Your Weekly Tune Up
National Indigenous Peoples Day
National Indigenous Peoples Day takes place on the summer solstice, June 21, the longest day of the year. It’s a special occasion to learn more about the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences and histories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
First Nations University of Canada has shared that the 4 Seasons of Reconciliation course is available for free for a limited time (June 1 to August 31); thank you to RBC, and Reconciliation Education for making this opportunity possible for all Canadians. Register here.
Electricity rebates to start arriving on July bills
All utility customers currently connected to the electricity system that have consumed electricity within the past calendar year, up to a maximum of 250 megawatt hours per year, are automatically eligible for the rebates and will receive the rebate as a credit to their electricity bills from the utility provider. The rebate will appear as an individual line item on the electricity bill as the “GOA Utility Commodity Rebate.” Consumers will receive $50 each month for three consecutive months, with most rebates starting to show on July’s electricity bills. Consumers who believe they meet the eligibility criteria but have not received the rebates by the end of July should contact the Utility Consumer Advocate at 310-4822 or UCAhelps@gov.ab.ca for assistance. Read more.
Extension of the fuel tax relief for Albertans
Albertans will continue to save the 13-cent provincial fuel tax on every litre of gasoline or diesel they purchase for at least another three months. The government committed to evaluating the program quarterly and reinstating it in stages only if the average price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil fell below $90 per barrel. For the four-week period ending June 15, WTI averaged $115.88 per barrel. View this announcement online.
Fuelling Our Business Community
Request for Proposals: Photography & Videography For the 2022 Business Awards
The Medicine Hat & District Chamber of Commerce is inviting quotes from interested parties who are qualified to provide Photography & Videography Services for the 2022 Business, requested specific deliverables are each outlined below. This long-standing Chamber event will be held in person at the Esplanade and kicking off National Small Business Week.
It is the intention of the Chamber to award a contract to one or more bidders who are members in good standing with the Medicine Hat & District Chamber of Commerce. Read More.
The Power of Community
2026 Canada Special Olympics
Members of the Medicine Hat Chamber of Commerce now have a special opportunity to contribute to the fundraising efforts of the 2026 Special Olympics Summer Games, which will be held in Medicine Hat from August 9th to 16th that year.
Chamber members can now become Corporate Friends of the Games by making a donation to the Games along with their regular membership fees over the next five years using. “For as little as the price of a cup of coffee each month,” says the Chamber’s promotion, “you could contribute to the Sponsorship of the Special Olympics.” Read More
Medicine Hat & District Chamber of Commerce Presentation to the Rotary Club
Home Page | Rotary Club of Medicine Hat (medicinehatrotary.com)
Vital Conversations
We were able to participate in many roles for this year's Vital Conversations which was hosted by the Community Foundation of South East Alberta.
Vital Conversation is a facilitated discussion with community members to learn more about the social and economic trends impacting local quality of life. The conversations are often used as a starting point to identify local priorities and mobilize a community into action. Vital Conversations can serve as a springboard to strengthen local relationships, develop new partnerships and determine funding priorities.
Enriching Your Business
Save Big on Shipping!
You can benefit from our savings programs – so much so, that it could cover the cost of your annual membership! Did you know, if you spend $1500 per year on shipping expenses, you could save up to $600 through the Chamber’s Shipping Program?
That’s just one of the benefits included in your membership. Take advantage today!
See all our Value Added Benefits!
Fill Up On Funding
StartUp Southeast Alberta
Did you know the Medicine Hat & District Chamber is part of StartUp Canada? We pursued this partnership to bring more resources to you and connect you with another business network in Canada. Recently, StartUp Canada hosted Startup Gov with a roundtable discussion regarding government funding and support available to help Canadian businesses. Joel Adams (Senior Innovation Advisor, Ontario) and Audrey Allotey (Innovation Advisor, Prairies) provided an overview of Innovation Canada, the Business Benefits Finder and the Innovation Advisor service and how these services are uniquely positioned to support businesses across Canada. Please find the links below:
- Business Benefits Finder
- Innovation Advisors
- Other Innovation Canadaprograms, including:
-
-
- Canada Digital Adoption Program
- Innovative Solutions Canada
- Canada’s Global Innovation Clusters (formerly Superclusters)
- BizPaL (Business Permits & Licences)
- Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF)
- ExploreIP
- ElevateIP (which is accepting applications until June 28!)
- Accelerated Growth Service
-
If you would like to learn more about upcoming Innovation Canada webinars and information, please subscribe for updates.
Advocacy in Action
ArriveCAN App Should Be Used to Streamline, Not Complicate Border Crossing
On June 15, 2022, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Senior Vice President, Policy and Government Relations, appeared before the House of Commons Standing Committee on International Trade to address concerns around the border, customs backlogs, and the ArriveCAN App in particular. Learn more.
Next Level Events
Art In Motion - July 9th
Celebrate our city’s art and culture with Art in Motion!
Art is on the move at key downtown locations including the Esplanade Arts and Heritage Centre, Towne Square, Riverside Veteran’s Memorial Park and the broader downtown area. This multi-faceted event kicks off in the afternoon and moves into the evening and night. Enjoy all ages daytime activities, Mural Fest events, Downtown Art Walk, Midnight Madness and much more.
Take in live art demonstrations, get hands on and create it yourself, and support local artisans by checking out the Open Air Art Market at Towne Square.
Enjoy live music and cultural performances or get in motion with many community groups like the Medicine Hat Paddle Club with their Great Big Paddle happening on the river! Explore downtown, take in pop-up events and treat yourself to shopping and tasty eats!
There will be lots to see and do as you get on the move with Art In Motion! More details to follow soon.
Is your company looking to secure new capital?
Are you a tech company, innovator, or problem solver? Then this event is for you. Save your seat for this online workshop.
Register now and join us on Wednesday, June 29 at 13:00 for a 60-minute workshop on Product-Market fit and find out if GrowthX is a fit for your company.
GrowthX invests in scalable companies working towards product-market fit. Why GrowthX? Have a look at their portfolio and read their founder testimonials.
GrowthX are early-stage innovation investors with significant go-to-market experience. They volunteer their time to host 60-minute workshops. Why, you ask? It's how they begin earning the opportunity to invest in your startups
Other News
Statistics Canada released population estimates for Q1 2022.
Alberta Components of Growth by Quarter, Data Tables (From 1971/72 on)
Other demographic data and analysis products are available online
Other Resources
Useful Links
Find more updates on our social media
