MASTERS CURLING.
The Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce congratulates the Grande Prairie Curling Centre on hosting an extremely successful Canadian Masters Curling Championships.
The Chamber was honoured to participate in the opening ceremony and banquet, represented by our Chair Lori Pollock and CEO Wendy Thomas.
It was wonderful to see and meet curlers from across the country. Congratulations to the medal winners including local skip Kurt Balderston, whose team earned the men’s silver.
The curling was amazing and the hospitality was even better. Hats off to the organizing committee for bringing another top-notch event to Grande Prairie!
THATCHWOOD MECHANICAL
Ribbon Cutting - Thatchwood Ventures Ltd.
Helpuscelebratethecontinuedgrowthof ThatchwoodVenturesLtdastheymarktheir expansionintoMechanicalServices.
ThisexcitingdaywillalsofeatureanOpen HouseandGarageSalerunningfrom10:00AM to4:00PM,withallproceedssupportingthe KidneyFoundationofCanada.
Guestswillhavetheopportunitytotourthe space,connectwiththeteam,learnmore aboutThatchwoodVentures’expanded services,andenjoyrefreshmentsthroughout theday.
Chamber and NWP Launch New Business-Student Collaboration
TheGrandePrairie&DistrictChamberof CommerceispartneringwithNorthwestern Polytechnic(NWP)toconnectlocalbusinesses withtheregion'sfutureworkforce.
NWPiscurrentlyseekingChambermemberswho areopentoworkingwithstudentsduringthe upcomingFallandWintersemesters.Throughthis work-integratedlearninginitiative,businessescan accessvaluablestudent-ledsupport,including strategicmarketing,researchandanalysis, operationalefficiency,andlogisticsplanning.
Tokickoffthecollaboration,theChamberrecently hosted“ABigDeal”—aSharkTank-inspiredpitch competitionwherefivestudentteamspresented businessproposalsdirectlytotheChamberBoard forfeedbackfromexperiencedcommunityleaders.
“Bybringingtogethertheinnovationandenergyof NWPstudentswiththeexperienceofourmembers,we aresupportingthenextgenerationofentrepreneurs,” saysWendyThomas,ChamberCEO.
Dr.VanessaSheane,NWPPresidentandCEO, echoesthatsentiment:“It’sawinforbusinesses gainingnewideas,forstudentsgainingreal-world experience,andforourregionaswebuildthenext generationofleaders.”
Together,theChamberandNWParebuildinga powerfulmodelforregionalgrowthandbusiness innovation.
Wanttogetinvolved?CheckouttheNWPfeatureon thenextpagetolearnhowyourbusinesscan participate,orvisitNWP.me/BusinessBoost.
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!
ADVOCACY IN ACTION
New Digital Hub Tackles Trucking Trade Barriers
TheGrandePrairie&DistrictChamberofCommerceis celebratingasignificantadvocacywinwiththelaunchofthe newCanadianTruckingRegulationsHub.Thismade-inAlbertadigitaltoolisasolidfirststeptowardaddressingthe concernsoutlinedinour2025sponsoredpolicy,TheRoadto BetterTrade:ReducingInterprovincialTradeBarriersin Trucking.
TheCostofDisconnectedRegulationsReducing Navigatingthepatchworkofregulations,standards,and infrastructureacrossCanada'sprovincescreatescostlydelays forthetransporttruckingindustry.Withtruckingresponsiblefor delivering52%ofAlberta’sGDP,theseunalignedruleslimit economicgrowthandaddupto14.5%tothepriceofgoodsand servicesnationwide.
AStreamlinedSolution
Tocombatthis,theAlbertagovernmentcollaboratedwith federal,provincial,andterritorialpartnerstolaunchthenew HubonApril22.Insteadofsearchingthroughmultiplesources, thecentralizedplatformbringscriticalinformationtogether.
Thisbilingualtoolhelpsdriversnavigateregulatory differences,easilyaccesspermitinfoandsafetycodes,and accuratelyplanroutestoavoidlowbridgesandprevent infrastructuredamage
Eachprovincewillmaintainitsowndatatoensureaccuracy, withlong-termmanagementtransitioningtotheCanadian CouncilofMotorTransportAdministrators(CCMTA)infall 2026.
TheRoadAhead
WhilethecreationofthisHubisafantasticstartingpoint,our Chamberwillcontinuetopushforfurtherharmonization.We willkeepurgingthegovernmenttosupportnationalalignment initiatives,including:
UnifiedElectronicPermitting:Asingle,centralized applicationsystemforoversizeandoverweightequipment permits.
InfrastructureStandards:Establishinganationalminimum heightstandardfornewbridgeconstruction.
