May 31st, 2004
Taber Times
COCHRANE, ALBERTA...The Town of Cochrane is participating in the Alberta Municipal Internship Program for 2004/2005, and has hired Andrew Sears who commences work in June.
Andrew, originally from St. John's, Newfoundland, is joining the Town of Cochrane from Halifax, Nova Scotia where he attended Dalhousie University finishing with a Bachelors of Commerce, Cooperative Program in 2003.
The Municipal Intern Program is coordinated by Alberta Municipal Affairs & Housing for a 12 - month perido. It offers those persons an opportunity to experience all aspects of the diverse business of local government. "The progrma is highly commendable," says Mike Smith, Municipal Clerk. "It encourages more people to enter the local government field, while taking a proactive approach to address the concerns with the high numbers of current municipal managers expected to retire in the next 15 years."
Eleven municipalities across Alberta are engaged in the current program. The Provincial Government awards each of the municipalities a grant of $33,000 to assist with the employment and training of their intern.
For a recent graduate, Andrew brings an impressive amount of knowledge and experience from the Provincial Government level, where he has worked for the Department of Municipal & Provincial Affairs (Government of Newfoundland & Labrador); and the Departments of Health, Transportation & Public Works, and most recently Environment & Labour (Province of Nova Scotia).
When asked about the program Andrew stated, "I'm very excited about his opportunity. The Town of Cochrane is a beautiful and prosperous place, with a very successful Council and Administreation. I look forward to joining a terrific team." The program provides the Town with the opportunity to hire the services of a recent graduate on a one-year contract, with the assistance form Alberta Municipal Affairs & Housing, with the intent of providing guidance and assistance for the intern to achieve the skills necessary to work within the municipal goverment sector.
"I feel that I'll bring a unique perspective coming from the east coast of Canada, and look forward to making the Town of Cochrane my new home." The program is intented to give Andrew experience in all functional areas of municipal government, with time to be spent in Municipal services; Corporate services; Protective & Community services; Operaiontl services; and Planning & Engineering servies. Andrew went on to say, "I'm eager to learn, and am looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead."
Contact: Mike Smith, Municipal Clerk
Email: mike.smith@cochrane.ca Ph: (403) 851-2501