Employment First
Strategy
Employment First
Strategy
Employment First
Strategy
Innovations at Work:
A Learning Symposium on Enhancing
Employment for Persons with Disabilities
May 22-23, 2014
DIGNITARIES
Honourable Naresh Bhardwaj
Premier Dave Hancock, QC
Associate Minister of Services for
Persons with Disabilities
Minister of Innovation and Advanced Education
Thursday May 22, 10:30 - 11:00 am
On March 23, 2014, Dave Hancock was sworn in as the
15th Premier of Alberta. In addition to serving as Minister
of Innovation and Advanced Education, Mr. Hancock is
the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Edmonton
Whitemud, a position he has held for five terms.
Prior to his current appointments, Mr. Hancock served as
Deputy Premier; Minister of Human Services; Minister of
Education; Minister of Health and Wellness; Minister of
Advanced Education; Minister of Justice and Attorney
General; Minister of Intergovernmental and Aboriginal
Affairs; and Government House Leader; as well as vicechair of the Standing Policy Committee on Education and
Employment.
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A lawyer by profession, Mr. Hancock is a strong believer in
giving back to the community. He supports numerous nonprofit and service organizations, including Success By 6,
Meals on Wheels, and Kiwanis Club. He and his wife Janet
have three children.
Thursday May 22, 8:30 am
Friday May 23, 2:45 - 3:30 pm
Mr. Bhardwaj was sworn-in as Associate Minister –
Services for Persons with Disabilities on December 13,
2013. He was elected to his second term as a Member of
the Legislative Assembly of Alberta for Edmonton-Ellerslie
on April 23, 2012.
Mr. Bhardwaj is actively involved in the community,
establishing Youth Link, a youth employment training
program, and coaching soccer at the community league
level and for Juventus U-18. Mr. Bhardwaj and his wife,
Sunita, have three children.
In addition to his duties as an MLA, Mr. Bhardwaj was
previously the chair of the capital region caucus. Mr.
Bhardwaj moved to Alberta with his family in 1976. He
became a journeyman automotive mechanic in 1983
before going back to school to become a teacher. He
taught automotives, mathematics and physical education
for 18 years.
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MASTER OF CEREMONIES
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Mark Connolly
Hayley Wickenheiser
Mark Connolly is the host of CBC Radio’s morning show
in Edmonton, Edmonton A.M. He is also an Olympic
commentator with CBC Sports, having recently broadcast
the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia. The
games were the eighth Olympics of his career. Prior to
hosting Edmonton A.M., Mark was the evening news
anchor for CBC in Edmonton and CBC’s local radio/
television sportscaster.
He was born and raised in Edmonton. Mark is very active
in Edmonton charities and will be cycling 800 kilometres
next month on Le Tour of Hope to raise money for the Kids
With Cancer charity.
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Thursday May 22, 9:15 - 10:15 am
Hayley Wickenheiser is regarded as one of the best female
hockey players in the world. As a decorated Olympian, she
has led her team to four gold and one silver medal as well
as being named the tournaments’ most valuable player in
both 2002 and 2006. For the 2014 Sochi Olympics Hayley
was selected to be the flag bearer for the Canadian Olympic
team in the Opening Ceremonies. During those same
Olympics it was announced that she had been elected
to the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Athletes
Commission. As part of the Canadian Women’s National
Team since age 15, Hayley has won seven gold and four
silver medals at Women’s World Hockey Championships.
In non-Olympic years, Hayley keeps her skills sharp by
playing with the University of Calgary Dinos while pursuing
her Kinesiology degree with a future goal in medicine.
Hayley’s passion for sport is paralleled by her drive to give
back to the community, particularly to organizations with a
commitment to youth such as Plan International Because
I am a Girl, KidSport, Right To Play, Clean Air Champions,
and Spread The Net.
Hayley was born in Shaunavon, Saskatchewan and is a
proud mom to her son Noah.
