Your Weekly Tune Up
Changes to Immigration Streams
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), formerly the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program, has two new immigration streams:
1. The Rural Entrepreneur Stream allows the Government of Alberta to nominate qualified and capable immigrant entrepreneurs who intend on supporting the economic growth and revitalization of rural Alberta communities by establishing a new or buying an existing business. The Government of Alberta is collaborating with rural communities to deliver this immigration stream. Rural communities interested in participating in Rural Entrepreneur Stream are required to fill out the Community Enrolment
Form, as well as designate an individual as the community contact person and representative. The community name and contact person’s information will be highlighted on the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program website. Visit https://www.alberta.ca/aaip-rural-entrepreneur-stream.aspx for program guidelines and eligibility requirements. For any specific RES Stream questions please email: entrepreneur.supportservice@gov.ab.ca
2. The Rural Renewal Stream addresses current labour needs and skill shortages in rural Alberta communities and helps newcomers settle into the community. This stream requires a community to apply to the Government of Alberta for community designation. This stream is community-driven. A candidate must be endorsed by a designated community and meet all criteria for the Rural Renewal Stream. Do not apply to the province of Alberta if you do not have a community support letter. Once designated, the community then works with employers to attract and recruit newcomers and collaborates with a settlement providing organization to retain newcomers by sharing information on settlement supports. This may include accommodation, education, health care and services such as language training. Please visit https://www.alberta.ca/aaip-rural-renewal-stream-community-designation.aspx for program guidelines and eligibility requirements. For any specific RRS questions please email: ruralrenewal@gov.ab.ca.
Liberal Party of Canada and the New Democratic Party Agreement
The new agreement between the federal Liberals and NDP will last until Parliament rises in June 2025, allowing four budgets to be presented by the government during this time. The NDP agrees to support the government on confidence and budgetary matters – notably on budgetary policy, budget implementation bills, estimates and supply and will not move a vote of non-confidence nor vote for a non-confidence motion during the term of the agreement. They have also agreed on seven priorities, which can be viewed online.
Bill 9, the Public’s Right to Know Act
If passed, Bill 9, the Public’s Right to Know Act, would be the first legislation of its kind in Canada, requiring the provincial government to report crime data annually and make the information available on its website. The provincial government would also have the ability to report the data in a user-friendly way by highlighting metrics that are of the most concern to people, like data about violent and serious crimes, as well as property offences. Find out more.
How Canadians Continue to Help Ukraine and Its Citizens
Canadian employers are encouraged to list employment opportunities on the Government of Canada’s Jobs for Ukraine Job Board to help Ukrainian migrants find employment when they reach Canada. Ukrainian job seekers can use the same tool to find opportunities.
If you are wondering how you can help out in this crisis, visit our regularly updated web page: How businesses and Canadians can help Ukraine
Fuelling Our Business Community
Brown Bag & Business Simply Helping Businesses look their Best (Branding and Logo Design)
Tuesday, March 29, 2022 (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM) - Register
Have you ever looked at a logo and just knew what business it was from? Has a symbol or emblem caught your attention and had you seeking out the business it belongs to? These are all questions to ask yourself when designing your graphics and logo for your business. Come and join us with Presenter Melissa Chinski of Flag Five Inc. and learn the Important facts on design and logo branding, how to best suit your business to the look of your logo and Why it is valuable to have a well designed brand. How can a poor brand effect your business?
The Medicine Hat & District Chamber of Commerce and Brooks-Medicine Hat MLA, Michaela Frey are pleased to announce a luncheon on Thursday, March 31st with Honourable Guests:
- Premier Jason Kenney, Alberta’s 18th Premier;
- Minister Nate Horner, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Economic Development; and
- Minister Jason Copping, Minister of Health.
Highlights will include key priorities from Budget 2022 and what it means for you, the Alberta Recovery Plans and plans for the Southeast Alberta region.
Join us as we learn more about Alberta's Recovery Plan and how it will positively impact Alberta's economy and create new opportunities for every Albertan as we move forward, including:
- Strengthening our workforce
- Growing our resources
- Building our Future
- Helping everyday Albertans
- Diversifying our economy
You can submit your questions in advance here:Â click hereÂ
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, March 29 at 4:00 pm
The Power of Community
Albertans Invited to Free, Online Wellness WorkshopsÂ
Albertans are invited to participate in Wellness Exchange, a series of skill-building workshops designed to help adults increase their ability to cope with change, build resilience, and improve overall well-being. The workshops are divided into five weekly sessions, each related to a specific topic related to wellness. Albertans can register for some or all of the five sessions, and participate through a smartphone, tablet or computer.
- Problem-Solving - It’s important to clearly define problems and look at all possible solutions. Learning ways to problem solve effectively, influence what we can, and increase confidence in the decisions that we make.
- Positive Activities - Positive activities provide opportunities for enjoyment, improve mood, increase sense of control over life, and create hope.
- Managing Reactions - Having confidence in one’s ability to effectively manage emotions is important, as it helps protect well-being, maintain healthy connections, make effective decisions, and respond in healthy ways.
- Helpful Thinking - Thoughts have an impact on how we see the world, how we feel, and how we behave. Shifting from unhelpful to helping thinking is important to help increase our confidence in coping with stressors, improve mood, and reduce the intensity of reactions.
