The Business Council of Alberta’s latest report, Laying the Foundation, delivers an urgent message that without bold, coordinated action, Alberta risks falling short on key infrastructure, energy, and economic goals.
On May 7, CLRA will be hosting a panel discussion with the Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade, the Business Council of Alberta, and NAIT to dig into these challenges and look at ways to chart a path forward.
Key Insights from the Report include:
Labour Shortages Are Escalating
- Alberta needs 27,700 new construction workers by 2027.
- Pressures come from an aging workforce, declining apprenticeship enrollment, and limited immigration pathways for tradespeople.
Workforce Development Gaps
- Current training and apprenticeship systems aren’t keeping up.
- Barriers persist for youth, women, Indigenous people, and newcomers.
- Report calls for modular training, micro-credentials, and inclusive entry paths into trades.
Misaligned Immigration Pathways
- Only ~2% of new immigrants enter construction trades in Alberta.
- Federal immigration streams prioritize academic credentials over practical skills.
- Alberta must develop targeted regional immigration strategies.
Capital Flight and Project Risk
- Labour shortages and strained industrial relations could lead to project delays, Escalating costs and investment uncertainty in clean energy, housing, and infrastructure
The Seed vs. Sod Debate: Homegrown vs. Imported Talent
CLRA contributed to a powerful metaphor in this report — should Alberta “plant seeds” (homegrown development) or “lay sod” (immigration) to address the skilled labour crisis?
The answer: both.
- Homegrown development builds long-term resilience, cultural alignment, and local prosperity — but it takes time.
- Immigration is faster and scalable — but current pathways are not aligned with trades and construction sector realities.
The report urges a hybrid model:
- Immediate immigration reforms to fill urgent needs
- Sustained investment in training, youth outreach, and inclusion to build the future workforce
What’s at Stake?
Short-Term:
- Delays in critical infrastructure
- Rising project costs
- Eroding labour standards
Long-Term:
- Union viability and training capacity at risk
- A hollowed-out workforce
- Missed economic diversification opportunities
Our Perspective
We echo the call for a balanced, bold approach. Alberta’s future competitiveness depends on a strong, skilled, and stable construction workforce. We must expand accessible trade training and diversity programs and advocate for immigration streams that recognize skilled trades
The foundation of Alberta’s growth is built on labour — it’s time to invest in it wisely.
Read the full report by the Business Council of Alberta here.
Read CLRA’s op-ed contribution to the “Seed vs. Sod” conversation here.