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SCHEDULE
THURSDAY MAY 22
8:00 - 8:30
8:30 - 9:00
am
Welcome and Greetings
11:45 - 12:15
Alberta’s Employment First Strategy
Brenda Lee Doyle, Assistant Deputy Minister, Disability Services Division, Alberta
Human Services
Donna Ludvigsen, Assistant Deputy Minister, Employment and Financial Supports,
Alberta Human Services
12:15 - 1:15
Hayley Wickenheiser is a four-time Canadian Olympian and is one of the world’s best female
hockey players. Off the ice, she is spearheading a new program to train adults with autism.
Coffee and Networking
10:30 - 11:00
Greetings and Remarks
Dave Hancock, QC, Premier of Alberta and Minister of Innovation and Advanced Education.
2:30 - 2:45
Lessons from the Field:
Employer Insights on Hiring People with Disabilities
Four employers will share their experiences leading and developing inclusive workplaces.
They will discuss their successes and ongoing needs and challenges in hiring people
with disabilities.
Michelle Beck, Vice-President, People and Culture, ATB Financial
Lori Campbell, Manager of Diversity, Enbridge Pipeline
Dave Murphy, Managing Partner, Tony Roma’s restaurants
Keith Shillington, Senior Vice President, Stantec
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Employment First in Action
Coffee and Networking
Panel
2:45 - 3:45
Long Career Paths: Personal Insights on Employment and Disability
Francine Berube, an office coordinator; Bill Brandon, a management consultant;
Shauna Helm, an accountant; and Terri Robson, a teacher and public speaker; share
their experiences discovering and moving forward on their career paths. Moderated by
Carrie Anton, reporter for AMI-TV.
Panel
11:00 - 11:45
Lunch is served
A review of three innovative employment programs that are improving employment
outcomes for people with disabilities. Presentations by:
Trish Bowman, Executive Director of Community Development at The Alberta
Association for Community Living
Karen Kelsey, Relationship Manager, The Lime Network Canada
Melanie Mitra and Tarina Dueck of Prospect.
Achieving the Olympic Dream
10:15 - 10:30
Stepping Outside the Box: Gateway Association
Case Studies
1:15 - 2:30
Keynote
9:15 -10:15
pm
Cindy de Bruijn, Executive Director of Gateway Association, shares how the organization
has developed and implemented inventive strategies to promote and support employment
for people with disabilities.
Remarks by Honourable Naresh Bhardwaj, Associate Minister – Services for
Persons with Disabilities
Context
9:00 - 9:15
Spotlight
Registration
3:45 - 4:00
Closing Remarks
2:00 - 6:00
Embracing Diversity:
Employment First Career Fair
Located upstairs, Imperial Ballroom
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SCHEDULE
FRIDAY MAY 23
8:00 - 8:30
8:30 - 9:00
am
Spotlight
Networking
Welcome and Review
11:15 -12:00
The Federal Perspective:
“Rethinking Disability in the Private Sector” report
Kathy Martin, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Loblaws will present findings
from a new report by the Federal Panel on Labour Market Opportunities for Persons with
Disabilities. The report has led to the formation of Canadian Business SenseAbility — a
new organization created to improve employment of persons with disabilities.
12:00 - 1:00
Coffee and Networking
Panel
10:15 - 11:15
Inclusive Education: Setting the Stage for Inclusive Careers
A discussion about how K-12 schools and post-secondary institutions are meeting the
educational needs of students with disabilities while preparing them for meaningful careers.
Moderated by Bruce Uditsky, CEO of The Alberta Association for Community Living.
Dr. Glenn Feltham, President of NAIT
Dr. Anne Hughson, Director, University of Calgary’s Community
Rehabilitation and Disability Studies
Dr. Tim Loreman, Dean of Research and Faculty Development at Concordia University;
Joel DesJardine, recent SAIT graduate student
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Leveling the Playing Field:
Technology in Education and the Workplace
Three presentations on the latest statistics, trends, and technology solutions that are
empowering people with disabilities.
