Latest News from the ACC
As a valued member of the Cochrane & District Chamber of Commerce, you are also a part of the Alberta Chambers of Commerce. Since 1937, the Alberta Chambers of Commerce provides a powerful voice on behalf of the business community by speaking out on issues such as taxes, transportation, and education.
Your financial support of a local Chamber of Commerce ensures a resource of information and services for the business region that it serves. By supporting the Alberta Chambers of Commerce, you are supporting all the business communities in Alberta.
Latest News from ACC
COVID-19 UPDATES
September 1, 2020
Perrin Beatty: The Recovery Will Be Business-Led, Make No Mistake
Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and now Minister of Finance, can be forgiven if she feels she’s carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders. She faces a grander challenge than any of her peacetime predecessors since the Great Depression. But it is an unfair burden, as erroneous as the idea that governments can borrow or regulate our way back to prosperity.
Any true recovery must, and inevitably will, be led by business. Just as every downturn is first felt on Main Street when the lights begin to go out, every recovery starts when the open signs begin reappearing.
Read More In The Globe And Mail
For Your Attention
Meet The New Chamber.ca http://chamber.ca/
Our new website launched this morning, and we couldn’t be more excited! With a focus on user experience, our new website is streamlined, easy to use, and will ensure you have access to the tools you need to prosper.
Members will be able to pay their invoices and update their profile information online. More features, such as discussion groups and access to member-only documents, will be added to the member portals in the coming months. Stay tuned for more details.
See The New Chamber.ca
EDC Opens Call Centre To Answer CEBA Questions
Export Development Canada, who is responsible for overseeing the execution of the CEBA program, has opened a call centre to help answer business owners’ questions about their application or eligibility for the program. The call centre can provide callers with information about the status of their application, the CEBA program and the document upload website. The purpose of the call centre is not to field complaints about the program. The call centre is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET (5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. PT) at 1-888-324-4201.
Our Statement On Canada Emergency Business Account Changes
Our Senior Director of Tax and Financial Policy, Patrick Gill, issued the following statement on Monday’s announced changes for the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) and the Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP). He also noted that the government must now turn its attention on fixing the commercial rent assistance program.
Virtual Meetings With Candidates For World Trade Organization Director-General
In partnership with the members of the Global Business Coalition, we are providing an opportunity for the business community to meet virtually with the candidates running to become the next head of the WTO. These meetings will play a crucial role in hearing each of the candidates’ visions for the WTO, understanding what it means for Canada, and allowing us to provide well-informed views to our government. These virtual meetings will have participation from member organizations of the Global Business Coalition, which includes businesses from the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Australia, Korea, India, Brazil, and others.
Get Ready™ Wants To Help Get Your Business Ready With An Infection Prevention And Control (IPAC) Program
Get Ready™ is looking for 20 businesses in Ontario to participate in a FREE beta program of its IPAC program. The platform will provide businesses with a detailed list of procedures on screening, physical distancing, tracking, cleaning and disinfecting, and reporting and management of exposures. It will also provide online training for your staff and will be implemented over three, one-hour Zoom sessions. Each business that participates will receive an annual IPAC certificate, training, and certification for staff and access to the platform for a period of one year. *The deadline to sign up is this Friday, September 4.
FREE Upcoming Events
September 10, 12:30 P.M. ET | Presentation And Q&A With Tiff Macklem, Governor Of The Bank of Canada
We are hosting the Governor of the Bank of Canada, Tiff Macklem, for the Bank of Canada’s Economic Progress Report. The event will take place on September 10 at 12:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on the Bank of Canada’s website.
Our members have the exclusive opportunity to participate in the event by videoconference and submit questions to the Governor.
Our member chambers and associations are welcome to promote this event to their members. *For members of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s network only.
September 17, 1:00 P.M. ET | Future Of Transportation: Trucking
70% of Canadian goods are transported by truck, whether it’s groceries, raw materials, or other items essential to Canada’s economic well-being. Before and throughout the pandemic, the trucking industry has been invaluable in helping to keep supply chains open and flowing. Join us as we focus on the initial impacts of COVID-19 on trucking operations and steps the industry has taken to mitigate those impacts. We will also have a discussion on what the future of trucking may look like in a post-COVID world.
