WATER WORLDS
An Indigenous Lens on Our Planet’s Most Precious Resource
A groundbreaking new documentary series is making waves across Canada and beyond — and it has deep ties to our own region. Water Worlds invites audiences to experience the breathtakingunderwaterworldsofouroceans,lakes,andwetlands while exploring the fragile ecosystems that sustain life on our planet.
NarratedinCreebythelegendaryTantooCardinal,WaterWorlds brings forward the “two-eyed seeing” approach — weaving Indigenous knowledge together with Western science to deepen our understanding of water and its critical role in our world. The resultisa13-partseriesthatisasvisuallystunningasitisthoughtprovoking.
The project is led by writer, director, and executive producer Len Morrisette of C.I.A. Solutions, an Indigenous-owned film and advertising company. Joining him is Ryan Dalgleish, a Grande Prairie-born filmmaker and partner at C.I.A. Solutions. Together with producers Kerriann Cardinal and Hilary Pryor, and an awardwinningteamofunderwatercinematographers,theyhavecreated a series that has already gained national and international attention.
Viewers can watch Water Worlds in both English and Cree on APTN,orstreamitonAPTNLumi.Itsreachisexpandingglobally, having been licensed for broadcast in Australia and adopted by schooldistrictsacrossCanada—includinghereinGrandePrairie — as an educational tool for both environmental awareness and Indigenousknowledge.
For Morrisette and the production team, the impact goes beyond the screen. Collaborating with universities,NGOs,andcommunitypartnersacross the country, the series has already become a catalyst for dialogue about conservation and reconciliation. Morrisette’s work on Water Worlds even led to his induction into the Royal Canadian GeographicalSociety.
From Canada’s wetlands to its coastal waters, the seriesrevealshowweareallconnectedbywater— andwhyprotectingitmattersmorethanever.
Learnmoreabouttheseriesatwww.waterworlds.ca orstreamitonAPTNLumi
Small Business Week Chamber Awards of Distinction
“FromLocalStrengthto
Global
Impact”
Meet Your Panel Presentors
TRAVIS TOEWS
Travis Toews is a former Minister of Finance and President of the Treasury Board for the Province of Alberta. He served as MLA for the Grande Prairie-Wapiti constituency from 2019 to 2023.
Toews has worked on a number of non-profit boards as well as provincial and national industry boards including Alberta Beef Producers, the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance and served as President of the Canadian Cattle Association.
In 2012, he received the QEll Diamond Jubilee Award presented by Prime Minister Stephen Harper for contributions to Canadian agriculture and trade.
Travis currently provides strategic advisory services, is a Senior Fellow at the C.D. Howe Institute and a Fellow with the Chartered Professional Accountants. He and his wife, Kim, own and manage a corporate cattle ranching operation and an oilfield environmental company.
ANDRE HARPE
Andre Harpe is the Chair for the board of directors of Canadian Canola Growers Association, which represents canola farmers from coast to coast. Andre also represents Region 2 for Alberta Canola Producers Commission.
Over the past few years, Andre has seen that agriculture policy has become more and more important and that a commons sense approach needs to be taken, to arrive at solutions that work for the farmer. The need to lead the conversation instead of reacting
Born and raised in the Peace country, Andre continues to farm, near Valhalla Centre, with his wife Diane on there third generation family farm. Being a strong believer in community and representation, Andre has had previous experience including Peace Country Health, STARS and the Alberta Summer Swimming Association. He also currently sits on the Agricultural Financial Services Corporation board of directors.
DONOVAN KITT
The Homestead is a diverse organic farm nestled in the boreal forest west of Goodfare. Donovan and Lisa Kitt were both raised on organic farms and were finding it increasingly challenging to find food produced to the high standards they had become accustomed to growing up.
