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Chamber Connection Vol 44 (Mar 18)

Page 1


Grande Prairie, Alberta

GALLERY

2026POLITICALACTIONDAY&MINISTERDINNER

The Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce recently participated in the Alberta Chambers of Commerce Political Action Day, connecting with Chamber leaders from across the province to learn, collaborate, and advocate for the issues that matter most to businesses and organizations in our region.

Throughout the day, we engaged in discussions around policy, Alberta’s economic landscape, and key priorities, as well as advocacy strategies that directly impact our members and the long-term success of our community. A key focus of our engagement was the inequity in electrical distribution costs affecting Northwestern Alberta. In discussions with Minister Nathan Neudorf, Minister of Affordability and Utilities, we reinforced the need for a more balanced approach to ensure our region remains competitive and positioned for growth.

These conversations help ensure the voice of the Grande Prairie region is heard and plays a role in shaping Alberta’s business environment.

In addition, we attended the Premier & Minister Dinner, where we had the opportunity to connect directly with provincial leaders, including Premier Danielle Smith and members of the Legislative Assembly. These conversations provided an important opportunity to share the perspectives of our local business community, highlight regional priorities, and ensure our members’ voices are part of discussions shaping Alberta’s economic future.

Being present at events like this allows the Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce to strengthen relationships with decision-makers, stay informed on emerging policy directions, and advocate effectively on behalf of the businesses and organizations we represent—bringing valuable insight, influence, and opportunity back to our membership and community.

UPCOMING RIBBON CUTTING

WED, MAR 25 | 11:30AM

PIZZA PLUS DONAIR

Ribbon Cutting - Express Pizza Plus Donair

JoinusasweofficiallywelcomeExpress PizzaPlusDonairtoGrandePrairiewitha GrandOpeningRibbonCuttingcelebration!

TheGrandePrairie&DistrictChamberof Commerceisexcitedtocelebratethenewest destinationforfresh,flavour-packedpizza anddonairsinourcommunity.ExpressPizza PlusDonairisbringingboldtastes,quality ingredients,andfriendlyservicetotheheart ofourcity—andyou’reinvitedtobepartof thecelebration.

Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance

CHAMBER MEMBERS HAVE ACCESS TO CANADA'S LARGEST EMPLOYEE BENEFITS PLAN TARGETED TO SMALL-TO-MEDIUM SIZED BUSINESS.

Operating since the early 1970s, Chambers Plan now provides coverage to over 30,000 firms like yours. Regardless of the size of your organization Chambers Plan can be customized to meet your needs,requestafreequotetodayandletusshowyouhowwecan customizeaplanforyou.

Established

Your firm's rates will remain stable regardless of claims history. Additionally, Chambers Plan Group Health Insurance is noncancelable due to any claims experienced by your firm. Your companywillneverbesingledoutforarateincrease,ever.

Local

Your business is unique, so your business needs unique coverage. That is why a local Chambers Plan advisor administers your employee health benefits plan. A Chambers Plan advisor is a member of your community. Whether you want to add dental coverage,changeorupdate,orsimplyaskaquestion,youradvisor isthereforyou.

Customizable

Coverage can be tailored to suit your needs. Customize your plan selecting from a wide range of coverage – life, health, dental, disability, critical illness and much more! As well, Chambers Plan membershaveaccesstomy-benefits®anonlinemanagementtool. Thistoolallowsyoutoadministeryourplananywhere,anytime.

Local Agent - Cam Neil

Neil & Associates 10715-102 Street Grande Prairie Website: https://neilandassociates. ca

AtNeil&Associates,webelieve you deserve the best when it comes to group insurance— personalized service from a team of advisors and support staff who live and work right hereinyourcommunity.Asyour local provider of the Chamber Plan, we offer affordable, flexible, and stable benefits designed specifically for small andmedium-sizedbusinesses.

Whether you’re looking for comprehensive coverage for your team or just starting to explore your options, our experts are here to guide you every step of the way. Get the best deal on insurance and peaceofmindforyourbusiness —contact Neil & Associates today!

Alberta makes historic investment in doctors

Thelargestinvestmentinphysicianfundingwill strengthenaccesstocareandsupportthehealth systemprioritiesofAlbertans.

