Workers at Suncor Mine. Image via Suncor.com
Alberta and Ottawa launch $39M grant to boost worker skills, productivity
EDMONTON — Alberta and the federal government are partnering on a new $39-million program aimed at helping employers train workers and adopt new technologies to stay competitive in a changing economy.
The Canada-Alberta Productivity Grant will run for three years and split costs between businesses and government. It is designed to help employers upgrade workers’ skills in business operations, technical trades and digital technology.
Jobs Minister Joseph Schow says Alberta already leads the country in productivity but needs to keep pace as the labour market and economy evolve.
He says the funding will help businesses invest in new equipment, streamline operations and train workers in areas such as software, data analysis, cybersecurity and process management.
Under the program, the province and Ottawa will each pay 50 per cent of training costs for existing employees, up to $5,000 per worker per year. When hiring and training an unemployed Albertan, government support can increase to 75 per cent, up to $10,000 per trainee. Applications are now open.
Federal Employment Minister Patty Hajdu says the grant will equip workers with the skills to meet economic challenges and help employers grow.
Alberta says financial barriers often prevent businesses from investing in training. The grant supports the province’s jobs strategy, which commits to workforce development, labour market research and expanding access to training.
The money comes from the Canada-Alberta Workforce Development Agreement and is funded through Employment Insurance contributions from workers and employers.
Alberta recorded the highest labour productivity in Canada in 2023 at $78 of GDP per hour worked, well above the national average of $63.50.
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