Alberta’s plan represents the clearest commitment to a fair and just transition for workers and communities by a government in Canada to date.
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BLUE GREEN CANADA applauds today’s announcement by the Government of Alberta of funding and other crucial supports for workers and communities in the transition from coal to lower carbon electricity generated by natural gas and renewables.
Alberta’s plan represents the clearest commitment to a fair and just transition for workers and communities by a government in Canada to date.
In our conversations about the coal phase-out, people are looking for certainty and plans that will help them support their families. This plan, paired with the necessary work ahead with the power companies, unions, impacted communities, and governments, is an important part of providing certainty and a successful transition for Albertans.
The Alberta Government has committed to income supports up to 75% of impacted worker’s previous earnings, tuition vouchers for retraining workers and onsite counselling services. These commitments that are tailored to individual workplaces and communities recognize that workers and communities need more than a “one-size-fits-all” solution.
However, for Alberta’s plans to have the most impact they must be supplemented by the federal government which has imposed a national coal phase out by the end of 2029. The Federal Government has a responsibility to help this transition succeed by allowing greater flexibility and access to employment insurance for impacted coal workers.
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For more information contact:
Jamie Kirkpatrick, Blue Green Canada Program Manager
Ph: 416-895-3406 | E: jkirkpatrick@bluegreencanada.ca
