Chamber CONNECTION
Your Weekly Connection to The Chamber GET YOUR PHOTO FEATURED - PAGE 20
FEATURED PHOTO: HARVEST SEASON - ANGIE PATTERSON
OCTOBER 2026 ISSUE NO.64 GRANDEPRAIRIECHAMBER.COM
Upcoming Events!
Upcoming Events! 10.14
Ribbon Cutting - Two Twelve Consulting / The Agency
10.20
SBW Women in Business Luncheon & Awards
10.21
SBW Lunch with Rotary & Awards
10.22
Taste of the Arts Celebration & Awards
10.26
Ribbon Cutting - Grande Prairie Alano Club
business.grandeprairiechamber.com/event-calendar
UPCOMING RIBBON CUTTING WED, OCT 14 | 1:30PM
TWO TWELVE CONSULTING AND THE AGENCY 10055 - 120 Ave #103A Grande Prairie, AB T8V 8H8 GRANDEPRAIRIECHAMBER.COM
Ribbon Cutting - Two Twelve Consulting and The Agency Join the Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce as we celebrate the grand opening of the new office space for Two Twelve Consulting and The Agency! Locally owned and operated, Two Twelve Consulting provides people-focused HR consulting and solutions for businesses, while The Agency connects employers with qualified talent through personalized recruitment and staffing services. Together, the two businesses help organizations navigate the people side of business, from HR strategy and workplace support to finding the right talent.
2026 ALBERTA REFERENDUM
YOUR VOICE. YOUR VOTE.
YOUR VOTE.
ADVANCE VOTING DATES October 13 - 17, 2026
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 comprehensive coverage
for 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!
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Chamber Connection
Pacific Link Named a Project of National Interest
Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced that the proposed West Coast Oil
Build your future. Right here. Northwestern Polytechnic's new Skilled Trades Training Centre is expanding apprenticeship training and building northern Alberta's workforce. . The opening of Northwestern Polytechnic’s Skilled Trades Training Centre in Grande Prairie marks an important milestone for the region, creating more opportunities for students, strengthening the local workforce, and supporting northern Alberta’s growing economy. Read More
Pipeline, now known as Pacific Link, has been listed as a project of national interest under the Building Canada Act. Canada and Alberta are expected to share equal ownership, while Indigenous communities will be offered a minimum 10% ownership interest supported through federal and provincial Indigenous loan guarantee programs. Pembina Pipeline Corporation is participating as a private-sector investor, with project development led by Trans Mountain Corporation. Canada PM Over the next year, the Major Projects Office, supported by the Canada Energy Regulator, will lead the federal review and consultation process. Work will include Indigenous and stakeholder engagement, route development, environmental studies, cost estimates, procurement and workforce planning, with project conditions targeted for completion by September 1, 2027. Canada PM The federal government says Pacific Link could provide capacity to export an additional one million barrels of oil per day to Asian markets, while creating an estimated 140,000 jobs, generating more than $20 billion in annual GDP, and over $100 billion in government revenue by 2060. The project is also being advanced alongside the proposed expansion of Roberts Bank export infrastructure and the Pathways carbon capture project.
Funding advances primary care innovation Alberta is investing $10 million through the Primary Care Innovation Fund to support projects that improve health care and deliver better outcomes for Albertans. The Primary Care Innovation Fund will help turn promising ideas into practical solutions that can improve how Albertans experience primary care. Projects will focus on making care easier to access, connecting patients with supports earlier, and finding better ways to meet the needs of communities across the province.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith issued this statement: https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=97864AD4E0B89-B2B6-B1E8F04EF714969671A0
Learn more
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CHAMBER CONNECTION NEWSLETTER
How to Start Your Business Without Overthinking It Starting a business can feel overwhelming, especially when you think you need a long business plan before taking your first step. In this practical webinar, Matt Hill will walk participants through how to move from idea to action with a simple, realistic approach to starting a business. You’ll learn how to identify the problem your business solves, shape a clear value proposition, and test your idea through practical market research. . Secure your Spot
Get Your First Customers Finding your first customers can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. In this practical webinar, Matt Hill will share simple, effective ways to identify potential customers, start meaningful conversations, and build early interest in your business. Participants will learn how to define their ideal first customer, where to find them, and how to test business ideas using lowrisk approaches such as pilots, pre-sales, and direct outreach. Secure your Spot
Set Up Your Business in Alberta Starting a business involves more than just an idea, it also means understanding the legal and operational steps required to get set up properly. In this practical webinar, Matt Hill will guide participants through the fundamentals of starting a business in Alberta and help simplify the setup process. Participants will learn how to choose the right business structure based on their goals, understand registration and permit requirements, and set up key operational basics such as business numbers, taxes, and essential administrative processes. Register Now
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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!
