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#YXH2gether
Canadian Humanitarian
One of our members,  Canadian Humanitarian  is a Medicine Hat founded and locally-run international non-profit providing education and empowerment opportunities to children living in poverty in Ethiopia, Guatemala, and Malawi. Like many non-profits, they are facing the risk of lowered overall donations and have cancelled their traditional in-person fundraising events. Read their story
Your Weekly Tune Up
New Public Health Bill
Bill 24, the COVID-19 Pandemic Response Statutes Amendment Act, proposes measures to support Albertans as the province continues to reopen. The bill   proposes  amendments to 15 acts across seven ministries. Highlights include:
  •  Extending to August 2021 the unpaid job-protected leave specific to COVID-19
  • Extending the maximum time for temporary layoffs related to COVID-19 from 120 days to 180 days (this change would come into force upon first reading)
CERB Extended
The Prime Minister announced that the government is extending the   Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)  by eight weeks, to ensure Canadians have the help they need as they transition back to work. This extension will make the benefit available to eligible workers for up to a total of 24 weeks.
Community Foundation Grant Open
The Community Foundation of Southeast Alberta was allocated just over $363,000 for the Government of Canada’s Emergency Community Support Fund to support charities in need who are serving vulnerable populations across Southeast Alberta. Registered charities and other   “qualified donees”   can apply through community foundations.
Big Changes to the BIG Grant

There is amended criteria for the BIG Grant
  • Now grants are for between $500 to $15,000
  • Employing not less than two (2) full time equivalents as of March 1, 2020; except if you are an owner/operator of a retail storefront.
  • Professional services are now eligible
  • One (1) local quote must be submitted (or two (2) quotes if services contracted are outside Medicine Hat)
You can also apply for up to 70% reimbursement for purchases made after March 15 based on receipts.
Keep up with the latest
Welcome to the Chamber!
Advocacy in Action
Are you having trouble getting products in or out?
Please take the time to fill out this brief form so it can inform our advocacy focus moving forward. You can always contact us if with any issues you are experiencing.
The provincial government has proposed Bill 23, the Commercial Tenancies Protection Act, would protect eligible commercial tenants from having their leases terminated due to non-payment of rent as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. If passed, the act would also prevent landlords from raising rent and charging late fees and penalties on missed rent. The new measures will help address shortfalls in the current Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) program, and will give eligible business owners peace of mind as they reopen and help with the provincial economic recovery.  Read more
Rent Relief
We held an informative Zoom discussion with CMHC representatives on the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) program. See the   notes   or   watch the recording
What's Next for Alberta's Economy?
Enriching Your Business
There are so many features of our info hub you can take advantage of to enrich your business. Simply log in to add photos, videos, and more to your business directory, access shop local deals, post jobs, add sales and promotions, access resources, and post events! If you need help setting up or have any questions, don't hesitate to email us .

Some current Shop Local Deals:
Action for Accessing Financial Capital
Show me the money! That was the name of a webinar event recently put on by Alberta Innovates, where over 700 people attended from across the province. Access to financial capital is obviously a popular topic for Alberta businesses and our area is no different.
In the fall of 2019, a total of 476 local businesses were surveyed through the Business Retention & Expansion and Workforce Development (BREWD) strategy. This study identified that access to capital was a major barrier for growth. Fast forward to spring 2020 and the realities of COVID-19, and those needs have not changed, instead they are dramatically amplified. Read more
Driving Business Forward
Our business awards celebrate businesses at all different points of their evolution. From those just starting out, celebrated with the The Young Entrepreneur Award to those established businesses who have succeeded and built up their operations with the Large Business of the Year Award.

We look forward to shining a light on our business success stories every year but this year it will be more important than ever to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of our business community at our Driving Business Forward V irtual Business Awards in October.

Would you like to help us in honouring our young entrepreneurs and large businesses this year? We would love to partner with you during our business awards to celebrate our business community. Connect with us at events@medicinehatchamber.com to find out more!
Helpful Webinars
Return to Work Virtual Workshop

June 23, 2020
How to Build an Effective Advertising Strategy
June 24, 2020
Travel Alberta Q&A with Alberta Health

June 25, 2020
See our Pandemic Training Calendar for more
Sparking Conversation
Is your business using the Commercial Rent Assistance Program?
Yes
No
I don't know
We have a different arrangement for rent
Last Week: How often do you look at news online?
A few times a day: 75% Once a day: 25%
Useful Links
Find more updates on our social media