The economic downturn has had a catastrophic effect on many, with only a few bright spots.
It’s usually hard to find a family doctor in Calgary, but not anymore.
“People are very excited,” said Chantal Clarke of University City Clinic. “We've been distributing flyers and having signs up and it's been really busy with people coming in saying they've been looking forever.”
More and more doctors are taking new patients as their regular clients pack up and leave the city. Thousands of people have lost their jobs are are seeking new opportunities in other provinces.
For many, the loss of oil and gas sector jobs meant the loss of their homes. Property values have plunged, creating hardship for many homeowners, but opportunity for people seeking to buy. But the pain isn’t over for many.
“You had a lot of families with a bleak Christmas,” said Allan Dwyer, economist at Mount Royal University. “But really quite a widespread effect on the economy, it's like ripples in a pond, you've got the real estate markets were affected and I don't think the end is in sight.”
Oil is currently worth less than 40 dollars a barrel, and while thousands of Calgarians have already lost their jobs, there is talk of more layoffs in the new year.
