For more than a decade, the Workforce Development Trust (WFDT), a joint industry initiative, has invested in programs to support Alberta’s skilled trades workforce. WFDT directs industry‑funded contributions to organizations that help grow and train the next generation of tradespeople across the province. WFDT is funded through a joint contribution model. Employers and workers each contribute 1 cent for every hour worked on maintenance and new construction projects. These contributions are pooled and invested in programs that provide hands‑on learning, training, mentorship and placement support. For CLRA members, every hour worked helps strengthen the pipeline of skilled trades talent needed for future projects. WFDT is jointly managed by CLRA, the Coordinating Committee of Registered Employers Organizations, and the Building Trades of Alberta. The Board of Trustees reviews eligible proposals and selects beneficiaries each year. Alberta’s construction industry delivers major projects that support the province’s economic growth. Meeting labour market demand requires a steady pipeline of qualified trades professionals, and CLRA remains committed to investing in workforce development across the industry. “WFDT shows the impact industry can have when we work together,” said Joe McFadyen, CLRA President. “These programs give students, apprentices and workers entering the trades meaningful opportunities to build

Alberta’s construction sector drives the economy, and building a strong, skilled workforce is a shared responsibility across government, industry and the education sector. The province is facing a major skilled labour gap, and workforce supply remains one of the most pressing issues for CLRA members and construction employers. Growing our own workforce (the “seed” in our seed vs. sod strategy) is crucial – Alberta needs more people choosing the trades, supported by strong training and apprenticeship programs. CLRA continues to bring government, industry and education partners together to discuss the workforce and regulatory conditions that shape construction in Alberta. We are home to world‑class trades talent, and skilled workers keep us competitive. Treating worksites as learning environments, expanding training spaces and supporting apprenticeship completion all play a major role in strengthening the long‑term talent pipeline. Workforce strength, timely approvals and reliable infrastructure help attract investment and keep major projects moving. When these conditions line up, Alberta becomes a top destination for major projects.

On June 16, CLRA welcomed Mike Holden, Vice President of Policy and Chief Economist with the Business Council of Alberta (BCA), for an Industry Insights session focused on the economic and regulatory issues affecting major projects in Alberta. With investment conditions, permitting timelines and regulatory reform top of mind for construction employers, the discussion provided insight into the pressures shaping project decisions. The conversation focused on Canada’s current investment climate and the regulatory factors that influence whether major projects move ahead. Between 2006 and 2021, federal regulatory requirements increased by 37%. Slow review processes, overlapping federal and provincial rules and unclear timelines continue to create uncertainty for companies planning large projects. BCA’s recent report, From Barriers to Breakthroughs: Unlocking Investment Through Regulatory Reform, shows how this uncertainty can delay projects, disrupt workforce planning and increase costs for employers. For Alberta’s construction industry, these issues have direct consequences. Long approval timelines make it harder for CLRA members to plan their workforce and deliver the infrastructure the economy relies on. The session highlighted how complex and inconsistent federal processes can discourage the capital‑intensive projects that support Alberta’s growth. Employers need clearer rules, predictable timelines and better coordination between governments to support long‑term