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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Property Markets in Alberta and B.C. Show Strong Momentum

Published on June 12, 2025

Duane Rolheiser

Calgary and Edmonton have both seen a steady level of property sales in recent months.

People who want to buy homes have focused on the location of each property. In both cities, there are options in both new developments and established neighborhoods. Pricing has stayed stable compared to some Canadian markets. Buyers often look at access to schools, parks, and workplaces as they make their choices. New construction projects have brought more units onto the market in some areas.

Condos and single-family houses both see attention. Some buyers prefer newer houses on the outskirts, while others choose homes near central districts. Demand for rental units has risen in many areas of Alberta as well. In most markets in this province, there are properties at a range of different price points.

Strong Buyer Interest in British Columbia

In Vancouver and other large cities in British Columbia, property purchases have stayed at a high level. Buyers study the location, price range, and future changes in each community before making an offer. Areas close to public transit, work, and schools often get the most interest. The supply of homes for sale can be limited, especially for single-family houses near the city center.

Home builders in some parts of British Columbia continue to start new projects. Suburban towns near Vancouver have seen people move from central communities as they seek different price points and more space. Most sales activity comes from a mix of local people and those considering a move from other regions.

Comparing Regional Housing Trends

Markets in Alberta and British Columbia have shown strong sales volumes in both urban and suburban neighborhoods. Buyers in Calgary and Vancouver have sought properties for their location, price point, and plans for future development. In comparison, other cities like Montreal and Ottawa have seen less change in housing demand.

Toronto homes for sale draw buyers based on inventory, neighborhood perks, and pricing. Properties in these areas often attract people considering options across Canada, leading to more balanced market activity in each region.

Influences on Current Demand

The activity in Alberta and British Columbia is shaped by different factors. Economic stability, employment rates, and population growth all play a role. In Calgary, job growth and a reasonable cost of living make the city attractive for new arrivals. Many companies offer positions in energy, construction, and services. This consistent employment keeps more people interested in both renting and buying homes.

British Columbia sees demand for property due to its location near the Pacific, a large service economy, and its climate. Many buyers see homes close to workplaces and public amenities as valuable. The limited space in some Vancouver neighborhoods can lead to more competition for each listing. New government policies on housing and lending may also affect the way buyers choose their properties.

Supply Factors and Market Balance

Builders respond to demand with new projects in both provinces. In Alberta, building new single-family homes or townhouses is common, especially in the outskirts of cities. This can help stabilize prices and supply for buyers who want new properties. By contrast, British Columbia often sees apartment and condo developments due to limited land near city centers.

Inventory levels can still be tight in some parts of both provinces. A limited number of new listings can cause more competition and keep prices firm. In some suburbs, developers offer new construction, while some older core neighborhoods have homes that are renovated or improved. The mix of these options shapes buyer and seller choices week by week.

The Effect of Amenities and Community Features

People choose homes not just for size or price, but also for access to amenities. In Alberta, neighborhoods with nearby schools, healthcare clinics, and parks see steady sales. In British Columbia, walkability, transit options, and access to local shops are important to people buying properties.

Communities that blend these features with reasonable prices often see more interest. Safety, commuting time, and local services also play roles in how buyers look at each listing. Some buyers prefer new developments that offer updated services and features, while others seek established communities with a track record of maintenance and stability.

Urban and Suburban Patterns

Both Alberta and British Columbia show activity in city centers and outer areas. In Calgary and Edmonton, downtown condos appeal to people who want to live near work or entertainment venues. In outer districts, large homes and yards attract buyers who want space and quiet.

Vancouver shows a similar split. Central neighborhoods offer easy access to employment and culture, while areas further out often mean lower prices and larger lots. Over time, people may move from one type of neighborhood to another as their priorities change.

A Look at Pricing and Future Supply

Property prices in Alberta have not risen as quickly as in some other Canadian regions, making the market accessible for many first-time buyers. British Columbia sees higher average prices due to demand and restraints on new supply, especially for new houses in city centers.

Plans for more new units are in place in several Alberta and British Columbia cities. This includes condos, single-family houses, and mixed-use buildings that can serve a range of buyers. Future building projects may affect future prices and supply levels if they proceed as planned.

