Alberta job losses will be tackled by Trudeau government: Labour Minister MaryAnn Mihychuk

Federal Labour Minister MaryAnnMihychuksays the Liberal government is committed to taking action to address job losses in Alberta.

She wasin Calgary Mondayalong with KentHehr and Darshan Kangthe city's Liberal MPs meeting with business and municipal leaders.

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Mihychuksays the downturn in the province is expected to last into 2019, and expects to see a quarter of the office towers in downtown Calgary empty.She saysinfrastructure investmentwill be part of strategy toaddress Alberta's strugglingeconomy.

"Did I come with a wallet full of cash? No,"Mihychuksaid at the news conference.

But she also had amessage forAlbertansin theoilpatch.

"You are the very best in this sector:look for other opportunities," saidMihychuk."I know many people come to Alberta to start their lives.This is one of the targeted provinces in Canada.We need to flexible.We're in tough times right now, but ...our energy sector will come back."

Ambrose slamsTrudeau's economic policies

It comes asConservative Party LeaderRonaAmbroseurgedPrime Minister Justin Trudeauto turn his focus to the dire economic situation in Alberta.

"Alberta has been and can remain a key economic driver for the whole country, but the province is facing real challenges. Unfortunately, the Trudeau Liberals have no economic plan to respond to the collapse of oil, other than tax and spend policies that have failed Canada time and again," saidAmbrose in a release.

Hehr shot back at the afternoon news conference,saying"her government had 10 years to do something about that," buttheTrudeau government is also committed to working on oilpatch access to new markets.

Ambrose also made a call for Alberta food bank donationsfollowing a spike in demand.

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"During the Christmas season, let's not forget to lend a helping hand to those who need it, no matter where they live," said Ambrose."A cash donation to a food bank in Alberta would mean a great deal this year, no matter which part of Canada it comes from."

Listening but no defined plan

In a release, the minister says she sympathizes deeply with thoseAlbertanswho are facing tough times.

"I've listened and heard fromAlbertansabout the labour market challenges they are up against," saidMihychuk.

"I am committed to working with the province and employers to helpAlbertansget the skills they need for good quality jobsand to strengthentraining. In today's changing economy,Canadians need more opportunities to improve their skills and upgrade their credentials."

She says her government will push ahead with expanding the Youth Employment Strategy and make improvements to the employment insurance (EI)system.

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