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Albertans can now enjoy reduced public health restrictions while strong measures remain in place to protect hospitals and limit the spread of COVID-19. Completing Step 2 of Alberta’s Path Forward, updated health measures are now in place for retail, hotels and community halls, performance groups, and youth sports, performance and recreation. These changes are effective immediately. They are in addition to the Step 2 measures announced on March 1, as pressure eases on the health system and hospitalizations remain well below 450. More information.

Since the beginning of January, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has been issuing T4A slips to individuals who received COVID-19 emergency and recovery benefits from the CRA in 2020. These benefits are taxable, and the information on T4As is needed when individuals are filing their taxes this year. As these slips continue to be issued, individuals are reminded to read all communications from the CRA. Some of this correspondence requires action and ignoring it could result in the recipient not receiving benefit or credit payments they are entitled to. More information.

To better inform residents of upcoming, in-progress and completed construction projects, the City of Medicine Hat has launched an interactive project map ahead of the 2021 construction season. The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) map can help identify major infrastructure ventures planned for the upcoming year. Residents will be able to use this map to see important infrastructure upgrades and learn more about each one. Each project on the map includes a description, an expected start and end date, and information about the project cost. More information.

Pay your premiums, get a clearance and more with the myWCB mobile app for employers. The new app allows users to request real-time clearance letters on an account and view your account’s status, check the balance on your account, make payments, update payroll, and change to a monthly payment installment plan by signing up for pre-authorized debit. The app also allows users to connect directly with WCB, by sending a message or requesting a callback. Now available in Google Play and the App Store.

In August 2020, the federal government announced the new COVID-19 Resilience funding stream under the existing Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP). The federal and provincial government adjusted previous ICIP parameters in response to COVID 19, allowing municipalities to choose whether to continue to use their approved funding for eligible projects under the original Public Transit Stream or to reallocate for projects that would stimulate local construction and support economic recovery from the pandemic. The City is pleased to announce that the funding for all but one of the stimulus projects is now confirmed, with approval for sidewalk rehabilitation still pending. More information.

The experience and expertise of Alberta’s energy sector will guide a new federal-provincial working group exploring ways to reduce emissions. The working group will consist of officials from the governments of Alberta and Canada and will be advised by representatives from key Alberta industries and other experts. The group will specifically explore opportunities with carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS) technology, and how Alberta can lead the way in setting up Canada to be a global leader in emissions-reducing technology. More information.

The Alberta Activity Index (AAX), an indicator of provincial economic activity, dropped to a nine-year low in May. Since then, the recovery has been led by households, as indicators like retail spending and housing construction have rebounded more strongly than anticipated. This Spotlight highlights some of the key trends that shaped the Alberta economy in 2020. More information.

Want to know what else happened that you need to know?

The Alberta Chambers of Commerce is undertaking a comprehensive, province-wide survey about Alberta’s labour market and the skills we need to continue to grow. This annual survey helps compare trends year over year—a comparison that is more important than ever as the labour market continues to evolve in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey is open until March 26.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is hosting a series of webinars this month to protect you and your business. Find links to this series of webinars on their website. With four weeks of training focused on Cybercrimes & Online Scams, Identity Theft & Fraud, Business Fraud & Scams and Mass Marketing & Phone Scams. More information.