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Canada’s employment minister says Alberta’s financial troubles will be eased by promised government investment in infrastructure, dismissing calls for greater focus on layoffs hammering the oilpatch.

MaryAnn Mihychuk, who met with local business leaders in Calgary on Monday to discuss rising unemployment and plummeting oil prices, said there’s no quick solution for the province’s situation.

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“We’re in tough times right now, but there will be opportunities for the infrastructure program and our energy sector will come back,” Mihychuk said.

The pledge comes as Alberta Finance Minister Joe Ceci has acknowledged low oil prices may force the province to delay or cut back programs promised by the NDP government, including child-care benefits, school fee reductions, student hiring and environmental retrofitting.

“I can’t point you to any one (program) here in terms of commitments, but I can tell you I’m comfortable recommending (to cabinet) slower phase-in and lower phase-in for some of these things,” Ceci told The Canadian Press.

Mihychuk said the province’s situation will likely get worse before it gets better, and Albertans need to work together.

“There are good examples of innovation and positive growth, but we are facing a very tough time in Alberta,” she said.

“We’re here to say we don’t come with all the answers. We’re here to listen and learn and be a constructive partner.”

Mihychuk said the Liberal government’s plan involves putting money toward infrastructure, as well as job training to help workers move into that sector. It will also include measures to improve the employment insurance system and increase work opportunities for youth.

“But did I come with a wallet full of cash? No,” Mihychuk said.