The federal government is ending the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit at the end of the month and transitioning laid-off workers onto employment insurance or other programs.

That will impact an estimated three million Canadians.

Here in Airdrie, Rocky View and Wheatland Employment Services has seen an increase in the number of job seekers it typically sees over the summer.

“We always see our numbers really really decline in the summer, so I’m actually surprised to see 567 this August and in July we had over 500 people just in Airdrie alone,” said Abigail Gonzalez.

With many people experiencing layoffs this spring due to COVID-19 closures and restrictions, many people were out of work. Gonzales attributes the increase in job seekers to more people looking to return to the workforce and she says there is hope for those looking for employment.

“Since June, the province has added over 180,000 jobs to the economy,” she said. “We are seeing that employers are starting to recruit in full-time positions. We’re seeing everything from journeyman positions to sales positions in many industries and healthcare.”

Rocky View and Wheatland Employment Services is expecting their job-seeker numbers to likely double in September.

For anyone searching for work, they will also be hosting a virtual career fair on September 23, from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm. People are asked to register ahead of time to receive a list of employers and instructions on how to participate. You can register in advance by clicking HERE.

 

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