Fort McMurray Minute: Unemployment Statistics, Winter Already, and a Rejected Wage Proposal

Fort McMurray Minute - Your weekly one-minute summary of Fort McMurray politics

This Week In Fort McMurray:

• This evening, at 6:00 pm, there will be a meeting of the Community Investment Program Approval Committee. The Committee will discuss the criteria for awarding grants. Also at 6:00 pm this evening, the Vehicle for Hire Committee will meet. The agenda includes a follow-up discussion to a presentation previously received from URide, online booking services, and brokerage house regulations.
  
  
• On Tuesday, at 6:00 pm, there will be a Council Meeting. The agenda includes the 2024 External Audit Service Plan, the Anti-Racism Policy, and the 2024 Q2 Financial Performance Report. There are several Notices of Motion being put forward by Councillors, including one from Councillor Grandison requesting that Administration work with the Fort McMurray Heritage Society and the Fort Chipewyan Bicentennial Museum, to review and bring forward options to create a Regional Heritage Society that includes the Heritage Shipyard, the Heritage Village, and the Fort Chipewyan Bicentennial Museum. Also on Tuesday, at 7:00 pm, there is a Council Organizational Committee meeting to discuss 2024-2025 Deputy and Acting Mayor Assignments and Council Representation on Boards and Committees.
  
  
• The Community Standards Appeal Committee will meet on Wednesday at 6:30 pm. Much of the agenda will be discussed in a closed session. On Thursday, at 6:00 pm, the Communities in Bloom Committee will meet to discuss, among other items, the Winter Nominate Your Neighbour program and the 2025 Flower of the Year.

Last Week In Fort McMurray:

• Unemployment in the Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo region has reached its highest level in years, with September figures showing a rate of 7.2%, up from 7% in August. The education sector has been particularly affected, losing more jobs than any other area, a trend that began in July. In contrast, the accommodation and food services sector saw the most job creation, adding 400 positions. Overall, the region lost 600 jobs from August and has seen a significant decline in full-time positions, down 2,700 since last September.
  
  
• It might only be October, but the Municipality has officially started its residential snow-clearing program, marking the beginning of the Winter Maintenance Zone (WMZ) season. Due to unseasonably warm weather, all WMZs are currently relaxed, meaning there are no on-street parking restrictions for residents. The snow-clearing program will operate until April 15th, with residential roads cleared bi-weekly when subzones are active. Residents are required to move their vehicles on designated maintenance days to facilitate snow removal. Additionally, temporary no-parking signs will be posted on main roads where snow removal occurs, with vehicles needing to be moved within 24 hours to avoid penalties.
  
  
• The union representing support staff in Fort McMurray's public and Catholic school divisions rejected wage proposals from the provincial Disputes Inquiry Board (DIB). The DIB recommended a 3.5% wage increase, along with other benefits, but the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) sought a larger wage increase and additional health spending account increases. If union members formally reject the proposals, CUPE plans to issue a 72-hour strike notice, potentially leading to a work stoppage later this month.