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Alberta beckons once more: Move there and earn $5,000


Alberta has entered phase three of its “Alberta is Calling” campaign aimed at encouraging migration from other provinces, now offering a moving bonus.

Advertising will target post-secondary campuses, restaurants, bars, gyms, radio, and social media to attract skilled tradespeople to the province, providing up to $5,000 to cover moving expenses for eligible candidates as stated on the government website.

Individuals relocating to Alberta between May 1 and Dec. 31 to work in high-demand skilled trades and stay for a minimum of 12 months can receive a refundable tax credit.

The government has outlined a list of desired skilled trades in Alberta, ranging from various construction positions to HVAC workers and mechanics.

Interested candidates can sign up for the government email list and apply after residing in Alberta for a year.

Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade Matt Jones emphasized the numerous opportunities available in the province.

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“The Alberta is Calling campaign and Moving Bonus reaffirm our government’s commitment to attracting top talent and addressing labour force needs for sectors that are crucial to sustaining our province’s prosperity,” stated Mr. Jones in a news release.

“It also demonstrates we are serious about filling productive jobs with productive workers to support our expanding infrastructure needs.”

Around 60 percent of businesses in the province are facing challenges in finding sufficient workers, according to a 2023 report from the Alberta Chamber of Commerce. Forty-three percent of businesses claim there are not enough individuals to fill the available positions, while 34 percent state that candidates lack the necessary skills.

Alberta is projecting growth in its construction sector, with plans to add 14,000 construction jobs between 2024 and 2033 as per the government release.

“Our province is set to experience significant growth in projects such as Air Products and Dow,” mentioned Terry Parker, executive director of Building Trades of Alberta. “Alberta’s skilled trades present numerous exciting career opportunities.”

The province has allocated $10 million for the moving bonus initiative and anticipates around 2,000 eligible workers relocating to Alberta.

The “Alberta is Calling” campaign was initiated in 2000 to help address provincial labor shortages, targeting workers in the healthcare, trades, and technology sectors from Vancouver and Toronto in its first phase. Subsequent phases focused on Atlantic Canada and Ontario. Phase three of the advertising campaign is expected to cost $2.5 million.



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