Minister of Skilled Trades and Professions Kaycee Madu said more than 45,000 out-of-province workers moved to Alberta in 2022. (Photo: Government of Alberta)

By Sarah Jones

Alberta attracts over 45,000 out-of-province workers in 2022

Apr 18, 2023 | 2:28 PM

EDMONTON, AB – The Alberta Government continues to attract out-of-province, certified professional workers.

According to the province, in the third and fourth quarters of 2022, Alberta saw more than 30,000 people move to the province from across Canada, bringing the annual total to more than 45,000 from across the country.

It was all part of the Alberta is Calling campaign, targeted at bringing skilled workers and professionals from Toronto, Vancouver, the Maritimes and southeastern Ontario to Alberta.

In the fall of 2021, the province passed the Labour Mobility Act so that, certified professional workers from across Canada would have a streamlined process to use their expertise in Alberta.

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Alberta Minister of Skilled Trades and Professions, Kaycee Madu, said, “I am proud of this government’s efforts to ensure that everyone who wants to work in Alberta can use their skills and build rewarding careers. Not only will this legislation help us create jobs and diversify our economy, but it will also strengthen our workforce with the skilled workers Alberta needs.”

Between 2019 and 2020, the total number of out-of-province applications in regulated occupations increased by about 20 per cent.

Studies from the province indicate that reducing labour mobility barriers could significantly boost Alberta’s and Canada’s economies.

The C.D. Howe Institute estimates that reducing labour mobility costs by $500 per person per year could attract about 20,000 additional workers to Alberta and increase the provincial GDP by $2.8 billion.

Brian Jean, Alberta Minister of Jobs, Economy and Northern Development said, “To maintain Alberta’s economic leadership in Canada, we need to ensure that skilled people arriving in our province can work to their full potential. Alberta is calling, and this change will help new Albertans find their dream job and enjoy the Renewed Alberta Advantage sooner.”

Occupations in Alberta, streamlining work for out-of-province workers through the Labour Mobility Act include optometrists, lawyers and engineers.

Read more at Lethbridge News Now.