Chamber CONNECTION
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FEATURED PHOTO: SEXSMITH -DOUG HARE
JUNE 2026 ISSUE NO.55 GRANDEPRAIRIECHAMBER.COM
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Contact max@gpchamber.com for more information
Upcoming Events!
Upcoming Events! 06.23
Ribbon Cutting: Mazda of Grande Prairie
Ribbon Cutting: Swan City 06.23 Roadhouse
06.24
Ribbon Cutting: Global Cellulose Fibers GP
06.25
Business After 5 Mixer : Woodland Home Hardware
business.grandeprairiechamber.com/event-calendar
UPCOMING RIBBON CUTTING TUE, JUN 23 | 12:30PM
MAZDA OF GRANDE PRAIRIE 12709 - 100 Street Grande Prairie, AB T8V 4H2 GRANDEPRAIRIECHAMBER.COM
Ribbon Cutting - Mazda of Grande Prairie Join us as Mazda of Grande Prairie celebrates a Ribbon Cutting to mark new ownership and an exciting new direction for the dealership. With a renewed vision and continued commitment to customer experience, the team is ready to take things to the next level. Guests are invited to enjoy a community barbecue celebration while exploring the showroom, meeting the team behind the change, and experience the excitement surrounding this new chapter.
GROW YOUR BUSINESS
LEARN MORE
RECLAIM YOUR TIME AND KNOW YOUR NUMBERS! www.bigbizgrowth.com
780-538-4699
Chamber Connection
G A L L E R Y
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CHAMBER CONNECTION NEWSLETTER
88TH ALBERTA CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND POLICY PLENARY SESSION IN WHITECOURT Last week, the Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce attended the 88th Alberta Chambers of Commerce Annual General Meeting and Policy Plenary Session in Whitecourt, alongside representatives from 32 Chambers across the province. Our team was proud to take part in a strong few days of professional development, policy discussion, and collaboration with Chamber leaders from across Alberta. Sessions explored topics including economic leadership, trade and growth, lessons from past downturns, AI and automation in business, and building a workforce ready for the future. The Policy Plenary Session saw all 28 resolutions adopted, including a policy co-sponsored by our Chamber and the Fort McMurray Chamber: Implementing an Emergency Economic Recovery Program for Natural Disasters and Evacuations. This policy recommends the development of a standardized, rapid-response recovery mechanism to support small and medium-sized businesses impacted by disasters and evacuations. We are also excited to share that Grande Prairie’s Cindy Park of Northwestern Polytechnic was announced as Chair Elect for the Alberta Chambers of Commerce for the 2026–27 term. And more exciting news — the 89th ACC AGM and Policy Plenary Session will be hosted in Grande Prairie next May. We are looking forward to welcoming Chamber leaders from across Alberta to our region and sharing more opportunities for our members to get involved in the months ahead.
Chamber Connection
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Got an Interesting Photo? Get Featured! Submit your best shot to max@gpchamber.com for a chance to be featured on the cover!
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CHAMBER CONNECTION NEWSLETTER
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, request a free quote today and let us show you how we can customize a plan for you. 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 company will never be singled out for a rate increase, 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, change or update, or simply ask a question, your advisor is there for you. 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 members have access to my-benefits® an online management tool. This tool allows you to administer your plan anywhere, anytime.
Local Agent - Cam Neil Neil & Associates 10715-102 Street Grande Prairie Website: https://neilandassociates. ca
At Neil & Associates, we believe 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 here in your community. As your local provider of the Chamber Plan,
we
offer
affordable,
flexible, and stable benefits designed specifically for small and medium-sized businesses. 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 peace of mind for your business —contact Neil & Associates today!
Chamber Connection
Canada-Alberta Workforce Resilience Initiative
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New cabinet members focused on what matters Premier Danielle Smith has made changes to cabinet to continue delivering on the priorities that matter most to Albertans. . The updated cabinet includes both experienced and newly appointed ministers who will continue delivering on the priorities that matter most to Albertans, including growing the economy, strengthening front-line services, keeping communities safe and supporting Alberta families.
Shifting global trade environments are creating uncertainty and higher costs for Alberta businesses, making it harder for them to plan, invest, and keep their workforce stable during unpredictable conditions. The Government of Alberta, in partnership with the Government of Canada, is launching initiatives across multiple ministries as a response to trade and tariff impacts. Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration (JETI) is pleased to announce the Canada-Alberta Workforce Resilience Initiative. This initiative provides financial support to eligible organizations for building a resilient workforce through the following two streams: 1.Workforce Planning - supports sectors and communities to develop strategies for workforce transitions and transformations. 2.Employer-led Training – supports employers and industry associations operating in shifting global trade environments to train impacted employees. Visit alberta.ca/WorkforceResilience to learn more about the Canada-Alberta Workforce Resilience Initiative and register for an online information session on May 28, 2026.
