NOVEMBER 20 - 22
GALLERY
NATIONALVOICES,LOCALIMPACT:REPRESENTING GRANDEPRAIRIEATTHE2025CANADIANCHAMBERAGM
The 2025 Canadian Chamber of Commerce AGM & Convention brought together thought leaders, changemakers and chamber members from across Canada for two days of insights, collaboration and celebration—exploring how chambers can shape the future of business and society.
The Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce was represented by our Chair of the Board of Directors, Jon Anderson, Chair Elect Lori Pollock, and CEO Wendy Thomas.
One of the highlights of the event which was held October 8-9 in Mississauga, Ontario was the Policy Resolution Debates. Chambers from across the country submit policies for consideration by their peers. This year, 46 policies were passed including the following sponsored by our Chamber:
StrengtheningCanada'sRegulatoryFrameworkforEconomicCompetitivenessandResourceDevelopment
- World demand for Canada’s natural resources is rising and will continue to rise in the coming years. However, the federal government’s cap on emissions and imbalanced carbon levy on large emitters are not globally competitive and are preventing our producers from seizing the opportunity, and the Impact Assessment Act (2019) is stifling the progress of important projects. To maximize the opportunity for Canada’s economic growth, these regulations need to be revisited.
HarnessingRetailDebttoAccelerateCanadianInfrastructureDevelopment
- Canada faces persistent delays and political challenges in developing large-scale infrastructure projects — particularly pipelines, power transmission, and clean energy — despite significant need and public interest. To foster public support and unlock capital, the federal government should enable and incentivize the use of retail debt instruments, allowing Canadians to directly invest in, and benefit from, the infrastructure projects shaping the nation's future.
From keynote speeches to lively panels, engaging policy debates, and awards ceremonies recognizing the impact of Chamber members' work on their communities, this was an event to remember. The conference closed out with a party marking the Canadian Chamber's100th anniversary of leadership, impact and advocacy for Canadian business.
NORTHERN ALBERTA MLAS CRITICIZE 'UNACCEPTABLE' PROPOSED ELECTORAL BOUNDARY REDRAW
NorthernAlbertaMLAsareraisingconcernsaboutanewinterimreportbytheAlbertaElectoralBoundaries Commissionthatproposesthesevenelectoraldivisionsintheregionbeconsolidatedintosix.
TheinterimElectoralBoundariesCommissionreportpublishedinOctoberrecommendstheLesserSlaveLake ridingbereplacedbyMackenzie,astheridingsinthenorthhave“eitherlostpopulationorgrownataratethatisless thantheprovinceasawhole.”
Thecommissionsaiditissympathetictothechallengesofrepresentingthenorth,butcontinuestoconsiderthe populationvariancestheretobethehighestintheprovince.Itconcludedanelectoraldivisionneededtoberemoved fromtheregion.
ButMLAsinthenorthernpartoftheprovincearecritiquingthereport,sayingitdoesn’teffectivelydealwiththe uniquechallengestheregionfaces.
TheIndependentMLAforLesserSlaveLakeScottSinclaircalledtheproposedchangean“attackondemocracy,” andworrieditwillweakenthevoiceofnorthernAlberta.
Sinclairsaidhiscurrentridingis70,000kilometresinarea,abouttwicethesizeoftheNetherlands,andtheproposed successorisdoublethatsize.
Whilepopulationlossisaconcern,Sinclairsaysthesizeofridingsalsoneedstobeconsidered. ThenineotherMLAsnorthofEdmontonalsopostedanopenletteronsocialmediadecryingtheproposedchange, callingtheeliminationofanorthernriding"unacceptable."
TheletterincludessignaturesfromMLAforGrandePrairie-WapitiRonWiebe,GrandePrairie’sNolanDyck,Peace River'sDanWilliams,CentralPeace-Notley'sToddLoewen,Athabasca-Barrhead-Westlock'sGlenVanDijken, Bonnyville-Cold-Lake-St.Paul'sScottCyr,FortMcMurray-LacLaBiche'sBrianJean,FortMcMurray-WoodBuffalo's TanyYao,andWestYellowhead’sMartinLong.
Theletteralsosuggeststhat,inordertokeepwithpopulationrequirementsfortheriding,thattheLesserSlaveLake ridinggrowtowardthesouthandthatmostofthecurrentelectoralboundariesshouldstaythesame
All10representativesareurgingthecommissiontoincorporatetheirfeedbackintheseconddraftofthereport.
