Your Weekly Tune Up

A Portrait of Small Business in Canada: Adaption, Agility, All at Once

Despite representing 98% of Canadian businesses and employing two-thirds of the Canadian economy, there's a lot we're still discovering about small businesses. This report, produced by the Canadian Chamber Business Data Lab, delves deep into the new reality of Canadian small businesses, providing valuable insights into their challenges, innovations and resilience. It also explores how these businesses can thrive as major economic forces work against them — including the rising cost of doing business, the highest borrowing costs in over two decades and increased pandemic debt loads. Read the Report.

Captive insurance, statement by Minister Horner

The introduction of captive insurance in Alberta enhances the province's appeal for businesses, offering an alternative insurance option and making it a more attractive investment destination. Alberta is one of only two provinces to provide captive insurance, and it has licensed 17 captive insurance companies since becoming a captive jurisdiction. Read more.

Canada announces two-year cap on international student admissions

In 2024, an expected 360,000 study permits will be approved, a 35% decrease from 2023. Provincial and territorial caps, weighted by population, have been set. Further details on visa restrictions are anticipated in the coming weeks. Learn more

Advocacy in Action

Alberta is growing - are your workforce needs growing too?

We want to learn how business plan to grow and the talent roadblocks that they face. Share your insights in 2-3 minutes to help inform critical government funding decisions to educate and train the workforce you need to grow. Deadline to submit feedback is 5:00 P.M. on February 9.

Have your Say!

Check out the dates and opportunities to engage on the Medicine Hat Arts, Heritage, and Entertainment Plan. Find out more.

Federal budge consultation is open until February 9

Canadian organizations are encouraged to submit their ideas and comments to the Department of Finance through the formal submission form linked in the chat. You can also submit your feedback to budget2024@fin.gc.ca via the email or by mail. |

Pre-Budget Consultation | Formal Submission Form

A Stronger Health Care System Engagement Opportunities

Albertans are encouraged to register for the in-person engagement sessions starting January 23 to discuss challenges, solutions, and innovations for a stronger health care system. Share your experiences and insights to contribute to a more effective and accessible health care system designed to meet the needs of Albertans. Learn more

Have an Issue? Click Here

Next Level Events

Evolution of Energy - POSTPONED

Didn't get a chance to save your seat for this event? No worries! We are postponing Evolution of Energy until a later date to bring you the best event we can!

Keep an eye on our calendar for updated details and other amazing events.

2024 Ag-Advocacy Forum - Industry Network

In follow up to our previous ag-advocacy forums in 2018-2019, we are reconnecting to prioritize the top concerns and opportunities within the agriculture industry and be a part of creating solutions that will make a difference. Together we can effectively determine action plans to move forward and advocate for our region.

Check out the agenda, rsvp your spot and see who your table sponsors are here!

2024 Home + Leisure Tradeshow is happening soon!

A few months away and coming up FAST!! With over 60% of booths sold, there is still space available but it's going fast. With thousands of consumers visiting the shows over the course of three days these trade shows give an incredible opportunity to gain exposure for your business, demonstrate and sell products, and showcase your services.

Foundations of Intercultural Leadership Management

Unlock Global Leadership Excellence! Attend our Foundations of Intercultural Management Workshop!

Are you prepared to advance your leadership skills in today’s interconnected world? Join us for an engaging and dynamic “Foundations of Intercultural Management” session designed to equip leaders like you with the skills necessary to survive in diverse and globalized contexts! More info and save your spot here.

CLICK TO VIEW ALL EVENTS!

Enriching Your Business

There's a reason Chambers Plan is Canada's #1 plan.

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

Find a Job

Value Added Benefits

Post a Job

Fueling the Business Community

• WHY BECOME A MEMBER? •

Walking into a new year, why not start it out by taking action in making your business the best it can be? Here's a fresh reminder for you on why your Chamber Membership is beneficial:

Your Chamber of Commerce is your local hub for TONS of business resources, funding, connections and networking, extra marketing to promote your business, member to member deals, the list goes on!! Need a more specific look at what we offer you? Check out the links below for what member benefits and deals look like! Need further convincing, want to connect with us, ready to utilize your resources or are ready to become a member? Connect with us!

Reasons to Become a Member | Member Benefits | Member Exclusive Deals

BrokerLink is excited to announce the 2024 Grand Group Giveaway!

