Alberta unveils workforce strategy to attract Canadian immigration

The Canadian province of Alberta is experiencing rapid economic growth and an accompanying shortage of skilled trade workers in the construction industry. Labor groups and construction associations have developed a workforce strategy to address the problem, including recruiting skilled trades’ people through Canadian immigration.

The Canadian province of Alberta is experiencing rapid economic growth and an accompanying shortage of skilled trade workers in the construction industry. Labour groups and construction associations have developed a workforce strategy to address the problem, including recruiting skilled trades people through Canadian immigration.

The government unveiled A Workforce Strategy for Alberta's Construction Industry last week, the Journal of Commerce reports. It includes advocating more emphasis on trade skills in government policies on Canadian immigration. They also want to streamline processes for bringing in foreign workers for specific trades suffering shortages.

Ken Gibson, executive director of the Alberta Construction Association, explained why the ten year plan is needed: "Alberta's construction workforce faces an unprecedented demand by the public for schools, hospitals, upgrades, bridges and roads. Ensuring the province has a strong, viable workforce is essential to continued growth not just in this industry but the economy as a whole."