Situated between the arable prairie of the Peace Country and a wilderness extending to the Pacific Ocean, their farm has been certified organic since 1990. With growing nutrient-dense food as their focus, their beef are 100% grass fed, their chickens freerange in fresh air and sunshine, and their pigs are rotated through lush, diverse pastures. In addition to organic meat, they also produce magnificent eggs, nutritious microgreens, powerful garlic, and flavourful vegetables.
They promise to continue to be responsible stewards of the land and provide the tastiest, most nutritious, and environmentally responsible food possible. They are committed to producing nutrient-dense, ethical, and environmentally responsible food that they are proud to feed to their family and community and to support local, regenerative agriculture!
JORDAN OLSEN
Jordan Olsen is the Manager of Business Development for Farm Credit Canada (FCC) in the Alberta and BC Peace region. Based in Grande Prairie, he leads a team of Relationship Managers that serves customers across the Peace Country. Jordan has worked with FCC for just over seven years, with the past six spent in the Peace region.
Originally from Southern Alberta, Jordan began his FCC career as a Relationship Manager in Lethbridge. His experience working with producers across the province has given him not just a perspective of Agriculture across the peace Country, but a broad perspective on Alberta’s diverse agricultural landscape. He holds a Bachelor of Management degree from the University of Lethbridge, with a focus in Finance and Agribusiness Management.
FCC is Canada’s leading lender to agriculture, providing financing, knowledge, and business services to help producers and agribusinesses succeed. Jordan and his team work closely with customers to support growth, profitability, and long-term success. His leadership emphasizes young producer engagement, transition planning, and business advisory services.
Jordan currently serves on the Growing the North Committee, contributing to regional economic development and collaboration. He has also presented to various groups on topics such as farm transition, business and financial management planning, and financial considerations in agricultural transactions.
He brings a customer-first perspective to the panel, along with an understanding of Canadian agriculture, its trends, and the challenges facing today’s producers.
UPCOMING RIBBON CUTTING
MON, NOV 17 | 12:00PM
CLIP ‘N CLIMB
#2 16101 - 101 Street Grande Prairie, AB
Ribbon Cutting: Clip 'n Climb Grand Opening Celebration!
JointheGrandePrairie&District ChamberofCommerceaswecelebrate thegrandopeningofClip’nClimbGrande Prairie—anexcitingnewindoor adventurefacilityofferingunique climbingchallengesforallagesand abilities.
Local Artists. Big Exposure.
Our Most Recent Event!
WomeninBusinessLuncheon–WhatanIncredible Afternoon!
Yesterday’ssold-outWomeninBusinessLuncheon wasnothingshortofinspiring.Thankyoutoeveryone whojoinedustocelebratetheresilience,strength,and determinationofwomeninbusinessacrossourregion.
Aheartfeltthank-youtoourguestspeaker,Claire Hafner,forsharingherpowerfulmessageabout perseverance-thehardshipsoftrying,thelessonsin failure,andthecouragetonevergiveup.Herhonesty andinsightleftalastingimpactoneveryoneinthe room.
Momentslikethisremindusthatthestrengthofour businesscommunitycomesfromshowingup, supportingoneanother,andcontinuingtopush forwardevenwhenit’shard.
ALBERTA CALLED: A Bold New Push to Attract Skilled Talent to NW Alberta
WORKNWALBERTA–aworkforcedevelopmentinitiativeofTheCityofGrandePrairie,TheCountyofGrande Prairie, Municipal District of Greenview, Grande Prairie and District Chamber of Commerce and Northwestern Polytechnic-hasofficiallylaunchedALBERTACALLED,adynamicnewadcampaignaimedatattractingskilled workerstotheGrandePrairie–Greenviewcorridor.Runningthruthesummerandfall,thisregionaleffortbuilds onthesuccessoftheprovince’saward-winningAlbertaisCallingcampaignandshiftsfromawarenesstoaction —connectingworkerswithhigh-demandopportunitiesinourgrowingindustries.
