Kaycee Madu, Minister of Skilled Trades and Professions. (Government of Alberta)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

Provincial Politics

Alberta government aiming to remove barriers for out-of-province workers

Apr 18, 2023 | 3:08 PM

Alberta’s government says it is making it easier for certified professionals from across Canada to work in Alberta.

Government officials say Alberta has one of the most competitive economies in North America and Alberta’s government is focused on even more job creation and diversification. As Alberta continues to attract workers from across the country, say provincial officials, it is crucial they can use their credentials in good-paying jobs.

In fall 2021, officials say Alberta’s government passed the Labour Mobility Act so that highly skilled, certified professional workers from across Canada will have a more streamlined process to use their expertise in Alberta. With the act now in force, the government says it has another tool in its toolbox.

“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,” says Kaycee Madu, Minister of Skilled Trades and Professions.

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In summer 2022, officials say Alberta’s government launched the Alberta is Calling campaign, targeted at bringing skilled workers and professionals from Toronto and Vancouver to Alberta. Earlier this year, the government says a second phase of the campaign was launched, with a focus on attracting workers from the Maritimes and southeastern Ontario.

Provincial officials say the campaigns have been successful: noting 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. This migration, says the government, also represents the importance of this legislation and the need to ensure that out-of-province, certified professional workers will experience a consistent and transparent approach for timely recognition of skills, education and credentials.

“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,” adds Brian Jean, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Northern Development.

Economic impact

The government says studies show that reducing labour mobility barriers could significantly boost Alberta’s and Canada’s economies. Officials say 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.

The province says the Conference Board of Canada estimates that improving Canada’s credential recognition system could potentially increase the annual incomes of the people affected by an average of $15,000 to $20,000, totalling more than $3 billion for those with
out-of-province credentials.

“With the high demand for skilled professionals, our business community is thrilled with this legislation – Alberta is calling and now our doors are open,” shares Shauna Feth, president and CEO, Alberta Chambers of Commerce.

“The Labour Mobility Act is a positive step in reducing accreditation barriers for skilled professionals. While affordability continues to attract new residents, it is critical that we remove red tape for the skilled professions and trades to support the continued construction of housing stock, maintaining the Alberta advantage,” states Scott Fash, executive director, BILD Alberta Association.

“Alberta’s labour market is the hottest it has been in years. Employers are looking to hire, but they face ongoing challenges in finding the right people, with the right skills, for the roles available,” suggests Adam Legge, president, Business Council of Alberta. “By reducing barriers and improving mobility and credential recognition across provinces, we can help address these labour shortages as well as make it easier to welcome more people who want to move to Alberta. The Labour Mobility Act is a meaningful positive step in this direction.”

Alberta government quick facts

• Between 2019 and 2020, the total number of out-of-province applications in regulated occupations increased by about 20 per cent.
• Under the legislation, regulatory bodies need to make registration decisions within 20 business days after receiving a complete application.
• In 2020, regulatory organizations reported a processing time of one to 149 days for out-of-province applicants.
• This legislation applies to more than 100 regulated occupations in Alberta, including optometrists, lawyers and engineers.