Photo Courtesy The City of Grande Prairie

By Tanner Smith

Economy

Rural Renewal Program off to a strong start in Grande Prairie

Nov 25, 2022 | 12:39 PM

A new labor attraction program that was introduced in mid-August is having a strong start in the Grande Prairie Region.

The Rural Renewal program has provided 324 job opportunities and endorsed 78 employers to hire people into vacant positions since its introduction at the end of the summer.

Shawna Miller, Owner of eight Grande Prairie Subway franchises said in a news release, “For the first time in over a year, I can safely say we are fully staffed. This huge accomplishment is credited to the 13 positions we have filled using the Rural Renewal Stream. With sufficient staff, our stores have begun to expand hours to accommodate increasing customer demand.”

These positions available through the program are filled with people currently on a work visa in Canada or from an international market with the intention of settling in Grande Prairie.

In the GP region, they currently have vacancies in a wide range of fields, from beauty and aesthetics, legal services, retail, and restaurants with new employers and jobs being added every week.

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Local employers have also expressed widespread challenges when it comes to recruiting employees in retail trade, construction, and the accommodation and food service sectors.

According to the Regional Labour Market Needs Assessment done in 2020, the unmet labor demand in Grande Prairie has only grown since 2015.

Mayor Jackie Clayton said in the same news release, “With Grande Prairie’s population expected to grow, and a shortage of workers across the province and country, it is critical local businesses and employers are supported in their pursuit to fill vacancies.”

If you would like more information about the Rural Renewal Program, click here.