Carmen Ragan, Assistive Technology Ambassador, Ability Hub
Dr. Laura Ghali, Registered Psychologist, Ability Hub
Laurie Osbaldeston, Assistive Technology Specialist, MacEwan University
Chad Leaman, Director of Development, Neil Squire Society
Putting Employment and Inclusion to Work
Sean McEwen of Calgary Alternative Support Services, shares his ideas on a made-in-Alberta approach to implementing the principles of an Employment First Strategy.
10:00 - 10:15
Lunch is served
Showcase
1:00 - 2:00
Perspective
9:30 - 10:00
Re-writing the Rules of Hiring: Abilities@Work
Mark Farr, Disability Outreach Consultant with the City of Edmonton is joined by Pat
Kempinski, Maintenance Supervisor, City of Edmonton Fleet Services and David Reed,
Technical Team Support, City of Edmonton Fleet Services, to discuss how this innovative,
collaborative program is transforming the City of Edmonton as an inclusive workplace.
Perspective
9:00 - 9:30
pm
Perspective
2:00 - 2:30
Toward Increased Employment for
People with Developmental Disabilities
Dr. David Nicholas, Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary, will present results from
a study examining employment experiences among people with autism, with implications
and recommendations for moving forward on Alberta’s Employment First Strategy.
2:30 - 2:45
Coffee and Networking
Engagement
2:45 - 3:30
An interactive session with Honourable Naresh Bhardwaj,
Associate Minister – Services for Persons with Disabilities
3:30 - 4:00
Closing Remarks
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BIOGRAPHIES
Francine Berube
Trish Bowman
Bill Brandon
Lori Campbell
Thursday May 22, 2:45 - 3:45 pm
Francine Berube has many years of experience in administrative support performing such duties as answering telephones, filing, and basic data entry. Past employers have
found that she is a hard working and dedicated employee.
Francine’s strengths include attention to detail and strong
interpersonal skills including a great sense of humour. She
recently lost her long time job in an organizational downsizing. Despite many set backs in her life, which she faced
with strength, courage and determination, she has worked
hard to be successful: she lives in her own apartment,
owns a car and pursues many interests.
Carrie Anton
Thursday May 22, 2:45 - 3:45 pm (Moderator)
Carrie Anton is a gold medalist from the Sydney Paralympic
Summer Games in 2000, in the sport of Goalball. She
continues promoting quality sport experiences as a director
on the Edmonton Sport Council. Carrie has over 25 years
experience as an assistive technology and accessibility
specialist. She also has many roles in the community as
a coach, fundraiser, and reporter for Accessible Media
Inc. (AMI-tv). Carrie works on projects that advance and
enhance quality experiences for people with disabilities in
employment, education, sport and life.
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Michelle Beck
Thursday May 22, 11:00 - 11:45 am
Michelle Beck is Vice President of People and Culture
at ATB Financial. In this role she supports ATB team
members in leadership development, post-secondary
institution relationships, diversity and inclusion, and health
and wellness. She has over 20 years combined experience
as a chartered accountant and as a senior leader in
various industries across Canada, including transportation,
finance and commerce. Her career began at ATB in 2004
and she loves that ATB supports her desire to build a
meaningful career, yet enables her to balance this with her
passion for family.
Thursday May 22, 2:45 - 3:45 pm
Bill Brandon has more than 25 years of experience as an
organizational change and development consultant. During
his career, he has been an entrepreneur, an executive with
a national consulting firm, a senior manager in government
and a leader in the not-for-profit sector. For many
years, Bill has volunteered in the community and been
a Board member for several charities and not-for-profit
organizations. Bill has been legally blind since birth.
Thursday May 22, 1:15 - 2:30 pm
Trish Bowman is the Executive Director of Community
Development at Alberta Association for Community Living.
She has worked extensively in inclusive post-secondary
education for over 25 years, creating opportunities for
students with developmental disabilities to be fully included
in regular programs of study and to develop career paths.
Recently, she has been responsible for the development
of the Youth Employment Partnership, an initiative that
creates opportunities for Youth with Disabilities to gain
valuable experience working in part-time employment after
school and on weekends.