DriverSafety:Ensuringadequatereststopsalongthe NationalHighwaySystem(specificallyaddressingcritical gapslikethe295kmstretchonHighway35andthe190km stretchonHighway40).
TheChamberwillcontinuetoadvocateonbehalfofour memberstoremovethesebarriers,cutredtape,andmaintain acompetitive,thrivingenvironmentforourlocalbusinesses.
CANADASTRONGFUND
Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Monday his government will create a sovereign wealth fund — the first of its kind, at least at a federal level.
The federal government says the new Canada Strong Fund will work in partnership with private industry to serve as an investment vehicle for the major national projects in which this government has expressed interest.
Carney described the sovereign wealth fund as a "national savings and investment account" that will help grow wealth for future generations of Canadians.
This announcement resonates with the policy we submitted to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce last fall on behalf of the Alberta Chambers of Commerce - HarnessingRetailDebttoAccelerate CanadianInfrastructureDevelopment.
The policy recommended that the Government of Canada evaluate the potential effects of a federal framework that issues government-backed retail bonds to finance national infrastructure projects. This included energy and energy transition projects, Indigenous-led infrastructure projects, and interprovincial trade corridors.
Our Chamber continues to advocate on behalf of our member businesses and work with our provincial and national Chamber networks to develop policies on matters of economic importance.
Alberta pins down wrestling nationals
NorthernAlbertawillhostthecountry’stopyoung wrestlersatthe2026CanadianWrestlingChampionships fromApril24to26.
GrandePrairiewillwelcome896athletes,coachesand officialsfromcommunitiesacrossCanada,showcasing Albertaasatopdestinationforhostingmajornationalsport events.Alberta’sgovernmentprovided$58,800infunding throughtheMajorSportEventsgrantprogramtosupportthe championships.
Thegrantprogramprovidesfinancialassistancetohelp Albertancommunitieshostnationalandinternational competitions,strengtheningAlberta’sreputationasapremier destinationforsporttourism.Thechampionshipsareexpected togeneratemorethan$1.2millionineconomicimpactforthe regionasparticipantsshop,dine,stayandplaylocally.
Protecting Albertans from cybercriminals
Thenewcybercrimetaskforcewill addressthegrowingproblemof extortionanddigitalfraudtargeting Albertans.
Cybercriminalsrepresentaseriousand ongoingpublicriskbytargetingfamilies, seniorsandbusinessesacrossAlberta forfinancialexploitation.Toaddress theseriskshead-on,thetaskforcewill providerecommendationstoaddress cybercrime,includingfraud,identitytheft andextortioncarriedoutusing technology.Fraudulentschemesare commonlyconductedoverinternational borders,makingitmoredifficultforpolice departmentstoidentifyandfindthe sourceofthescams.
LearnMore
Cheers to Alberta’s community champions
Nominationsarenowopenforthe 2026StarsofAlbertaVolunteer Awards..
ThroughtheStarsofAlbertaVolunteer Awards,Alberta’sgovernment celebratestheextraordinary contributionsofindividualswhosetime, energyandcommitmenttoserviceis strengtheningourcommunitiesand makingameaningfuldifferenceinthe livesofothers.
LearnMore
Get Franchise Funding: Equity, Credit and Acquisition
Explorethepracticalstepstosecurefundingandscalea franchisewithguidancefromVajraCapital.Thiswebinaron Thursday,April30at12p.m.coversfranchiseselectioncriteria, readingaFranchiseDisclosureDocument,differencesinlender expectations,andstrategiesforfinancingadditionalunits.Walk awaywithachecklisttohelpyoupositionyourapplicationfor success.
RegisterToday
30 Years of Business Support: Lessons from 1996 to Today
Launch a Website with AI: Watch a Live Step-by-Step Demo
JoinusonThursday,May7at12p.m.tolearnhowtocreatea professionalwebsiteusingAItoolsinthishands-onsession withYEGDigital.Thiswebinarincludesalivedemonstration andaclearwalkthroughoftheessentialpagesforawebsite. Youwilllearnwhichfreeandlow-costtoolscangetyou online,howAI-builtsitesdifferfromprofessionallybuiltones, andstrategiesforfuturegrowth.
RegisterNow
Whatusedtorequireaphonecalloranin-personvisitcannow bedoneinminutesonline.Thisarticlereflectsondecadesof change,fromreferencelibrariestoAI-enabledtools,learnhow BusinessLinkAlbertaadapteditsservicestomeetshifting demandsandhowourongoing,practicalsupporthelps entrepreneursstart,grow,andsustainbusinessesacrossthe province. ReadMore
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
Youth Employer Survey
The City of Grande Prairie is working with the community to strengthen pathways to employment for young people by connecting youth with employers and training opportunities. This work is supported through the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS), administered through the Tamarack Institute.
