JUNE 2017

361 New Jobs for Calgary Confederation

For the past two years in communities across Alberta we have witnessed personal hardships, challenges and dashed hopes caused by the economic downturn and jobs crisis.

Calgary Confederation communities have not been immune to this impact, as has been evident in feedback from many constituents over the past few months, but there is help.

We know that services from non-profit organizations and community associations often increase in the summer months and many are concerned about their ability to offer employment opportunities again this year.

Many of these organizations provide critical employment experience and skills training for young Canadians.  Statistics show us that unemployment amongst young Canadians is the highest of any age group and so the real job experience they obtain through summer jobs is critical to future employability.

How fortunate we are to build upon the Youth Employment Strategy which was introduced in 2006 by the Conservative Government. Today, thanks to the Canada Summer Jobs program, our constituency, together with constituencies across Alberta (and Canada) can provide funding to assist employers to create summer opportunities for young people aged 15 to 30 years who are full-time students intending to return to their studies this fall.

I am proud of the application initiatives of our not-for-profit organizations, public sector employers and small businesses who have taken the time to make their opportunities known to Service Canada. As a result, the Calgary Confederation communities, through 132 agencies, small business and non-profit employers, will be in a position to offer 361 jobs for a total of 3,229 weeks of work this summer.

What does this mean for our community?

• Investment in our small business, organizations and non-profits.
• Opportunity for young people to learn or improve job skills and gain work experience with local employers in areas such as retail, hospitality, marketing, technology, research and communications.
• The chance for non-profits to extend their services across the summer, allowing a variety of camps, children’s programs, specialized teaching opportunities, and unique community service programs for all ages,  among others.
• All project participants will benefit through personal growth, increasing employability, determining career goals/paths, and ultimately through our investment in them, contribute to the strength of our future workforce and community stability.

I am very pleased to support this important program and extend my best wishes to each and all for a successful summer job experience.