 gift card to a local business of your choice!
The Power of Community
Nominations Now Open for Report on Business magazine's Top Growing Companies
In 2019, The Globe and Mail’s Report on Business magazine launched a new annual ranking of entrepreneurial achievement: Canada’s Top Growing Companies. Nominations are now open for the 2022 ranking. Participation is meant to be quick, easy and free, and winners are published in the October issue of Report on Business magazine, among other benefits. The deadline to enter is May 31, 2022.
Call for leaders and innovators in agriculture
Nominations are open for the 2022 Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame.
Improving addiction treatment access in Medicine Hat
Alberta’s government is expanding access to services that reduce harm in southern Alberta by expanding the Digital Overdose Response System (DORS), which is a mobile app designed to help prevent fatal drug overdoses, particularly amongst those using at home alone. The DORS app can be downloaded to a smartphone free of charge from any app store or via DORSApp.ca.
In addition, the Medicine Hat Police Service will now be able to offer immediate access to addiction treatment upon an individual’s arrest in partnership with Alberta’s Virtual Opioid Dependency Program (VODP). Any Albertan anywhere in the province can get same-day access to evidence-based medication treatment simply by calling 1-844-383-7688 seven days a week from 8 am to 8 pm.
Alberta’s government is also providing $825,000 to Our Collective Journey, a Medicine Hat-based organization that supports individuals in their pursuit of recovery from addiction and mental health challenges.
For additional support, information and referral to services, call Alberta 211 or the Addiction Helpline (1-866-332-2322) or visit recoveryaccessalberta.ca.
Enriching Your Business
See all our Value Added Benefits!
Fill Up On Funding
The Government of Canada has revealed the first four not-for-profits that will be delivering its Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund.
Through the federal government’s $55 million CAD Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund, these organizations will provide micro-loans of up to $50,000 to women business owners and entrepreneurs so they can start and scale their companies and access new markets. Find out more and stay tuned to the program page for program details.
Advocacy in Action
Canadian Chamber Actively Collaborating with Talent Beyond Boundaries
- Talent Beyond Boundaries (TBB) is working to offer displaced workers roles in job placements. TBB currently has over 40,000 working professionals looking to move internationally with their skills, with 88% speaking English.
- When hiring migrant workers, employers working with Talent Beyond Boundaries can mitigate some of the costs through partners like Miles4Migrants who provide free flights to remove financial obstacles between migrant workers and employment.
- Chambers of Commerce across Canada are working to hire migrant workers from Ukraine, as well as using Chamber connections to link migrant workers and refugees with local businesses. Supply chain disruptions are compiling internationally based on the conflict, sanctions, and the results of COVID-19.
The Canadian Chamber recommends:
- Consider collecting donations for the Red Cross or UNHCR.
- Chambers, businesses and citizens can participate in the Canadian Private Sponsorship of Refugees program.
- The Ukranian Chamber of Commerce has an online form where people and business can offer their support as non-military volunteers through means like business support.
Canada launches new temporary residence pathway to welcome those fleeing the war in Ukraine
With the CUAET (Canadian-Ukranian Authorization for Emergency Travel), Ukrainians and their immediate family members of any nationality may stay in Canada as temporary residents for up to 3 years. Applicants who are overseas need to apply online for a Canadian visitor visa and provide their biometrics (fingerprints and a photo). Applicants are encouraged to apply for a 3-year open work permit at the same time as their visa application. This permit will allow them to work in Canada. Under this special program, many of the regular requirements associated with a normal visitor visa or work permit have been waived. Elementary and high school students can register for and start attending school as soon as they arrive in Canada, and anyone looking to study at the post-secondary level can apply for a study permit once on Canadian soil. Learn more.
If you are an employer who wants to support Ukrainian nationals in Canada with a job, Job Bank has set up a simple process to help you. Click here to learn more.
Multiple chambers of commerce and other business and sectoral associations have co-signed a letter sent to federal ministers urging the federal government to do what is best for Canada’s economy and facilitate a negotiation between CP and the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference. Read the letter.
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
Other News
Advancing clean technology solutions
Ammolite to become provincial gemstone of Alberta
The Internet of Things campaign launched in the National Post and online on Innovatingcanada.ca yesterday, co-authored by Canadian Chamber of Commerce Senior Director of Digital Economy, Technology and Innovation. Learn more.
Monthly job number commentary by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce
Other Resources
Alberta Economy - Indicators at a Glance
demographic data and analysis products are available at:Â https://www.alberta.ca/population-statistics.aspx
Eight things to remember before you file your 2021 income tax and benefit return
Other Events
March 22 11 am - 2 pm MST | CFIA Information session for food importers on federal food regulations | RSVP to cfia.outreach-sensibilisation.acia@inspection.gc.ca
March 31 11 am - 12 pm | Navigating Tax Requirements in International Markets | Register
April 13 9 am - 1 pm | Executive Summit: The Path to Pandemic-Proof: What the Health and Life Sciences Ecosystem Needs Today | Register
How to Create Content with Canva | Mar 23 https://chinook-createwithcanva.eventbrite.ca
Startup Women: Fundraising 101, hosted by Startup Canada | Mar 30 |Â Register
Startup Global: Entrepreneurs Going Global Panel #1: Early-Stage Advice | Apr 28 |Â Register
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