Edson town council will be making changes to its Rural Renewal Stream (RRS) Program following a lengthy debate at its regular meeting of council on Tuesday, March 3.
Council defeated a motion of termination for the Rural Renewal Stream Program and instead said they will enact several changes that should satisfy both the business community and the public.
Officials say those changes are as follows.
- Retention Focus: Applicants must have lived and worked in Edson for a minimum of six months before applying. This reinforces the program’s goal of supporting existing residents rather than recruiting new workers from outside the region.
- Housing Requirement: Applicants must provide housing information within their application, ensuring that individuals accessing the program have stable accommodations in Edson.
- Wage Alignment: The wage requirement will be adjusted to align with the Government of Alberta’s guidelines, providing businesses with greater flexibility while ensuring fair compensation for workers.
- Business Support: Employers will benefit from a structured pathway to retain skilled employees, reducing hiring challenges and turnover rates.
- Program Limits: Businesses can only fill up to 25 per cent of their workforce through the RRS program, ensuring that the majority of jobs remain accessible to the existing labor market.
- Proof of Hiring Challenges: Businesses must demonstrate that they have faced difficulties in recruiting for open positions before accessing the RRS program, ensuring that the program remains a tool for genuine workforce needs.
Council says they are making these changes to ensure a fair and transparent system that focusses on retention of current participants and those that are already members of the community. Town officials say these changes should also balance the needs of the business community with the concerns raised by the public.
Town officials say a strong and stable workforce is essential for the success of businesses in the Edson area, particularly in rural communities where attracting new workers can be a major obstacle. By refining the RRS program, officials say businesses should experience:
- Increased workforce stability, ensuring smoother operations and business continuity.
- Reduced recruitment costs, as the program prioritizes workers who are already contributing to Edson’s economy.
- Sustained economic resilience, as retaining skilled employees leads to stronger businesses and a thriving community.
Town officials say they are committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive environment through community engagement initiatives education and collaboration with local businesses to support workforce retention. They also note that the RRS program should serve as an important part in ensuring long-term economic sustainability for the town.
Officials say a www.rrsedon.ca is now live with additional information and application forms will be available on the site as of Monday, March 10.
Residents with further questions or concerns regarding the RRS Program are being asked to call the dedicated phone line at 1-587-742-8722.
