The Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CCC) welcomes the G7 communique's emphasis on business issues and open trade outlined and it is greatly disappointed by U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to withhold his support. The communique, which was issued at the conclusion of the G7 Leaders' Summit, echoed may of the recommendations of the B7 Business Summit in April. "Today's communique reaffirms that most G7 members are willing to collaborate on measures that will benefit all countries. there is a strong and direct link between economic growth and prosperity for our countries' populations, which is why we are pleased to see the G7 leaders support business priorities like inclusive growth," said Hon. Perrin Beatty, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. "The recommendations made following our B7 Summit in April were rooted in our firm belief that the growth generated by freer trade provides the best way to fight poverty, create a more prosperous middle class and raise living standards for everyone." Read more

Dunlop Truck Centre Ltd. is having a Customer Appreciation Day on June 20, 2018. The dealership, which has operated since 2005, would like to thank the community and its many loyal customers for their continued support. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. the YMCA of Medicine Hat will be on site, grilling up free food for anyone who wishes to attend. Dunlop Truck Centre Ltd. is located at 1782 32 Street SW. A 50/50 draw will take place, with all proceeds and donations from the event benefiting the Strong Kids Campaign.  Read more

In order to prepare an estimated value of your property an Assessor needs to know about the physical characteristics and condition of each property. Providing this information is important, as this data is used to prepare not only your assessment, but the assessment of other properties throughout the City using a mass appraisal process. A property owner is required to provide their information in response to a request for information under the Municipal Government Act. Read more

New Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act changes came into effect on June 1, 2018. An overview of the changes can be viewed here. In order to support the legislative changes, the new technical requirements under the Code are now available. The OHS Act and Code can be viewed at the Alberta Queen's Printer. Highlights of the new legislative changes can be found in a number of bulletins. Read more

In this edition of 5 Minutes for Business, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CCC), Trevin Stratton, Ph.D., examines Canada's economic performance up to the mid-point of 2018 and considers what the latter half of the year might have in store for us. Trevin examines such topics such as tariffs, trade talks, pipelines and electoral change. The good news is that the economic growth we've experienced seems like it'll continue. The bad news is that, as predicted in the CCC Crystal Ball Report, the uncertainty in regards to certain economic issues is weighing on business investment. Canada's economic performance in the first half of 2018 demonstrates that one of the few certainties in today's economy is uncertainty. Read 5 Minutes for Business to find out more.

The Energy Diversification Act, which passed on June 6, includes three new programs that provide a combination of royalty credits, grants and loans guarantees that are designed to encourage energy diversification, like petrochemicals and partial upgrading. In total the $2-billion investment is available for private industry to apply for under Round 2 of the Petrochemicals Diversification Program, the Petrochemicals Feedstock Infrastructure Program and the Partial Upgrading Program. Read more

Alberta Labour has released the light work and hazardous work lists and has requested that feedback on these be emailed to them by June 29. While most of the new Employment Standards legislation went into effect January 1, 2018, youth employment rules are expected to come into effect this fall. To find out more about the proposed changes to youth employment click here. Consultation details are available on the government of Alberta website here.

The provincial government is looking for members to represent Alberta's billion-dollar local food industry. Applications are now open for Alberta's first ever Local Food Council. The aim of the council will be to provide recommendations on provincial programs, pilot projects or initiatives to support the continued growth and sustainability of Alberta's local food sector. The council members will represent a broad section from Alberta's local food sector across the province, including small producers and processors and those with specialized and academic knowledge and would report to the minister within the year. Members will be selected from a public recruitment process which is now open on the Alberta public agency board opportunities website. Stakeholders with an interest or knowledge of the local food sector are encouraged to apply. Applications close July 12. Read more