Accordingtothereport,therecommendationsaresubjecttofurtherdeliberationbasedonpublicconsultation.
ALBERTA PERSPECTIVES SURVEY
Municipal Red Tape and Business Supports
September 2025
Methodology
Utilizing the Alberta Perspectives platform, the ACC sent an invitation with a link to the online survey to all member chambers across the province. Chambers then sent this invitation to their members. Other sources were also used to survey businesses, including non-chamber members. A total of 488 participants completed the survey through this approach. This large number of responses allows the ACC to speak with authority about members’ views, strengthening advocacy on behalf of Alberta’s business community. Those businesses responding to the survey self-identify as either a business, a not-for-profit organization or a public sector organization. Surveying was undertaken between August 27th and September 12th, 2025.
Highlighted Observations from Alberta Perspectives
Support from Elected Officials
Elected officials reaching out has rebounded slightly from 2024, although still low, but those reporting the contact was beneficial is well up over 2023. Although well below 2019 –2022 levels but with only one-in-five employers saying they have been contacted. It is still more likely that businesses reach out to elected officials, although the difference is narrowing.
20% Increase in reported contact that was beneficial
with Municipal Officials
62%
of businesses says their municipality does not consult well with businesses in their community saying ‘not at all
33%
report being affected by some type of crime in the past 12 months. had to invest money to protect their business from crime
68% 52% 13%
61% Of reported crimes are related to Cyber Crime & theft
businesses are a ‘Promoter’ of the municipality where their business operates
61% While are a ‘Detractor’
50% of businesses continue to say they are not satisfied with the business supports and services offered by their municipality
UPCOMING RIBBON CUTTING
MON, NOV 19 | 4:30PM
FLEX PHYSIO & WELLNESS
Ribbon Cutting - Flex Physio & Wellness
TheGrandePrairie&DistrictChamberof Commerceisexcitedtocelebratethe grandopeningofFlexPhysio&Wellness withaRibbonCuttingCeremony.Joinus totourthemodernclinic,meettheteam, andconnectwithlocalbusinessand communityleaders.
Local Artists. Big Exposure.
Did You KNOW?
Most small businesses spend over 10 hours a week managing finances - time that could be spent growing, creating and serving clients.
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!
Budget consultations begin today
Startingtoday,Albertanscansharetheirthoughtson budgetprioritiesaspartoftheprovince’s consultationsonBudget2026.
Animportantpartoftheannualbudgetprocessisconsulting withAlbertansonwhattheythinkAlberta’sfiscalpriorities shouldbe.The2026budgetsurveyisavailableonlineand willbeopenuntilThursday,Jan.15. Albertanscanalsoparticipateinatelephonetownhall hostedbyPresidentofTreasuryBoardandMinisterof FinanceNateHorneronTuesday,Dec.9at6:30p.m.Those wantingtojointhetownhallcanvisit alberta.ca/budgetconsultationatthestartoftheeventand clickontheeventlinktolistenandparticipateonline.
ReadFullAnnouncement
Alberta’s Smith Supportive of New Major Projects, Says Pipeline Negotiation Ongoing
AlbertaPremierDanielleSmithsaysshe’s onboardwithPrimeMinisterMark Carney’ssecondbatchofkeymajor projectspickedoutforpotentialfast-track approval.
CarneyannouncedThursdaythatseven additionalmajorenergyandinfrastructure projectswerebeingreferredtohis government’smajorprojectsoffice,after announcinganinitiallistoffivebackin September.
Thesecondlistincludesanickelminein northernOntario,ahydroelectricprojectin Iqaluit,andatransmissionlineandanLNG projectthatarebothinnorthwestBritish Columbia.Twoothermineralmines, locatedinQuebecandNewBrunswick, werealsochosen.
Notonthelistwasabitumenpipelinethat Smithandhergovernmenthavebeen advocatingfor,butshesaidThursdaythat negotiationswithOttawaonthesubject areongoing.
Is your business ready for the next wildfire or natural disaster?
Share your perspective in this quick 3-min survey to help us understand how your business was impacted by wildfires previously, and how we can best support you in future disasters.
Your feedback will help us create practical resources to supportlocalbusinesseslikeyourstobouncebackfasterfrom futurenaturaldisasters.
TakeSurvey
Want to Win More Contracts?
Learnhowtowriteastrong,professionalproposalthathelpsyour businessstandoutincompetitiveRFPs.Ourlatestblogbreaks downeverythingyouneedtoknowtosubmitwithconfidence.
