Outsourcing of jobs and real impact on rural communities

While unemployment has been a cause for concern for many years, the outsourcing of some job functions has already had an adverse impact on rural economies.

Following the unprecedented global conditions of 2020, many people were left unemployed or faced with financial difficulties due to pay cuts. Unemployment remains of concern in not just parts of the USA, but the world at large. Although unemployment has been an issue for years, it was exacerbated by the conditions of 2020. In 2018, Canada’s unemployment rate was reportedly at its 43-year low of 5.6%, but fast forward to early 2021, it reportedly worsened to a national unemployment rate of 7.8%. In light of the global landscape and state of economies, businesses have been forced to reassess their operations and cut costs where possible.

It is therefore not surprising that those businesses that were fortunate enough to pivot or make it through 2020 have tried to cut down on unnecessary operations. In some cases, entire departments were shut down and companies have, instead, resorted to either outsourcing some operations or working with freelancers and consulting with experts when necessary. The closure of some departments and businesses can be noted as a contributing factor to the current unemployment rate, particularly in rural communities.

Outsourcing and rural communities

In addition to the above, policies that allow employees to work remotely have been problematized by some. It is argued that remote work will lead to less job opportunities and the need for human capital. One of Lacombe’s largest employers has implemented such a policy, which allows employees to work remotely from anywhere in Canada. Moreover, others believe that it will lead to an overall decline in commercial investment. Due to the fact that jobs are generally outsourced to more developed or economically active states or countries, the impact on local rural communities has been highlighted. A recent example of this was the outsourcing of some of the in-house laundry operations of an Alberta laundromat. The move reportedly had an impact on roughly 350 employees, following a reported cut of some 11 000 jobs before that. This was prompted by the need to cut costs and save on upgrades and further investment into the existing company, more so under the current global financial conditions. These positions are often filled by general workers with little to no formal qualification, most of whom live in rural communities. Therefore, the company’s transition and outsourcing had an impact on the rural economy and the livelihoods of the people, further proving that the objections and initial reluctance from some may have been warranted.

In cases where some functions are outsourced, companies often centralise operations in larger cities and do away with the positions that were occupied by employees from the rural communities. With that in mind, people have found themselves in difficult financial positions and having to find alternative ways of staying afloat and providing for their families. It is because of such circumstances that the disadvantaged from rural communities have had to either explore entrepreneurial endeavours or consider the likes of online forex trading in the United States, as one need not depend on an employer in such cases. However, there is often not enough money available for circulation in the rural economies because unemployment is rife.

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From Underdog to Top Broodmare

Published on November 28, 2025

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WATCH From Underdog to Top Broodmare (video)

Executive Producers Jeff Robillard (Horse Racing Alberta) and Mike Little (Shinelight Entertainment)

What began as an underdog story became a legacy of excellence. Crackers Hot Shot didn’t just race — she paved the way for future generations, and in doing so became one of the most influential producers the province has known.

The extraordinary journey of Crackers Hot Shot — once overlooked, now revered — stands as one of Alberta’s finest success stories in harness racing and breeding.

Born in humble circumstances and initially considered rough around the edges, Crackers Hot Shot overcame long odds to carve out a career that would forever impact the province’s racing industry. From a “wild, unhandled filly” to Alberta’s “Horse of the Year” in 2013, to producing foals who carry her spirit and fortitude into future generations.

Her influence ripples through Alberta’s racing and breeding landscape: from how young stock are prepared, to the aspirations of local breeders who now look to “the mare that did it” as proof that world-class talent can emerge from Alberta’s paddocks.

“Crackers Hot Shot, she had a tough start. She wasn’t much to look at when we first got her” — Rod Starkewski

“Crackers Hot Shot was left on her own – Carl Archibald heard us talking, he said ‘I’ll go get her – I live by there’. I think it took him 3 days to dig her out of the snow. She was completely wild – then we just started working on her. She really needed some humans to work with her – and get to know that people are not scary.” — Jackie Starkewski

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Visit thehorses.com to learn more about Alberta’s Horse Racing industry.

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Alberta Moves Toward Legal iGaming; Impact on Red Deer

Published on November 27, 2025

Todayville Content Team

Alberta is the latest province in Canada looking to welcome a new regulated iGaming market. Regions like Ontario have already proved how successful the industry can become. It’s not just for the gambling industry itself but for the infrastructure and development it can foster through the astounding amounts of tax revenue it can bring in. According to Delasport, in 2024 alone, Ontario reported Gross Gambling Revenue (GGR) figures of CA$3.2 billion. The staggering amount also represented a year-on-year increase of over 30%.

Given the potential for much-needed tax revenue injections, Alberta now wants to follow suit, albeit via its own regulatory model. The notion of regulated iGaming in the province has long been debated and is now finally ready to go ahead. While there is much work to be done, authorities are optimistic that the move will be a rousing success.

Early reactions point to the growing appetite for digital platforms that offer secure and convenient play. Industry observers often point to resources like an Esports Insider guide when discussing how online gaming continues to expand. Guides like these highlight safe and secure casino sites that locals can access and play on. The best sites provide a gold standard that Albertan sites should look to emulate. By offering expansive gaming libraries, together with generous player bonuses, fast payments, and adequate safeguards for players, these sites have become trusted members of the global industry.

For local regions like Red Deer, legal iGaming could have a positive effect if handled properly. The tax revenue generated from the industry could go a long way toward helping a lot of locals. Programs like the Integrated Coordinated Access (ICA), which help connect people in need with appropriate social services, could be better provided for. Of course, the final regulations will dictate how many and which programs benefit from tax revenues. However, social causes like this are a good example of how tax revenues can be used to help as many people as possible.

Local areas like Red Deer may also benefit through reinvestment. Infrastructure projects, community programs, or healthcare funding could all be supported by revenue streams that come from regulated play. While projections vary, the expectation is that even a small share of provincial income could create visible change at the municipal level. So long as the funds are allocated with appropriate oversight, the province as a whole would benefit greatly from iGaming revenue. The extra funding is needed more than ever in the wake of US tariffs and the realignment of global trade.

Local businesses could also feel an indirect boost. With online platforms drawing more attention to gaming as a form of entertainment, cafes, bars, and sports lounges may see opportunities to host events tied to esports or watch parties. This type of cross-promotion has worked well in other regions where iGaming has become part of mainstream culture. Red Deer, with its active student population and lively arts scene, is well-positioned to adapt.

With gambling regulations often being harsh in other regions, there’s often pushback whenever the industry wants to gain a foothold in a new locality. While many look at societal issues, those who are pro-business are quick to point out that gambling represents huge inflows of revenue wherever it’s treated fairly by regulators. That kind of windfall simply can’t be ignored. In many ways, the gambling industry is treated differently, usually subjected to higher taxes than other industries to balance out any concerns that may exist.

Technology also plays a major role in shaping this future. Faster internet connections, mobile devices, and secure payment tools have made it possible for online gaming to be part of everyday life. Players in Red Deer already use digital wallets for shopping, subscriptions, and travel bookings. Extending that convenience to entertainment feels like a natural step. The province’s move to regulate iGaming is less about introducing something entirely new and more about bringing order to a practice that already exists in the shadows.

Cultural attitudes also matter. Red Deer is a community that blends tradition with a growing openness to digital solutions. Events like esports tournaments and online streaming have already captured attention among younger residents. The addition of regulated iGaming could be viewed as part of this broader shift toward digital entertainment. As with music, film, and television, the move from physical venues to online access has reshaped how people engage with their favourite pastimes.