Ifpassed,Budget2026willmakearecordinvestmentof$7.7 billionin2026-27,$1.4billionor22percentmorethanBudget 2025,inphysicianrecruitment,training,compensationand development.Familyphysicianscaringforpatientswith chronicconditions,surgeonsperforminglife-saving proceduresandspecialistphysiciansplayacriticalrolein caringforAlbertans.Thisinvestmenthelpsensurethe provincecanmeetthatdemandwithtimely,high-quality careincommunitiesacrossAlberta.

ThisrecordinvestmentbuildsonAlberta’songoingeffortsto supportphysiciansandthecaretheyprovide.In2025,the governmentlaunchedanewprimarycarephysician compensationmodel.

Alberta scores the World Cup of Hockey 2028!

Albertahaswonthebidtohostthe WorldCupofHockey2028,beating outmajorNorthAmericancitiesto bringeliteinternationalhockeyto CalgaryandEdmonton.

Theeventwillbethelargest internationalsportingeventhostedin Albertasincethe1988WinterOlympics andwillbringfans,playersandmedia fromaroundtheworldtoCalgaryand Edmonton.

LearnMore

Future of Fairview Campus secured

FairviewCampustocontinueserving learnerswithcommunity-ledpath forward.

Alberta’sgovernmentworkedwithlocal partnerstoidentifyNorthernLakes Collegeasthenewpost-secondary learningproviderattheFairview Campus.Thismade-in-the-PeaceCountrysolutionwillkeeppostsecondarylearninglocalinnorthern Alberta,startingSeptember2026.

LearnMore

Fundable: What Lenders and Investors Look For

You’vebuiltsomethingreal.Nowyouneedcapitaltotakeit further—butthebankkeepsaskingforinformationyouweren’t expecting,theprocessfeelslikeablackbox,andyou’renotsure ifyou’reevenaskingfortherightamountintherightway.

Thissessionisforyou.

RegisterToday

Entrepreneur Forum For Newcomers in Alberta

BusinessLinkAlbertainvitesnewcomersinEdmontontoa full-dayforumdesignedtosupportindividualsexploring entrepreneurship,self-employment,andsmallbusiness ownershipinAlberta.

Thiswelcomingeventwillprovidepracticallearningsessions, directconnectionstocommunityresources,andopportunities tomeetorganizationsthatsupportnewcomerentrepreneurs

RegisterToday

Why Entrepreneurs Stay Stuck (And How to Move Forward)

You’re talented. You work hard. So why does running a business sometimes feel like you’re making it up as you go?

If business has been feeling inconsistent, exhausting, or harderthanitshouldbe,thissessionisforyou.

RegisterToday

Member ExclusiveDeals

Service Plus Grande Prairie

BothhotelsareconvenientlylocatedofftheHighway43Bypassonthe AlaskaHighway.Greatlocationforshopping,diningandentertainment.

Forbusinessorpleasure,wearetheplacetostay.

Usecode:GPChamber24 foradiscountedratewhenbooking

Booktoday1.888.875.4667

Best Western Plus West Edmonton

Conveniently located off Highway 2, our West Western Plus West Edmonton hotel is just 3min from West Edmonton Mall and just minutes from local attraction. With comfortable and convenient amenities, our hotel is the perfect choice for business and leisure travellersalike.

Usecode:CHAMBER for15%offallGrandePrairieChamberMembers

Kit Office Plus

10% off office furniture assembled or unassembled in our Grande PrairieShowroomorPeaceRiverStore

10% off unassembled furniture off our website, delivered to our ShowroominGP

Custom plans for stationary, office supply and janitorial. They can look at our website for options. For up to 20 of their most used SKU’s, we setup an account for them and offer the best price possible on those 20 items then full price after that. Great for schoolsaswell.

Please email gpsales@kitofficeplus.com or use in store/showroomcustomplanmustbeanemailtooksanam@kitofficeplus.com

CHAMBER MEMBER SHOUTOUT

Please Welcome Our New Chamber Members

Month : March

EvolutionPowerProjectsInc

MufflerManMechanicalLtd

GrandePrairieEyeCare

EBHorsman

AlbertaResidentialLandlord Association(ARLA)

PatDelucaFindingPurpose

CairnHousingSociety

Check out our new Chamber Milestone Magazine for an in-depth look at the months milestone members and their stories! Also

“Behind every strong community is a network of resilient, passionate local businesses..”