The campaign spotlights current job openings for truck drivers, mechanics, and plant operators—critical roles that are essential to our energy, transportation, and industrial sectors. As the campaign evolves, ad copy and creativewillberefreshedtoreflectshiftinglabourforcepriorities,withthepotentialtohighlightotherhigh-need vocations such as nurses, teachers, and skilled trades. Through targeted outreach in Alberta, Ontario, and British Columbia, ALBERTA CALLED showcases not only the career potential in NW Alberta but also the exceptionallifestyletheregionoffers.
To reach the right talent, the campaign is running across Rogers Sports Media platforms (including digital, podcasts, and geotargeted content), along with Meta and LinkedIn. It also drives traffic to worknwalberta.ca, a hubwherejobseekerscanexplorerealopportunitiesandlearnmoreaboutlifeintheregion.
Wanttogetinvolved?It’seasy.
·Follow,like,andshareALBERTACALLEDcontentonyoursocialchannels
·PostyourjobopeningstoIndeed(automaticallyintegratedwithworknwalberta.ca)
·Amplifythemessageinyourownrecruitmentandpromotionefforts
Let’s work together to fill the roles that power our communities. Alberta Called—Grande Prairie- Greenview answers.
Fordetailsormaterials,contact:info@worknwalberta.ca
Delivering results: 2025 fall session
Asfallsessionbegins,Alberta’sgovernmentisfocused on getting results that matter: better health care, strongerclassroomsandsafercommunities.
On Oct. 23, members of the legislative assembly return for the start of the second session of Alberta’s 31st legislature. The first session saw the passage of 55 government bills, settingastrongfoundationforcontinuedaction.The2025fall sessionwillopenwithaspeechfromthethroneoutliningthe nextstepstodeliveronthegovernment’smandate.
AcentralfocuswillbestandingupforAlbertabycreatingthe conditions needed to grow the economy, create jobs and support those who call it home. This session will drive progress on some of the priorities that matter most: health care,educationandpublicsafety.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Municipal Red Tape Survey.
Here'sWhatYouToldUs
Businessexpansionandgrowthis trendingupward,yetmoreneeds tobedonetoeasethecostof doingbusinessinmunicipalities.
Forthe2025Albertamunicipal elections,businessattractionand retention(43%)werethetop priorityforcandidatesfollowedby businesstaxes(32%)andcostof utilities(31%).
Amajority(68%)ofAlberta businessesreportbeingaffected bysometypeofcrimeinthepast 12months.
Businessesthatfindmunicipal budgetsandfinancialstatements understandablearemorelikelyto beaPromoterandrecommend settingupabusinessand investingintheirmunicipality. Onlyone-in-fivebusinessesreport theyhadbeencontactedby electedofficialsregardinggrowing orsustainingtheirbusiness.
Viewthefullreporthere.
Canadian Chamber of Commerce: 100 Years of Impact
The Canadian Chamber Network marked a century of leadership,advocacy,andimpactforCanadianbusinessatits 100-Year Celebration. The evening featured “Roaring Twenties”–themed festivities, where founding members were recognized and Alberta’s founding Chambers of Commerce were celebrated: Drumheller, Edmonton, Southeast Alberta (MedicineHat),Okotoks,Olds,PeaceRiver,RedDeer.
Learnmore
Talent Development Symposium: November 19
AttendtheTalentDevelopmentSymposiumtoconnectwith Alberta’sbusinessandpost-secondaryleaderstoshapethe province’sfutureworkforce.Discoverthenextgenerationof innovatorsattheMitacsBusinessShowcase,featuring Accelerate,BusinessStrategyInternship,andElevateprojects.
Getyourtickets!
Unleash Your Side Hustle Potential
Join us October 24, in partnership with Futurpreneur, to explore how to start a side hustle with confidence. Learn how to identify opportunities, validate ideas, pitch with clarity, and access mentorship and financing to turn your skillsorpassionsintoextraincome.
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 Spotlight!
