Beiseker recently learned the Village will not be receiving an expected $3,200 in provincial grant funding.
The Summer Temporary Employment Program (STEP) was suspended after the Alberta 2013 Budget was tabled on March 7, leaving council with the problem of covering the funds needed to hire summer students to assist with the public works department.
“For little municipalities like us it really hurts,” said Mayor Ray Courtman.
Beiseker has been hiring the two students each year with STEP funding since the program’s inception in 1972.
“It will hurt our efficiency,” said Bill Hnybida, supervisor of operations for the public works department.
Hnybida said the students help with upkeep on Village-owned land, doing such tasks as cutting grass and painting.
According to Hynibida, if it is normal growing season, the loss of the two positions will create an issue.
Dave Hancock, minister of human services, informed the Village in an email, writing the suspension of the program is a result of the new Alberta budget.
The email went on to say funding priorities must be focused on helping those in greatest need including at-risk children, the homeless and adults with disabilities.
“STEP was not designed to provide long-term career or skill development opportunities; something youth and employers have indicated is needed for our current and future labour market,” Hancock penned.
“The paltry amount they are saving on suspending this program will cause more ill will than the cost savings,” Courtman said.
Deputy Mayor Al Henuset made a motion to have the mayor respond to the email on behalf of council and express their disappointment and concern over the suspension of STEP.
The motion was carried unanimously and Courtman will be contacting Hancock.
