My fellow MLAs and I have been hard at work making Albertans’ lives better in this spring session. My baby girl is now five months old, and as a new parent, the quality of life of young Albertans is top of mind for me. Over the last year, our government has driven many initiatives that enhance opportunities for Alberta’s youth.
Minister Eggen announced new educational standards that will take effect in September 2019 to support student mental health and ensure educators have the tools they need to teach about Indigenous culture. The standards specify what competencies education professionals must demonstrate to teach and lead in Alberta’s education system. Minister Eggen also announced the creation of the $75 million Classroom Improvement Fund (CIF), which is expected to generate over 250 teaching jobs and 200 support positions across Alberta classrooms this year.
Alberta is a young, talented province. We need to do all we can to enhance work prospects for our young people in our diversifying economy. Minister Bilous recently introduced the Growth and Diversification Act, which will create 3000 new spaces for technology programs in Alberta’s colleges, polytechnics, and universities. Our province has about 1000 vacancies in good tech jobs than we cannot currently fill. This Act will help to address current and future professional shortfalls and give Albertans great career starts.
In consultation with industry, our government has also introduced a policy to provide work opportunities to apprentices. Because securing worksite training in our recovering economy can be a challenge, this program will give apprentices a leg up. All construction contractors who bid on Government of Alberta-funded infrastructure and transportation projects with budgets above a minimum threshold, are now required to employ at least one apprentice on their projects.
I know that by giving Alberta’s young people every advantage we can, we are making their lives better and our shared future brighter.
I am always happy to hear from constituents. If you have feedback to offer, please contact my constituency office: [email protected]
