I enjoyed seeing many of you at Family Skate Day, Winterfest, Riddle Fest and other community events to welcome the Chinese New Year, celebrate our families, and get active despite winter temperatures!
Alberta’s economic recovery is now firmly underway, with nearly every sector strengthening and Alberta once again leading the provinces in growth (https://www.alberta.ca/budget-economic-outlook.aspx). Alberta’s economy also continues to diversify.
The province’s liquor industry grew by nearly 780 jobs last year, spurred by the Alberta government’s Small Brewers Development Program and markup reductions. Recently Premier Rachel Notley joined the Minhas family at Minhas Micro Brewery as they announced a new distilling facility for Calgary. Ravinder Minhas, CEO, Minhas Breweries & Distillery, credited the grant program and markup reduction, sharing that “Having been born and raised in Alberta, being able to support the local economy—thanks in part to the support of the government—makes me very proud.”
As we ensure that all Albertans, including students, benefit from the province’s economic recovery, Minister of Labour Christina Gray highlights the Summer Temporary Employment Program: “STEP has been a valuable program for students interested in gaining unique, first-hand work experience, and it helps employers hire knowledgeable, enthusiastic summer staff.” A $7-per-hour wage subsidy helps participating employers hire students for summer work. Last summer, nearly 3,000 students gained valuable work experience with almost 1,400 employers. Since our government restored the program in 2015, STEP has supported summer employment for more than 5,700 students.
Recent news stories show that our government continues to stand up for Albertans. Soon I return to Edmonton to begin the Fourth Session of the 29th Legislature, where I will continue to work hard to represent you. Please share your views by participating in the Province’s consultations: https://www.alberta.ca/consultations.aspx. And be in touch with my office at any time: [email protected].