Thursday May 22, 11:00 - 11:45 am
Lori Campbell has worked in the field of adult and
community education since 1985, when she moved to
the Northwest Territories to teach adult basic education.
In 2011, she took on the exciting new role of Manager
of Diversity with Enbridge Pipelines. Her education
includes a Masters in Adult Education and a Doctorate in
Educational Policy Studies, Administration and Leadership,
from the University of Alberta.
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Cindy de Bruijn
Joel DesJardine
Dr. Glenn Feltham
Dr. Laura Ghali
Tarina Dueck
Mark Farr
Shauna Helm
E. Anne Hughson
Thursday May 22, 11:45 -12:15 pm
Cindy de Bruijn graduated with a Bachelor of Social
Work from the University of Calgary. Since 2004, she
has been the Executive Director of Gateway Association.
Previous to this role, she worked in policy development
for the Government of Alberta and as a Program Director
with a local disability services organization. Cindy tries
to approach all of her work in the most innovative way
possible, and is a passionate advocate for work/life
balance.
Thursday May 22, 1:15- 2:30 pm
Tarina Dueck is a Manager of Employment Services at
Prospect, where she oversees a portfolio of employment
programs for people who face barriers to employment.
She has worked in the disability sector for 14 years,
with a focus on employment related issues. At Prospect
she manages a number of programs, including Viable,
which has broken new ground in creating inclusive and
diverse employment cultures. Tarina has a diploma in
Social Work and a Bachelor of Commerce, with a major in
Management.
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Friday May 23, 10:15 - 11:15 am
Joel DesJardine is a double graduate from the Civil
Engineering and Engineering Design and Drafting
technology programs, at SAIT Polytechnic. For the past
year he’s been working as a drafting Technician at Focus
Cooperation, in their land development department. His
ultimate goal is to move up and work in transportation
engineering or design.
Friday May 23, 11:15 - 12:00 pm
Mark Farr is a Disability Outreach Consultant in Human
Resources at the City of Edmonton. Mark holds a B.A.
in Psychology from the University of Victoria and several
years of experience supporting individuals with disabilities
to find employment. In his current role he strives to
educate managers on focusing on the abilities instead
of disabilities, to educate the public about the diverse
job opportunities at the City of Edmonton, and to create
programs to provide employment and work-related
experience opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Friday May 23, 10:15 - 11:15 am
Dr. Glenn Feltham, PhD, MBA, LLB, CMA, FCMA, was
appointed President and CEO of the Northern Alberta
Institute of Technology in 2011. He is a dedicated
proponent of NAIT’s relevant and responsive programs
delivered through its educational pillars: science,
technology and the environment; health; trades and
business. Dr. Feltham serves on the governing council
of the Standards Council of Canada, is vice chair of
Polytechnics Canada and chaired the Taskforce for
Teaching Excellence of the Alberta Ministry of Education.
Thursday May 22, 2:45 - 3:45 pm
Shauna Helm received her Certified Management
Accountant (CMA) in 2003. She has worked in the nonprofit and private sectors over the last 14 years. Aside from
working as an accountant, Shauna volunteers her time with
the Arthritis Society and with the City of Edmonton, advising
council on issues facing people with disabilities. One
inescapable trait of Shauna’s is her incredible zest for life.
Friday May 23, 1:00- 2:00 pm
Dr. Laura Ghali, a registered psychologist, is the Clinical
Director at the Ability Hub and an Adjunct Professor in the
Department of Paediatrics at the University of Calgary.
As a Developmental Psychologist her clinical practice
focuses on neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism
Spectrum Disorder (ASD), mental health comorbidities
and best-practice interventions. Her research interests
target enhancing educational and vocational outcomes for
children on the autism spectrum, successful transition to
adulthood and meaningful community engagement.
Friday May 23, 10:15 - 11:15 am
E. Anne Hughson, Ph.D. Director CRDS; Associate
Professor, University of Calgary; Registered Psychologist
with experience teaching in disability studies; supporting
individuals with disabilities and families; program evaluation
of inclusive post secondary education initiatives in Alberta
and British Columbia.
