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The province has issued two dozen tuition vouchers to Alberta coal workers who are facing layoffs and want to retrain as a result of the government’s push to phase out coal-fired emissions by 2030.

Launched in 2017, the Coal and Electricity Transition Tuition Voucher was one component of a $40-million program aimed at helping Alberta coal mine and power plant workers retrain and find new jobs.

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The province estimates 2,000 workers are affected, but only nine have used those vouchers and are taking classes at a publicly funded post-secondary institution. Workers have up to five years to use their vouchers.

“Our government has the backs of coal workers and coal communities across the province,” Advanced Education Minister Marlin Schmidt said.

“Our transition funds are ensuring that families have the supports that they deserve as we work to phase out coal-fired emissions by 2030.”

The vouchers are available to those who have worked at an affected coal-fired power plant or mine for at least one year immediately prior to receiving a layoff notice.