ACC weekly update
October 6, 2022
Network news
BDC Small Business Week

There are more than 1.2 million small and medium-sized businesses in Canada. Discover how they help fuel our economy. For this year’s Small Business Week, BDC invites you to celebrate the bold energy of Canadian entrepreneurs, their willingness to go off the beaten path and how it can become a source of growth and entrepreneurial success.

OECD Business Survey

The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), in collaboration with Invest in Canada, is conducting a survey to shed light on the business practices of domestic and foreign companies in Canada in relation to innovation/R&D, job quality, skills development, diversity, and the environment.

Companies wishing to participate in the OECD consultation can contact Letizia Montinari (Project Manager and Economist, letizia.montinari@oecd.org) or Mertol Ozaltan (Policy Analyst, mertol.ozaltan@oecd.org).
Network Meeting Guest Recording: The Pathways Alliance

Last week chambers across Alberta met with Mark Cameron VP of External Relations with Pathways to Sustainability to discuss the three-phase plan for global emissions reduction.

Alberta news
UCP Leadership Announcement Today

Voting on a new leader of the United Conservative Party ended today at 12:00 PM. The results will be announced later today at an event being held at BMO Centre in Calgary, starting at 5:30 pm and live-streamed on the website below.

The candidates for UCP leadership are:
  • Leela Aheer
  • Todd Loewen
  • Rebecca Schulz
  • Rajan Sawnhey
  • Brian Jean
  • Danielle Smith
  • Travis Toews
Supporting early childhood educators in Alberta

New measures to recruit, retain and certify early childhood educators (ECEs) will support Alberta’s economic recovery by improving access to quality and affordable child care for families.

Alberta’s government has expanded the paid hours that are eligible for existing wage top-ups for front-line certified ECEs. As of Oct. 1, all paid hours are now eligible for the existing wage top-ups, including indirect time and employer-paid vacation time.

Attracting and training international nurses

Currently, internationally educated nurses face long wait times and little financial support to be licensed to work in Alberta. A coordinated plan to address these barriers, while still upholding the high quality of care expected in Alberta, will better support the immediate and future needs of the province’s healthcare system.

More dual credit opportunities for students

The Alberta Newcomer Recognition Awards launched in June to celebrate the invaluable contributions immigrants make to the province’s neighbourhoods, economies, professions and communities. Recipients include youth, women, seniors, entrepreneurs, academics, professionals and community builders who have made a difference in their schools, workplaces, neighbourhoods and volunteer organizations.

Taking action on homelessness and addictions

The Alberta government has announced a 63 million dollar action plan to reduce homelessness over the next two years, and a 124 million dollar expansion of addiction recovery services over two years, focused in Edmonton and Calgary.

Attracting investment to rural Alberta

Working with Invest Alberta Corporation, the government awarded $2.06 million from the rural stream of the Investment and Growth Fund to support the Southland Trailer Corp’s expansion, including doubling its production and creating 250 jobs.

AIOC backs largest Indigenous energy partnership

Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation (AIOC) is supporting 23 Indigenous communities to buy into seven Enbridge-owned pipelines.

AIOC can provide up to $1 billion of support to major Indigenous investments through loan guarantees and other financial tools. This project brings the total backing to $410 million since 2020.

Expansion of service to support Indigenous communities

24 new affordable rental and rent-to-own units are being built in Edmonton for Paul Band members. The Government of Alberta funding is provided through the Indigenous Housing Capital Program (IHCP).

As part of a $5-million investment from Alberta’s government, up to $3.25 million will be used to increase the programs and seats for Indigenous learners at First Nations colleges and public post-secondary institutions.

Canada news
Government of Canada Response to Hurricane Fiona


Hurricane Fiona has caused significant damage across Atlantic Canada and Eastern Quebec, and the Government of Canada is working with partners from all orders of government, and across federal departments and agencies, to support recovery and clean-up efforts.

Canadians wishing to make a financial donation to help those impacted by Hurricane Fiona can do so online at www.redcross.ca, by calling 1-800-418-1111, by texting FIONA to 20222 to make a $10 donation.

Residents who have been impacted by Hurricane Fiona should register with Canadian Red Cross by calling 1-800-863-6582 or online at www.redcross.ca/hurricanefiona

The Alberta Chambers of Commerce is a federation of 116 community-based chambers of commerce representing more than 22,500 job creators.

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Sacha Knorr
Alberta Chambers of Commerce
#714 Ledgeview, 9707 110 St NW
Edmonton, AB T5K 2L9
Phone: 780-425-4180 ext. 7
Toll Free: 1-800-272-8854