Province to offer $7-per-hour wage subsidy in summer student employment program

From the Province of Alberta

STEP 2019 ready to help employers and students

Applications for the Summer Temporary Employment Program (STEP) are now being accepted online.

The Alberta government re-introduced STEP to create work opportunities for high school and post-secondary students between May and August, by providing a $7-per-hour wage subsidy to employers.

“Alberta students deserve good jobs and the best possible training, and Alberta businesses deserve the labour resources they need to thrive. Since we brought STEP back in 2016, the program has provided nearly 9,000 jobs for students across the province. Employers who hire students improve job prospects for young Albertans and can hire additional resources to sustain and build their business.”

Christina Gray, Minister of Labour

Last year, STEP helped almost 1,400 employers hire 3,050 students for summer positions. The program is available to small businesses, non-profit organizations, public libraries, school boards, publicly funded post-secondary institutions, municipalities, First Nations and Metis settlements.

“Well educated young people with useful skills are essential to our future and we need to provide meaningful employment opportunities to help prepare them. The STEP program makes it possible to take on students to work in small businesses and public institutions that could not afford to hire them otherwise. Students who have worked for us have all gone on to build successful careers.”

Peter Wallis, president and principal scientist, Hyperion Research Ltd.

New this year, applications are being accepted online only to streamline the process, through the Labour Workforce Grants Portal. Employers interested in hiring a student for 2019 are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Applications must be submitted before the Feb. 8, 2019 deadline. Additional information and application forms are available online at alberta.ca/step

Quick facts

STEP is a four- to 16-week wage subsidy program that provides funding to employers to hire high school or post-secondary students for summer jobs from May to August.
Employers are offered a $7-per-hour subsidy for a maximum of 37.5 hours per week.
STEP was reintroduced in 2016, receiving $10 million annually.
The program will accept applications through the online portal alberta.ca/step from Jan. 3 to Feb. 8, 2019.

Related Topics:Province of Alberta Summer Temporary Employment Program

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Alberta Provincial Police – New chief of Independent Agency Police Service

Published on July 2, 2025

Government of Alberta

Sat Parhar has been appointed as the first chief of the Independent Agency Police Service, marking the next step toward a new municipal policing option.

The appointment of a new chief for the Independent Agency Police Service (IAPS) marks the next step in giving municipalities a new option for local policing and builds on the work already underway for the agency to assume the police-like duties currently carried out by the Alberta Sheriffs. The IAPS will empower municipalities to adopt strategies that effectively respond to their specific safety concerns, enhancing public safety across the province.

Chief Parhar brings more than 25 years of policing experience, including senior roles with the Calgary Police Service, most recently as deputy chief. His frontline policing experience and deep understanding of Alberta’s complex and diverse public safety landscape positions him to lead the agency as it takes shape and begins its work as a new municipal policing option, keeping communities safe.

Once operational, the agency will strengthen Alberta’s existing policing model and complement the province’s current police services, which includes the RCMP, Indigenous policing services and municipal police. It will help fill gaps and ensure law enforcement resources are deployed efficiently to meet Alberta’s evolving public safety needs and improve law enforcement response times, particularly in rural communities.

“Appointing Chief Sat Parhar is a key milestone in Alberta’s plan to give municipalities a real choice in how their communities are kept safe. This is about building a modern police service that reflects the priorities of Albertans, strengthens local decision-making, and ensures every corner of our province, especially rural areas, can count on responsive, effective law enforcement. With his decades of experience and deep understanding of Alberta’s policing landscape, he is the right leader to bring this vision to life.”

Danielle Smith, Premier

“This appointment signifies a significant step forward in our efforts to establish a more robust, community-focused policing model that is better equipped to meet the unique needs of our local residents. Under Chief Parhar’s visionary leadership, we are confident that we will develop a modern, efficient police service that not only enhances public safety but also aligns closely with the priorities and values of Albertans. His experience and commitment are vital in shaping an IAPS that is responsive, transparent, and dedicated to fostering trust and collaboration within the community, ultimately ensuring a safer and more connected society for all.”

Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency ServicesMike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services

Chief Parhar’s immediate priorities will be to hire an executive team and commence organizational planning such as developing key recruitment, training and other operational policies. Chief Parhar’s appointment is the first step of many to establishing the IAPS.

“It’s an honour to take on this role and help shape a modern police service built for Alberta. My focus from day one will be on setting high standards for professionalism, building strong relationships with our partners and ensuring this service reflects the needs and priorities of the communities we serve.”

Sat Parhar, chief, Independent Agency Police Service

The Independent Agency Police Service was formally created through regulation following the passing of Public Safety Statutes Amendment Act, 2024. The agency will operate as an independent Crown corporation, and will be renamed the Alberta Sheriffs Police Service, with its head office located in Calgary. The IAPS will be operationally independent from the provincial government with civilian oversight, consistent with all police services in Alberta.

“When it comes to policing, municipalities like ours deserve a choice – especially when the current system leaves us disadvantaged simply because of our size. We look forward to learning more about what that alternative will look like once an Alberta police agency is fully established and the options are clear. For us, this is about fairness, sustainability, and ensuring municipalities have access to policing solutions that reflect both their needs and their realities.”

Jack Van Rijn, Mayor of the Town of Coaldale

Quick facts

The regulation establishes the IAPS Provincial Corporation and its governance structure including board of directors, board of director powers, financial responsibilities and accountabilities.