As part of this initiative, the City is gathering input from employers to better understand workforce needs, entrylevel opportunities, and challenges related to youth employment. The information collected will help inform future workforce initiatives and support efforts to strengthenyouthpathwaysintomeaningfulemploymentin ourregion. Contact:youth@cityofgp.com
CHAMBER MEMBER SHOUTOUT
Please Welcome Our New Chamber Members Month : April
AmazingEscapesGP
VergeModel&Talent Management
96.3SunFM
PryzmSigns&DesignsInc
CreditXInc
SideGroupRail
ModernEdgeBookkeeping
BlueCilantro
RusticOvenBakery
HoneyBunny
AceGPCleaningServices
OmadaCommercial
GrandePrairiePhotography
Club
InkedFinancialSolutions Ltd
Advosary
RoyalSpirits
BibesHaulingInc
NashServicesLtd 2640713AlbertaLtd
BostonPizza
FoothillsFirstNation
HeritageSociety MWREnterprises
Check out our new Chamber Milestone Magazine for an in-depth look at the months milestone members and their stories! Also
ApexOverheadDoorLtd
MazdaofGrandePrairie
ChangeAve
“Behind every strong community is a network of resilient, passionate local businesses..”
Alberta Residential Landlord Association (ARLA)
Joined:March11,2026
We’repleasedtowelcomeDonnaMonkhouse andtheAlbertaResidentialLandlord Association(ARLA)toourChambernetwork! Welookforwardtoseeingthisvitalorganization continuetogrow,advocate,andservehousing providersacrossourcommunity.
Borealis Fuels & Logistics
Joined:February09,2026
We’reexcitedtowelcomeChrisStrome andBorealisFuels&Logistics toour Chambernetwork!Welookforwardto seeingthisorganizationcontinueto growandcontributetoourregional businesscommunity.
TheJobBoard
Lookingforatrustedlocalbusinesstogetajobdone?Whetheryouneedprofessionalservices,skilledtrades, marketinghelp,orbusinesssupport,ourChamberMemberClassifiedshelpconnectyouwiththerightproviders fromournetwork!
KitchenStaff,FrontCounterTeam,DeliveryDriversExpressPizza+Donair
Wewantmotivated,positive,high-energypeoplewhoshowupreadyto workandbringgoodvibestotheteam.Ifyou’rereliable,fastonyour feetandlovebeingpartofsomethinggrowing—thisisyourshot. Family-owned.Community-driven.Bigflavour.Bigopportunity.
Sendyourresumeto: grandeprairie@expresspizzaplusdonair.ca
Labourer-TemporaryFullTime
Aquateraisrecruitingatemporarylabourerforourwaterdistribution andwastewatercollectiondepartmentinGrandePrairie.Thisjobisfor physicallyactivepeoplewhogetagreatdealofsatisfactionfromdoing thejobrighteverytime.
Learnmoreandapplyatwww.aquatera.ca/who-we-are/join-our-team
ULTRASOUNDTECHNOLOGIST-PeaceDiagnostic Imaging
Learnmoreandapplyat https://www.careers-page.com/theagency212/job/3WRV7V68
CHIEFADMINISTRATIVEOFFICER-TOWNOFSPIRIT RIVER
Learnmoreandapplyat https://www.careers-page.com/theagency212/job/5WRVW665
BarrNoneMechanical:HeavyDutyMechanics
Learnmoreandapplyat https://www.careers-page.com/theagency212
INDOOR
ELEMENTSMECHANICAL-PLUMBER
Learnmoreandapplyat https://www.careers-page.com/theagency212/job/RYV64V7R
HR&PAYROLLADMINISTRATOR-RoskaDBOInc
Learnmoreandapplyat https://www.careers-page.com/theagency212/job/93R585X6
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
Reinvesting in Low-Emission Energy
TheFutureFuelsChallenge,administeredbyEmissions ReductionAlberta,willallocatefederalfuelcharge revenuestoprojectsadvancinglow-emissionfuel technologies,includingrefineryefficiency,carboncapture, biofuels,andhydrogen.Byreinvestinginindustry-led innovation,theprogramaimstoreduceemissionswhile strengtheningAlberta’scompetitivenessintheenergy sector.ThisapproachalignswithACC'sStrikinga BalanceBetweenaHealthyEconomyandLowCarbon Emissionspolicybysupportingcostneutrality,reinvesting carbonpricingrevenuesintoindustry,andenabling market-drivenadoptionoflow-emissiontechnologies.
Learnmore
Temporary Federal fuel tax relief
TheGovernmentofCanadaintendstointroduce amendmentstotheExciseTaxActtotemporarily suspendthefederalfuelexcisetaxongasoline,diesel, andaviationfuelsfromApril20toSeptember7,2026, reducingratesto0centsperlitre.Thismeasureis expectedtodeliverapproximately$2.4billionintax reliefbeforeratesreturntonormalinSeptember.