Advantage Bookkeeping & Business Consulting
Celebrating 16 Years of Empowering Local Businesses
This summer, Advantage Bookkeeping & Business Consulting celebrated 16 years of supporting small and medium-sized businesses in our region. What began as a bookkeeping service has grown into a trusted partner for entrepreneurs, providing not only full-service bookkeeping but also Certified Business and Executive Coaching tailored to the unique challengesofSMEs.
Overtheyears,Advantagehasbecomeknownfor helping business owners gain clarity and confidence in their financial and leadership decisions. Most recently, the firm launched CFO Advisory Services powered by proprietary software. This new offering provides business leaders with access to strategic financial leadership—without the commitment of hiring a full-time CFO. The results speak for themselves: improved decision-making, stronger cash flow, greater profitability, and a clear roadmap for sustainablegrowth.
At the heart of Advantage’s mission is a simple but powerful purpose: to empower SME leaders to build sustainable, scalable businesses. Through expert bookkeeping, business coaching, and executive mentoring, they help entrepreneurs cut through the overwhelm, take control of their numbers, and lead with clarity. Whether it’s navigating spreadsheets or overcoming decision fatigue, Advantage is there as a strategic partner to help businesses grow stronger.
As part of their ongoing commitment to the business community, Advantage also offers free seminars, paid workshops, and a complimentary one-hour coaching session designed to help business owners address their most pressing challenges.
To learn more about Advantage Bookkeeping & Business Consult and their services, visit www.bigbizgrowth.com.
Chamber Member Shout-out
“Behind every strong community is a network of resilient, passionate local businesses..”
CBJ Transfers & Apparel
Joined:October15,2025
We’re excited to welcome July Madera and CBJ Transfers & Apparel to our Chamber network! Looking forward to seeing this creative local business continue to grow and makeanimpactinourcommunity.
Kaynic Construction Ltd
Joined:October06,2025
We’reexcitedtowelcomeSean SkidmoreandRite-WayFencingtoour Chambernetwork!Welookforwardto seeingthistrustedindustryleader continuetostrengthenconnectionsand contributetoourregionalbusiness community.
TheJobBoard
Lookingforatrustedlocalbusinesstogetajobdone?Whetheryouneedprofessionalservices,skilledtrades, marketinghelp,orbusinesssupport,ourChamberMemberClassifiedshelpconnectyouwiththerightproviders fromournetwork!
Employer
Liaison(full-time,hybrid)
Thesuccessfulcandidatewillplayapivotalrolein buildingandmaintainingstrongrelationshipswith employersacrossGrandePrairieandsurrounding communities.Thispositionwillberesponsiblefor employerengagement,jobpromotion,providing training,programandfundingapplicationsupport,and supportingsuccessfulpartnershipswithcommunity stakeholders.TheELalsogathersandshareslabour marketinformation,supportsjobretentionefforts,and contributestomarketingandoutreachinitiatives.
Formoreinformation:
https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:va6c2:09d14 abf-5823-48bf-84a1-4cf08164825a
CommunityServiceCoordinator(fulltime,hybrid)
Thesuccessfulcandidatewillplayavitalrolein connectingindividualswithdisabilitiesandbarriersto awiderangeofcommunityresources.Actingasa bridgebetweenclients,serviceproviders,andour internalteam,theCSCensureswraparoundsupport thatpromotesstability,reducesbarriers,andhelps clientsachievemeaningfulemploymentgoals.For moreinformation:
https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:09a2 a151-8859-44cc-9ec4-4b509443a700
SkillDevelopmentCoordinator(full-time, hybrid)
Thesuccessfulcandidatewillplayakeyroleinequipping individualswithdisabilitiesandbarrierstoemployment withthetoolstheyneedtoachievesustainablesuccess. Bydesigningandfacilitatinginnovativeskill-building workshops,theCoordinatorempowersclientsto increasetheiremployability,strengthenlifeanddigital skills,andovercomebarrierswithconfidence.Through collaborationwithstaff,employers,andcommunity partners,theSkillsDevelopmentCoordinatorensures trainingalignswithlabourmarketneedsandcontributes tobuildinganinclusiveworkforce.
