The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce is excited to provide you with a State of the Region address. This event presents an opportunity to examine factors contributing to the development of the Edmonton Metro Region and provide an occasion to recognize the region’s accomplishments, share priorities and acknowledge challenges.

The State of the Region address offers a chance to consider opportunities for making real changes in how our region functions. We will facilitate a collaborative conversation and reinvigorate a unified perspective regarding adjustments that can benefit our region.

During this event, hear from:
  • Edmonton Metro Region subject matter experts
  • A group of dedicated individuals who want to see change in the region
  • Elected officials
  • Business leaders
  • Local businesses
Register
Edmonton's business community has an untapped potential to enhance their workplace with military Reservists. Many employers aren't aware of the skills, talent and leadership Reservists can offer to an organization.
The Canadian Forces Liaison Council (CFLC) is proud to present an in-person luncheon—Leveraging the Reservist Workforce—on September 29, after the Reservists Day of Recognition. 

During this luncheon, hear from:
  • Andre Corbould, Edmonton City Manager & Retired Brigadier General
  • Colonel Chris Hunt - Commander, 41 Canadian Brigade Group
  • Oilers Entertainment Group who know the benefits of employing Reservists and the benefits they bring to the organization.
Register!
September 8th, Councillor Keren Tang will be hosting Council Connect in partnership with the Chamber and the Sifarish Network.

This event is an opportunity for the local business community to join me for a Ward Karhiio-specific town hall to pose questions on topics that matter to you, share your valued input, and build relationships and connections with other local businesses. Reserve your seat!
We had such a great morning at our first Coffee with the Chamber event, thank you Life Interactive for hosting us in their beautiful office space on August 26th. The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce would like to extend a huge thank you to the WIN House Shelter--a local not-for-profit--for showcasing the amazing work being done by our community agencies! 

If you missed our first Coffee with the Chamber event, you won't want to miss our next one which is being held at All West Furnishings from 9 - 10 AM on September 23. To register for this event email membership@edmontonchamber.com

Through intensive workshops, peer-to-peer exchange, hands-on support and coaching from leading Canadian export advisors, and individual mentoring, the Trade Accelerator Program will help you develop an export plan that is realistic, high-quality and fully integrated with your overall business strategy.

At the end of the program, you will be equipped with the tools and resources to help you succeed as you grow your business.

Join October Session

Government of Alberta Q1 Update:

Fiscal measures were announced in the Q1 fiscal update on August 31, 2022. The Alberta government is forecasting a surplus of $13.2 billion, higher than originally projected; this comes largely from non-renewable resource revenue and corporate income taxes.

The intention is to use this money to invest in Alberta’s future. It will pay down debt, accrue savings, and place more money into the pockets of Albertans. With a surplus this significant, the Alberta government can contribute the “largest single-year debt repayment in Alberta’s history,” and the “largest ever single-year investment in the Heritage Fund,” according to the province. The Alberta government will also be furthering the province’s strong tax advantage by indexing personal income taxes to inflation. Given that inflation is the largest issue for businesses right now, it is encouraging to see the commitment to debt repayment and savings.

Other economic growth indicators were announced as well, including the addition of 68,200 jobs since the beginning of the year--bringing us above the employment levels before the pandemic. As a result, the province has increased its forecast for economic growth to 5.3 percent and decreased the unemployment rate to 5.9 percent. This year, the province is expecting real GDP to fully recover from the COVID-19 downturn.

Council is back this week! Significant financial updates on Monday, a public hearing on Tuesday, and a special audit committee meeting on Wednesday.

Key items on the agenda included:

  • As of June 30, the city is projecting an operating surplus of $24.4 million for year-end largely because of funds within the Financial Strategies budget that will not be required for the rest of the year. That $38 million balance higher snow and ice control costs, ongoing pandemic expenses, and higher fuel costs. The Edmonton Police Service is reporting a deficit of almost $4.7 million as of May 31, due in part to less ticket revenue and higher spending on personnel than projected. The year-end forecast projects an EPS deficit of $5.4 million.
  • The city reports that as of June 30, most capital projects are within an acceptable tolerance for budget (98.6%) and schedule (82.3%). The Yellowhead Trail/Fort Road widening and the Stadium LRT Station upgrade projects are the projects that are most over budget. 
  • Approving the requested $800,000 one-time funding to support the Edmonton Ski Club’s temporary buildings.
  • Mayor Sohi to advocate to the Province for changes to the Traffic Safety Act to address continued concern about vehicle noise.
Several motions are still pending, the wording for which can be found in the PDF agenda.
  • Additional Support for Industrial Development - Fulton Creek Business Park (A. Sohi)
  • Outdoor Pool Operations (A. Sohi)
  • 2021 Edmonton Police Services Annual Report (A. Sohi)
  • Specialized Recreation Programming (E. Rutherford)
  • Aggregate Recycling Program (E. Rutherford)
  • Council Seating Chart Adjustments (J. Rice)
  • Options to Change Councillor Appointments (J. Rice)
  • Neighbourhood Entrance Signs on Private Property (J. Wright)
  • Potential Grazing Strategies for Weed Control on City Property (M. Janz)
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