Labour

Over the last several years, Alberta saw unprecedented growth in energy production, construction and the service sector. That growth placed enormous pressures on nearly every part of our economy. We saw record low unemployment, huge growth and a growing number of employers frustrated by not being able to find and keep people.

2009 Annual Alberta Regional Labour Market Review 

The recent cooling of our economic fortunes is giving many an opportunity to pause and catch their breath. Alberta is not immune to the problems faced across the country and around the world. Falling energy prices and the cooling investment climate have impacted us on the short term. While Alberta’s unemployment rate is currently near four per cent, it is still the lowest in the country. Our unemployment rate is expected to grow to more than five percent next year. Even with that, it is still classed as a tight to balanced labour market.

Over the longer term, Alberta is still poised to experience a profound labour shortage. This is a systemic problem with our labour force and will not disappear because of this current economic problem. Our population is aging and we are simply not replacing that bubble of Baby Boomers fast enough. Even if we were to employ all groups currently under-represented in the labour force (Aboriginals, youth, older workers, disabled workers and immigrants) -- we would still be short nearly 100,000 workers.

Where will this 100,000 come from -- some will be the children and youth currently in school or training. Some will come from other parts of the country, moving to Alberta to build a better life. Still others will come from overseas -- as temporary workers or immigrants and refugees.

The government of Alberta has a number of activities currently working to alleviate the short-term job losses as well as help with the longer term pressures on employers.