I live in Red Deer, AB and we have the same thing going on here. Tons of people looking for jobs and tons of jobs out there, but none that pay enough to live on in our economy. I work in a casino in a management position (hourly rate with no tips) and I find it hard to make ends meet.
It is a sad state of affairs when stores/restaurants/etc are closing early due to staff shortages but there are still many homeless/working poor out there that are having problems because wages are too low to make a difference. Why bust your ba**s for something that isn't going to help your situation (or an employer who treats you like crap). Hence people don't take these low paying jobs and keep looking for something better.
I was recently talking to someone who was down visiting from Grande Prairie. They said that although people seem to be making decent money there, many are still living in cars because there is no housing available. This is another problem that needs to be addressed. Lack of housing, or affordable housing is something that is compounded by the overall problem created by the low wages/high population surge. I mean, c'mon, basement suites that are renting on average for $800 - $1000/mo?? What the he**....
**shaking head in disbelief**
Sigh..... |