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By CHAT News Today

Getting back to work

Province spurs job creation with $2B investment

Apr 9, 2020 | 3:36 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The Alberta government is launching a massive infrastructure program to help get Albertans back to work and is also making small businesses aware of supports available to help them get through the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Alberta government will allocate almost $2 billion from the 2020 Capital Plan to resurface roads, repair bridges, restore schools and fill potholes, all to get thousands of Albertans back to work.

The government is doubling the capital maintenance and renewal (CMR) funding in 2020-21 from $937 million to $1.9 billion by accelerating the capital plan. This will allow government to act quickly and work with companies across the province so they can keep their workers employed during these challenging times.

“These infrastructure investments will be focused on projects that can be actioned quickly. By doubling our capital maintenance and renewal project funds, we will deliver much-needed improvements to important assets, keep companies operating and most importantly, keep Albertans working. As the weather improves and buildings are empty, now is the perfect time for us to act,” says Premier Jason Kenney.

A long-term capital maintenance and renewal strategy ensures capital assets are sustained and repaired to generate the most value. These assets include schools, roads, post-secondary institutions, justice facilities and more.

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By accelerating the capital plan, significant additional work will be undertaken, including $410 million for transportation projects. This includes an additional $60 million for operating, which covers work repairing potholes across the province.

“This significant contribution will create thousands of jobs and economic benefits to communities across Alberta,” says Ron Glen, CEO of Alberta Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association

“Investing in road construction and maintenance represents excellent value for taxpayers. This significant contribution will create thousands of jobs and economic benefits to communities across Alberta. On behalf of our 800 member companies, the ARHCA thanks the Alberta government for this substantial investment,” says Ron Glen, CEO of Alberta Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association.

Quick facts

• Budget 2020 included $6.9 billion for capital in 2020-21 and $19.3 billion over the three-year fiscal plan
• For 2020-21, this represented an increase of $1.2 billion or 21 per cent compared with Budget 2019
  • CMR funding was budgeted at $937 million in 2020-21 and is now expected to grow to $1.9 billion
• 114 projects are currently in planning and design
• There are 95 projects currently in construction including 27 schools and nine major bridge and road projects – not including capital maintenance and repair

On the small business front, they can seek free advice, coaching and information on COVID-19 resources and supports all in one place.

Business Link will serve as a one-stop shop to help small businesses learn about and connect to available COVID-19 supports based on their unique business needs.

Business Link can provide one-on-one guidance to Albertans who operate a small business or are pursuing an entrepreneurial venture. Small businesses can access a list of available supports on Business Link’s website, or connect with a business strategist by phone, email or live chat.

Business Link is also offering free programming through June, including webinars on a variety of topics, online events, and free expert sessions with lawyers, accountants, marketing specialists, e-commerce specialists and more.

“We are working closely with businesses and workers across the country to assess and address the impact of COVID-19. Our message to them is clear: We are here for them now with concrete measures like Business Link, and we will be here in the days and weeks to come. We will get through this together,” says Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada.

“Small businesses inject billions into our provincial economy. They create good jobs and are a cornerstone of our communities. I’m pleased to see Business Link refocusing its efforts to make it easier for small businesses to access supports to give them some relief now, and to help set the stage for their future recovery,” says Tanya Fir, Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Tourism

“Small businesses inject billions into our provincial economy. They create good jobs and are a cornerstone of our communities. I’m pleased to see Business Link refocusing its efforts to make it easier for small businesses to access supports to give them some relief now, and to help set the stage for their future recovery,” says Tanya Fir, Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Tourism.

“At Business Link, we feel it is important to provide support to Alberta entrepreneurs as they navigate these difficult times. We want to break down the barriers to information and ensure business owners know what is available to them for support. We know that Alberta is in a tough place right now, but we want to ensure the small businesses that are the drivers of our economy can last long beyond this pandemic,” says Barbara McKenzie, CEO, Business Link.

Business Link is a non-profit organization established in 1996 and is jointly funded by the Government of Alberta and Government of Canada. To access Business Link services, contact 1-800-272-9675 or visit www.businesslink.ca.

Quick facts

• In 2019, small businesses with fewer than 100 employees:
• Employed almost 674,000 Albertans, about 46 per cent of all Alberta private sector employment (excluding public administration and the health and education sectors).
• Represented more than 172,000 small businesses in the province, making up 98 per cent of all businesses with employees.

Alberta has a comprehensive response to COVID-19 including measures to enhance social distancing, screening and testing. Financial supports are helping Alberta families and businesses.