The Current

ENCORE: Calgarians re-imagine lives amid Alberta's economic downturn

It's been one of this year's biggest reversal-of-fortune stories, as the high-flying economy of Alberta has been laid low by the plunging price of oil. Today, we revisit our show in Calgary for stories of how life has been turned upside down in the province.
Former Ad Executive Nicole Pittman went from a boardroom to a corner in the grass by the trees, with a refrigerated cart on wheels selling popsicles. She's one of tens-of-thousands of Albertans who have lost their big jobs because of the oil downturn. (Elizabeth Hoath/CBC)

More than 35,000 oil and gas sector jobs have been lost since the oil downturn in Alberta. 

There are stories behind the stats. People who have had to change their lives and vision for their future.

From the former executive now selling popsicles, to coffee shop owners, to the auctioneer run off his feet by demand for lower priced goods.

Join us on our road trip through Calgary to hear from Calgarians travelling toward uncertain times.

Anna Maria Tremonti tastes one of Nicolle Pittman's frozen treats in Calgary. Nicole Pittmann started Top Pop, a business making and selling popsicles, after she lost her job as an associate creative director of a multinational ad agency. 

This segment was produced by The Current's Elizabeth Hoath and Calgary Network Producer, Michael O'Halloran.