- Healthy Connections - Social support and connecting with others helps us feel a sense of belonging and reduces isolation.
Help Shape the Future of EMS Services in Alberta
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is a critical component in Alberta’s healthcare system. EMS provides emergency response to 911 calls for patients across the province, as well as handling transfers for patients needing medical care between hospitals and medical facilities.
We invite you to take part in shaping the future of EMS services across Alberta through the creation of a long-term Provincial Service Plan. We’re looking to hear from those who depend on - and those who deliver - our care. Learn more on our Together4Health page, and share your perspectives by taking our Current State Survey.
The Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta (CFSEA) is seeking volunteer Board Members
The Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta (CFSEA) is seeking volunteer Board Members that can commit to approximately five (5) hours a month and serve a minimum three (3) year term. Applicants are requested to email a letter of interest outlining their passion for community involvement and business knowledge that will contribute to the mission and operations of CFSEA to Frances Barnes at board@cfsea.ca by Friday, April 15. CFSEA is an Equal Opportunity organization and encourages applicants from minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities and all other qualified applicants. We welcome you to inform us, in confidence, if you require any special accommodations to participate in our recruitment process.
More information available at: https://cfsea.ca/news/cfsea-seeking-volunteer-board-members/
Enriching Your Business
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Startup Canada's Startup Global Pitch Competition
Cash prizes totalling $75,000, take your business to the global stage through their free online portal!
This year, the Startup Global Pitch Competition will have 100 top semi-finalists from the pool of applications, including one wild card semi-finalist! These top semi-finalists will be given exclusive access to various in-kind support throughout the year leading up to the closed-door regional semi-finals in September. From here, the top finalists will earn a spot at the Grand Finale at the end of 2022 where they will compete again to win $75,000. Alongside this, semi-finalists can also compete for the People’s Choice Award who will automatically win $5,000 in cash, plus a spot to compete at the Grand Finale.
By signing up, you receive curated resources, direct 1:1 mentorship support from experts, and funding opportunities for you to go global. Register for a free account today and submit your application before April 11.
Annual commercial driver training grants
Commercial driving grants totalling $30 million over three years will support unemployed and underemployed Albertans returning to the workforce, while ensuring that drivers receive mandatory training that helps them be safe on the road. Annual commercial driver training grants include $6 million for the Driving Back to Work grant program to support unemployed Albertans; $3 million to support women returning to the workforce and underemployed Albertans; $1 million towards developing online and virtual reality simulator training.
United States climatetech - Canadian Technology Accelerator
Do you want to grow your climate technology (climatetech) business in the United States (U.S.)? There is a significant demand for climateTech solutions in the U.S., driven by both policies and market forces. The climatetech Canadian Technology Accelerator will help you find potential investors and new customers for your solution in the four largest climatetech markets in the U.S.: New York, San Francisco, Boston and Denver. Application Deadline is April 13.
Don’t miss out on tax savings for 2021!
It’s that time of the year again when you start thinking about your personal taxes. To ensure that you are well-prepared for this tax season, MNP has provided some of the commonly overlooked tax deductions and credits. Such as Moving expenses, Professional dues, Carrying charges, Interest on money borrowed to earn investment income, Childcare expenses, Charitable donations, Canadian political contributions, Medical expenses, Student loan interest, Disability tax credit, Home buyer’s amount, and Northern travel
Advocacy in Action
Political Action Day & MLA Dinner 2022
Last week, the Medicine Hat & District Chamber of Commerce went to Edmonton in order to advocate for key policies that affect our region including the diversification of the energy sector in Alberta, the future of youth in Alberta's work force, and keeping the Albertan agricultural sector competitive. We were joined by many esteemed guests, including:
- Premier Jason Kenney, discussing the future and direction of Alberta while providing information about how the provincial government is working to keep our province as a great place to do business.
- NDP Leader Rachel Notley, providing a detailed breakdown of upcoming provincial priorities for the official opposition and how those priorities link to the newly announced balanced budget.
- Media panelists from the Toronto Star, Edmonton Journal, and CBC discussing how accountability in media is a priority for the future of accountable governance.
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 Resources
Alberta Economy - Indicators at a Glance
Women in Stem and WEcast podcast
How to Create the Ultimate Self-Care Routine in 2022
Connecting Your Organization With Problem Solvers: Prepr helps companies tackle internal challenges by connecting them with innovators and problem solvers. Find out more
A simple guide to tax deductible business expenses
Guidance to help you stay ahead this tax season
Tourism’s Big Shift Report & Webinar
Destination Canada: Tips for Small and Medium-Sized Tourism Businesses to make the most of social guide and YouTube video series
Other Events
Mar 29: Women in Social Enterprise Spotlight and Networking | Register
Mar 30: Startup Women: Fundraising 101, hosted by Startup Canada | Register
Apr 6: New Canadian Emerging Entrepreneurs | Register
Apr 13: 9 am - 1 pm | Executive Summit: The Path to Pandemic-Proof: What the Health and Life Sciences Ecosystem Needs Today |Â Register
Apr 26: 10 am-12:30 pm | "Stronger Together" Small Business Virtual Conference | Register
Apr 28: Startup Global: Entrepreneurs Going Global Panel #1: Early-Stage Advice |Â Register
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