Province also adding thousands of apprenticeship classroom seats in high-demand areas
Alberta has introduced a new incentive in hopes of attracting workers into the province.
The provincial government’s Budget 2024 is setting aside $10 million for the Alberta is Calling attraction bonus, which provides workers with a $5,000 refundable tax credit.
With the new incentive, the government hopes to attract out-of-province workers in the skilled trades.
“The Alberta is Calling attraction bonus will support our government’s commitment to build a skilled and resilient labour force that helps businesses and the economy thrive,” says Matt Jones, minister of jobs, economy and trade. “We will continue to foster the conditions for growth to ensure Alberta remains the best place to live, work, invest, do business and raise a family.”
During last year’s election campaign, the United Conservative Party of Alberta promised to create a program and offer at least $1,200 to newcomers who relocate to the province to work in designated high-demand jobs, such as health care and trades, reported the Calgary Herald.
Another phase of the Alberta is Calling campaign is coming later this year.
In 2022, the $2.6 million-campaign highlighted the many lifestyle and career advantages Alberta offers – including higher wages, shorter commutes and job opportunities.
Alberta also launched a phase of the Alberta is Calling campaign in 2023, focusing on attracting workers from across Ontario and Atlantic Canada.
Alberta is also looking to build its workforce from within the province.
The provincial government also noted, in Budget 2024, that it will increase by $102 million the funding over three years to expand apprenticeship opportunities in the province.
The investment will help the province add 3,200 apprenticeship classroom seats in high-demand areas and support curriculum updates to the apprenticeship program.
Alberta is also investing $62.4 million over three years to expand physician education, including through rural health training centres.
“Alberta is growing. Budget 2024 is a plan that manages the pressures faced by a growing province today while securing the future for generations who follow. I’m proud of the choices we made in this budget that support Albertans’ top priorities and prepare our province to meet the challenges that lie ahead,” said Nate Horner, president of Treasury Board and minister of finance.
“Budget 2024 invests today and saves for tomorrow so we can continue to be the nation’s economic engine.”
In 2022, Alberta proclaimed the Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act to modernize its skilled trades framework.