Contest Period: January 1 - December 31, 2024. Get a quote on home or auto insurance with BrokerLink, and you could win 1 of 4 cash prizes of $5,000. Don’t miss your chance to save on insurance and win some cash in the Grand Group Giveaway! The first draw will be held in April! Rest Assured, BrokerLink Has You Covered*

Contact BrokerLink today: Call 1.833.998.3798, or get a quote online at BrokerLink.ca/MHCC

BrokerLink is proud to offer exclusive home and auto insurance premiums to MHCC members and their employees. Talk to one of our insurance experts for the right advice.

*Conditions and restrictions apply to all offers. No purchase required. Must be an active BrokerLink group member at time of entry. Offer ends December 31, 2024. Draws held quarterly at the BrokerLink Woodbridge office. Offers may change without notice. The four prizes are valued at $5,000 each. For full contest details please visit BrokerLink.ca/contest-rules. ©2024 Brokerlink Inc. ™BrokerLink & Design is a trademark of Brokerlink Inc. All rights reserved.

January Limited-Time Promotion for New Chamber Members!

$100 Statement Credit for New Chamber Members: Promotion period: January 1^st to 31^st.Throughout the month of January, any new member who signs up through our Chamber Referral Program will receive a $100 statement credit! This exclusive offer is available for a limited time!

How Members Can Participate:

Submit a web inquiry through the Elavon Chamber landing page here,
Our dedicated sales representatives will promptly reach out for a consultation within 24- 48 hours,
Complete the sign-up process by January 31^st, 2024, and members will be qualified to receive $100 Statement credit.

Canadian Chamber_January 2024 Flyer EN - Copy

Caring about your employees’ mental health is good for business

The Arive Employee Assistance Program delivers a proven ROI of up to $11 for every $1 invested into the program. That's just one of the many great features our members love about Chambers Plan! Get a quote

Ideal for businesses with 1-50 employees, our flexible and personalized group benefits are designed to meet your business’s changing needs and budget with:

Plans that hold Health options include Teladoc® telemedicine virtual care services.
Business Assistance Service (BAS), access to professional accounting, counselling, legal and human resource experts who understand the challenges faced by small business owners.
my-benefits health®, a health and wellness resource site for all employees provided through my-benefits, Chambers Plan’s online benefit management platform.

Best Doctors®, connecting individuals and their treating physician to world renowned specialists to obtain an expert medical opinion on an existing diagnosis and treatment plan.

Customizable coverage of benefits program to meet their needs. More here or contact your local Chambers Plan Rep

Limited Time Exclusive Deal with Pattison

Limited inventory so book now! Low cost with high reach, only until March 31st for bookings any time in 2024. Benches rate exclusive offer to Chamber members!

Contact them today, and check out their website

Fill Up On Funding

Expanding 2023 livestock drought recovery support

The governments of Canada and Alberta are expanding drought livestock assistance eligibility to help producers maintain breeding herds.
The 2023 Canada-Alberta Drought Livestock Assistance initiative is expanding eligibility to 23 new regions and extending the application deadline. Funding for this joint AgriRecovery initiative is provided through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP). Livestock producers in eligible regions who altered their usual grazing practices due to drought conditions for more than 21 days this season can apply for financial support to cover losses incurred to manage and maintain female breeding animals. A minimum of 15 animals per type of livestock are required to qualify.

Funding for the new regions opened on Jan. 29. Applicants in this intake may receive payments of up to $150 per head. The application deadline is Feb. 22 and extraordinary costs can be incurred until March 31. This expansion also gives producers who were already eligible another opportunity to apply. Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) continues to administer the initiative. Livestock producers can get more information and apply by visiting AFSC’s website.

Sign up for the Dream Business Program

The Dream Business Program is the ultimate guide, offering knowledge, support, and a vibrant community on your entrepreneurial journey! Refine your ideas, access essential tools, secure funding, and thrive in business and your community! Don’t let uncertainty hold you back. Register today.

Innovation Employment Grant

Companies can receive a grant of up to 20% toward qualifying research and development expenditures. The Innovation Employment Grant is delivered through the corporate tax system and does not follow a formal application process. Eligible corporations will be able to claim the grant when they file their annual corporate tax returns. Find out more.

Crossword Puzzle

Crossword Puzzle Answers

Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the January 15th crossword puzzle.

Remember that subscribing to our weekly email gets you access to the crossword puzzle. Anyone who sends us their answers will get their name put into our quarterly draw.

The prize? Receive 5 promotional credits with us (for members) or credit towards a membership (for non-members)! Oh and bragging rights that you're a crossword master.