How We’re Helping Canadian Business
Molson Coors Joins Food Service Industry Leaders To Support Our Restaurants With the Canadian restaurant industry reeling from the coronavirus pandemic, Molson Coors has joined the Canadian Chamber’s Our Restaurants campaign to bring awareness to the dire situation facing the service industry, and how consumers and the government can help. “Restaurants are part of the fabric of every community in Canada. They’re a place to unwind — gathering spots that have created a lot of memories for people. We want to make sure they’re supported,” says Steve Zmudczynski, national vice president of on premise and emerging growth for Molson Coors’ Canadian operations.
Read More
Visit OurRestaurants.ca
A Win For Telecom Members
Earlier this month, the Minister for Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada responded to the cabinet appeal of the CRTC wholesale Internet rates decision. In his statement, Minister Bains echoed the issues we, and our telecom members, raised to ensure that wholesale rates continue to incentivize network infrastructure investment in order to best serve Canadians. We will continue to monitor this CRTC process.
Leveraging The SDGs To Achieve A Sustainable And Competitive Canadian Economy Post-COVID-19
September 8 and 15 | 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. ET
We have partnered with Competent Boards and Global Compact Network Canada to engage board members and executives delivering the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through a series of online panel discussions. This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Funding Program.
Adopting Technology And Innovation | Sept 8
International Policy And Trade | Sept 15
A #TeamCanada Approach
Rio Tinto Supports COVID-19 Isolation Shelter In Yellowknife
Our member Rio Tinto has partnered with the Yellowknife Women’s Society to support their COVID-19 isolation shelter with a $150,000 contribution.
As part of Rio Tinto’s worldwide community investment in COVID-19 relief initiatives, this funding will provide accommodation and food for individuals who are at high medical risk of serious illness or death if they contract the virus. It will also support the hiring of three additional staff at the shelter to provide service continuity and better support the ongoing programming for residents.
COVID-19 UPDATES
August 27, 2020
Government extends Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy support for furloughed employees for four weeks
The federal government is proposing to extend the current treatment of furloughed employees under the CEWS program by 4 weeks – from August 30 to September 26.
New temporary public policy will allow visitors to apply for a work permit without having to leave Canada
Visitors who are currently in Canada and have a valid job offer will be able to apply for an employer-specific work permit and, if approved, receive the permit without having to leave the country.
Alberta fiscal update
The first-quarter report for 2020-21 forecasts Alberta’s deficit at $24.2 billion after the devastating economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and oil price crash.
Alberta Government cabinet shuffle
The Alberta Government carried out a limited cabinet shuffle this week: · Doug Schweitzer has moved from Justice and Solicitor General to serve as Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation · Kaycee Madu has moved from Municipal Affairs to serve as the Minister of Justice and Solicitor General · Tracy Allard, MLA for Grande Prairie, has joined cabinet as the new Minister of Municipal Affairs
Alberta builds stronger softwood lumber case
A World Trade Organization (WTO) panel responsible for reviewing the softwood lumber dispute has released its final report with findings highly favourable to Canada.
Service Canada business support poster
Service Canada has prepared a poster of COVID-19 supports available to businesses.
Business Link Resilient Recovery Program
The Resilient Recovery Program will help Alberta entrepreneurs get their businesses back on their feet, and help position them to mitigate the effects of any future business interruptions. Business owners will receive four hours of one-on-one coaching from experts in disaster recovery and will develop tools and strategies that they can apply to their operations immediately and to any emergencies that arise in the future. Space is limited. If you have a business that has struggled through COVID-19 and you are open to new solutions, apply today!
CCC webinar: ATA carnets (September 23)
Take advantage of FREE online webinars to better understand the rules to follow when importing goods under the cover of ATA carnets.
COVID-19 UPDATES
August 18, 2020
Canadian Chamber Welcomes Freeland As Finance Minister
We congratulate Chrystia Freeland on her appointment as Canada’s Minister of Finance. The Prime Minister’s decision puts a strong hand on the tiller during an unprecedented economic storm. The decisions made over the coming weeks will set the country’s economic direction for the next several years. As we emerge into the post-COVID world, we must build on the spirit of partnership that developed during the pandemic to carefully, but steadily, reopen our economy and encourage the private sector investment and growth needed to protect Canadians’ standard of living.