Formoreinformation:
https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:va6c2:cb0775a 4-610b-42de-a3fc-1264621ab453
StandardizedPatientProgram.
TheNorthernAlbertaMedicalProgram(NAMP)in GrandePrairieiscurrentlyrecruitingindividualsto participateinourStandardizedPatientProgram.This opportunityallowsyoutohelpmedicalstudentsdevelop essentialcommunicationandclinicalskillsbyrole-playing aspatientsinsimulatedscenarios.
LearnmoreabouttheNAMPStandardizedPatient Programandsignuphere
■Breaking Through Scarcity, Fear & Patterns to Prosperity
Empowering Your Money Voice for Aligned Success
Facilitator: Janet Kendrick—ProsperousWomanCoach | Speaker | AuthorofHealYour Money, Heal Your Life ■ www.janetkendrick.com | ■ prosperous4women@gmail.com
Overview
An interactive Lunch & Learn for sales and business professionals to identify hidden money fears and energy leaks that limit confidence, communication, and profits. Learn to realign your mindset and energy with purpose, authenticity, and prosperity.
Key Takeaways
Recognize energy leaks that cause stress or burnout.
Discover your Money Personality and strengths. Communicate your value with clarity and confidence.
Shift from fear to empowered, aligned action.
Lunch & Learn (60–75 min) Half-Day Workshop(3 hrs)
Why It Works
Engaging professional development over lunch. Deeperreflection, tools, and group integration.
All sessions include materials and can be tailored to your team’s goals.
This session bridges emotional intelligence, money mindset, and business strategy so your team performs from clarity, confidence, and purpose.
Workshop Options Book Janet for your next team event or Chamber PD session!
Email: prosperous4women@gmail.com | Website: www.janetkendrick.com
Recommendations to strengthen Alberta’s post-secondary system
AnexpertpanelchairedbyDr.JackMintzdelivered11 recommendations to the Minister of Advanced Education, addressing funding frameworks, tuition, student aid, governance, and institutional flexibility. The review aims to ensure Alberta’s post-secondary institutions remain accessible, high-quality, and globally competitive — strengthening the province’s skilledworkforce.
Learnmore
TalentDevelopmentTaskForce
Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit
The Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit (APITC) providesa12%taxcreditoneligibleagri-foodandbioprocessingprojectsof$10millionormore.Thelatest recipient, G.S. Dunn Limited, is investing $30 million to expand its mustard milling facility in Bow Island, supportedbya$3.1millionAPITC.
Learnmore
Alberta’s Investment and Growth Fund
The Investment and Growth Fund provides incentivestoattractmajorprivate-sectorinvestments across Alberta. Budget 2025 allocates $15 million to the Fund, with plans to increase it to $50 million annually — supporting new projects and driving economicgrowth.
Learnmore
Eye on Alberta Business
Catch the replay of Alberta Chambers of Commerce latestEyeonAlbertaBusinesssegmentonRealTalk with Ryan Jespersen, where Jason Leslie, COO, providesinsightson13policyresolutionpassedatthe Canadian Chamber of Commerce AGM, business prioritiesaheadoftheupcomingmunicipalelections, andnation-buildingprojects.
WatchEyeonAlbertaBusiness VoteProsperity:BusinessPriorities
For businesses seeking more insights and tools:
Our Statement on the October 14 Tariffs on Softwood
Lumber and Select Furniture
On October 14, the U.S. administration announced additional 10% tariffs on softwood lumber — a sector already facing tariffs of just over 35% — and 25% tariffs on kitchen cabinets and upholstered furniture.
ReadOurStatement
Immigrant Entrepreneurs: The Path to Unlocking Canada’s Export Potential
Immigrant entrepreneurs are a growing force behind Canada’s next wave of economic growth, with untapped potential to expand trade andstrengthendomesticprosperity.Theseinsightsarerevealedina new report from our Business Data Lab (BDL), titled From Roots to Routes: Immigrant Entrepreneurs and How They Are Shaping Canada’sTradeFuture.
