Pipestone Flyer
Kevin Mooney, facilitator Social Policy Framework and Randy Plant, President, Chamber of Commerce in employer workshop.
“The Social Policy Framework conversation groups gives employers a chance to talk about how Albertans expect to be treated, how Albertans treat each other and the type of society Albertans deserve to live in.” This was how Kevin Mooney, Area Manager, Employment and Immigration described a workshop he facilitated in Wetaskiwin on November 20th, 2012 in the Chamber of Commerce Boardroom. Alberta’s Social Policy Framework will be a living document that will guide collective efforts to meet the growing and diverse needs of Albertans.
Have your say about Alberta’s Future! The invitation from the Wetaskiwin & District Chamber of Commerce & Alberta Works stated: “Employers, we value your feedback and are inviting you to attend a discussion group on Alberta’s Social Policy Framework. Employers have an important perspective on how we achieve positive social outcomes for all Albertans.
Social Policy is defined as how Alberta and Albertans work together to meet individual needs, such as employment, child care, housing and general well-being. As an employer, you see the connections between economic growth and the well-being of our community.
Your thoughts and opinions on these topics will provide a critical perspective in the development of a Social Policy Framework for the province of Alberta. Your input will help shape social strategies as we move forward. Please join us.”
Although public engagement on the Social Policy Framework officially closed on November 16, 2012 the collection of input continues through group discussions and the website, http://www.socialpolicy.alberta.ca/. Approximately 15 people participated in the discussion forum in Wetaskiwin to provide input into key topics identified by Albertans during Phase I of the community-led discussions. The workshop was planned to address key topics but the participants were allowed to stray from the structured format.
Topics of concern expressed by Wetaskiwin participants
Key items of concern expressed by the workshop participants centered around education, lack of trades-related training in the school system, shortage of trades people, child poverty and the impact the labor shortage is having on the workplace.
The feedback was recorded and will be included when creating the final draft of the framework that will be presented to the Government for consideration in late November, 2012. In December, planning and engagement on identified strategies will be part of an action plan and implementation will begin in January, 2013.
Public engagement will continue to be an on-going process as the website will remain active for input and updated plans and actions. This exchange of information is expected to, “create conditions that enable Albertans to maintain a minimum standard of well-being, ensuring the fair and equitable treatment of individuals, and providing services to people in times of need”.
For more information contact Moyra Kennedy, Business Industry Liaison: 780-361-5892 or Alan Greene, Executive Director, Chamber of Commerce: 780-352-8003