For more information, visit Employabilities.ab.ca/grandeprairie
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Chamber Connection
CHAMBER MEMBER SHOUTOUT
Also found on Page 29
Please Welcome Our New Chamber Members Month : October
Raptor Mountain Roofing Grande Prairie Alano Club City Centre Automotive Social Culture MWG Solutions Group
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..” Raptor Mountain Roofing Joined: Sept 29, 2026 We’re pleased to welcome Sheldon McNulty and Raptor Mountain Roofing to our Chamber network! We look forward to seeing this organization continue to grow and serve our community.
Social Culture Joined: Oct 01, 2026 We’re excited to welcome Gabriela Cervantes and Social Culture to our Chamber network! We look forward to seeing this business continue to grow and contribute to our regional community.
Small Business Week 2026
It’s a two-speed world now—fast or finished Join BDC to learn how to keep pace so you can keep up with the new speed of business. From raising the bar with AI, to scaling through acquisition to taking advantage of the major projects boom, this year is all about helping your business get to Fast. Faster.
Learn more
Member JOB BOARD Keep it maximum 200 charcters Provide email or resume submission link Provide end date for job posting
CONTACT US max@gpchamber.com
Email us with any questions
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CHAMBER CONNECTION NEWSLETTER
MEMBER CAREERS FIND YOUR NEXT JOB | UPDATED OCTOBER 2026
FEATURED EMPLOYERS
📌
Account Services Manager Aquatera is recruiting a Account Services Manager responsible for managing Customer Service, Billing, Collections, Bulk Water and General Accounts Receivables for Water, Wastewater and Solid Waste Services within Aquatera’s service area. Learn more and apply at www.aquatera.ca/who-we-are/join-our-team.
📌 📌 📌 📌 📌 📌
CT MANAGER - TRUE MEDICAL IMAGING https://www.careerspage.com/theagency212/job/RY7W7RWX
CT TECHNOLOGIST - TRUE MEDICAL IMAGING https://www.careerspage.com/theagency212/job/Y6RWX9W5
RECEPTIONIST - DEVERDENNE DAVIS CYR LLP https://www.careerspage.com/theagency212/job/RY9879YR
ULTRASOUND TECHNOLOGIST - PEACE DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING https://www.careerspage.com/theagency212/job/Y6RWX9W5
MEDICAL OFFICE ASSISTANT - TRUE MEDICAL IMAGING https://www.careerspage.com/theagency212/job/934Y5856
HEAVY DUTY MECHANIC - BARR NONE MECHANICAL https://www.careerspage.com/theagency212/job/63X6WWWR
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LABOURER - ARDY RIGGING https://www.careerspage.com/theagency212/job/X98W459R
HR CONSULTANT - TWO TWELVE CONSULTING https://www.careerspage.com/theagency212/job/93R957R4
MRI TECHNOLOGIST - TRUE MEDICAL IMAGING https://www.careerspage.com/theagency212/job/8X9W499V
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Chamber Connection Pacific Link pipeline advances to federal review
Tax changes support business investment
A proposed new pipeline connecting Alberta oil to Pacific markets has reached an important milestone. The Government of Canada has designated the Pacific Link pipeline as a project of national interest, moving it into a coordinated federal review process. The project would transport up to one million barrels of oil per day from the Edmonton region to a deep water port in southern British Columbia, helping expand access to global markets. Expanding market access and export capacity are critical to supporting investment, growth and long-term competitiveness. Project conditions are expected to be finalized by September 2027.
The federal government is expanding and making permanent immediate expensing for a broader range of business investments through the new Productivity Mega Deduction. The measure will allow businesses to immediately deduct the full cost of eligible investments, including machinery, technology, software, vehicles, pipelines, and rail infrastructure. This measure is intended to encourage productivity, growth and long-term competitiveness.
Learn more West Coast Oil Pipeline- Major Projects Office
ederal AI commercialization F funding available to Prairie businesses
Alberta and Canada invest in high-speed rail planning between Edmonton and Calgary The Governments of Alberta and Canada are investing in the next phase of planning for a highspeed rail connection between Edmonton and Calgary. The initiative is intended to explore the feasibility of a future passenger rail network that could strengthen connections between Alberta's two largest economic centres. The province plans to name a project proponent by April 2027.
