Media releases | February 26, 2013

EDMONTON—Public Interest Alberta has learned from a reliable source that the long running Summer Temporary Employment Program (STEP) will be cut in the upcoming provincial budget. This program provides seed funding for non-profit community groups across Alberta to hire students from May to August.“I actually started making inquires about the STEP program because, as the president of a community league in Edmonton, we apply every year at this time to get support for our summer playground program,” said Bill Moore-Kilgannon. “I have heard that many other communities are also shocked and frustrated that the provincial government is cutting this important program which will mean many summer programs and jobs will be lost.”“The irony is that Dave Hancock, Minister of Human Services will be releasing the government’s new “Social Policy Framework” this Thursday morning, the day that STEP applications would normally be due, and will be talking about the important role of community organizations and the need to support people and create jobs,” says Moore-Kilgannon.“This program only costs the Alberta government $7.4 million per year, which is a tiny amount for the province, but plays a significant part in helping community groups hire students to run various summer programs and provides much needed employment for students struggling to pay high tuition fees. The government clearly has so many other options to address their budget issues instead of taking away the programs that support kids programming and provide job skills and opportunities for young people.”Bill Moore-Kilgannon will be available to do media interviews on February 27th from 9:30 – 10:00 AM in front of the playground at Riverdale Community League Hall, 9231 100 Ave, Edmonton. He will also be available for interviews in his office from 11:00 – 12 noon, 3rd floor, Iron Workers Building, 10512 – 122 Street, Edmonton.-30-Media Contact: Bill Moore-Kilgannon (780) 993-3736