Medicine Hat, AB (July 8, 2026) - The Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce is pleased to see the City of Medicine Hat adopt a new Strategic Plan and is encouraged by the alignment between Council's priorities and the issues that local businesses have consistently identified through Chamber advocacy, policy development, and member engagement. 

The Strategic Plan establishes a focus on economic growth, fiscal responsibility, organizational effectiveness, and strong community connections - priorities that closely reflect the concerns and opportunities raised by the local business community. 

"The Chamber is pleased to see many of the priorities championed by the business community reflected in the City's strategic direction," said Aaron Fleming, President of the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce. "Economic competitiveness, responsible financial stewardship, efficient municipal processes, workforce attraction, and investment readiness are all essential to creating the conditions for long-term prosperity in our region."

One of the most significant areas of alignment is the City's commitment to economic growth through asset expansion, including attracting new investment, accelerating development opportunities, and leveraging municipal assets to support growth in energy, aerospace, defence, and emerging industries. These objectives mirror the Chamber's ongoing efforts to advocate for strengthened regional competitiveness, investment attraction, and support industrial development opportunities throughout Southeast Alberta. 

The Chamber is also encouraged by Council's commitment to improving permit processing timelines, redesigning review processes, and increasing accountability through performance reporting. Local businesses have consistently identified regulatory efficiency and predictability as critical factors in investment and expansion decisions.

"Businesses want to invest and grow in communities where processes are clear, efficient, and responsive," stated Fleming. "The commitment to modernize permitting and reduce administrative barriers sends a positive signal to current and future investors."

The City's emphasis on fiscal responsibility is another area where interests strongly align. By prioritizing affordability, long-term financial sustainability, transparent reporting, and responsible budgeting, Council has recognized the importance of maintaining a competitive business environment while ensuring the delivery of essential municipal services. 

Beyond economic development, the Strategic Plan acknowledges broader issues affecting employers and communities, including housing, mental health and addiction supports, workforce attraction, and quality of life. While these challenges extend beyond municipal jurisdiction, they have a direct impact on businesses' ability to attract and retain employees and support sustainable growth.

The Chamber also welcomes Council's focus on downtown vibrancy, safety, and cleanliness initiatives. A thriving and welcoming downtown benefits businesses, residents, visitors, and the overall image of the community.

Innovation and modernization are emerging areas of opportunity highlighted within the Strategic Plan. The City's commitment to artificial intelligence, digital transformation, improved service delivery, and data-driven decision-making creates opportunities for collaboration between local government, businesses, and community partners to enhance competitiveness and prepare for future growth. 

The Strategic Plan's focus on leveraging energy assets, pursuing industrial development opportunities, advancing water management strategies, and supporting infrastructure competitiveness also aligns with the Chamber's advocacy for investment-ready communities and long-term economic resilience. 

The Chamber is particularly encouraged by Council's commitment to implementing a Government Relations Strategy and investor concierge service for strategic projects. These initiatives have the potential to strengthen collaboration between the City, Chamber, economic development partners, and other stakeholders working to attract investment and create jobs across the region. 

"Our Chamber looks forward to working alongside Council, Administration, regional partners, and the business community as this Strategic Plan moves from vision to implementation," concluded Fleming. "Strong communities are built through collaboration, and we see significant opportunities to work together in advancing shared goals that support economic growth, business success, and community prosperity."

The Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce remains committed to advocating for the priorities of local businesses while serving as a collaborative partner in initiatives that strengthen Medicine Hat and the surrounding region.

Read the Medicine Hat City Council 2027-2030 Strategic Plan

View the July 6, 2026 City of Medicine Hat Council meeting 

Please direct all media inquiries to:
Aaron Fleming
Chamber of Commerce President, 2025-2026
Phone: (403) 527-5214 ext. 225

The Chamber of Commerce is a member-driven, volunteer-led organization, proudly representing the interests of businesses in our region, and working diligently to stimulate a strengthened and vibrant economy through our connections, support and influence. For over 125 years, the Chamber has stood for promoting business, monitoring government and championing managed growth in the local economy. The Chamber represents close to 900 businesses in our region and is aligned with the Alberta Chambers of Commerce (ACC), which represents over 24,000 businesses, the Canadian Chambers of Commerce (CCC), which represents over 200,000 businesses and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), representing over 45 million companies in more than 170 countries. With the largest and most influential business organizations locally, provincially, federally and internationally, the Chamber network is the most unified, valued and influential business network in Canada and works together to shape policy and programs that will make a difference to businesses in our region.