TOP HAT APPLIANCE

Joined:December01,2025

We’re pleased to welcome Lori Russell and Top Hat Appliance to our Chamber network! We look forward to seeing this trusted local business continue to grow and serve our regionalcommunity.

The Article

Joined:January13,2026

We’reexcitedtowelcomeJesseBoily andTheArticleMagazine.toour Chambernetwork!Welookforwardto seeingthispublicationcontinuetogrow andcontributetoourregionalbusiness community.

TheJobBoard

Lookingforatrustedlocalbusinesstogetajobdone?Whetheryouneedprofessionalservices,skilledtrades, marketinghelp,orbusinesssupport,ourChamberMemberClassifiedshelpconnectyouwiththerightproviders fromournetwork!

D/COperatorI

Aquateraisrecruitingadistributionandcollectionoperatorforourwater distributionandwastewatercollectiondepartmentinDiamondValley,Alberta. Thisjobisforphysicallyactivepeoplewhogetagreatdealofsatisfactionfrom doingthejobrighteverytime.Highlymotivated,independentworkerswill enjoytheopportunitytoworkwithsmallcrewstoaccomplishbigthingsandto supportAquatera’scultureofcontinuousimprovement.

Learnmoreandapplyatwww.aquatera.ca/who-we-are/join-our-team

DistributionandCollectionOperationsManager

AquateraishiringaDistributionandCollectionOperationsManagertolead ourwaterdistributionandwastewatercollectionsystems,ensuringsafe, efficientservicedelivery,regulatorycompliance,andastrongsafetyculture whileguidingandsupportingouroperationsteam.

Learnmoreandapplyat aquatera.ca/careers

Water/WastewaterTreatmentOperator–LevelIII

AquateraishiringaWater/WastewaterTreatmentOperator–LevelIII.This positionofferstheopportunitytogaindirectresponsiblechargeexperiencein bothwaterandwastewateroperations,aswellasexposuretoour cogenerationplant,whichutilizesmethanegasfromoursolidwastefacility.

Learnmoreandapplyatwww.aquatera.ca/who-we-are/join-our-team

SeniorAccountant

Aquateraishiringasenioraccountantandplaysakeyroleinmanaging Aquatera’sdailyaccountingfunctions,includingjournalentries, reconciliations,andfinancialanalysis.Thispositionsupportsthepreparation offinancialstatements,internalandexternalaudits,budgeting,forecasting, andthemonitoringofinternalcontrols.

Learnmoreandapplyatwww.aquatera.ca/who-we-are/join-our-team

BarrNoneMechanical:HeavyDutyMechanics

Learnmoreandapplyat https://www.careers-page.com/theagency212

INDOORELEMENTSMECHANICAL-PLUMBER

Learnmoreandapplyat https://www.careers-page.com/theagency212/job/RYV64V7R

GrandePrairieRegionalHospitalFoundation:Directorof Finance

Learnmoreandapplyat https://www.careers-page.com/theagency212

RoyalLePagePropertyManagement:Finance Administrator

Learnmoreandapplyat https://www.careers-page.com/theagency212

MembershipServicesManager(full-time)

ServicesManagerisresponsibleforMembershipSales,MemberRetention, AdvertisingSales,EventSponsorshipandDigitalSignSalesfortheGrande Prairie&DistrictChamberofCommerce.

Formoreinformation: https://ca.indeed.com/viewjob? jk=c4127f7c833a3b81&from=shareddesktop_copy

StatisticsCanadaishiring

Wearelookingforlocalpeopletohelpuscollectaccuratedatainyour community.Thesedataarevitalforplanningandevaluatingprogramsand servicessuchaseducation,healthcare,childcare,housing,emergency services,roads,publictransportationandjobtraining..

Learnmoreandapplyat census.gc.ca/jobs

Strengthening

interprovincial electrical ties

Albertahasjoinedafirst-of-its-kindPartnership AgreementonTransmissionIntertieswithOntarioand otherprovincesandterritoriestostrengthenCanada’s electricitygrid.Theagreementaimstoimprove interprovincialconnections,enhancesystemreliability, supportelectricitytrade,andmodernizetransmission infrastructure.

