NDP promises to bring back Summer Temporary Employment Program
The Alberta NDP is promising to bring back the Summer Employment Temporary Program (STEP).
If elected, the Opposition says it would revive the program designed to support small businesses and create jobs for young Albertans.
The Alberta NDP made the announcement at a news conference in Calgary’s southeast on Saturday.
Advertisement
The 16-week wage subsidy program was cancelled in 2019 after first being introduced in the 1970s.
It is meant to provide employers with $7 per hour to cover the costs of hiring and training new students.
“Businesses, community organizations, and people across Alberta need help more than ever,” said Joe Ceci, the NDP MLA for Calgary-Buffalo. “Costs are rising and people across the province are feeling the pinch, alongside an unprecedented labour shortage.
“According to the Business Council of Alberta, 78 per cent of business owners reported that labour shortages limited their ability to meet demand. One of the ways we can make life a bit easier for Alberta workers and businesses is by bringing back the extremely successful Summer Temporary Employment Program, or STEP.”
Alberta’s NDP says it would quadruple the program by investing in $40 million to expand it, so it includes small businesses and non-profits.
Advertisement
“STEP would have been particularly helpful this year if it weren’t for the UCP cancelling the program. But we have a solution,” Ceci said. “One that will see more Albertan students – the next generation of leaders in our province – put down roots, build early skills and networks, and develop lasting relationships with employers. One which will give businesses and organizations access to the talent they need in a time of rising costs and unprecedented labour shortages.
“It’s a solution that brings two of our province’s best resources together: the small business and non profit community, and our remarkable young people. It’s clear: reinstating STEP would be a serious win for both employers and young people, and an NDP government will guarantee to do just that.”
READ MORE:
-
Federal politicians use Calgary Stampede to lasso support from voters
-
Word on more inflation support could come next week: Kenney
-
Is Alberta’s $300 rebate enough to help you deal with inflation?
Ceci was also joined by the owner of Cold Garden Beverages, Dan Allard, who said he would love to be able to hire young people to give them the opportunity to get work experience.
“Like all small businesses, we are dealing with increased costs for everything and that eats into our margins,” Allard said. “The customers are coming back this year, which is great, but this labour shortage makes it tough to find employees and a lot of people are short staffed which is particularly hard in a busy season like Stampede. We would be doing better if we could employ more people.
Advertisement
“I would love to be able to hire young people and provide them with experience and training but that does come with a cost to the business, it takes people away from their other work. So the STEP program would have helped make that easier. It was a very popular program when it was running and I don’t understand why it was cancelled in the first place.
Executive director of Ghost Theatre, Kate Stadel, is also advocated for the program’s return.
“STEP was integral for our organization. With STEP we are able to offer up-and-coming artists work, alongside with our expertise. It’s important for Ghost River to help train the up-and-coming artists to ensure longevity of artistic strength in the community,” Stadel said.
