The Calgary Construction Association (CCA) is deeply disappointed by the Government of Alberta’s decision to cut the Canada-Alberta Job Grant program. This vital initiative has been instrumental in the development of a highly skilled workforce within the construction industry.

The termination of the Canada-Alberta Job Grant is a direct consequence of a $70.8 million reduction in funding from the Government of Canada through the Labour Market Transfer Agreement. This funding shortfall has led to the untimely discontinuation of a program that has been essential for the training and development of skilled trade workers.

“The Canada-Alberta Job Grant has been a cornerstone program to bridge the skills gap in the construction industry,” said Bill Black, President and CEO of the Calgary Construction Association. “In an industry that is constantly evolving and facing a shortage of qualified professionals, this grant has enabled businesses to invest in their employees, ensuring they possess the latest skills and knowledge to meet the demands of modern construction projects while developing a skilled workforce.”

The termination of the Canada-Alberta Job Grant program will ultimately and disproportionately affect small and medium enterprises (SMEs) within the construction industry. Unlike larger corporations that often have the resources to invest independently in workforce training, SMEs heavily rely on this grant to subsidize the costs of upskilling their employees. Without this crucial funding, many smaller businesses will struggle to provide the necessary training to their workforce, hindering their ability to stay competitive, adopt new technologies, and meet evolving industry standards

The CCA emphasizes that investing in workforce development is not just a matter of economic necessity but a strategic priority for the future of industry and province. Skilled trade workers are the backbone of construction, driving innovation, safety, and quality in every project. The Canada-Alberta Job Grant has been instrumental in fostering these attributes, contributing to the overall growth and sustainability of the sector.

In the next decade, 700,000 of the four million Canadians who work in the trades are expected to retire. Moreover, according to data analyzed by Alberta Jobs, Economy and Trade, there were 7,560 construction trades and management job vacancies in the Calgary economic region in Q3 2023, representing a staggering one-quarter of all job vacancies (30,500) in the city.

“The decision to cut this funding undermines the progress we have made in building a robust and competitive construction workforce in Alberta,” said Black. “We urge both the provincial and federal governments to reconsider this decision and explore alternative solutions to address the funding gap. Ensuring continuous support for workforce training programs is vital to maintaining Alberta’s competitive edge and achieving long-term economic prosperity.”

The CCA remains committed to advocating for the interests of its members and the construction industry at large. The Association will continue to work with all stakeholders to find viable pathways to support the development of a skilled, adaptable, and resilient workforce.

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