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It's tax time, did you know that while you can't deduct club membership dues for the main purpose of dining, recreation, or sporting activities, you can also deduct your annual dues or fees to keep your membership in a trade or commercial association!

Already a member, make sure you claim this. Not a member, join us today and make sure you get all your tax tips and tricks for this year and be sure to claim your membership with next year's tax season. More information.

The federal government announced that the deadline for new Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) applications has been extended from March 31 to June 30, 2021. This deadline extension applies to any new applications for CEBA loans of $60,000 or to new applications from businesses that have already received the $40,000 loan and intend to apply for the additional $20,000. More information. Find more help on this program and other federal supports with our quick Fuel up on Funding videos presented by JMH & Co. Chartered Accountants.

The Driving Back to Work grant program will cover up to 90 percent of the cost of Mandatory Entry-Level Training to help eligible unemployed Albertans get their Class 1 commercial truck driver’s licence and pursue careers as professional truck drivers. More information.

Alberta’s government is offering millions of free rapid testing kits to public, private and not-for-profit employers and service providers provincewide. At least two million rapid tests will be available for businesses and sectors in Alberta. Any employer or service provider in Alberta can apply for the free rapid tests. More information.

Alberta’s government is supporting working families across the province by allocating $9.7 million in grants by March 31 for operators to create 1,500 more spaces in day homes and daycare centres, including overnight care. The number of child care spaces capacity-building grants will support include 186 in southern Alberta (serving Bassano, Brooks, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat and Taber), including 39 overnight spaces. Read more.

Alberta’s government will be testing a new Digital Overdose Response System (DORS). Albertans using substances alone can utilize DORS, which will trigger a call from the STARS emergency centre if the individual becomes unresponsive to a timer. Emergency response will be dispatched to their location in the event of a presumed overdose. The app will also provide information about recovery-oriented supports and services available in the area to ensure people have the information they need on their journey to recovery. More information.

Donate to a charity? Claim your tax credit! Read more. Annual interest rates will apply to any amounts owed to the CRA, effective April 1, 2021, to June 30, 2021. View the rates for overdue taxes, CPP, EI, and other taxes, duties and charges. Go digital to make it as easy as possible, and reduce tax-filing impacts and possible delays due to COVID-19. Find out more.

As more of our activities shift online, fraud and identity theft are increasingly common. Acting quickly and efficiently is your best defence. If you suspect that you or a loved one may be a victim, here’s what you should do: Gather your information, call your financial institution, flag it, report it, lock down your email and secure your social media. Read more about each of these tips through AMA online.

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

The March 25 federal, provincial and territorial agriculture ministers’ meeting resulted in a deal for farmers and ranchers. All three Prairie provinces voted in favour of removing the reference margin limit (RML), which will provide support to producers across the country experiencing declines in farm income.

The Prairie provinces are also working closely to advance policy reforms as part of the next agricultural funding framework in 2023 to improve AgriStability for all agriculture producers. Our Chamber will also continue to push for improving risk management programs for agriculture producers.

See our recommendation in our policy position.

The Alberta Chambers of Commerce along with chamber counterparts across Canada and south of the border join businesses across Canada and the United States in urging federal officials to advocate for the continued operation of Line 5 as an economic imperative with their US counterparts.

Read the letter.

Travel Alberta is supporting tourism businesses across the province through the Cooperative Investment Program. This grant program is designed to assist tourism operators, destinations and communities with consumer marketing activities and aid in the development of visitor products and experiences. Spring intake begins on April 1st. More information.