Summary

Property markets in Alberta and British Columbia continue their activity due to local demand, supply, and economic factors. Buyers in Calgary and Vancouver pay close attention to location, price, and development plans. Cities in Alberta and British Columbia offer a mix of options for people seeking different types of homes at various price points. Local amenities, market inventory, and employment opportunities all shape the activity in these property markets. As local conditions change, builders and buyers keep adjusting their decisions according to their most practical needs and preferences.

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The Best US Hopes for Wimbledon 2025: Who Could Break the Curse at SW19?

Published on June 10, 2025

Todayville Content Team

For American tennis fans, Wimbledon has turned into a tournament of nostalgia and heartbreak. The days of Pete Sampras being the biggest name on grass feel like a lifetime ago – and while Serena Williams has done well for the U.S., she’s now out of the picture. And in recent decades, the men’s title hasn’t been lifted by a US player since Sampras back in 2000 – a quarter of a century ago, no less.

But as we start gearing up for Wimbledon 2025, there’s hope in the air. There’s a whole new generation of American talent—both men and women… And it’s finally starting to break through. With some pretty strong grass-court performances over the past year, there’s actually a bit of hope that maybe the stars and stripes could do it again… finally.

So, let’s take a closer look at the top U.S. contenders for Wimbledon 2025.

Taylor Fritz

When it comes to the American men, Taylor Fritz has to be the most consistent threat. Currently ranked inside the ATP top 10 – at number 4 no less, he’s matured into a well-rounded player, with a game suited perfectly to grass courts. He has a powerful serve, a clean ball-strike, and super sharp net play… and he could be dangerous at Wimbledon.

Last year he made it to the quarters before going out in a five-setter – and this time around, he’ll want to get at least one step further. Obviously, it won’t be easy going against the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic—both of whom are the names dominating the Wimbledon betting odds—but if the draw opens up, he could enjoy a serious run.

Ben Shelton

Fritz might be the reliable American option, but then there’s Ben Shelton – very much a wildcard. The 22-year-old exploded onto the scene with a deep run in the US Open in 2023, and while grass isn’t necessarily his natural surface, he’s nothing if not adaptable. And with his huge serve and fearless playing style, he’s a complete nightmare to go against in best-of-five tennis.

Shelton showed plenty of promise in the 2024 grass court season – with strong showings at Queen’s Club and Halle. And if he gets hot, we wouldn’t be too surprised to see him crash the quarterfinals or beyond. If you’re looking for a dark horse, he could be your guy.

Sebastian Korda

Of all the American men, Sebastian Korda is arguably the best suited for a grass game. Tall, elegant, and technically impressive, it’s almost like he was built for Wimbledon. He managed to make it to the fourth round in 2021 but has struggled with injuries ever since. However, if he’s fit and healthy, his court coverage and touch could cause issues for even the best player.

If he is in top form going into Wimbledon 2025, he could surprise some of the higher seeds. He’s already beaten some of the top-10 players on grass, and he’s someone with the mentality to perform well even on the biggest stage.

Coco Gauff

Let’s look at the women… and here we have Coco Gauff, who is unquestionably our biggest Wimbledon hope. Still only 21 years of age, she already has years of Grand Slam experience under her belt—and she even has a US Open title to her name. Her big breakthrough came at Wimbledon back in 2019 when she famously beat the legendary Venus Williams… at just 15 years old. Since then, she’s just gotten even better, especially on faster surfaces.

Her serve is one of the best on the WTA Tour, and her athleticism makes her a tough contender out on grass. With the main competitors being Iga Świątek, who struggles on this surface, and Elena Rybakina, who lacks consistency, this could potentially be her year.

Madison Keys

And we really shouldn’t count out Madison Keys – the 29-year-old who still has the power game to do serious damage on grass. And she got all the way to the Wimbledon quarter finals as recently as 2023.

Her huge serve and flat groundstrokes always work well on grass… and with her experience, she could get a long way if the competition goes her way. Wimbledon is about fearless aggression… and Keys has that by the bucketloads. She may not be the favorite – but savvy fans know that, if the form and conditions are right, she could make it at least to the semis.

Will it be the year for the US at Wimbledon? It’s hard to say… and we’d definitely need a bit of luck on our side. But at Wimbledon, anything is possible!