Summer is officially upon us and that means Stampede time, BBQs, family vacations, and camping season! My congratulations to all recent high school and post-secondary grads as they look ahead to a bright future. For many it is a time of excitement and limitless opportunity, and a great time for us all to encourage their educational and workforce ambitions.
Alberta is filled with possibilities, from the emerging tech sector and creative industries, to trades, tourism, agriculture, forestry, healthcare and of course through emergent opportunities and innovation in the resource sector. Choosing a career path and school can be intimidating, but Alberta is blessed with some of the best post-secondary institutions in the country. Our very own St. Mary’s University recently installed a new President and Vice Chancellor, Dr. Sinda Vanderpool. We warmly welcome her to Calgary as we also bid a fond farewell to Dr. Gerry Turcotte, as we thank him for over a decade of service to St. Mary’s and our broader Fish Creek community.
Alberta’s government is also making historic investments in our post-secondary programs to ensure there are opportunities for generations to come. Our government is creating more than 3,000 new seats in the Calgary area, supporting students studying aviation, engineering and more. This investment of $84.6 million will support the growing demand for workers in industries like aircraft maintenance and film and video production, while also providing additional support in core subject areas such as nursing and engineering. Our government is creating over 10,000 new seats across Alberta and hundreds more opportunities in the fields of early learning and childcare, IT, health and seniors care, and business.
Post-secondary learning is critical to Alberta’s future and a diversified economy. Having a young, well-educated population creates a catalyst for province-wide ambitions and long-term sustainable growth. These strategic investments to expand enrollment in high-demand programs is part of the Alberta at Work initiative, providing more students with the opportunity to gain the skills and training needed to chart a career path, not just in securing a job.
And “save the date” for my 6th Annual Stampede “Hoe Down in the Downs”, Saturday July 9th 11am-2pm in the parking lot at my office. We will have games, good food, and of course live music! Have a wonderful summer embracing all that our amazing communities, Calgary and Alberta have to offer. And please keep the feedback coming to ensure your voice is heard in effectively representing you!
MLA – Calgary Fishcreek Richard Gotfried proudly serves the following Communities: Bonavista Downs, Deer Ridge, Deer Run, Diamond Cove, Lake Bonavista, Midnapore , Parkland, Queensland , Sundance
