One of Canada’s most pressing labour market gaps exists in the trades industry.
In fact, according to a study released this month by Statistics Canada (StatsCan), the national labour market is facing “downward pressure” resulting from a wave of recent retirements among baby boomers (those born between 1955 and 1965).
This has resulted in Canada’s labour force participation rate being at its lowest in 20 years (65% in 2021, 2022 and 2023).
Accordingly, on both the federal and provincial levels, Canada is always looking to attract skilled workers who can help bolster the workforce in this sector.
Although Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is taking its own steps to fill these urgent shortages, Alberta has introduced some financial incentives to bring them to the province.
What is Alberta offering skilled immigrants working in the trades?
In April 2024, the Government of Alberta began its Alberta is Calling program. This program will provide up to 2,000 eligible skilled tradespeople with a one-time refundable tax credit of $5000.
To be eligible for this program, candidates must meet certain criteria. These criteria include:
- Be 18 years or older when they apply
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Move to Alberta between May 1 and December 31, 2024
- Be a tax resident of Alberta on December 31, 2024
- Have moved to Alberta between May 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
- Have a resident of Alberta for at least 12 consecutive months at the time they apply
For more information on this program, including full eligibility criteria, visit this Government of Alberta webpage.
About the trades industry in Alberta
The trades industry in Alberta has long experienced a significant labour shortage. Therefore, trade careers are among the most in-demand occupations in the entire province.
In fact, nine different trade industry occupations are currently listed as in high demand by the Government of Alberta. They are as follows, listed in no particular order.
Note: Next to each occupation will be its National Occupation Classification (NOC) 2021 code.
- Construction managers (NOC 70010)
- Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers (NOC: 72410)
- Plumbers (NOC: 72300)
- Electrical and Electronics Engineers (NOC: 21310)
- Civil Engineers (NOC: 21300)
- Engineering Managers (NOC: 20010)
- Automotive and heavy truck and equipment parts installers and servicers (NOC: 74203)
- Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians (NOC: 22310)
- Electrical Mechanics (NOC: 72422)
Learn more
Prospective Canadian immigrants looking to learn more about the trades industry in Alberta can visit the provincial government’s dedicated trades website here.
This site can provide interested individuals with key information such as:
- Things to know about Apprentice Services in Alberta’s trades industry
- How to become a certified tradesperson in Alberta
- What trades qualify as designated trades across the province
Job vacancies in Alberta
According to StatsCan data from May 2024, Alberta has a significant number of job vacancies, the third most of any province in Canada (behind Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia).
- Ontario: 204,180
- Quebec: 130,735
- British Columbia: 102,720
- Alberta: 76,500
This means that newcomers to Alberta, both within and outside of the trades industry, may have better chances to find employment than in other provinces across Canada. For more about employment and other key aspects surrounding life in Alberta, click here.
