Alberta Energy Minister Marg McCuaig-Boyd has apologized Thursday evening for comments she made about oil and gas workers in Alberta.

McCuaig-Boyd was asked what the provincial government was doing to assist in re-training opportunities, to keep skilled workers in the energy industry and ensuring they’re ready to go after the price of oil rebounds.

The Minister replied by saying:

“”I think one of the options certainly is like in the post-secondary system. A lot of people if they do have that journeyman certificate are finding work but I know I have to say up our way, I know of people who maybe disrupted their training part way through because times were hot and they could get a pretty good job without having that journeyman certificate. So we’re creating opportunities to go back and finish that work now or maybe go into another sector within that and encouraging those folks, that’s one option for them. Looking at providing training and skill development so we don’t lose people. Certainly there are always talks of about mobility of jobs between provinces so maybe they can go work in BC until it gets better and come back home, there’s things like that, that’s always been kind of ongoing but I think the training part is really important and that’s one we’re pushing.”

660 News did give her a chance to clarify, she has since asked for further clarification and has issued a statement.

“I misspoke and for that I apologize. That is not my position on jobs. It’s not this government’s position on jobs.

These are real people losing their jobs, with real families. We want to help create opportunities to keep Albertans in Alberta.

Our government has an ambitious jobs plan. As Energy Minister, I’m fighting for jobs every day. We’re working with the energy industry, small- and medium-sized businesses, and entrepreneurs to diversify the economy, develop new opportunities, and create good jobs. We are increasing investment in infrastructure, supporting trade development, and improving access to capital for small- and medium-sized businesses. By taking real action on climate change, we can change the conversation on pipelines and finally get access to new markets.

I will continue to fight for jobs in Alberta and in our energy industry.”

660 News will be speaking with the Energy Minister Friday morning, as per her request, for further clarification and will have more….