Author: news22

Categories
Ft Mac

What is the Temporary Foreign Worker Program in Alberta?

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program, or TFWP for short, is a program that is operated by the Canadian government which allows for temporary workers to enter into Canada and work in the country when necessary due to a labor shortage of some type. Thousands of workers from foreign lands come into Canada each year in order to work, but the TFWP has specific restrictions and limitations. In order for a foreign worker to come into Canada there may be a number of permits and licenses that are required, depending on the job offer, employment classification, and other relevant factors. The Temporary Foreign Worker Program is supervised by the Employment and Social Development Canada and the Citizenship and Immigration Canada. The goal fo the program is to promote economic growth in the country and help employers find the needed workers if there is a shortage for any reason.

The The Temporary Foreign Worker Program is currently being overhauled by the Canadian government to ensure that Canadian citizens and workers are given a fair chance in the labor market before foreign workers can be brought in to fill positions. The overhaul is being performed to eliminate confusion about the program and to ensure that Canadians are being put first. Transparency and accountability will increase as a result of the overhaul. In the past some Canadian workers had complained that foreign workers were being used while qualified citizens were not given an opportunity for employment. The current overhaul is expected to address these concerns and others.

Categories
Canada Ft Mac

Dining Out in Fort MacMurray

Dining out in the city can be a terrific way to spend a night on the town, but what dining options does Fort MacMurray offer? There are many different places and a range of cuisine and dining establishment options to choose from in the area. In fact you may be surprised at the extent of the restaurant selection in an area that is so remote. You can find fast food favorites like Subway, A&W, and many others if you just want a quick bite to eat. If you are looking for a restaurant with a little more class and elegance you could try the Fuji Japanese Restaurant, the Chef’s Table by Mitchell’s, or the Prime Social Kitchen. All of these selections have received terrific reviews for the food, the environment, and the staff.

Fort MacMurray offers an extensive selection of food choices. You can select Hu’s Pizza & Donairs, the Wood Buffalo Brewing Co, or the Keg Steakhouse & Bar if you want excellent food in a casual atmosphere. If you are looking for an exceptional all you can eat crab buffet then you will want to visit the Sawridge Hotel, but if you are looking for top notch vegetarian then  Original Joe’s Fort Mac has some dishes you may want to try. Sweet Basil features authentic Vietnamese cuisine that has customers raving and coming back for more. Fort MacMurray has the dining out choices that you want and the exceptional dishes that you are hoping for. The biggest problem you should have is trying to decide which restaurant to try tonight.

Categories
Canada Ft Mac

Transportation To, From, and Around Fort MacMurray

Getting to, from, and around Fort MacMurray is not difficult, and there are a number of transportation methods that can be used. These methods of transportation include:

 

  • Airplane- Many people arrive in and depart from this area using the Fort MacMurray International Airport. A new terminal has increased the capabilities of the airport and more flights are arriving and departing each day as a result.
  • Greyhound Bus Service- Greyhound bus service provides transportation to and from Fort MacMurray for those who are willing to take this trip. Greyhound offers reasonable rates for travel but you should expect to take a little longer to get there than if you were taking a flight.
  • Local Bus Service-The Wood Buffalo Transit System provides local bus service to the Fort MacMurray area, and the fare to ride this bus is inexpensive. The buses operate on a fixed route and regular schedule.
  • Rental Vehicle- It is possible to rent a car or other type of vehicle and drive yourself around. If you are not familiar with these streets and neighborhoods you could end up getting lost or spend a lot of time trying to get and follow directions before you reach the desired destination.
  • Limousine- A limousine can help you travel around Fort MacMurray in style if your budget allows, and this is the ultimate in transportation convenience and comfort. Renting a limo can be expensive though, especially if you plan on being in the region for an extended time.
  • Taxicabs- If you need to get from point A to point B one option is to call a taxicab, and there are a number of cab companies in the area that provide service to Fort MacMurray.
Categories
Canada Ft Mac

Fort MacMurray Summer Activities for Kids

If you are a parent in Fort MacMurray then one of the pressing thoughts as Summer draws near is what activities are there for your children while school is out? Fort MacMurray has a wide range of activities that will keep your kids entertained and help them grow during the summer months. Why not enroll the kids in the Challenger soccer camp, or take them to the local library and let them check out a few books? There are always gymnastic classes, martial arts lessons, overnight camps, music lessons and camps, and much more for young people to do during the summer without even leaving the region. A quick online search will show many different options and activities for kids of all ages.

Whether you are looking for sports, culture, entertainment, or something else for your kids in the Fort MacMurray area during the summer months you should be able to find what you are looking for. There are arts and crafts classes, nature camps, camping trips, hiking excursions, book readings, and many other possibilities. You can simply look for activities which meet your child’s interests and then sign them up. There are half day camps, all day camps, and camps that involve several days or weeks. Arrange for your child to take a painting class or learn how to create pottery, or let them join a local book club for kids. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination and your willingness to search out summer opportunities for kids.

Categories
Ft Mac

Tips for Camping in and Around Fort MacMurray

If you plan on camping in and around Fort MacMurray then there are some helpful tips that you may want to follow. These include:

 

  • Follow all posted signs in the areas that you visit. Remember that you should leave no trace behind, and you should take all possible precautions to avoid damaging the natural environment.
  • Always bring a first aid kit, especially if you are camping in one of the more remote areas which may be difficult to access.
  • Try to stay away from any waterways that you may come across.
  • Keep your noise to an acceptable level to avoid disturbing any wildlife or other campers. Use common courtesy.
  • Keep any campfire that you make small and manageable.
  • Always build your campfire in an open area that does not have any trees overhanging.
  • Use the receptacle at the camp site for your fire. If there is no appropriate fire receptacle then place some stones and sand down before you place the fire materials.
  • Always wear comfortable shoes designed for walking long distances. Treat any blisters or small wounds that you get immediately.
  • Always pack extra clothing, especially socks. Damp socks can cause serious problems with the skin on your feet and may contribute to blisters.
  • Never drive any vehicles in protected ecological reserves. Even a light vehicle could damage the habitat.
  • Always carry more than the recommended amount of water with you, especially during the warmer summer months.
  • Always pour water on the ashes of your campfire before leaving, and never leave any fire unattended.
Categories
Economic Ft Mac

Fort MacMurray Economic Facts and Figures

The economy of Fort MacMurray depends on several things, and one of the biggest economic sectors in the region is oil production and refining because of the Athabasca oil sands close by. There are a number of oil and energy companies with plants and offices in this area. These companies include Nexen, Syncrude, Shell, CNRL, and Suncor Energy. Natural gas exploration, development, and recovery plays some part in the economy, and so does the necessary pipelines for oil and gas that must be installed. Forestry is also an economic player in Fort MacMurray because of the abundance of forest land and the remote location of the city. One factor of the local economy is tourism, which may seem surprising because of all the oil production, but visitors who have been in the region can quickly understand how tourism can offer economic support because of all the natural beauty.

The housing market in Fort MacMurray is somewhat expensive, especially when the remoteness of the city is considered. The demand for housing has skyrocketed in recent years, and some of the oil companies have had difficulty attracting qualified workers because of the higher than average home and cost of living expenses. Food costs are also a little higher than other remote areas, in part because of the extra transport costs and the other additional expenses involved. The robust economy in Fort MacMurray is going strong, and few economists predict that this will change any time in the near future because of the oil sands and the petroleum industry.