Learnmore

Canada extends work-sharing program

ThefederalgovernmentisextendingtemporaryWorkSharingmeasuresunderEmploymentInsuranceuntil March31,2027.Thesemeasureshelpemployers affectedbytariffsavoidlayoffsandprovidestabilityfor workers,coveringseasonal,cyclical,andnontraditionalemployees.Theextensiondoublesthe maximumagreementlengthto76weeks,simplifies reporting,andexpandseligibilityforbusinessesand employees.AnewWorkerRetentionGrantwillalso providetrainingopportunitiesandsupportupto70%of employees’incomeduringwork-sharing.

Learnmore

Alberta referendum scheduled for October 19, 2026

Albertanswillvoteinaprovincialreferendumon October19,2026,onimmigrationpoliciesand constitutionalquestionsrelatedtoprovincialpowers. Voterswillrespond“yes”or“no”toquestionson immigration,eligibilityforprovincialprograms,and provincial-federalgovernancematters.This referendumwillprovideanopportunityforAlbertans tosharetheirviewsonpoliciesthataffectsocial servicesandprovincialdecision-making.

Learnmore

Canada and Alberta reach environmental assessment agreement

ThegovernmentsofCanadaandAlbertahaveagreedin principleonaCooperationAgreementonEnvironmental andImpactAssessment.Theagreementaimstoreduce duplicationbetweenfederalandprovincialreviews, allowingAlbertatoleadassessmentsforprojectsunder itsjurisdiction,coordinatejointreviews,anddeferto provincialrequirementswhereappropriate.

Learnmore

For businesses seeking more insights and tools:

Our Response to the Introduction of Bill C-22, An Act Respecting Lawful Access

OnMarch12,theHouseofCommonsintroducedBillC-22,which wouldmodernizecertainprovisionsregardingthegatheringand productionofdataandinformationduringaninvestigationand establishaframeworkensuringthatelectronicserviceproviders cangiveauthoritiesaccesstoinformationasallowedunderthe CriminalCodeorCanadianSecurityIntelligenceServiceAct.

ReadOurStatement

Our Statement on the U.S. Supreme Court’s

Tariff Ruling

TheSupremeCourt’sdecisiontostrikedowntheuseofIEEPA tariffpowersisalegalruling,notaresetofU.S.tradepolicy.Thisis certainlynotthelastchapterofthisnever-endingstory. Canadashouldpreparefornew,bluntermechanismstobeusedto reasserttradepressure,potentiallywithbroaderandmore disruptiveeffects.

ReadFullStatement

Virtual Event: Accessing Europe Through Free Trade Agreements

Europeisadiverseregionwithmanypotentialmarketsfor Canadianexporters—butnavigatingdifferentregulations, requirementsandtraderulescanbechallenging.

EDC’sAccessingEuropeThroughFreeTradeAgreement’s webinarexploreshowCanada’sfreetradeagreements(FTA) cansupportyourmarketentrystrategy,reducebarriersand helpyouunderstandtheregulatorylandscapeacrosskey Europeancountries.

JoinusonMarch26,2026,from1–2p.m.ET,tolearnmoreabout countryspecificmarketopportunities,compliance considerations,rulesoforigin,requireddocumentationandhow exportersareusingCanada’sFTAstogrowintheregion.

EVEN MORE RESOURCES

Applications are open for the Mastercard Small Business Fund

Callingallfemalesmallbusinessowners!ApplicationsfortheMastercardSmallBusinessFundarenowopen.Now initsfourthyear,thisinitiativeispartofMastercard’songoingsupportofthesmallbusinesscommunityinCanada andisdesignedtosupportfemaleentrepreneursbyofferingtengrantsof$10,000CADeach,alongwithtailored mentorshipandaccesstobusinessgrowthresources.Selectedrecipientswillalsoreceivementorshipfrom industryexperts,digitaltoolstosupportgrowth,andanin personPricelessExperienceinToronto.

Youdon’twanttomissyourshot!ApplicationsareopenuntilMarch24.

ApplyNow

Better Workplace Conference 2026

JoinusvirtuallyonApril22–23,2026,forthe29thannualBetterWorkplaceConference.Thisyear’stheme, WellbeingasaStrategy:YourRoadmapforSuccess,exploreshoworganizationscanturnwellbeingintoadriverof resilienceandperformance.

Designedforleadersnavigatingburnout,rapidchange,andevolvingworkplacedemands,theeventdelivers research-driveninsights,practicaltools,andmeaningfulpeerconnections.

Registertoday.

Upcoming live webinars on employment standards

EmploymentstandardslegislationsetsouttherightsandobligationsofemployersandemployeesinAlberta. Theseincludetheminimumstandardsthatemployersmustprovidetheiremployees.

