Your Weekly Tune Up
Alberta Speech from the Throne
The fourth session of the 30th legislature opened with a speech from the throne delivered by Her Honour, the Honourable Salma Lakhani. There was a focus on affordability, highlighting a proposed Inflation Relief Act. The speech also made mention of the healthcare reform action plan. Jobs and Economy was another key point with a focus on education, reducing inter-provincial trade barriers, working towards new customs pre-clearance for agricultural exports, and expanding and improving Alberta’s irrigation network. It will also maintain and expand exportation of our natural resources to world markets and contribute to lowering emissions by investing in Alberta-based environmental technology – like carbon capture and hydrogen.
The Government is also committing to the development of a technology and innovation strategy, a new digital media tax credit, and the expansion of high-speed rural broadband services to attract new investment and change-makers to all parts of our province. They also expressed the need to lead the way when it comes to harnessing the power of our natural resources such as hydrogen, helium, liquified natural gas and geothermal energy while exploring new economic corridors. The speech also highlighted the first bill, the Alberta Sovereignty Within a United Canada Act.
Read the full text from the Speech from the Throne and the news release with key highlights from each focus area.
Alberta Sovereignty
Bill 1 was introduced in the Alberta Legislature as the Alberta Sovereignty within a United Canada Act with the intent to make more decisions on the provincial level in areas including in the areas of private property, natural resources, agriculture, firearms, regulation of the economy and delivery of heath, education and other social programs.
Cabinet is only authorized to amend existing legislation as specifically outlined in a resolution brought under the act. The resolution, including any amendments to legislation, must first be introduced, debated, voted on and passed by the legislative assembly.
The Alberta Sovereignty within a United Canada Act does not permit cabinet to unilaterally amend legislation without those amendments being first authorized by the legislative assembly. If there is any dispute as to whether or not cabinet amended legislation outside of the specific recommendations contained in the resolution, including any amendments by the legislative assembly to the resolution, such actions would still be subject to both judicial review as well as review by the legislative assembly itself.
Learn more: Bill 1
News Release: Defending Albertans from Ottawa overreach
News Release: Using the Alberta Sovereignty within a United Canada Act
Business Development Bank of Canada Legislative Review
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) has launched a Legislative Review of the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC). The purpose of the 2022 Legislative Review is to evaluate the provisions and operations of the Business Development Bank of Canada Act (BDC Act) and examine how the mandate of the BDC has evolved and might continue to evolve to support Canadian entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) over the coming decade. The consultation period runs until March 31, 2023 at 23:59 PST. Should you wish to submit a comment, please visit the Legislative Review website to read the consultation paper and complete the consultation survey.
Labour Shortage Solutions: Information on the Temporary Worker Program in Canada
Canada expands employer compliance requirements to increase protection for foreign workers while workers from 16 new occupations are now eligible for permanent residence. The Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program allows employers in Canada to hire a foreign worker when no Canadians or permanent residents are available, allowing employers to continue to grow and succeed.
Learn more about the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and compliance regime at our information session with Service Canada on December 5, 2022.
Advocacy in Action
Development Fees and Charges
City Council will be looking at Development Fees and charges at their December 5, 2022 Council meeting.
Back in 2011 the Medicine Hat & District Chamber of Commerce reviewed the fees and charges being proposed at that time and continue to review any fees and charges with the same principles and recommendations since then including:
1. Re-evaluate the increases in fees and charges and consult with industry, key stakeholders and organizations for reasonable fee structures that are implemented over a period of time.
2. Base any fees and charges on the current baseline structure, with incremental percentage increases over a period of time, in line with the cost of service delivery and taking into consideration natural inflationary costs.
3. Ensure that fees and charges are not based on a 100% average of fees charged by comparable-sized cities and only use this methodology as a reference for research purposes.
We were pleased to see changes to the fees and charges since that time in line with our policy and recommend the City continue to consult with industry prior to making changes in the future.
Next Level Events
Network Before 9 Action Land & Environmental Services Ltd.
Action Land & Environmental Services Ltd. is a leading facilitator of land and environmental management services throughout Western Canada. With over two decades of experience and expertise, we pride ourselves on excellent communication, client-focused values, and a solid team concept. Our team works within a wide range of industries including oil and gas, utilities, all levels of government, agriculture, land development, and with private clients. We offer a depth of technical expertise and a comprehensive scope of consulting services to solve our client’s environmental, land, and regulatory requirements.
