Jun. 09, 2010 - Issue #764: Hot Summer Guide 2010
News Roundup
SUPPORT FOR JOB TRAINING
Employment in Alberta increased for the second straight month in May, up almost 15 000 jobs, lowering the unemployment rate by 0.8 points to 6.6 percent. However the most recent Labour Force Survey indicates that unemployment among workers aged 15 to 24 actually rose in May, while the jobless rate among aboriginals living off reserve remains more than two-and-a-half times that of the general population.
In light of these figures, the Alberta Federation of Labour is calling upon the province to restore funding to employment training programs that were reduced in this year's budget.
Cuts totalling $23 million to career development and employment training programs in this year's provincial budget will hit these groups the hardest, says the AFL. According to the organization's research, youth and summer employment programs saw 25 percent of their budget disappear between 2009 and 2010, while upgrading and skills development was cut by 16 percent. Aboriginal skills development experienced a seven percent reduction and a further $10 million will be chopped from career development and programs that partner with industry.
"These job training programs were things that the government should be proud of. They showed how a small investment in people has a large return, many times over," said Gil McGowan, president of the AFL, adding that most other jurisdictions in the G20 were increasing employment and training program budgets, not cutting them.
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