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While some economists are still citing our historically above-average “per-capita income” levels, consider this: one in four people using food banks in Alberta is employed or was recently employed — the highest level in the country.

Photo by Jason Franson/Bloomberg files

All of this may sound like preaching to those not affected but the fact of the matter is Alberta is facing a full-on crisis, and there is a real need for support and assistance, rather than condescension.

A great place to start is with pipelines, and I mean more than just the Trans Mountain. Federal government policies are going to have to shift from being anti-resource development to ones that indicate the province is open for business, not only to attract foreign capital but also to stop the current exodus.

Adjusting equalization so that struggling provinces such as Alberta and Saskatchewan can use more of their federal tax dollars for large infrastructure projects that are currently on hold would also send a very strong message.

Regular Albertans also need to do everything they can to make sure they have the financial wherewithal to weather the storm. That means ensuring that savings and RSPs are topped up (if you’re still fortunate enough to have money to put away), diversifying your holdings and avoiding illiquid private investments. Also, make sure you have a personal financial plan, mapping out contingencies in the event of potential economic impacts.

We didn’t invent hardship but Alberta is a province built on sweat, tears and hard work. Our founders each took a small piece of land leased from the railroad, including my grandfather who came here in 1905 from Montreal, and together turned the province into what was more recently one of the economic engines of Canada.