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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says his Liberal government has Alberta’s back, as Ottawa promised Monday to take quick action on employment insurance to help laid-off Albertans.

Trudeau will meet with Premier Rachel Notley on Wednesday in Edmonton, and again Thursday in Calgary.

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The prime minister told a CBC forum on Sunday he’s very aware of the “tough times” facing Alberta, as well as Saskatchewan and Newfoundland and Labrador, because of tanking oil prices.

“The country is going to be there for you,” said Trudeau in response to a question from an energy worker from Alberta.

“The federal government is going to be a strong and active partner to help Alberta through this tough time.”

Oil prices plunged under US$30 a barrel last month, hammering Alberta’s energy industry, the economy and the provincial NDP government’s bottom line.

In the House of Commons Monday, Employment Minister MaryAnn Mihychuk was pressed to bring forward immediate reforms to the employment insurance system around accessibility, level and duration of benefits to help laid-off Canadians, especially those in the energy sector.