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Conference Background

The Workplace Conference is a unique opportunity for management and labour to come together to better understand each other's perspectives on common issues and to take measures that include other sectors in finding ways to work more cooperatively and collaboratively on important workplace related issues.

In 2005, the subject of immigration and foreign workers has become one of the most important issues facing management and labour in recent history. Positions taken by both sides reflect strongly-held beliefs that are currently challenging policies of government. Specifically, temporary foreign workers are viewed as a threat to the future employment of unionized workers while employers are putting forward the argument that they do not have access to enough qualified workers and, as a result, their projects are at risk.

The 2005 Workplace Conference is a one-of-a-kind forum for delegates from diverse sectors to challenge themselves and each other to address significant and emerging workplace related issues such as immigration and foreign workers. Through the presentation and sharing of ideas, delegates can formulate action plans and make decisions from a foundation of well-researched information that considers diverse perspectives. No other facility or structure currently exists that accommodates the broad range of ideas on the workplace and that involves both management and labour in a dynamic experience of discussion and learning with the intent of creating better workplaces in Canada.

BRIDGING ALBERTA'S ECONOMIC FUTURE Is Immigration the Answer?

Conference Sub-Themes
Sub-Theme One: Is there a business case for immigration for Alberta?
Sub-Theme Two: What are the strategies for successfully attracting and retaining immigrants?
Sub-Theme Three: Immigrants with disabilities - does Canada really welcome all?
more on conference sub-themes ...

Learning In Communities Awards

The Canadian Learning Trust is proud to present its Learning in Communities awards for 2005, at the Jasper conference. The Canadian Learning Trust encourages and celebrates lifelong learning across Canada. The Learning in Communities awards are given to communities that declare that learning has made a positive difference in overcoming their local challenges.

As part of its long-term plan, the Alberta Congress Board has invited persons with disabilities, Aboriginal people, young people and immigrant newcomers to participate at the conference. This year, a pre-conference workshop will focus on persons with 'abilities' and the workforce, and that particular theme will be streamed through the main conference. This process will result in a much better understanding of issues facing persons with disabilities and others who face barriers to employment.

It is anticipated that the conference will serve to foster new initiatives, best practices and collaborative efforts among diverse stakeholders that otherwise would likely not occur if these groups were not brought together.