UpcomingEmploymentStandardswebinars(includingliveQ&A)arescheduledforthefollowingtopics:

EmploymentStandardsinAlberta–ConstructionOverview:March24at1:30p.m.

TemporaryForeignWorkerandEmployerRightsandResponsibilities:March26at1:30p.m.

Formoreinformationortoregisterforoneofthesessions,visitalberta.ca/employment-standards-webinars

Where you live shouldn’t determine your power bill

Agrowingcoalitionofresidents,businesses,organizations, andmunicipalitiesacrossAlberta,theFairElectricity DistributionAlliance(FEDA),israisingawarenessabout theunfairelectricitydistributionratesexperiencedbymany Albertans.

Rightnow,residents,businesses,andmunicipalitiesin northern,east-centralandsouthernAlbertapay significantlyhigherelectricitydistributioncoststhanthe restoftheprovince.Householdspayanaverageof$118a month,comparedtoabout$34innon-impactedservice areas.Formanybusinesses,distributionfeescanbenearly threetimesashighasinotherserviceareas.

Whereyouliveshouldn’tdetermineyourpowerbill.Thisis anissueoffairness;thedisparityinelectricitycostsis puttingimpactedcommunitiesatadisadvantage.

ReadFullArticle

Business Support Opportunity — Vandalism Recovery & Prevention Grant

TheCityofGrandePrairiehasapproveda VandalismRecoveryandPreventionGrant PilotProgramfor2026tohelplocal businessesrecoverfromvandalismand investinpreventativemeasuresthatreduce repeatincidents.

Theprogramprovidesupto50% reimbursementofeligiblecosts(toa maximumof$5,000perbusinessperyear)for expensessuchaswindowrepairs,security cameras,lighting,anti-graffiticoatingsand otherpreventionmeasures.

Applicationsarenowopen.

Fulldetails,eligibilityinformationandthe applicationformareavailableat: cityofgp.com/vandalismrecovery

Payworks for Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce

Payworks is a leading expert in the field of total workforcemanagementsolutions, providing innovative cloud-based solutions for Payroll, Human Resources, Employee Time and Absence Management to businesses across the country.

As a proudly Canadian company serving businesses from coast to coast for more than 25 years, we understand what it takes to be an employer in Canada. We’re deeply committed not only to your success, but also to the communities we call home. 98% of clients who choose Payworks choose to stay. Here’s why…

We simplify year-endprocessing, electronically submitting tax form information to CRA/RQ on your behalf when authorized by the processing deadline.

Our ROE Manager tool makes processing a breeze, and ROEs are submitted directly to Service Canada on your behalf.

You can automate vacation pay entitlements and benefits enrolment after the employee probationary period.

No more data re-entry: our workforce management solutions for time tracking, scheduling, absenteeism, and HR functions are fully integrated.

User-defined fieldsandautomation empower you to shape the application to your specific requirements.

Payworks' Self Service App provides easy access for your employees to receive pay statements, tax forms, and more from their mobile device.

You call, we answer: all clients are assigned a dedicated, National Payroll Institute-trained service representative for unlimited, one-toone service.

Federal and provincial tax remittances are done for you.

*All prices aresubjectto change without notice asperthe terms of your service agreement. ^$12 per employee with a minimum implementation (setup) fee of $240.

¹ Price does not include Year-End archive fee of $34.95, charged once per year if Year-End is processed. Pricing in effect until April 30, 2026

Contact Madi Stevens

Phone: 780.902.8074

Email: madi.stevens@payworks.ca

Easter Brunch Sat. April 4

Easter Brunch Sun. April 5

Turkey Take-Out Sat. April 4

Easter Dinner Sat. April 4

Easter Dinner Sun. April 5

Turkey Take-Out Sun. April 5

Understand.Heal.Grow. BSB Counselling offers professional support with a down-to-earth, strength based approach—designed especially for men navigating life’s challenges. Whether you're dealing with stress, relationship struggles, life transitions, or quiet battles with addiction, we’re here to help you find strength, clarity, and purpose. You’re not alone. Reach out today for a free consultation.

SERVICES:

Couples Therapy Family

https://bsbcounselling.ca/ 587-297-3757

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Chamber Connection Vol 44 (Mar 18) by GrandePrairieChamberofCommerce - Issuu