2023 State of the City
The annual State of the City event is where you can learn about the City's progress over the past year and get informed about what's in store for the community in 2023. Join us as we reflect on the accomplishments of our community during a tumultuous 2022, and be the first to hear what the City of Medicine Hat has in store for the coming year including exciting new projects, opportunities for development, and vision for the future. This event will be held at the Medicine Hat Lodge Janurary 24th 2023. Doors will open at 11:00am followed by lunch and the event from 12:00-1:30 pm. If you are a Chamber Member please remember to log in during registration to take advantage of your discount! Register Now!
Enriching Your Business
See all our Value Added Benefits!
Fuelling the Business Community
Substance Use in the Workplace
SafeLink Alberta has a new project underway https://safelinkalberta.ca/trades-project/ to create targeted education content in response to the identified need for mental health and substance use supports for young and middle-aged men working in the trades. We are seeking people who work, or have worked, in the trades or construction field and have used drugs (prescription or illicit) to consult on an upcoming education project focused on Mental Health, Substance Use, and the Trades. All consultations will remain confidential, and honoraria will be provided.
You can connect with SafeLink via the link above or by emailing kevin.dey@safelinkalberta.ca.
SafeLink Alberta is also excited to announce our new training session, Opioid Poisoning Response Training - Nasal Naloxone. Our first training session will be on December 13th, 2022. Registration is open here.
2022 Annual General Meeting
On Thursday, November 24th, Scott Lehr, Past President of the Medicine Hat and District Chamber of Commerce lead the meeting for the last time before passing the gavel to current President, Trevor Anhel. During this year's in-person event the Chamber went through its year-in-review highlighting some of the important work done in the previous fiscal year. The Chamber also recognized the 72 new businesses joining the Chamber from September 2021 through to August 2022 and celebrated 43 milestone anniversaries for members involved in the Chamber for 10, 20, 30, 40, and 60+ years. The organization also took the opportunity to acknowledge its impressive list of Past Presidents who have served the organization since 1900. Read More
The Mustard Seed
The Mustard Seed is building community and supporting change in our neighbourhood by helping to break the cycle of homelessness. This non-profit organization is a recipient of generosity from our community which is then passed onto community members in need. From food to clothing the Mustard Seed is growing hope in Medicine Hat.
When we shop local in Southern Alberta, we support the businesses and families that are our neighbours. Seek local and help to shape our neighbourhood.
The Beef Cattle Research Council Appoints New Executive Committee
Local beef producer, Craig Lehr from Short Grass Ranches, has been appointed to serve as the BCRC chair for 2022-2023. Congratulations Craig, we know you will be a strong and valuable representative and voice for local producers.
Fill Up On Funding
Supporting competitive financing for producer-run co-ops
The Feeder Association Loan Guarantee Program helps local, producer-run co-operatives obtain competitive financing. The government provides an overall loan guarantee and this is being increased to $150 million from $100 million to improve producers’ access to capital so they can grow their businesses and meet the demands of today’s marketplace.
The program has been around for more than 85 years. A larger loan guarantee is needed to reflect current cattle prices and greater demand for feeder cattle and to ensure eligible producers have access to the program. Learn more
Canada Summer Jobs Grant
Are you ready to:
- create quality work experiences for youth?
- provide youth with opportunities to develop and improve their skills?
- respond to national and local priorities to improve access to the labour market for youth who face unique barriers?
If yes, then apply for the Canada Summer Jobs funding!
New Program launched for Dental Care for Children
Eligible families can now apply for the interim Canada Dental Benefit for children under 12 who do not have access to private dental insurance. The Canada Dental Benefit will provide eligible parents and guardians with direct, tax-free payments of up to $650 per child, per year – to a maximum of $1,300 per child over the next two years – to help cover out-of-pocket dental care expenses for their children under 12. The Benefit is available to parents and guardians with an annual adjusted family net income under $90,000 who do not have access to private dental insurance.
Other Resources
Startup Women 2022 | Know Your Worth: Navigating Negotiation recap
Labour Market Notes: Alberta labour market takes a step back
Other Events
CRA: Learn About the Benefits and Credits Available to Persons with Disabilities | Dec 14 | Register
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