Learnmore
Nuclear Energy Engagement Report
Alberta’sNuclearEnergyEngagementandAdvisory Panelreporthighlightsgrowinginterestinnuclear powerasareliable,emissions-freeenergysource andoutlinesrecommendationstoguideitsfuture development.Thisworkrepresentsapositivestepin exploringnuclear’sroleintheprovince’senergymix. ThisalignswithACC’sIncludingNuclearinAlberta’s EnergyMixpolicy,reinforcingtheneedforclear directionandlong-termplanning.
Learnmore
Alberta secures tariff-free access for crude exports to South Korea
Albertahasstrengtheneditsenergytraderelationship withSouthKoreathroughajointstatementsignedby PremierDanielleSmithandMyeong-kuLeeoftheKorea CustomsService,eliminatingathreepercenttariffon crudeexports.Byrecognizingdilutedbitumenas Canadian-origin,theagreementremovesakeytrade barrier,supportingexportgrowth,investment,and strengtheningAlberta’straderelationshipsinAsian markets.
Learnmore
For businesses seeking more insights and tools:
CUSMA Timeline Uncertain as Tariff Pressures and Negotiation Dynamics Evolve
Canada–U.S.tradediscussionscontinuetoadvanceincrementally aheadoftheCUSMAreview.U.S.TradeRepresentativeJamieson GreerhasindicatedthatnotallissueswillberesolvedbytheJuly1 checkpoint,whileCanadianofficialshavesimilarlyemphasized thatthedateshouldbeviewedaspartofanongoingprocess ratherthanafinaldeadline.Informalengagementbetween counterpartsremainsactive,withbothgovernmentsdescribing discussionsasconstructive,evenasdifferencespersiston sequencing,scopeandexpectationsfornegotiations.Atthesame time,U.S.engagementwithMexicohasprogressedmorequickly, reinforcingadynamicinwhichbilateralandtrilateraltracksmay evolveinparallelasthereviewunfolds.
Businesses Are Courageously Tackling an Uncertain Future
“Whenbusinessesarehitbythingsoutoftheircontrol—like pandemicsorrecessionsorglobalconflicts—theirimpulseisto leanin,notduck,”writesCandaceLaing,ourPresidentand CEO,inarecentop-edpublishediniPolitics.“Inthisdifficult momentforoureconomy,wecanunapologeticallysaythat businessleadershipmatters—anditmattersmorethanever.”
ReadtheOp-ed
Canada Made Big Gains on Internal Trade, Now We Have to Finish the Job
Inanop-edpublishedintheHillTimes,PascalChan,Vice PresidentofStrategicPolicyandSupplyChains,urgesthe provincial,territorialandfederalgovernmentstocontinuethe hardworkofremovinginternaltradebarriers,writingthat “challengesaroundinternaltradedidn’tevaporatewhenBillC-5 receivedroyalassentandsomeagreementsweresigned.”
ReadtheOp-ed
EVEN MORE RESOURCES
Mission Possible: Building An Organizational Plan
Community&Non-ProfitTrainingSeriesJoinusinpersonforSession1:MissionPossibleandkickstartyour nonprofitjourneywithpractical,actionabletasksandstrategies!Strategicplanningprovidesaroadmapfor organizationstomakedecisionsandensuresalignment.Inthissession,you’lllearn:Communicatingwith clients,funders,stakeholdersandmemberstakestimeandenergy;and..
ReadMore
How businesses can make the most of Google
Acompleteandup-to-dateGoogleBusinessProfileiskeytoimprovingyourvisibility,buildingtrust,andboosting engagementwithpotentialcustomers.ThissignificantlyincreasesyourdiscoverabilityonGoogleSearchand Maps.
ThisguideoutlinesthekeyfeaturesandattributesofyourGoogleBusinessProfilethatwillenableyourbusinessto bestconnectwithcustomersviasearch.
ReadtheGuide
Introducing the Worker Retention Grant for Work-Sharing employers
TheGovernmentofCanada’sWork-SharingProgramisdesignedtohelpemployersandemployeesavoidlayoffs duringtemporarydownturnsbyreducingemployees’hoursandsharingavailablework.Inreturn,employees receiveEmploymentInsurance(EI)benefitstopartiallyreplacelostincome,allowingthemtostayemployed whilethebusinessrecovers.
Ingeneral,EIWork-Sharingbenefitsprovideincomesupportforthehoursemployeesarenotworking, supplementingtheirreducedwagesratherthanreplacingthejobentirely.Thegoalistokeepskilledworkers attachedtotheiremployerandreturneveryonetonormalhoursoncebusinessconditionsimprove.
Learnmore
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
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