NDP would restore STEP to create student summer jobs

The NDP would restore funding for STEP, the summer temporary employment program, by investing $10 million annually to create about 3,000 jobs for students, Rachel Notley said Tuesday.

The program was eliminated by the Conservative government in 2013.

"Alberta's students deserve to have the best job opportunities this summer," Notley said. "That's why the NDP will help open doors for young Albertans, by restoring STEP and undoing the damage caused by the PCs' reckless cut."

STEP was established in 1972 to help create summer jobsfor students.

"Peter Lougheed created STEP in his first year as premier," Notley said. "But now this PC party has turned its back on his vision and destroyed thousands of student job opportunities."

In 2012-2013, its final budget year, STEP cost approximately $7 million, Notley said.

Despite widespread calls from community leagues, non-profit organizations, and municipalities to restore funding, the PCs have refused to reverse their decision, she said.

Notley said she benefited from the STEP program when she was in university.

"Unlike Jim Prentice, I believe in building up Alberta, not tearing it down."