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The latest news, editorials, and conversations shaping Alberta’s business environment.

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The Coutts border crossing on Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022. Photo by Darren Makowichuk /Postmedia

Opinion: How Alberta’s small businesses can navigate U.S. tariffs

The recent one-month suspension of a 25-per-cent tariff by the United States on most Canadian imports has thrown many Alberta small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into a state of uncertainty. While the intent behind these tariffs seems to be to not only protect American jobs and industries by taxing goods consumed within the U.S., but also to motivate action on border issues such as illegal migration and the movement of the deadly drug fentanyl, the ripple effects are being felt keenly north of the border.
The recent one-month suspension of a 25-per-cent tariff by the United States on most Canadian imports has thrown many Alberta small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into a state of uncertainty. While the intent behind these tariffs seems to be to not only protect American jobs and industries by taxing goods consumed within the U.S., but also to motivate action on border issues such as illegal migration and the movement of the deadly drug fentanyl, the ripple effects are being felt keenly north of the border.

Rebrand Calgary? Why?

The push to rebrand Calgary is on the table again. Is the reason to appear more cosmopolitan, or is re-branding the same as changing the curtains in the office when new occupants move in? It was said that some feel the city is dominated by corporate and cowboy culture, and it is difficult to fit in if you do not identify with either of those segments. It is also difficult to have a vibrant city without corporate dollars invested. And when did 'cowboy culture' become shameful? I was under the impression people choose a city for more opportunity or a more desirable lifestyle, not to change it to something they left - otherwise why move? Being a lifetime Calgarian myself, I admit this did set my nerves a bit on edge.
The push to rebrand Calgary is on the table again. Is the reason to appear more cosmopolitan, or is re-branding the same as changing the curtains in the office when new occupants move in? It was said that some feel the city is dominated by corporate and cowboy culture, and it is difficult to fit in if you do not identify with either of those segments. It is also difficult to have a vibrant city without corporate dollars invested. And when did 'cowboy culture' become shameful? I was under the impression people choose a city for more opportunity or a more desirable lifestyle, not to change it to something they left - otherwise why move? Being a lifetime Calgarian myself, I admit this did set my nerves a bit on edge.

AEG Podcast, Episode 8: Expanding Beyond Occupational Health and Safety: SIS Foundation’s Vision for Mental Health and Energy Literacy

In this podcast episode, AEG interviews Kim from Swift Learning and the SIS Foundation. Kim talks about how the Alberta government’s legislation prompted the establishment of the SIS Foundation in 2011 to provide occupational health and safety training to students. They discuss the Foundation’s current initiatives, such as expanding into mental health and well-being and energy literacy programs, and its partnerships with subject matter experts, government organizations, and industry. Kim also shares her vision of using the SAAS and Sahara technology to expand the Foundation’s e-learning programs and engage young ambassadors to promote workplace safety and education. The podcast offers insights into the Foundation’s future initiatives and its potential to become an online charter school or partner with other organizations to benefit the community at large.
In this podcast episode, AEG interviews Kim from Swift Learning and the SIS Foundation. Kim talks about how the Alberta government’s legislation prompted the establishment of the SIS Foundation in 2011 to provide occupational health and safety training to students. They discuss the Foundation’s current initiatives, such as expanding into mental health and well-being and energy literacy programs, and its partnerships with subject matter experts, government organizations, and industry. Kim also shares her vision of using the SAAS and Sahara technology to expand the Foundation’s e-learning programs and engage young ambassadors to promote workplace safety and education. The podcast offers insights into the Foundation’s future initiatives and its potential to become an online charter school or partner with other organizations to benefit the community at large.