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Karen Kelsey
Pat Kempinski
Kathy Martin
Sean McEwen
Chad Leaman
Dr. Tim Loreman
Melanie Mitra
Dr. David Nicholas
Thursday May 22, 1:15 - 2:30 pm
Karen Kelsey is Relationship Manager for The Lime
Network in Canada. She manages and builds the
corporate and post-secondary educational institution
partnerships integral to the success of the Lime Connect
mandate in the Canadian marketplace. She has over 30
years of relationship and people management experience
in the financial services sector, and has been involved for
10 years in the not-for-profit sector where she has held
various board executive positions for an organization
focused on individuals with Asperger Syndrome.
Friday May 23, 1:00 - 2:00 pm
Chad Leaman is the Director of Development for the Neil
Squire Society. Chad led the Neil Squire Society launch of
online learning of core organizational programs, including
Computer Comfort (free one-to-one computer tutoring)
and Employ-Ability (12 week employment course focusing
on career development and wellness). He now focuses
on fundraising and developing key partnerships to expand
and support the organization’s services and mission
statement. He’s also a father of young twins and most
likely to get injured while playing sports.
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Friday May 23, 11:15 - 12:00 pm
Pat Kempinski is a Maintenance Supervisor of Fleet
Services with the City of Edmonton.
Friday May 23, 10:15 - 11:15 am
Dr. Tim Loreman is Dean of Research and Faculty
Development and Professor of Education at Concordia
University College of Alberta. He was previously a
classroom teacher. His active research interests include
inclusive education and pedagogy, having published
numerous books and peer-reviewed journal articles in
these areas along with presenting at major international
conferences.
Friday May 23, 9:00 - 9:30 am
Kathy Martin is a retail executive, working for Loblaw
Companies Limited and Canadian Tire Corporation
in operational and human resources roles. In 2012,
Kathy was a member of the Panel on Labour Market
Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities and was
recognized as a Canadian Diversity Champion by the
Women of Influence advocacy group. Kathy is Chair of a
new not-for-profit business organization called Canadian
Business SenseAbility. Kathy lives with her husband and
daughters outside of Toronto.
Thursday May 22, 1:15 - 2:30 pm
Melanie Mitra has worked in the non-profit sector since
2000, after a decade of business experience. She began
her non-profit career with an agency specializing in
services for adults with developmental disabilities. In 2003,
she became Director of Disability Services for Prospect
Human Services. In 2007, she became Prospect’s CEO.
She has challenged Calgary’s non-profit sector to take risks,
innovate and improve by using private sector and non-profit
best practices to improve the delivery of human services.
Friday May 23, 9:30 - 10:00 am
Sean McEwen functions as a senior member of the
management team at Calgary Alternative Support
Services, is a Senior Consultant with RealEyes Capacity
Consultants, and has chaired provincial and national
boards dedicated to the promotion of workforce inclusion
for people with barriers. Sean is a co-developer and
facilitator of the Alberta Supported Employment Consultant
Training curriculum, and has co-authored a ‘Best Practices
in Employment Inclusion’ document as well as regular
Employment Inclusion blogs.
Friday May 23, 2:00 - 2:30 pm
Dr. David Nicholas, PhD, RSW, is an Associate Professor
in the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Calgary,
and is cross-appointed to the Department of Pediatrics at
the University of Alberta. His research addresses vocation,
quality of life and family experience, with a particular focus
on people with developmental disability and/or chronic
health conditions. Dr. Nicholas holds multiple national and
international research grants, and he has presented in this
area both in Canada and internationally.
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Laurie Osbaldeston
Carmen Ragan
David Reed
Terri Robson
Friday May 23, 1:00 - 2:00 pm
Laurie Osbaldeston has worked at MacEwan University
as the Senior Assistive Technology Specialist for the past
15 years. For 10 years prior to that she gained experience
teaching diverse populations in a variety of technologyrelated courses at MacEwan University and several other
Alberta post-secondary institutions. Laurie loves seeing the
impact that the right piece of technology can have on a
student’s learning and self-confidence.
