Canada’s Alberta province has shown the fastest employment growth rate in the country and, amid warnings of severe labour shortages in some sectors, the province is looking increasingly attractive for skilled migrants hoping to capitalise on the emerging skills shortage.
Many economists have forecast Alberta’s economy to be a nation-leader in the next couple of years. Statistics Canada has reported that the province’s employment has increased by 8,500 and, over the previous 12 months, employment has grown by 2.8% (56,300 jobs) - the fastest growth rate in the country.
In the Calgary census metropolitan area, the unemployment rate fell to 5.7 % in May from 5.9% in April, and from 7.6% a year ago. Michael Fotheringham, research manager at Calgary Economic Development (CED), said the local labour numbers were a positive trend, and indicative of further job growth in the future.
The provincial government has listed 16 occupations as having a significant likelihood of shortages within the next three years. These include retail trade managers; restaurant and food service managers; mechanical engineers; petroleum engineers; computer programmers and interactive media developers; web designers and developers; general practitioners and family physicians; registered nurses; retail trade supervisors; food service supervisors; technical sales specialists, wholesale trade; hairstylists and barbers; estheticians, electrologists and related occupations; construction millwrights and individual mechanics (except textile); heavy-duty equipment mechanics; and motor vehicle body repairers.
Mark Hopkins, managing partner of Knightsbridge Human Capital Solutions, says it is a critical time for Alberta, as the province responds to the emerging labour crisis.
“From a human capital perspective, this is a critical time for Alberta,” he said. “We believe that companies must effectively manage the leadership gap being created as an aging workforce retires in ever-increasing numbers.
At the same time, we are seeing rapidly increasing activity levels, increased technical and commercial demands, and a significant shortage of specialist technical skills.”
More Information
- Discover more about living and working in Alberta at www.workingin-canada.com
- Find out what jobs are available in Calgary at www.workingin-canada.com
- Get help with your Canadian visa at www.workingin-canada.com