Learn More
Investing in a resilient workforce The governments of Alberta and Canada are investing $68.5 million over three years to strengthen the workforce and connect at least 7,800 workers to in-demand jobs. In partnership with the Government of Canada, Alberta’s government is expanding skills training and employment supports to help workers amid global market shifts. Learn More
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CHAMBER CONNECTION NEWSLETTER
Small Business Loans: What to Know Before Applying Getting a business loan can feel overwhelming, but the right preparation can make the process easier. Learn about common financing options in Alberta, what lenders typically look for, and how to organize your numbers, documents, and funding requests before applying. Read more and connect with our team for free one-on-one support today. Continue Reading
Get Free Support to Strengthen Your Online Presence Our Digital Marketing Program offers one-on-one support to help Alberta small businesses improve how they show up online. Work with a strategist to strengthen your Google Business Profile, website, and social media strategy. Through four free 45-minute virtual sessions, you’ll leave with practical recommendations and a clear plan to help your business reach more customers. Learn how personalized digital marketing support can help your business grow. Book a Meeting
Building a More Inclusive Business Community in Alberta Pride Month is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs, creators, and business owners while recognizing the barriers many still face when starting and growing a business. This blog highlights resources, funding opportunities, mentorship programs, and community connections designed to support 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs across Canada. Explore ways to learn, show support, and build more inclusive spaces. Read More
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CHAMBER CONNECTION NEWSLETTER
Member Exclusive Deals Service Plus Grande Prairie Both hotels are conveniently located off the Highway 43 Bypass on the Alaska Highway. Great location for shopping, dining and entertainment. For business or pleasure, we are the place to stay. Use code: GPChamber24 for a discounted rate when booking Book today 1.888.875.4667
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 travellers alike. Use code: CHAMBER for 15% off all Grande Prairie Chamber Members
Kit Office Plus 10% off office furniture assembled or unassembled in our Grande Prairie Showroom or Peace River Store 10% off unassembled furniture off our website, delivered to our Showroom in GP 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 schools as well. Please email gpsales@kitofficeplus.com or use in store/showroom custom plan must be an email to oksanam@kitofficeplus.com
Have a deal to share? Email max@gpchamber.com to get your exclusive offer featured!
Chamber Connection
CHAMBER MEMBER SHOUTOUT
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Also found on Page 04
Please Welcome Our New Chamber Members Month : June
Bahubali Indian Cuisine COI Milestone Marketing CupboardsEXpress Onyx Enviromental Services Grande Prairie Wheaton Chevrolet Cadillac Bear Creek Counselling & Psychology HeARTh Social Profit Company Incorporated MyHSETeam TDT Ltd (Training and Development Out of Trama)
Check out our new Chamber Milestone Magazine for an in-depth look at the months milestone members and their stories!
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CHAMBER CONNECTION NEWSLETTER
“Behind every strong community is a network of resilient, passionate local businesses..” Change Ave Joined: April 29, 2026 We’re pleased to welcome Natalia and Change Ave to our Chamber network! We look forward to seeing this business continue to grow and serve our community..
Grande Prairie Photography Club Joined: April 20, 2026 We’re excited to welcome Angie Patterson and the Grande Prairie Photography Club to our Chamber network! We look forward to seeing this organization continue to grow and contribute to our regional business community.
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CHAMBER CONNECTION NEWSLETTER
The Job Board Looking for a trusted local business to get a job done? Whether you need professional services, skilled trades, marketing help, or business support, our Chamber Member Classifieds help connect you with the right providers from our network!
Chamber Connection
Investing in methane reduction technologies Alberta is investing more than $8 million through the TIER program to support 16 methane-reduction projects, with additional federal funding bringing total support to over $27 million. The initiative aims to accelerate the development and deployment of new technologies across the energy sector. Learn more
Engagement extended on regulatory reform for major projects The federal government has extended the engagement period to July 22, 2026, on proposed reforms to streamline regulatory processes and accelerate approvals for major projects. The proposed changes aim to reduce federal review timelines, improve coordination across departments, and reduce duplication in project assessments.
