Final Week of Classes

Hard to believe it but I am nearly finished my 6 week intensive community service learning class at the Univeristy of Alberta. Without a doubt it has been an adventure, a lot of work, challenging and highly engaging. We travelled up to Fort McMurray, the frontier town for the present Oil Boom taking shape here in Alberta. It was quite an experience as each of us were placed with different community organizations where we learned first hand some of the issues and problems facing the people of Fort McMurray.

I had the privilege to be placed with the YMCA in their Immigrant Settlement Services. I was shocked and amazed at how many new immigrants are coming into Canada and travelling directly to Fort McMurray as they believe that is where its at--- unfortunately what they dont hear is that earning a $19/hr job in Fort McMurray isnt enough to make ends meet, as rents are so inflated that to find a basic room, nevermind your own apartment will run you approx $1000. The average on bedroom apartment is approx $2000 and to look at renting a house you'll need somewhere between $3000-$4000/month. Due to this harsh reality, many working people depend on social services such as the Salvation Army's soup kitchen and emergency shelter. We saw many people not able to make ends meet. It's hard to understand, really, how a place with so much wealth can create so much injustice and inequality.