Will you work with us to develop a job strategy that limits contracting out of entry-level positions at the city and provides employment opportunities for youth and equity-seeking groups so that they can earn a fair living wage, develop workplace skills and gain job experience?
John Garden: Yes - John would like to improve mentorship opportunities for entry-level staff to help them better understand a career path with the City.
Candy Lam: Yes - Candy believes the City has an opportunity to act as a leader in career development. It can be difficult for newcomers and young people to find entry-level positions with room to develop new skills. These investments not only support workers but also benefit the City long-term. Some employees will stay and advance, while others will bring their skills into Calgary’s wider workforce—strengthening the city overall.
Candy would develop a strategy that includes mentorship and job rotation programs within City departments, and ensuring entry-level roles come with training and skill development. She believes that we need to limit contracting entry-level positions and leave contracting for highly specialized expertise or for temporary, short-term projects.
Jennifer Wyness: Yes - Cllr Wyness says the City has identified an interest and is pursuing the development of career-path jobs in some departments. These include landscaping and swimming pool staff. These departments offer a range of jobs with opportunities for skill development.
The City’s ability to open jobs for youth and equity-seeking groups is complicated by federal policies that incentivize employment by subsidizing wages, often for entry-level jobs, for specific periods of time. When the subsidy ends, so does the job. While the City doesn’t hire through the TFW program, Cllr Wyness says they are forced to compete with the lower and subsidized wages some TFW earn for entry-level work.
Trevor Cavanaugh: Uncertain - I recognize the importance of creating fair and accessible employment pathways, especially for youth and equity-seeking groups. I would like to take a closer look at how current City contracting and hiring practices impact these opportunities before identifying specific steps. At the same time, I see value in exploring ways the City can strengthen early career pathways through partnerships with schools, local organizations, and community programs while balancing fiscal responsibility and ensuring opportunities lead to meaningful, long-term skill development.