Rapid COVID-19 testing program
More money through the Canada Child Benefit.
In 2021, families that are entitled to receive the CCB with a net income of $120,000 or less, will receive $300 per payment for each child under the age of six. The first payments will be issued on May 28, 2021, which will include both the January and April payments for those entitled to them. The final two payments will be issued on July 30 and October 29, 2021. Families that already receive the CCB will not need to take any action to receive the payments. However, families do need to file their 2019 and 2020 tax returns to access them. Read more.
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Want to know what else happened that you need to know?
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Chamber Wellness Closure: May 19-30, 2021 |
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The last fourteen months have been heavy for many people and the Medicine Hat & District Chamber of Commerce has experienced this as well. With the amount of time invested over the past while, the Chamber of Commerce is doing a full closure from May 19 to May 30th. Staff will be taking a mental health break and will not be checking emails or voice mails during this time. The team will be returning on May 31st.
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Fuelling Our Business Community |
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"When you consider the role that the Chamber can play for many people, it's about connections." - Mark Keller from Medicine Hat College
Mark joined the board last year and has enriched the Chamber with his energy. Watch here.
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Board Nominations Deadline Soon |
Are you passionate about our business community and are looking to fuel growth in South Eastern Alberta? We are currently looking for energetic, enthusiastic and progressive Board members who have a desire to bring our business community to the next level.
*Potential board members must be Chamber members in good standing for 2 years and have no conflict of interest*
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Social Media Conference Series |
There will be speakers leading each session, including a few of our local experts and business owners who are taking their social media to the next level. Speakers will lead attendees through a gradually more complex view of social media, the various platforms, and their tools and features. Starting with the basics and ending with the technical insights and the inspiration to apply them! Register Now.
June 8 - Social Media: The Basics with Jo(e) Social Media Inc.
June 22 - Social Media: partnerships, Collaborations, and Influencers with Local Expert Panel
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June 15 - Social Media: Quality Content with Local Expert Panel
June 29 - Social Media: Tech Tips and Trends with David Papp
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Gig Economy Accelerated by Pandemic
Where do you live, 2019!? Such was the typically hilarious response from a friend in Silicon Valley when I recommended a podcast “for his commute.” From Google employees like him to accountants and lawyers, to economic development professionals and psychologists, if it is possible to work remotely, COVID has pushed entire industries to do so. Read More
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Three good reasons to file your tax return – even though the deadline has already passed |
- You may be eligible for a refund.
- You may be eligible for benefits or credit payments.
- You could be at risk of interrupting your COVID-19 benefits.
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Get preferred merchant rates with ATB business banking |
● No setup fees for your merchant account
● No cancellation fees for your merchant account
● Preferred Chamber of Commerce member merchant rates
● A free review of your current merchant provider bill, so we can point out any hidden or unnecessarily high fees and ensure you’re getting the best deal
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Prairie travellers deserve a little adventure now and then.
Explore Pass is a network of the best attractions, restaurants and much more in cities across the prairies. We connect local tourists with local businesses. We believe in the power of supporting local and showing off what our province has to offer.
Sound like something you’d like to be a part of? Visit explore pass to join our free network of 50+ businesses.
Connect with new customers as they explore Medicine Hat!
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Lockdown Scars Are Showing on Canadians
Our collective focus is currently on the light at the end of the vaccine tunnel, but we risk losing sight of the continued turbulence in labour market – and what that means for the Canadians bearing the brunt of it. This recent lockdown will mean more permanent business closures. The job prospects for displaced workers grow slimmer with every month in lockdown as more businesses throw in the towel. Canada’s entrepreneurs are tapped out and the longer restrictions continue, the worse the situation will become. Read more.
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“Today, we saw a drop of 207,000 in employment and nearly half a million Canadians who are now unemployed long term as our labour market yo-yos between lockdowns and partial re-openings."
Leah Nord, Canadian Chamber of Commerce
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Agriculture sector provides a solution for Canada’s climate, data and export goals |
DYK the agriculture and agri-food sector accounts for 2.3 million jobs and 7.4% of Canada’s overall GDP ($143 billion) and is a quiet economic driver for Canada’s economy?
Often, we don’t realize farmers are high tech or climate experts, but the facts show the agriculture and agri-food sector is highly innovative and increasingly recognized as a leader in fighting climate change.
In response, the Chamber network launched Canada’s FoodLink, a multi-sectoral coalition to promote Canada’s industry abroad and support the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector in leading Canada’s economic recovery.
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Home based businesses let us know what you Need:
Are you a Home Based business that has issues with space or getting products to your customers? Fill out this quick two question survey to help us work on solutions. Deadline for feedback: May 31st
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Which Tax Forms Do You Think Should Be Eliminated or Digitized by the CRA?
Through our outreach with the Canada Revenue Agency and political offices, we have been asked to suggest ideas for tax reform. If you’ve got input and specific suggestions for tax forms to be digitized, consolidated or eliminated, push them through our Tax Form Buster.
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Inventures Startup Pitch Event – DEADLINE EXTENDED!
The application deadline has been extended to May 16 at 11:59 PM MT. Get your application in now for the Inventures 2021 international startup pitch competition, happening September 22-24, live in Calgary. Pitch finalists will receive free registration to the Inventures conference, access to professional coaching and a chance to WIN $10,000 in funding! Startups will also receive tons of exposure to investors from around the globe. Find out more.
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Remember: SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISE RELAUNCH GRANT PROGRAM – APPLICATION INTAKE CLOSES MAY 31, 2021
The Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant program has been reopened for a new payment to businesses affected by the April 2021 public health orders. Eligible organizations can now apply for this additional COVID relief funding. Apply
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How to Emerge from the Pandemic with a Digital Growth Plan |
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Future of Travel: Sunnier Days Ahead
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Alberta Economic Recovery Summit Update |
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Last Week's Results: Would you be interested in a short form version of our newsletter? Yes - 50% No- 50%
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Have you been vaccinated?
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No - but I have booked my appointment
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No- I do not plan on getting vaccinated
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Find more updates on our social media |
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