ReadToday
Paid Advertising 101: Get More Bang for Your Buck
Want to make your marketing dollars work smarter, not harder? This session breaks down the essentials of paid advertisingforsmallbusinessownerswhowantrealresults —withouttheoverwhelm.You’lllearnhowtounderstandad terminology,choosetherightplatformsforyourgoals,and plancampaignsthatactuallyconvert.
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
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
Your AI journey: from strategy to execution
Identify opportunities for improvement related to AI and plan their implementation in your business with this free 60-minute online course offered by BDC. Take the course
Please consider supporting our group by using FundScrip, a fundraising program that helps us raise money simply by purchasing gift cards for everyday shopping (i.e. groceries, gas, gifts and household items). For instance, when you purchase a $100 grocery gift card, you receive the $100 card, but in addition, a percentage is donated to our Special Olympics Grande Prairie fundraising campaign.
Chamber Member Shout-out
OvintivCanadaULC
NativeWomen’sAssociationof Canada
TwistersPizza
ParalleleAlberta
2197926AlbertaLtd.
VitaDripMobileIVTherapyInc.
StreamlineIntegrityInc
KnemcoManufacturing
TurkeyHillSugarbushLtd
TrueNorthHomes&ConstructionLtd.
PrecisionKitchen&CabinetsLtd.
IKNTruckingLtd.
HillStarIntegratedHealth
AlphaTrainingSolutions
Printing
TheBedShoppe
EmcoCorporation
EternityFineJewellery
SeanSargentToyota
StandardAutoGlass
FittingOilfieldServicesLtd GapsinthePeace
“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.
Rite-Way Fencing
Joined:October06,2025
We’reexcitedtowelcomeSean SkidmoreandRite-WayFencingtoour Chambernetwork!Welookforwardto seeingthistrustedindustryleader continuetostrengthenconnectionsand contributetoourregionalbusiness community.
We understand that many women may feel unsure about how to start their educational journey or whether higher education is even a possibility for them. This is why the Empowering Women; Transforming Futures Bursary Program exists.
Funded by the generosity of the Backman Family Fund, and in collaboration with Northwestern Polytechnic (NWP), the City of Grande Prairie, and Centerpoint Facilitation Inc., we are proud to offer women in Grande Prairie an opportunity to transform their futures. This bursary program is designed to provide both a personalized education plan and financial support to help women overcome barriers and take the next step in their educational journey at Northwestern Polytechnic.
How It Works
Women who wish to apply can submit their application to the Empowering Women, Transforming Futures Committee. The committee reviews applications monthly, considering each applicant’s background, goals, and financial needs.
The committee will recommend successful applicants to receive a Person-Centered Educational Plan. This customized plan uses a collaborative approach to guide applicants through the process of determining their educational and career goals, while also helping to identify the supports needed for academic success. This process will also help to assess if the applicant is eligible for funding. If an applicant is eligible for funding, bursary funds are paid directly to Northwestern Polytechnic, ensuring that tuition and educational expenses are covered efficiently and securely. Please note that once the bursary has been awarded, the committee does not offer follow-up support. It is the recipient's responsibility to manage and make the most of the resources provided. Community-based organizations and other partnering agencies can refer women who they believe would benefit from the bursary and educational support.
Application Process
Submit Your Application: Download and complete the application form with your educational background, goals, challenges, and reasons for seeking the bursary. Email your completed application to dwright@cityofgp.com
Committee Review: Applications are reviewed monthly, and evaluated on merit, financial need, and alignment with the program’s vision.
Recommendation & Notification: Applicants will be chosen and notified via email and phone within 2 weeks of the monthly review.
Eligibility Criteria
Identify as a woman seeking to further your education at Northwestern Polytechnic. 18 years of age or older.
Have a clear educational goal aligned with the Empowering Women, Transforming Futures vision. Demonstrate financial need or barriers to accessing education.
TheJobBoard
Lookingforatrustedlocalbusinesstogetajobdone?Whetheryouneedprofessionalservices,skilledtrades, marketinghelp,orbusinesssupport,ourChamberMemberClassifiedshelpconnectyouwiththerightproviders fromournetwork!
EmployerLiaison(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
Buy Canadian policy launches
The federal government has announced a new Buy CanadianPolicy,prioritizingCanadian-madeproductsand services in public procurement. Through Budget 2025, nearly $186 million will be invested to streamline procurement, help SMEs access federal contracts, and directupto$70billioninpublicspendingtowardCanadian goodsandservices.
