The recent suspension of the Alberta Canada Job Grant (ACJG) has raised concerns within the nonprofit community, considering this program has been an important resource for organizations looking to invest in their workforce. Throughout my time in this sector, I have seen how the ACJG has helped many organizations, including ours, provide essential training to our staff.

For years, the ACJG has enabled nonprofits to offer professional development opportunities by covering up to two-thirds of training costs. This support has made it possible for organizations with limited budgets to enhance their employees’ skills and knowledge.

At Westwinds Communities, we have benefited from this program significantly. Over the past four years, we received over $15,000 in funding, resulting in 13 certifications for our employees. This investment has strengthened our team and improved our ability to serve the community.

The recent announcement regarding the cancellation of the ACJG midway through the fiscal year presents challenges for many organizations. At Westwinds, we now face an unexpected $4,000 expense to complete professional development programs already underway. While we are committed to fulfilling these obligations, it is a financial burden we had not planned for.

Looking ahead to 2025, we anticipate a notable decrease in professional development opportunities. This situation impacts not only our training budgets but also our ability to support staff growth and retention. For many nonprofit employees, access to professional development has been a key factor in their decision to stay in this sector despite often lower salaries compared to the private sector.

Additionally, the ACJG has played a vital role in building long-term capacity within nonprofits. Many organizations rely on a combination of paid staff and volunteers, and affordable training is essential for developing leadership and adapting to changing community needs. Without this support, it may become more challenging for nonprofits to scale their services or effectively address emerging issues.

While the suspension of the ACJG poses significant challenges, it also highlights the need for innovative solutions. I encourage our provincial government to consider establishing a similar initiative specifically designed to support nonprofits.

In the meantime, we must explore alternative funding sources and collaborative training initiatives while leveraging online learning platforms to continue investing in our teams.

The suspension of the Alberta Canada Job Grant is certainly a setback for many organizations, but it also presents an opportunity for us to come together as a sector. By advocating for our needs and finding creative solutions, we can continue our important work in supporting Alberta’s communities.