For Your Attention
Commentary: Japan Can Be Canada’s Partner In Combatting COVID – Perrin Beatty
In the absence of American leadership, Canada needs to redouble its focus on key bilateral relationships. Traditional allies like the United Kingdom, France, and Australia will remain key. However, our low-profile relationship with Japan offers considerable opportunity for stepping up collaboration to the benefit of both countries.
Canada Revenue Agency Opens Applications For Enhanced Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
Yesterday, the CRA announced that applications for period five of the CEWS were now available. Period five is the first of the periods that are a part of the new enhanced CEWS. Eligible employers can apply through their My Business Account or the CRA’s webform application.
The Canadian Chamber’s Council For Women’s Advocacy Publishes Recommendations
This week, our Council for Women’s Advocacy (CWA) published five recommendations to support women, foster inclusive recovery, and ensure sustained economic growth. The CWA is a cornerstone of our diversity and inclusion initiative, established to bring the voice and perspectives of women to national policies, inform our initiatives in advancing the gender equality agenda and drive meaningful action to address the identified issues and barriers.
FREE Upcoming Events
August 21 and 27 | Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy Question And Answer Teleconference, With The CRA
The Government of Canada recently implemented changes to adapt the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy to protect jobs and promote growth .
The CRA will shortly publish a number of online resources, including updated frequently asked questions , to help eligible employers understand how to apply and take advantage of this fiscal measure. To complement these resources, the CRA will host a series of interactive question and answer teleconference sessions for eligible employers and stakeholder organizations. You are invited to attend one.
Register for Aug. 21 at 1:00 p.m. ET
Register for Aug. 27 at 2:00 p.m. ET
August 27, 1:00 P.M. ET | Building Digital Capacity And Business Resilience During COVID-19, With TC Energy
Digital innovation was the foundation that enabled TC Energy’s employees to remain productive, collaborative and connected in the wake of the pandemic. Embracing change allows organizations to accomplish things that didn’t seem possible and unlocks creativity and innovation, inspiring and motivating people to realize untapped potential and deliver outstanding business outcomes to build business resilience.
Join Chris Foster, Vice-President of Information Services and Chief Information Officer with TC Energy, as he discusses building digital capacity and business resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic.
September 10, 12:30 P.M. ET | Presentation And Q&A With Tiff Macklem, Governor Of The Bank of Canada
We are hosting the Governor of the Bank of Canada, Tiff Macklem, for the Bank of Canada’s Economic Progress Report. The event will take place on September 10 at 12:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on the Bank of Canada’s website.
Our members have the exclusive opportunity to participate in the event by videoconference and submit questions to the Governor.
Our member chambers and associations are welcome to promote this event to their members. *For members of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s network only.
How We’re Helping Canadian Business
CBRN Small Business Relief Fund Helps AGS Rehab Services Move Forward
Congratulations to AGS Rehab Services, member of the Mississauga Board of Trade, for being a recipient of a $10,000 CBRN grant, made possible by Salesforce. Quick to regroup and figure out a new pathway for the company, which provides disability management, assessment and vocational solutions, the pandemic forced AGS to bring much of its business online. Read more about how AGS has used the grant money to remain resilient.
Webinar Recording: The Key To Employee Well-Being During And After The Pandemic With Desjardins We were joined by Charmaine Alexander, Plan Sponsor Service Advisor at Desjardins for a webinar to discuss how overall health culture, which includes physical, mental and financial health, is important during a crisis and how going forward, this culture will be an integral part of group plans.
A #TeamCanada Approach
Cenovus Energy
A big congratulations to our member Cenovus, recognized by the federal government with the 2019 Canada’s Volunteer Award (CVA) in the category of Business Leader in the prairie region!
The Cenovus Volunteer Program encourages and supports the volunteer efforts of staff through grants, events, teambuilding activities and more.
COVID-19 UPDATES
August 13, 2020
Think Growth: How Can Canada Harness Its Tax System For Inclusive Recovery And Growth?