The policy aims to strengthen domestic supply chains, createlocaljobs,andhelpbusinessescompeteinstrategic sectors.Fullimplementationisexpectedbyspring2026.
Learnmore
Advancing methane reduction technologies
Alberta’s government is investing $29 million to help energy companies reduce methane emissions and advance clean technologies. Funded through the Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) system
Learnmore
Have your say on
highway speed limits
Alberta’sgovernmentisengagingwithAlbertans onincreasingspeedlimitsonruralhighways.
Starting Nov. 7, Albertans can share their views on modernizing speed limits on divided highways through an online survey running until Dec. 12. The surveywillaskhowAlbertansviewraisingthespeed limitby10km/honvarioushighwaysfrom110km/hto 120km/h.
“Alberta’s government is investigating how to safely increase speed limits on divided highways, and if Albertans support increasing speed limits. We are investing more than $1.5 billion this year alone to improve highway safety and upgrade infrastructure acrosstheprovince.WewantAlbertanstobeableto drive the speed limit that the highways are designed for.Modernvehiclescombinedwithpublicawareness meanwecanexplorehigherspeedlimits.”
Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and EconomicCorridors
LearnMore
Our Response to the Government’s Latest List of Major Projects
Every project, large or small, needs a consistent and dependablesystemandthenaresilientbusinessenvironment inwhichtooperate.
The Major Projects Office list has, for better or worse, become a barometer for success in our ability to build big projects and get Canada’s economy going. The true barometer will be when we no longer need a Major Projects Office to shepherd nation-building projectsthroughthemazeofgovernmentregulationsandredtape
ReadFullStatement.
CUSMA Review: Our Submits Recommendations to All Three Governments
We have submitted our recommendations to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative as part of the consultation on the upcoming CUSMA review. A version of this submission has already been providedtotheGovernmentofCanada,withanothertofollowshortly totheGovernmentofMexico.
Thank you to all members and partners who contributed feedback overthepastseveralmonths.Yourinputwasinvaluableinensuring our submission reflects the priorities of diverse sectors and industries.
ReviewOurUSTRSubmissionHere
EVEN MORE RESOURCES
Alberta Youth Employment Incentive Wage Subsidy Program
You are invited to join the Workforce Consultant Team with the Government of Alberta as we host a free 1.5-hour webinar from CAREERS. Expert speakers will guide you through various CAREERS initiatives, including the new AlbertaYouthEmploymentIncentiveprogram,applicationprocessandwhoiseligible,aswellasanswerquestions.
Discover how your business can connect with emerging talent, build meaningful career pathways, and access up to $7,500infundingthroughtheAlbertaYouthEmploymentIncentive.
WhyAttend?
HireYoungTalent:Learnhowtoengagemotivatedyouthaged15–24.
GetFinancialSupport:Eligibleemployerscanreceiveupto$7,500tooffsethiringcosts.
AccessPracticalTools:Getresourcesforstudentplacements,mentorships,andmore.
Whetheryou'reasmallbusinessoralargeemployer,thiswebinaroffersvaluableinsightsandfundingopportunitiesto helpyougrowyourteamandsupportAlberta’sfutureworkforce.
Date:November26,2025
Time:1:30-3:00pm Register:HERE.
Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) (Government of Canada)
SWPPbringstogetheremployers,students,andpost-secondaryinstitutionstocreatequalitywork-integratedlearning opportunities. The program provides employers with wage subsidies to hire post-secondary students for paid work experiences. Students benefit with quality work experience so they can secure employment in their chosen fields of study.
Eligibleemployerscanreceive:
50%ofthewages(toamaximumof$5,000)foreachnetnewplacement.
· 70% of the wages (to a maximum of $7,000) for each net new placement for under-represented groups, including women in STEM, Indigenous students, newcomers, and persons with disabilities, visible minority as well as first-year students.
APPLYNOWforfundingforstudentsduringWinter2026(January1toMarch31,2026)
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
City invites proposals for concession and catering services at Design Works Centre
TheCityofGrandePrairieisinvitingqualified andexperiencedvendorstosubmitdetailed proposalsfortheleaseandoperationofa commercialconcessionspace,aswellas eventcateringservices,attheDesignWorks Centre.
ThesubmissiondeadlineisNovember13, 2025at2p.m.Forfulldetailsandsubmission requirements, registeratcityofgp.bidsandtenders.ca.
Grande Prairie, Alberta
