How Will We Explain This Unusual Time in History to Future Generations?

BY SHANE WENZEL

With all the chatter around the Prime Minister’s proposed ‘Just Transition’ plan, and the nuances surrounding what caused the federal government to change the name to ‘Sustainable Jobs,’ I gathered the courage to download the 32 pages headlined: ‘Sustainable Jobs Plan.’ It turns out it is not something one does for entertainment on a Saturday night.

Calgary businesses in every industry have been facing serious staffing challenges since thousands of workers lost their jobs after 2015 when the Welcome to Alberta lights were turned off. Along with industry and investors leaving town, it appears so did many talented workers.

Business owners along with Stats Canada reported this year that up to 40 per cent consider their inability to hire skilled employees their core business threat. In the third quarter of 2022, there were 103,000 vacant jobs in Alberta. My industry, and others I speak to, are wondering ‘where all the workers have gone.’ And why are ‘job-ghosting’ incidents occurring?

Regardless of the fact that Calgary is still leading the nation in job growth, for our economy to keep growing we need to solve the ‘missing worker’ problem. It becomes even more imperative with the federal government and others still ‘riding the rail’ for ending fossil fuels and others planning replacement industries. While the training planners appear to know little about what we need, they have noted that a shortage of trades in particular is beginning to hurt our current and future economy, along with their ‘cash drawer’. But they do seem to believe there is an easy solution.

The idea behind their plan was to initially call it a ‘Just Transition’ which they also believed to be a winner. It appears they wanted us to believe that government is here to replace what they are taking away. Premier Smith and other concerned Albertans took offense to the reference ‘Just Transition’ which explains the sudden name change to a ‘Sustainable Jobs Plan.’ However, the content still contains lingering references to a ‘Just Transition.’

The plan is long and tedious to read, so I am on my fourth reread looking for more clarity. There is a reference to the plan ending in March 2023, so we could be getting a new one. The plans for re-training have been allocating some large budgets but do reflect qualifiers. To participate, you must be in a sector deemed to be contributing to ‘a low carbon economy,’ and all funded training must be conducted by unions or notfor profits. No private ‘for-profit trainers’ need apply! The original name ‘Just Transition’ and the plan guidelines were also determined by the unions.

I recall there was a plan in Alberta piloted for phasing out coal-powered electricity by the Notley government which was also referred to as a ‘Just Transition.’ So, this reference is not new to Albertans. Any successes with that pilot program are still to be reported.

To end on a lighter note, does anyone think Calgary will follow Edmonton’s decision to allow ‘topless swimming’ in all public pools? And will that fall under ‘Sustainable Jobs’ training as it surely will require new jobs to manage.

Calgary Co-op to Open New Stores and Retail Space in the Growing Town of Cochrane

Construction is set to begin in Fall, 2023

Calgary Co-operative Association Limited (Calgary Co-op) is pleased to announce plans to expand in the town of Cochrane. Calgary Co-op has purchased six acres of land in the commercial shopping centre of the new, centrally located mixed-use community of Greystone.

The development plan, which is subject to approval, includes a 35,000 square foot Calgary Co-op Food store including a Pharmacy, a Wine Spirits Beer, Cannabis and Convenience store as well as a six-pump Gas Station with a double touchless car wash, and an additional 30,000 square feet of commercial retail space. Construction is set to begin Fall 2023 with an anticipated opening date of Spring 2025.

“We look forward to delivering our exceptional shopping experience, and high quality of customer service and products to the town of Cochrane,” says Damon Tanzola, vice president, Real Estate and Development, Calgary Co-op. “This development will also bring in a diverse mix of retailers and restaurants who will further enhance this unique shopping centre in the heart of the community.”

Calgary Co-op has over one hundred retail locations across all its lines of business in Calgary and the surrounding communities of Airdrie, Strathmore, Cochrane and High River, and has been waiting for the right opportunity to further expand in Cochrane, one of the fastest growing communities in Western Canada. Currently Calgary Co-op owns and operates a Wine Spirits Beer store in the northwest Cochrane community of Mountain Ridge.

“We are thrilled to officially welcome Calgary Co-op to our exciting new community of Greystone. Having such a reputable and first-in-class grocer anchor our retail high street and serve the residents of Greystone and greater Cochrane is really special. We look forward to the entire service offering Calgary Co-op intends to develop,” says Josh Hagen, VP Development, BURNSWEST Properties.

Locally owned and operated for over 65 years, Calgary Co-op recently underwent a rebrand, marking a new era for one of the largest retail cooperatives in North America, with over 400,000 members in Calgary and surrounding areas.

“We are committed to serve the communities our members live, work and shop in,” says Ken Keelor, CEO Calgary Co-op. “Our expansion in Cochrane provides its residents with an exciting new option when shopping. Those who are looking to get more from their grocery store will appreciate our exclusive member benefits, the huge array of local products we carry, our unique programs and private brands and our community support.”

The opening of the food store alone is expected to create 125 jobs in Cochrane.