COVID-19 pandemic is changing our world. To help Canadian policymakers think differently about growing our economy, while still paying for today’s health crisis, we have launched our independent tax review.
As an integral part of the review, we are seeking the views of Canadian business leaders on the federal tax system. We have upcoming sessions (all virtual) in which you can participate and deliver your thoughts to our commissioners. You must register to participate. The dates and registration links are noted below.
Please note that we will also host a French consultation in early September and will share more information about that event shortly.
For Your Attention
Join Us For The Bank Of Canada’s Economic Progress Report
We are hosting the Governor of the Bank of Canada, Tiff Macklem, for the Bank of Canada’s Economic Progress Report. The event will take place on September 10 at 12:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on the Bank of Canada’s website.
Our members have the exclusive opportunity to participate in the event by videoconference and submit questions to the Governor.
Our member chambers and associations are welcome to promote this event to their members.
Surplus Food Rescue Program Awards Contributions To Organizations
The Surplus Food Rescue Program is a $50 million initiative that will help support Canada’s food system, food processors, food producers and distributors to help ensure food availability for all Canadians. The program is working to ensure the food needs of vulnerable populations in Canada will be addressed, positive relationships with community food providers will be maintained and efforts to reduce food waste will be supported. Organizations have now been awarded funding.
Federal Government Announces Canada Healthy Communities Initiative
The Canada Healthy Communities Initiative will provide up to $31 million in federal funding to support community-led solutions that respond to immediate and ongoing needs arising from COVID-19 over the next two years. The Initiative will fund smaller-scale local projects under three main themes: creating safe and vibrant public spaces, improving mobility options, and digital solutions.
Webinar Series, Your Input Sought
Over the last few months, we have been able to offer a broad schedule of free webinars.
If you have attended one of our webinars, we would ask for your feedback on potential topics for our fall series of webinars. This survey should take no longer than a couple of minutes of your time and will help us shape a schedule that will provide you with value.
Riipen Contest closes August 17: Free Support For Your Organization
We’ve launched a contest to win one of 500 Riipen premium licenses, each valued at $2,500! Let brilliant students help you with your business, chamber or association while they gain the experience they need to succeed in the future. This contest is made possible by Riipen, one of our Essential Business Service partners. Participation is free and the contest closes August 17.
We have also prepared a toolkit to help chambers and associations promote this opportunity to their members.
FREE Upcoming Events
Executive Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Online Panel Series: Leveraging The SDGs To Achieve A Sustainable And Competitive Canadian Economy Post-COVID-19
Canadian board members, executives, investors, and leaders are invited to join us for the upcoming online Executive SDGs Panel Series. We hope you will join us for these important conversations with speakers including our President and CEO, the Honourable Perrin Beatty, PC, OC. Session 1: Workforce Strategies and Inclusive Growth (August 25, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. ET) Session 2: Strengthening Public Health Infrastructure (August 26, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. ET) Session 3: Natural Resources and Sustainable Growth (September 1, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. ET) Session 4: Adopting Technology and Innovation (September 8, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. ET) Session 5: International Policy and Trade (September 15, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. ET) This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada's Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Funding Program.
August 27, 1:00 p.m. ET | Building Digital Resiliency During COVID-19, With TC Energy
Digital innovation was the foundation that enabled TC’s employees to remain productive, collaborative and connected in the wake of the pandemic. Embracing change allows organizations to accomplish things they didn’t know were possible – it unlocks creativity and innovation, inspiring and motiving people to realize untapped potential and deliver outstanding business outcomes to build business resilience.
Join Chris Foster, Vice-President of Information Services and Chief Information Officer with TC Energy, as he discusses building digital capacity and business resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Register Now
View Other Upcoming Events
How We’re Helping Canadian Business
CBRN Grant Recipient Caribou Crossing Charts New Course As Grant Monies Help Build RV Campground For Local Community
Congratulations to Caribou Crossing & Trading Post for being a recipient of a $10,000 CBRN grant, made possible by Salesforce. “Unfortunately, businesses such as ours that rely on the travel industry and cruise ships specifically are likely to be one of the last industries to recover from the aftermath of COVID-19,” explains owner Dale Colbran. Learn how the business plans to use the grant money to adapt and help the local community.