AsCanadamarksSmallBusinessWeek,thisreportshinesaspotlight on the outsized economic contribution of immigrant-owned businesses.
ReadtheFullReport
Bridging Canada’s Growing Skills Gap Should Be an Economic Priority
Canada has a skills gap problem — a big one. There’s a major mismatch between the skills that we need for the economy and the skillsthatarecurrentlyavailableinthelabourmarket.
To function at its peak and provide a better life for all Canadians, our economyneedstofilltensofthousandsofcriticalpositions.
ReadthePolicyMatters
EVEN MORE RESOURCES
Recent enhancements specific for improvements to business
TheCRAhasrecentlyenhancedsomeservicesforbusinesses,includingthefollowingthatarespecifictoMyBusiness Account:
There is now a “View” capability on the address and owner maintenance screens for business owners and their authorizedrepresentatives,allowingthemtoself-serveandreducingtheneedtocalltheCRA.
TheGST/HSTaccesscodeisavailabledirectlytobusinessowners,increasingself-serviceoptionsandreducing callstotheBusinessEnquiriesphoneline.
There is now access to the account overview page for Specialty Business Returns (Other Levies System) on accountsplacedinpendingclosurestatus.
Enhancementstootherservicesforbusinessincludethefollowing:
An enhanced Progress tracker service to allow corporations to track the progress of T2 Voluntary Disclosure returns.
The ability to regain access to their CRA account without the need to call if they have lost access or have been lockedoutbecausetheyforgottheirsign-ininformation.
An enhancement with the Business Number (BN) system to help mitigate suspicious activities and strengthen safeguardsagainstidentitymisuse.
AnenhancementtotheBusinessRegistrationOnline(BRO)applicationtopreventthreatactorsvalidatingSINsfor potentialmisuse.
AnenhancedT2forthirdpartysoftwarewithsecuritymeasuresforfilerstoobtainWebAccessCodesandDigital Access Codes. These include confidential questions that aren’t publicly available, enhanced protection for CorporateInternetFilingpages,andaccountlockoutsafterrepeatedfailedloginattemptstopreventunauthorized accessandbotattacks.
Business Valuation : A guide for entrepreneurs
You are planning to sell your business? To prepare a business for sale, you need to know what your company is worth. This free guide from BDC will help you choose a business valuator, understand the valuation process and manage expectations around value fluctuations.
Download guide
City of Grande Prairie Receives 2025 Minister’s Award
City of Grande Prairie Receives 2025
Minister’s Award for Red Tape Reduction and Service Delivery Enhancement
TheCityofGrandePrairieproudlyacceptedthe2025Minister’s AwardforMunicipalExcellenceattheCityCouncilmeetingheld September8,2025forworkdonetostreamlinethedevelopment permittingprocess.
The City won in the Red Tape Reduction or Service Delivery Enhancement award category for streamlining the permitting process by consolidating three separate applicationsdevelopment permit, building permit, and civil site work - into a single,unifiedapplicationandmovingtoadigitalplatform.
This transformation simplifies the user experience, reduces duplication, and accelerates processing times. By enabling concurrent review of all components, the City has significantly improved efficiency, reduced red tape, and enhanced clarity for applicants - demonstrating a strong commitment to innovation andresponsiveservicedelivery.
ReadFullArticle
Unofficial 2025 Municipal Election results for Mayor
TheCityofGrandePrairiehasreleasedthe unofficialresultsofthe2025Municipal Electionfollowingthecloseofpollsandthe countingofallballotsfromvotingstations acrossthecity.
InaccordancewiththeLocalAuthorities ElectionAct,resultsareconsideredunofficial untilthefourthdayfollowingtheelectionto allowforballotreviewsandvalidationofall votingstationreturns.
JackieClaytonhasbeenre-electedtoserve asMayoroftheCityofGrandePrairie.
Grande Prairie, Alberta
