With the current job crisis in Alberta, two local M-P's hosted three roundtable discussions last Friday to hear from those who've been impacted and gain some insight.  

Both Red Deer-Lacombe M-P, Blaine Calkins and Red Deer-Mountainview M-P, Earl Dreeshen were on hand listening to concerns from safety net and social providers, young professionals and job creators, along with businesses and community leaders.  

Calkins said the discussions were part of the Alberta Jobs Taskforce, which was set up to hear from everyday Albertans, and explained some of the proposed solutions put forth.

“A lot of solutions range from getting government out of the way, to providing assistance in areas on the social safety net side.  Whether it’s extending employment insurance benefits, or a more collaborative approach in getting various government organizations and agencies to work more cooperatively together. Also, reducing taxes is key.”

Once complete the Taskforce will produce a report containing tangible policy solutions and budget requests, all while drawing attention to unemployment.

Students from Burman University attended one of the meetings and expressed their concerns about not being about to find jobs upon graduation and the amount of debt they will carry due to student loans.  

Accounting student Alex Leaist explained what he would like to see happen.

“The change I’d really like to see is reworking the student loans program right now. Instead of having to pay my loans off right away when I get a job, maybe defer them until I can find a job where I can afford to still live and be able to pay them off.”

All Albertans are invited to share their views and experiences and can do so by visiting the Alberta Jobs Task Force website.