Webinar Recording: Navigating Your Business To Recovery, With Desjardins
Have questions about navigating through government support programs? Want to learn more about e-commerce and cybersecurity? Or maybe you have questions about labour laws during the pandemic? We were joined by experts from Desjardins for a webinar to discuss these questions and explore how Canadian businesses can navigate recovery.
A #TeamCanada Approach
Supporting Local Communities
Envision Financial is supporting local communities through supporting local businesses. Envision Financial offered $25 off one order of $50 at its participating member restaurants through Get a Meal, Give a Meal. Also, for every order that was placed they gave $5 to The Full Cupboard. Through this initiative, Envision Financial reimbursed businesses $9,200 and donated $1,840 to The Full Cupboard, providing the equivalent of 5,520 meals to families using food banks in the region.
Supporting Those Affected By The COVID-19 Pandemic
Merck Canada announces its commitment of $500,000 to support those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This announcement includes $100,000 previously committed by Merck Canada to supply personal protective equipment to front line health care workers across Canada. The relief efforts are part of Merck Canada’s COVID-19 Community Support Plan and align with the company's broader corporate social responsibility approach.
COVID-19 UPDATES
August 11, 2020
2021 Pre-Budget Submission
As the federal government prepares its 2021 budget and looks for new ideas on how to drive the economy forward, we have made our submission to the Standing Committee on Finance for its 2021 budget consultations. Our Roadmap to Recovery forms the foundation of our submission, which makes 33 specific recommendations to promote private sector economic growth and competitiveness.
For Your Attention
5 Minutes For Business: The Costs Of Complacency
It is hard not to see how complacency played a role in our collective pandemic prevention and preparedness. In this edition of 5 Minutes for Business, we take a look at this and how we can overcome our economic complacency.
Government Of Canada Sets National Temporary Minimum Unemployment Rate For EI Benefits Calculations
As the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) is set to wind down at the end of August, the federal government has temporarily adjusted the Employment Insurance (EI) program’s unemployment rate to 13.1%, which will be applied nationally (except for in areas where the actual rate is higher). This temporary measure will set a uniform eligibility requirement for EI regular benefits, provide a minimum entitlement of 26 weeks of benefits and set the number of best weeks of earnings used in the calculation of the weekly benefit rate at 14.
Our Response To The Port Of Montreal Strike
We have been actively engaged with ministers’ offices on behalf of our members on the urgent need for a resolution to the Port of Montreal strike given the current economic climate. We, along with other industry associations, have called on the federal Minister of Labour to facilitate a resolution of the negotiations between the longshoremen and the Maritime Employers Association (MEA) to ensure the continuation of port activities. This issue requires the government’s full attention to preserve jobs and protect Canada’s economy. We continue to monitor the situation closely and engage with government and industry.
Mark Agnew Addresses Aluminum Tariffs On BNN Bloomberg
Our Senior Director of International Policy Mark Agnew, appeared on Bloomberg Markets with Amanda Lang to discuss the U.S. reimposing tariffs on Canadian aluminum and the need to address fundamental international trade issues.
The International Chamber Of Commerce (ICC) To Host Smart Trade Venture Day Competition
The ICC’s Centre for Entrepreneurship is running a Smart Trade Venture Day competition in partnership with IE University. The competition is a global challenge for start-ups that seeks to find compelling smart trade initiatives related to a post-COVID-19 world. Projects highlighting trade digitalization, health, supply chain resilience, trade finance, access to finance, sustainable trade as well as issues relevant to helping small business are of particular interest.
International Chamber Of Commerce (ICC) and International Organization For Migration (IOM) Publish COVID-19 Guidance On The Protection For Migrant Workers
To help companies address the specific challenges of migrant workers, the ICC and the IOM have published Guidance on the Protection for Migrant Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic. This publication includes general principles as well as specific recommendations relating to physical and mental health, living and working conditions, economic support, ethical recruitment, and supply chain transparency commitments. The guidance is adapted from IOM’s more detailed COVID-19 guidance for employers and businesses to enhance migrant worker protection during the pandemic.
