Opinion: The blue-collar conundrum — How western Canadian culture leaves trades jobs unfilled
by Mike Robinson, Calgary Herald · Calgary HeraldIn a city known for its energy and work ethic, it’s puzzling to see high unemployment alongside unfilled blue-collar positions. Calgary’s unemployment rate — at 7.5 per cent — is the second-highest in the country, yet many trades and labour positions remain vacant, especially in the construction industry. The disconnect between the demand for workers and the supply of willing hands raises the question: what’s going on here?