Learn more
The Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) continues to accept applications from businesses and organizations adopting or commercializing AI technologies. The program supports projects that improve productivity, encourage innovation, and accelerate technology adoption. As businesses increasingly look to automation and digital tools to address labour and competitiveness challenges, the program provides a potential pathway for investment support. Find out 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
U.S. Import Bans Take Hold as Canada–U.S. Trade Talks Remain at an Impasse Canada–U.S. trade tensions remain elevated following the September 29 implementation of U.S. import bans on select Canadian alcohol, dairy products and motorcycles. The impact of broader U.S. tariffs is also becoming more visible. On September 28, Stelco announced it would idle select steel operations at its Hamilton facility, affecting up to 500 workers, citing reduced demand partly linked to U.S. steel tariffs.
What’s Next for Canada–Japan Business Ties Last week in Tokyo and Osaka, our Mission to Japan gave Canadian businesses a chance to hear directly from trade officials and meet Japanese companies interested in working together. The mission also included the Japan-Canada Chambers Council annual meeting. There, we signed a joint statement with the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry calling for closer cooperation on energy, critical minerals and advanced technologies, along with practical steps to support more trade and investment between our countries. Read the Joint Statement
In An Uncertain Economy, Canada’s Power is its Electricity Advantage Canada can’t control what happens beyond our borders. But we can strengthen our homegrown advantages. Among the biggest is our abundant supply of reliable, affordable and clean electricity. In a new op-ed, our Senior Director of Natural Resources, Environment and Sustainability, Bryan N. Detchou, and New Economy Canada’s President, Ian Bruce, make the economic case for doubling down on that advantage. Read the Op-ed
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CHAMBER CONNECTION NEWSLETTER
EVEN MORE RESOURCES The 2026 Canadian Small Business Report by Merchant Growth Recent surveys by a pair of large financial institutions show Canadian businesses in general are feeling the effects of disruption. The 2026 Canadian Small Business Report by Merchant Growth, Canada's online financing and growth solution for small businesses, suggests many Canadian small businesses are not seeing any relief through government support and the Buy Canadian movement. A majority of national small business owners surveyed by Merchant Growth say U.S.-Canada trade tensions have affected their business, while a third feel shut out of conversations which they say lean more towards large exporters, manufacturers, and political considerations. The three biggest pressures on Canadian owners’ businesses are inflation or rising input costs, weak customer spending, rising fuel and energy costs, and trade uncertainty. In Alberta, businesses are also struggling with inflation and tariffs: https://calgary.citynews.ca/video/2026/10/02/alberta-small-businesses-continue-to-grapple-with-tariffs-andinflation-new-report/ Meanwhile, ATB's latest Quarterly Small Business Pulse included a survey of clients and small business owners. According to ATB, despite Alberta's strong overall economic performance, small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) are facing a profitability squeeze due to shifting consumer demand, rising commercial rents, rising raw material and input costs, and difficult hiring decisions. To deal with these pressures, business owners say they are taking a number of measures, including raising prices, absorbing margin hits, slowing or halting capital expansions, and prioritizing workforce retention over headcount growth. 30% of business owners cited weak consumer demand as a top challenge. Rising household costs for food and energy are leaving less room for discretionary purchases. Businesses continue to face heightened uncertainty and indirect supply chain impacts from tariffs and other geopolitical events. To manage the squeeze, some business owners are raising prices, absorbing the margin impact, and / or delaying or cancelling capital expansions. Businesses also seem focused on retention, with nearly 70% planning to maintain their current employee headcount over the next three to six months. At the same time, 27% are planning to expand headcounts, a higher rate than observed in national surveys. ATB sums up the situation by saying businesses appear to be taking a disciplined approach—safeguarding profit margins, maintaining strong cash reserves, and holding onto the team that drives their operations. Supply chain friction and uncertainty will almost certainly continue, but Alberta SMEs have also proven resilient, despite the increased cost of doing business.
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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
Youth Advisory Council invites young residents to get involved Young residents interested in sharing their perspectives and becoming more involved in their community are encouraged to apply to join the City of Grande Prairie’s Youth Advisory Council (YAC) before applications close on October 15. Open to youth ages 14 to 24, YAC provides an opportunity for young people to share their perspectives on issues affecting Grande Prairie and provide input directly to City Council, City departments and community organizations. Learn More
September Economic Development Newsletter
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EMAIL US : MAX@GPCHAMBER.COM
OCTOBER 2026 ISSUE NO.64