Alberta Is Calling, and Offering $5,000 If You Answer

Alberta's provincial flag flies on a flag pole in Ottawa, on June 30, 2020. The Canadian Press/Adrian Wyld

Alberta has moved into phase three of its “Alberta is Calling” campaign to encourage migration from other provinces, and this time the government is offering a moving bonus.

Advertising will be focused on post-secondary campuses, restaurants, bars, gyms, radio, and social media to call skilled tradespeople to the province, offering up to $5,000 to cover moving costs for eligible candidates, according to the government website.

Individuals who move to Alberta between May 1 and Dec. 31 to work in a high-demand skilled trade and stay for at least 12 months can earn a refundable tax credit for their efforts.

The provincial government has released a list of skilled trades it wants to see more of in Alberta, from various construction positions to HVAC workers to mechanics and more.

Interested applicants can sign up to be on the government email list and can apply after they’ve been living in Alberta for a year.

Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade Matt Jones said the province offers a lot of opportunities.

“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,” Mr. Jones said in a news release.

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

About 60 percent of businesses in the province are struggling to find enough workers, according to a 2023 report from the Alberta Chamber of Commerce. Forty-three percent of businesses say there are not enough people to fill the jobs, while 34 percent say candidates lack the skills needed.

Alberta is anticipating growth in its construction industry, according to the government release. Between 2024 and 2033, the province will add 14,000 construction jobs, it says.

“Our province is about to experience a massive uptick in work through projects such as Air Products and Dow,” said Terry Parker, executive director of Building Trades of Alberta. “Alberta’s skilled trades offer many incredible career opportunities.”

The province has set aside $10 million to cover the moving bonus initiative and is estimating 2,000 eligible workers moving to the province.

The Alberta is Calling campaign started in 2000 to help address provincial labour shortages, the government said in its release. The first phase looked to attract workers from the health care, trades, and technology sectors from Vancouver and Toronto. The next phase targeted Atlantic Canada and Ontario. Phase three of the advertising campaign is expected to cost $2.5 million.