THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT ALBERTA’S AGRICULTURAL SERVICE BOARDS REQUEST the Government of Alberta review its Summer Temporary Employment Program to include farms and small businesses that are not incorporated.
Response:
CULTURE AND TOURISM
Our office had forwarded your previous email to the Ministry of Labour to reply on our behalf our Ministry as this resolution would fall under their mandate. I have attached a copy of the response that was sent out on March 22, 2019.
ALBERTA LABOUR
Thank you for your February 12, 2019 email, providing a copy of the February 4, 2019 letter regarding Resolution 6-19, passed at the 2019 Provincial Agricultural Service Board Conference. I am responding on behalf of the Government of Alberta, as a provincial election is currently underway.
I appreciate that the Provincial Agricultural Service Board Committee recognizes the importance of the Summer Temporary Employment Program (STEP). STEP provides students with the opportunity to build meaningful work experience, increase their skills and workplace knowledge and help prepare them for the future.
Currently, to be eligible to participate in STEP, businesses must be incorporated or registered under provincial or federal legislation. Small businesses within the province must be registered in Alberta, have been operating for no less than one year (from the date of application) and have an Alberta Corporate Access Number (ACAN), which is used for verification and validation purposes. Employers that do not meet the eligibility criteria cannot be funded through STEP, regardless of their industry.
When providing funding to employers to hire students, it is important that all organizations are verified to ensure they meet all program requirements. Application assessment includes verifying the position is in Alberta, verifying the business is registered in Alberta (as noted above) and is in good standing with Alberta’s health and safety legislation, and confirming that all other eligibility criteria is met.
Please be assured Labour is committed to monitoring our programs to support workers and employers, including STEP, and your organization’s feedback will be taken into consideration.
You may be pleased to know Labour has a network of Workforce Consultants across the province who work with employers, including farm and ranch owners, to address their workforce needs. Employers may contact the Employer Hotline at 1‑800‑661‑3756 to get connected with a Workforce Consultant in their area and learn about programs and supports available to them.
Agriculture and Forestry also provides programs and services that may assist farm operators, including the Summer Farm Employment Program, which provides opportunities for full-time farm work experience for young people. Employers are encouraged to call the Agriculture and Forestry contact centre at 310-FARM or visit their website at www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/general/progserv.nsf/all/pgmsrv35
to learn more about this and other programs that are available for the current year.
Employers considering applying for the Canada Summer Jobs Program, available through the Government of Canada, can find more information at www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/funding/canada-summer-jobs.html or call 1-800-935-5555.
If you have comments about the Canada Summer Jobs Program you may wish to contact the Honourable Patricia Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, at:
Honourable Patricia A. Hajdu
Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6
Email: Patty.Hajdu@parl.gc.ca
Phone: 1-613-996-4792
Thank you again for writing and for the opportunity to respond. I trust this information will be of use to you.
Agricultural Service Boards 