Alberta has announced a $40-million transition fund for workers and communities affected by the decision to phase out the province’s coal-fired power generation by 2030.
The move is timely, given an initial series of coal layoff notices expected to be issued at the end of the week.
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“Labour Minister Christina Gray says the money will top up benefits to 75% of a worker’s previous earnings during the time they collect employment insurance,” Global News reports. “Alberta is asking the federal government to not claw back existing benefits as the province tops up those EI benefits, while also extending EI benefits for retiring coal workers.”
The plan will also support tuition vouchers, retraining programs, and onsite transition advice for the estimated 2,000 workers in the province who will be affected by the phaseout.
