The energy sector is being hit hard these days and many people in Alberta that have relied on oil and gas have been met with a number of challenges when it comes to constant and profitable work. 

The supply-chain, frontline staff and medical filed seems to be the most steady forms of work in Alberta these days, but maybe there is another option if you don't see yourself at one of these positions.   

The Alberta government is offering $2,000 per new employee, up to a maximum of $50,000 per employer up to $5 million in support to farmers and food processors. There will also be an additional $1 million in funding for new hires to undertake meat-cutting training specifically. This will offset the cost to train up to 2,500 new employees in agri-food roles.

Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry states, "Alberta’s agriculture and food sector rely on thousands of people working every day to help keep food on our tables. As we see record-high unemployment in Alberta due to a global economic slowdown and COVID-19, we need to ensure unemployed Albertans have the opportunity for domestic jobs instead of hiring workers from overseas.”

In conjunction with the new funding, there are also new resources in the form of an online job board called Agriculture Job Connector. The site has a number of different sections that address questions about financial supports, employment supports, and safety guidelines. This is displayed in drop-down menus for both employees and employers, so if you are looking to get into the industry, or seeking new ways to attract interested workers to your job postings there are some suggestions. 

For people looking to apply for the funding for training they will have to do so through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership web site and you can access the website here.