The government of Alberta is implementing a new incentive program to attract skilled trades workers to the province. Employers in Alberta are facing a shortage of skilled workers, particularly those with significant experience in the industry. The $5,000 refundable tax credit is intended to assist employers in finding quality workers from out of province. Chad Borne, owner of Borne Industries, emphasizes the importance of skilled labor in completing projects effectively. Bridget Mearns, CEO of BILD Lethbridge, highlights the high demand for skilled labor across various trades, including housing. It is crucial for the success of the program to attract workers to smaller cities like Lethbridge and provide them with the necessary infrastructure to retain them.
According to Bridget Mearns, the need for skilled labor is widespread in the trades industry, and there is a constant demand for workers in various specialties such as carpentry, painting, and HVAC. Without available housing, there is limited room for new workers in the industry. Therefore, hiring employees in the construction sector is essential for the success of Alberta’s incentive program. Mearns stresses the importance of attracting new employees to cities like Lethbridge, rather than just the major cities of Calgary and Edmonton. Retention of new workers is also crucial to the program’s success, as individuals are looking for stable careers and investment opportunities in the communities where they work and live.
Chad Borne highlights the significance of providing a comprehensive package to new workers in order to retain them in the province. Workers are likely to stay if they have access to suitable housing and infrastructure for their families. While there is no guarantee that new workers will remain in Alberta, employers are focused on offering the best opportunities to employees and hope that they see the value of their employment in the province. The success of the program hinges on the ability to attract and retain skilled trades workers, ultimately benefiting both employers and the province’s economy.
The government of Alberta is currently in the third phase of its incentive plan, with a focus on attracting college students and out-of-province workers. The total budget for this phase is $2.5 million, indicating a significant investment in the recruitment of skilled trades workers to the province. By targeting specific demographics and providing financial incentives, Alberta aims to address the shortage of skilled labor in various industries and improve the overall workforce in the province. The success of the program will depend on the ability to effectively attract, retain, and support skilled workers in Alberta’s labor market.
Overall, the government of Alberta’s new incentive program for skilled trades workers is designed to address the shortage of experienced labor in the province. By offering a refundable tax credit and focusing on attracting workers to smaller cities like Lethbridge, the program aims to provide opportunities for workers to build stable careers and invest in their communities. Retaining new workers is essential for the long-term success of the program, and employers are committed to providing the necessary infrastructure and support to encourage workers to stay in Alberta. With a significant investment in recruiting college students and out-of-province workers, the government is taking proactive steps to strengthen the workforce and boost the economy in the province.