Friday May 23, 11:15 am - 12:00 pm
David Reed is Technical Team Support for Fleet Services
with the City of Edmonton.
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Friday May 23, 1:00 - 2:00 pm
Carmen Ragan is the Assistive Technology Ambassador
for the Launch. She has developed expertise in working
individually with clients to improve social communication,
manage daily routines/scheduling, reduce prompting and
develop independent living skills. She brings personal and
professional experience in the use of iPad/iPod/iPhone
technology and has investigated a variety of apps that can
be tailored to meet individual client needs.
Keith Shillington
Thursday May 22, 11:00 - 11:45 am
Keith Shillington is Stantec’s Senior Vice President,
Canada Prairies and Regional Leader, Alberta North.
Keith loves working in the community and sharing in the
accomplishments of over 1,600 dedicated employees
within the Alberta North region. He is committed to
the continued growth of Stantec in Edmonton and our
surrounding communities. He supports many local
organizations, and is passionate about his involvement
with several community organizations.
Bruce Uditsky
Friday May 23, 10:15 - 11:15 am (Moderator)
Bruce Uditsky, M.Ed., is Chief Executive Officer, Alberta
Association for Community Living and is recognized
internationally as an advocate and leader in community
inclusion and social justice. Bruce serves on many
government advisory bodies. He has been instrumental in
the development of internationally recognized innovations
including Rotary Employment Partnerships and in founding
and expanding inclusive post-secondary education
globally. Bruce is an Adjunct Professor at the University of
Calgary. He is also the parent of a son with developmental
disabilities.
Thursday May 22, 2:45 - 3:45 pm
Terri Robson is an educator who struggled to understand
and accept the impact of Asperger Syndrome on her life.
Having done so she became determined to share what
she has learned with others. From partsman to teacher;
musician to motivational speaker, travel with Terri on her
journey to acceptance. Dynamic. Funny. Informative.
Aspie for life!
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THANK YOU
Our Appreciation
Your Feedback
Thank you for spending two days with us at Innovations at Work: A Learning Symposium
on Enhancing Employment for Persons with Disabilities. A special thank you to the
symposium planning committee for their tireless work in organizing two action-packed
days of presentations, panel discussions, videos and interactivity. We hope you find it
inspiring and informative.
If you have feedback to share about your experience at the symposium, thoughts on any
of the content, or have suggestions for future presentations, please send an e-mail to:
[email protected] We’d love to hear from you!
This symposium is made possible by the Government of Alberta.
Planning Committee members:
Diana Bierworth, Alberta Human Services
Tina Faiz, Big Pixel Creative
Carissa Halton, Big Pixel Creative
Bohdan Horich, Alberta Human Services
Sean Kochan, Alberta Innovation and Advanced Education
Gisela Kwok, Alberta Human Services
Sharon Matthias, Matthias Inc
Carlie Scuccato, Alberta Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour
Charles Strachey, Alberta Human Services
Tim Weinkauf, Alberta Human Services
Important Notice
This two-day symposium will be live streamed via webcast to the public. The video is
being recorded and photographs will be taken. By attending the Innovations at Work
symposium on May 22-23, 2014, you are giving consent to Alberta Human Services and
its organizing committee to be photographed and/or videotaped, and agreeing that such
material may be used in promotional, marketing, and public information sharing purposes.
Embracing Diversity Career Fair
After the symposium on Thursday, take a some time to visit the Career Fair taking place
May 22, from 2-6 p.m. in the Imperial room on the main floor of Radisson South Hotel. The
fair is organized by Alberta Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour and Alberta Human Services.
Sign up for the Employment First mailing list
Visit the Alberta Employment First Strategy website and sign up to the e-mail newsletter to
receive periodic updates about future events, webcasts, announcements and Employment
First related information.
http://humanservices.alberta.ca/employmentfirst
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