FREE Upcoming Events
August 12, 1:00 p.m. ET | Getting Back To Business: Adapting Your Marketing Message For The New "Business As Usual"
With Canada Post As the retail landscape has dramatically changed over the last few months, small businesses have had to navigate challenges they may not have anticipated. Regardless of the scenario, companies had to adapt their business models at the onset of the pandemic and are now faced with the next phase, transitioning into “business as usual.”
In this webinar, Mamta Dogra, Senior Manager, Small Business Marketing at Canada Post, will share tips and resources on how to get your message in-market as you adapt your business, generate renewed brand awareness, and find the right customers.
Register Now
View Other Upcoming Events
How We’re Helping Canadian Business
CBRN Grant Recipient Rogue Coffee Uses Grant To Keep Saint John Community Safe, Healthy And Caffeinated
Congratulations to Rogue Coffee Company in Saint John, New Brunswick for being a recipient of a $10,000 CBRN grant made possible by Salesforce. “When the pandemic hit, we made a decision that Rogue Coffee would not give up or succumb to the perils we face,” shared owners Vanessa and Michael Duncan. “We are acting quickly and decisively to keep our business alive, well, and growing.” Find out how they’ve used the grant money to help their business remain resilient.
Riipen Contest: Free Support For Your Organization
We’ve launched a contest to win one of 500 Riipen premium licenses, each valued at $2,500! Let brilliant students help you with your business, chamber or association while they gain the experience they need to succeed in the future. This contest is made possible by Riipen, one of our Essential Business Service partners. Participation is free, and the contest closes August 17.
Webinar Recording: Working Remotely Through A Crisis And Flex Work Long Term, With CWB Financial
We were joined by Canadian Western Bank’s Chief Information Officer and Senior Vice President of Client Solutions for a webinar to discuss the future of working remotely through a crisis and the long-term outlook for flex work. Get tips for setting up effective work areas for employees and for supporting employees’ mental health as well as learn about what major cybersecurity threats exist for SMEs now and post-pandemic.
A #TeamCanada Approach
Producing Products To Help COVID-19 Patients And Caregivers
Our member Medtronic is mobilizing all of its assets to produce the products and therapies that can help COVID-19 patients and their caregivers. This includes ventilators, pulse oximeters and ECMO machines.
Lebanon Crisis: Donations To The Humanitarian Coalition Matched By Government Of Canada
We are all deeply saddened by last week’s tragedy in Beirut where so many lives, homes, and businesses were lost. The Government of Canada will match individual donations to the Humanitarian Coalition from August 4-24, to a maximum of $5 million.
COVID-19 UPDATES
July 30, 2020
CEWS legislation receives Royal Assent
Bill C-20, An Act respecting further COVID-19 measures, received Royal Assent this week, ensuring that the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) will continue to protect jobs by helping businesses keep employees on the payroll and encouraging employers to re-hire workers previously laid off.
Over $95 million in relief and recovery funds flow to businesses in Western Canada
The Honourable Mélanie Joly announced over $95,136,762 in support to help over 1,767 businesses that were unable to access existing Government of Canada COVID-19 relief measures. This is the first funding from WD to flow from the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund.
Safe Restart funding details
The Government of Canada will provide $4.28 billion to further expand testing and contact tracing capacity, and the associated data management and information sharing systems. This funding will ensure a national capacity to conduct 200,000 tests per day to help manage COVID-19 outbreaks over the coming year. Canada will also provide $7.5 billion towards personal protective equipment.
The Canada Revenue Agency announces an extension to the payment deadline and offers interest relief on outstanding tax debts during the COVID-19 pandemic
In addition to measures already announced, the CRA is extending the payment deadline and applying relief to interest on existing debt.
The Government of Canada providing funding to support child care for returning workers
The federal government announced $625 million in federal support for Canada’s child care sector to help ensure that safe and sufficient child care spaces are available to support parents’ gradual return to work.
Billion-dollar investment to help Alberta municipalities create jobs and cope with COVID-19
Municipalities will receive $1.1 billion to build core infrastructure that will get Albertans working, support municipal and public transit operating costs and create thousands of good-paying jobs now.
