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Created: 10 March 2024

Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade Matt Jones issued the following statement on the February 2024 Labour Force Survey from Statistics Canada:
Mar 08, 2024

“Alberta’s labour market continues to show strength, with more Albertans employed in February than at the same time last year. Employment rose to 2.5 million, up 17,400 month-over-month, which is a 4.1 per cent increase year-over-year. Full-time jobs also jumped to 2,070,699.

“While Alberta only accounts for 11.7 per cent of Canada’s population, our province leads the nation in net employment growth, with 42.8 per cent of the country’s employment gains. With a highly skilled workforce, business-friendly policies, diversified economy and affordable, exceptional lifestyle, Alberta continues to be the economic engine of Canada. Our province leads the nation in net employment growth and last week, the Canadian Survey on Business Confidence showed optimism among Alberta businesses was up considerably over the last 12 months, out-pacing the rest of the country.

“We are keeping this momentum going with Budget 2024, which maintains Alberta’s competitive advantage so businesses and industry can continue to innovate, thrive and create jobs. It also ensures Alberta’s economy can remain vibrant and resilient for years to come.

“Alberta continues to lead by example when it comes to jobs and the economy. Strategic investments, even greater diversification and a responsible budget means our province will remain a leader in Canada for investment and job growth.” 

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Created: 10 February 2024

To bolster healthcare accessibility and quality in Gazipur and Bangladesh's vulnerable coastal regions, the Step to Humanity Association (STHA) has unveiled an innovative project proposal for establishing community clinics. This initiative, designed for gradual implementation, seeks to comprehensively address the diverse healthcare needs of underserved populations.

Under the leadership of executive director Delwar Jahid, the unveiling event featured insights from Dr. Ekramul Azim, a Canadian expatriate scientist who shed light on Bangladesh's critical healthcare challenges. Notable guests included Moazzem Hossain, the Step to Humanity Association secretary, and Mahfuz Enam, an agriculturist and writer.

Moazzem Hossain elaborated on the project's phased approach, emphasizing community engagement through volunteer immersion in local communities to gain firsthand insights into healthcare challenges.

Dr. Ekram underscored the importance of setting up medical camps in rural areas to deliver essential healthcare services and raise awareness about health issues. Collaboration with local physicians was highlighted as essential for grassroots involvement in addressing community health needs.

The project, outlined by Delwar Jahid, addresses pressing concerns such as climate change and food insecurity in densely populated Bangladesh. It emphasizes the need for global cooperation and concerted action to foster a more sustainable and resilient future. Initiatives include enhancing the health and well-being of underserved communities through innovative and sustainable healthcare programs.

Specifically targeting significant health challenges within communities, the project aims to increase healthcare accessibility, promote preventive care, raise health awareness, and empower individuals to manage their own health effectively. Sustainability beyond the initial stages is ensured through diverse funding sources such as government grants, private donors, and corporate sponsors.

A critical step in the project involves identifying suitable clinic locations and ensuring accessibility and regulatory compliance. Subsequent stages include establishing pharmacies for affordable medication distribution, providing free medical consultations by qualified physicians, and introducing physiotherapy clinics for holistic healthcare.

Jahid emphasized the significance of cultivating local leadership in the health sector, identifying and nurturing community leaders who can advocate for health initiatives and mobilize resources to sustain healthcare projects effectively. Through these comprehensive efforts, the project aims to address immediate health concerns and lay the groundwork for enduring health improvements in Bangladesh.

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Created: 25 November 2023

Khirul Ahsan Manik,Comilla, Bangladesh - November 26, 2023:

Yesterday's momentous event, the Bangladesh North American Journalists Network officially launched its humanitarian initiative, "Coastal19," during a general meeting titled "Step to Humanity - Bangladesh." The meeting was presided over by Canadian expatriate journalist and educationist Delwar Jahid, who brought together key figures and experts to strategize on improving the lives of individuals in 19 sub-regional districts. The focus areas include poverty alleviation, education, skilled training, the development of women and children, sanitation, and healthcare.

Delwar Jahid, recently appointed Executive Director of the international charity Step to Humanity Association, commenced the proceedings with an opening speech highlighting the collaboration's origin. He shared that the Step to Humanity Association expressed interest in partnering with the Bangladesh North American Journalists Network earlier this year, forming a special project committee dedicated to aiding the climate change victims of coastal areas in Bangladesh.

Reflecting on his experience, Jahid stated, "Over the past 10-11 months, I've had the privilege to work closely with Step to Humanity Association. On November 12, they entrusted me with the role of Executive Director to work towards improving the fate of the less fortunate in Asia and Africa."

Jahid elaborated on the progress made during this collaboration, emphasizing discussions on various strategic aspects to enhance the quality of life in the 19 sub-regional districts. The proposed initiatives include comprehensive plans to address poverty and illiteracy and provide sanitation and healthcare facilities.

During the meeting, Dr. Anwar Zahid, an eminent writer, researcher, and development planner, served as the main discussant, highlighting the pivotal role of strategic planning in addressing the challenges faced by impoverished communities in Bangladesh, especially those affected by climate change.

Kamrul Hassan, a distinguished sociologist, and former Bangladesh Rural Development Academy director, attended as an honored guest. Dr. Kamrul emphasized the need for a thoughtful and strategic approach to address the sociological intricacies faced by the climate-affected people in the coastal regions of Bangladesh. He rallied behind the necessity of a strong organization recognizing the importance of sociology in addressing the human dimensions of climate change.

Among other discussants were senior journalist Khirul Ahsan Manik (UNB/Comilla), Ali Akbar Masum, executive director of Adhikar Foundation, Nasima Akter, and Ex. Director, BARD, Journalist Md. Sajjad Hossain (BSS), Journalist Shamsul Habib (Jugantor), and participants Asrar Jahid and Evana Kora Hasan.

Journalist Khairul Ahsan stressed the need to find sustainable solutions for the challenges coastal fisherman families face due to climate change. Ali Akbar Masum highlighted the slow and non-sustainable initiatives in climate change-affected areas, calling for a national organization to explore opportunities. Nasima Akter, a former Director of the Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development, emphasized focusing on women's and children's development.

Journalist Sajjad Hossain emphasized women's health consciousness in disadvantaged groups and appealed to the organization to build awareness. Journalist Habib highlighted the isolation and suffering of people in grasslands (Chor), emphasizing the need for attention and care.

A national executive committee was formed for three years:

Chairman: Dr. Kamrul Hasan

Vice-Chairman: Khairul Ahsan Manik, Ali Akbar Masum

General Secretary: Md. Sajjad Hossain

Joint General Secretary: Shamsul Habib

Finance Secretary: M. Firoz Miah

Member: Ms. Sonia Rahman

Member: Kora Hasan Evana

With the consent of the newly elected executive committee, Dr. Anwar Zahid was appointed Executive Director following the unanimous passing of the Memorandum and articles of association he presented.

The meeting concluded with the announcement that the organization resulting from this collaboration would be named "Step to Humanity - Bangladesh." This signals a concerted effort to bring about positive change and uplift the communities residing in the targeted sub-regional districts.

As the initiative moves forward, the collaborative efforts of the Bangladesh North American Journalists Network and Step to Humanity Association promise to significantly impact the lives of those in need, addressing pressing issues and fostering a path toward a brighter future for the people of Bangladesh.