Canada’s most pressing labor market gap is in the trade industry. Here are Alberta’s incentives for skilled immigrants in trade professions. 

Well, according to a study released this month by Statistics Canada, the national labor market is facing ‘downward pressure’ resulting from a wave of recent retirements among baby boomers. 

This has resulted in Canada’s labor 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 seeking to attract skilled workers who can help bolster the workforce in this sector. 

Although 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 $5,000. 

In order to be eligible for this program, candidates must meet certain criteria. These criteria include: 

  • Being 18 years or older when they apply
  • Being a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
  • Moving to Alberta between May 1 and December 31, 2024
  • Being a tax resident of Alberta on December 31, 2024
  • Having moved to Alberta between May 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
  • Having a resident of Alberta for a minimum of 12 consecutive months at the time they apply

 

All About Trades Industry In Alberta 

Till now, we have discussed Alberta’s incentives for skilled immigrants in trade professions. 

The trade industry in Alberta has long experienced a significant labor shortage. Thus, trade careers are among the most in-demand by the Government of Alberta. They are listed in no specific order. 

Note: Next to every profession will be its National Occupation Classification 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 as well as technicians (NOC: 22310)
  • Electrical Mechanics (NOC: 72422)

Job Vacancies In Alberta 

According to Statistics Canada data from May 2024, Alberta has the third-most job vacancies of any province in Canada. 

  • Ontario: 204,180
  • Quebec: 130,735
  • British Columbia: 102,720
  • Alberta: 76,500

This implies that newcomers to Alberta, both within and outside of the trade industry, might have better chances to find employment than in other provinces across Canada. 

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