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Workforce training and employment supports Alberta and Canada are investing $68.5 million through the Canada–Alberta Workforce Tariff Response to support workers and employers impacted by global trade shifts. The initiative will support more than 7,800 workers by providing access to skills training and employment services. Learn more The Workforce Tariff Response
New market access opens for Canadian seafood exports Canada has secured new and expanded market access for fish and seafood products in Vietnam, Oman, Brazil, Armenia and Costa Rica, creating additional export opportunities for producers and processors. Learn more
Learn more
For businesses seeking more insights and tools: EMC workforce programs for manufacturers: EMC’s Learning Centre offers fully funded or subsidized upskilling and hiring supports. Buy Local Alberta Toolkit - download the free made-in Alberta toolkit Canada-U.S. Trade Tracker – Track trade trends and disruptions. EMC Trade Relations Tracker – Collaborate on trade solutions for manufacturers. Understanding CUSMA compliance - New resources from Trade Commissioner Service (TCS)
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CHAMBER CONNECTION NEWSLETTER
Our Reaction to Canada’s New National AI Strategy Last week, the Government of Canada released its new national AI strategy, AI for All. The strategy will introduce new legislation, investments and programs over the next five years. “Overall, the document appears to be an ambitious guiding strategy that now needs an execution plan and specific programs,” said Catherine Fortin LeFaivre, Senior Vice President, International Policy and Global Partnerships, Canadian Chamber of Commerce, and Policy Lead for the Future of AI Council. Read Our Statement
Canada–U.S. Trade Talks Enter New Phase Ahead of CUSMA Review Canada–U.S. trade discussions intensified over the past two weeks as the July 1 CUSMA review milestone approaches. Canada formally notified the United States and Mexico that it supports renewing the agreement for another 16 years, while Canada–U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Chief Negotiator Janice Charette met with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Washington to advance discussions. Following those talks, both government and industry representatives signalled cautious optimism that negotiations are moving forward, with ongoing discussions focused on longstanding trade irritants and sectorspecific concerns, including tariffs on steel, aluminum, automobiles and forestry products. The period also saw the United States propose new Section 301 tariffs tied to forced labour enforcement, prompting Canada to introduce legislation aimed at strengthening its enforcement regime and addressing supply chain risks. At the same time, uncertainty remains a defining feature of the trade relationship. The U.S. administration has continued to maintain that tariffs will remain part of its trade strategy, while President Trump recently stated he is “not looking to renew” CUSMA, despite acknowledging the Agreement’s importance. Canadian officials have downplayed the significance of the July 1 review date, emphasizing that the Agreement remains in force regardless of the outcome and that discussions are expected to continue beyond this summer. For businesses, the key takeaway is that negotiations appear to be progressing, but the path toward greater certainty on tariffs and the future of North American trade remains gradual and highly fluid.
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CHAMBER CONNECTION NEWSLETTER
EVEN MORE RESOURCES Have your say on Occupational Health and Safety Code changes Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration is consulting on proposed changes to the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Code. An updated and easy-to-understand OHS Code helps employers keep workers healthy and safe and build workplaces that support jobs, attract investment and grow Alberta’s economy. Engagement includes surveys on proposed changes to the following areas: Part 36 – Mining; Part 40 – Utility Workers – Electrical; Occupational Exposure Limits; and Miscellaneous changes to correct errors and update standards, as well as the OHS Code’s approach to referencing technical standards. In addition, engagement includes questions on barriers to labour mobility across jurisdictions and an opportunity to provide input on harmonization initiatives for training requirements related to construction. The surveys can be accessed at alberta.ca/ohs-code-review. We encourage all Albertans to provide input on proposed changes by completing online surveys on the topics that matter to you. The surveys will close on July 8, 2026.
EmpowRise Entrepreneur Training Program Registration open June 15 to September 15, 2026 | 100% virtual | Fully funded EmpowRise is a fully funded, virtual entrepreneur training program built for Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) founders across Alberta. No existing business is required to apply, just a business idea and the drive to develop it. Participants move through a launch weekend, three intensive bootcamps covering business fundamentals, branding, marketing, financing, and pitch skills, and small-group mentorship throughout. The program wraps with a pitch competition on December 5 with cash prizes, professional service vouchers, and networking opportunities on the line. Delivered by Community Futures Grande Prairie & Region in collaboration with the Alberta Regional Innovation Network and The BIPOC Foundation. Registration opens June 15. Register Here
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Celebrating a Business Milestone? YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS DESERVE THE SPOTLIGHT, AND WE'RE HERE TO HELP YOU CELEBRATE! SEND YOUR UPDATES TO MAX@GPCHAMBER.COM AND GET FEATURED IN AN UPCOMING EDITION OF THE CHAMBER CONNECTION!
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CHAMBER CONNECTION NEWSLETTER
Where you live shouldn’t determine your power bill A growing coalition of residents, businesses, organizations, and municipalities across Alberta, the Fair Electricity Distribution Alliance (FEDA), is raising awareness about the unfair electricity distribution rates experienced by many Albertans. Right now, residents, businesses, and municipalities in northern, east-central and southern Alberta pay significantly higher electricity distribution costs than the rest of the province. Households pay an average of $118 a month, compared to about $34 in non-impacted service areas. For many businesses, distribution fees can be nearly three times as high as in other service areas. Where you live shouldn’t determine your power bill. This is an issue of fairness; the disparity in electricity costs is putting impacted communities at a disadvantage. Read Full Article
Business Support Opportunity — Vandalism Recovery & Prevention Grant The City of Grande Prairie has approved a Vandalism Recovery and Prevention Grant Pilot Program for 2026 to help local businesses recover from vandalism and invest in preventative measures that reduce repeat incidents. The program provides up to 50% reimbursement of eligible costs (to a maximum of $5,000 per business per year) for expenses such as window repairs, security cameras, lighting, anti-graffiti coatings and other prevention measures. Applications are now open. Full details, eligibility information and the application form are available at: cityofgp.com/vandalismrecovery.
May Economic Development Newsletter
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Brenden Bozlovitch MSW, RSW Owner/Mental Health Therapist
Choosing a successor: Why making the right choice matters more than fairness
Succession planning is a crucial step in your business succession process. It is important to make an informed decision by prioritizing what's best for the future of the company rather than focusing on fairness. Find out how in our article.
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JUNE 2026 ISSUE NO.55