In 2015, the Government of Alberta announced its commitment to end coal-fired generation of electricity by 2030. Following extensive consultations with labour groups, substantial investments and support were given to coal-dependent workers and communities. A CAD 40 million Coal Workforce Transition Fund provides financial assistance for re-employment, retirement, relocation and education for impacted workers; while the Coal Community Transition Fund and the Community and Regional Economic Support (CARES) Program support the economic development and diversification of the region.

Key elements

• A bridge to re-employment programme providing workers with up to 75% of their previous earnings for 45 weeks or until full-time employment, whichever happens first.

• A bridge to retirement programme providing up to 75% of their previous earnings to workers aged 53 and above, who are close to retirement, but not yet eligible to receive their pension, for 72 weeks or until pension is received.

• A relocation assistance programme reimbursing coal workers for moving-related expenses in case their new job require them to move (at least 40km).

• A tuition voucher of up to CAD 12,000 to pursue secondary education.

• Career counselling provided at affected worksite to help workers determine best options for future employment.

• Employment transition services heling workers identify existing skills and ways they can be transferred to new jobs.

• Training programmes where employers and government share the cost of training new and existing employees to increase their knowledge and skills.

• A Coal Community Transition Fund to support economic development initiatives that will help to transition away from reliance on coal-fired electricity generation.

• The Community and Regional Economic Support (CARES) programme support the economic development of the region by supporting projects focused on innovation, tourism and economic diversification.

Benefits

• Workers prospects are maximized thanks to a comprehensive approach to re-employment and re-skilling.

• The economic development and diversification of the region is thought by means of innovative programmes.

Enabling conditions

• The programme was informed by multi-stakeholder engagement and social dialogue in the form of the Alberta's Climate Change Advisory Panel as well as the formation of a Coal Transition Coalition defending the interest of coal workers and communities.