New opportunities for Alberta’s livestock sector
Amendments to the Meat Inspection Regulation will cut red tape and provide Albertans with greater access to locally produced meat while maintaining food safety.
Taking action to attract job-creating investment
Alberta’s government has appointed seven board members to lead the newly created Invest Alberta Corporation to allow the agency to hit the ground running and attract job-creating investment back to Alberta.
Cutting outdated commercial carrier permits
Alberta’s government is eliminating 10,000 commercial carrier permits to cut red tape for truckers while maintaining safety on provincial highways.
LNG report: Associate Minister Dale Nally
Associate Minister of Natural Gas and Electricity Dale Nally issued a statement about a Conference Board of Canada report on the economic impacts of LNG development.
Canadian Chamber of Commerce launches independent tax review to spur recovery, names leading Canadian experts for public consultations
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is pressing for a more competitive, simpler, and fairer tax system as a critical driver of Canada’s recovery from the economic crater of COVID-19.
ACC in the news
ACC President and CEO Ken Kobly spoke with Danielle Smith about Alberta's reopening, return to work, and the Alberta business community's pessimism in the future.
Ken also spoke with Alberta Primetime about federal funds for western businesses, stimulus funding for Alberta municipalities, and our recent business recovery survey.
The interview starts at 11:24.
AWE Regional Relief and Recovery Fund
AWE’s new Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) will provide financial support directly to women-owned businesses to address COVID-19 impacts on their short-term stability. This financing will support small enterprises that are struggling with working capital needs and are unable to access larger federal relief funding programs or unable to obtain a loan/credit from traditional financial institutions.
COVID-19 UPDATES
July 23, 2020
National Reopening Government Regulation Tracker
In order to operate, businesses must abide by all national, provincial/territorial, and local codes issued by our governments. This includes when and which businesses are allowed to open, an array of health and safety measures, social distancing standards, occupancy limits, and more.
Refer to our national reopening government regulation tracker to access the rules and regulations that are in place according to federal and provincial/territorial jurisdictions.
For Your Attention
Reminder: Accessibility Standards Canada Seeking Volunteers
To Help Create The First Accessibility Standards Accessibility Standards Canada is recruiting volunteer experts for two technical committees. These committees will create Canada’s first accessibility standards in the areas of plain language and outdoor spaces. Each technical committee will consist of 12 to 18 members and represent the following categories:
- Persons with disabilities
- Industry and commerce
- Government authorities
- Consumer and public interest
- Labour and unions
- University and research groups
- Non-governmental organizations
CPA Canada’s Webinar Recording: Rebuilding The Canadian Economy
We were joined by Rogers, recently, for a webinar to discuss business continuity through COVID-19 and beyond. The webinar included tips on how to equip employees to work from home and how to access and protect your business data from anywhere.
Webinar Recording
From Far And Wide: Canada’s Accelerated Technology Landscape, With Global Public Affairs
Beyond just a surge of innovation, the tech sector in Canada is accelerating in growth and stature. Some of Canada’s fastest-growing and largest organizations are technology companies. Many of our legacy companies are adapting to digitization, and the need for this transition is even more urgent since the pandemic. We were joined by Global Public Affairs for a webinar, moderated by legendary Canadian journalist Tom Clark, to discuss Canada’s acceleration of tech and the role of government in this transformative time.
A #TeamCanada Approach
Helping The Most Vulnerable During The COVID-19 Pandemic
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, our member Herbalife has been using its Herbalife Nutrition Foundation to work with its partners and ensure children in vulnerable situations have access to nutritious food, education, and care.
Weddingstar Makes An Offer Too Good To Refuse
Weddingstar, a member of the Medicine Hat & District Chamber (AB), is helping to protect Canadian communities by providing a line of premium designer face masks to wear when isolation is not an option. Weddingstar is also offering a chamber specific promotion: chambers and their members will receive a 40% discount by using promo code Chamber40 by August 31, 2020. In addition, for every 100 masks ordered within your region, Weddingstar will donate 10 masks back to your local region to be distributed by your chamber to organizations in need.