The provinces have long played a vital role in shaping immigration policy in Canada, but changes are afoot. Recent federal cuts to immigration levels – as outlined in the 2025-27 Immigration Levels Plan – have placed a disproportionate burden on provinces by reducing their involvement in immigration through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), an organization that allows Canadian provinces to annually select immigrants based on their unique economic and labour market needs. This is the topic examined in the Business Council of Alberta’s latest report on immigration policy, one that resonates with CLRA and our advocacy work. The number of immigrants in the skilled trades in Canada surged in the late 2000s and early 2010s as the immigration selection system responded to the growing demand for skilled tradespeople. In fact, in the years following their admission, immigrated tradespeople experienced significantly higher employment rates than their non-trades peers. With the construction sector presently grappling with the skilled labour shortage and waves of retirements, it’s clear that the need for tradespeople – both new and native to Canada – is still high. The BCA report shares that several of the occupations and industries prioritized by the federal government – including the skilled

To help address the rising demand for skilled tradespeople, the Alberta government is investing even more in trades education. The CLRA is pleased to hear that the GoA has recently committed $1.5 million over three years to support Trade Winds to Success, an Indigenous-led non-profit that has helped over 3,000 Indigenous students pursue careers in the skilled trades since 2005. This funding will help Trade Winds to Success continue offering valuable training programs; their Residential Construction Program is one such example, where students receive foundational training and hands-on experience in constructing eco-smart homes in Indigenous communities. Upon completion, students gain hours toward their first-year apprenticeship in Alberta’s carpenter program, guiding them toward successful, long-term careers in the trades. Over 150 participants are expected to enroll in this program over the next three years. For Trade Winds to Success, this funding is seen as an important step in reconciliation. It provides the organization with the resources needed to continue advocating for Indigenous student success in the workforce. With the backing of Alberta’s government, the program will help meet the province’s growing need for skilled labour while offering Indigenous students the tools to build lasting careers and contribute to their communities and

“The Alberta economy continues to move forward but with the headwinds of a poor Canadian economy, more cracks are appearing in its armour.” So begins the Business Council of Alberta’s latest economic update, the Winter 2024 Alberta Snapshot. This report highlights the both the challenges and prospectives the province has encountered over the last quarter. Some key findings are as follows: unemployment has risen to 7.3%, signaling a sizable slowdown in work opportunities such that there are at least three jobseekers for each job vacancy. Despite 13,000 additional jobs last month, job creation growth is still only 1% annually. Recent immigrants are particularly feeling the effects of this weak labour market, with unemployment among newcomers a steep 15%. Many sectors are struggling – especially those serving the domestic market – as weak consumer spending takes its toll. In terms of housing, the outlook for residential construction is less optimistic long-term due to recent federal immigration cuts. Albertans face declining purchasing power, with discretionary spending taking a hit. And although severe financial troubles like bankruptcies and mortgages in arrears haven’t materialized yet, they could if the labour market worsens, particularly as oil and gas revenues come under pressure as commodity prices

CLRA supports the Alberta government’s recent decision to invest $21.5 million in the start-up and expansion of collegiate schools across the province, part of a $64.3 million investment over the next three years. As the demand for career education grows – alongside related job opportunities post-graduation – increasing the number of schools offering these programs will help more Alberta youth jumpstart pathways to rewarding, stable, and well-paying trades careers. Collegiate schools – either public or independently accredited – have seen a recent boost in interest, with 12 schools already established since their introduction in 2021. Through partnerships with post-secondary institutions like SAIT and NAIT, collegiate schools offer students career-focused education, hands-on apprenticeship programs, and the chance to earn post-secondary credits while in high school. The knowledge and technical skills gained by these students truly accelerate the trajectory of their work life and earning potential. Since they join the workforce earlier and gain valuable real-life experience, these students gain a competitive edge by enjoying more time to grow and succeed in their chosen fields. Applications for new collegiate schools for the 2025-26 school year are due by January 31, 2025. Read the government’s full announcement here, and check out our trades

The perception around #SkilledTradesCareers is changing. According to Leger’s recent Skilled Trades Research Project, 13% of Canadians are currently working in a skilled trade, and 40% have considered entering into one. Other project findings include that: Half of Canadians consider electrical (52%), construction (46%), and plumbing (46%) to be the most valuable trades. Two-fifths consider carpentry (42%) and automotive repair (41%) to be valuable professions. Preference for white-collar jobs, the perception that trades work is too physically demanding, and a lack of awareness about opportunities are the top 3 reasons individuals did not consider a trades career. The top 3 perceptions of a career in a skilled trade include good pay (62%), job stability (47%), and opportunities for small business development (45%). Eight-in-ten Canadians (80%) believe there are more options today in the trades than there used to be. Half of Canadians (52%) regard the desirability of careers in trades more highly compared to a few years ago. The demand for trades careers in Alberta is growing. If you or someone you know is interested in starting or transitioning into a career in the trades, our resource-rich website is an excellent place to begin your search. Learn more about Leger’s

Our valued industry partners, stakeholders, and members gathered together at our 2024 AGM, which took place at Edmonton’s exclusive Derrick Golf & Winter Club on Tuesday, November 19. There were 36 were in attendance, and 11 individuals spoke at the podium throughout the day. We were fortunate to welcome a dynamic panel of presenters, from CLRA staff and board members to representatives from the Alberta government, our partner in trades education TEPF, and other heavyweights in the political and public communications sphere. Assistant Deputy Minister with Alberta Education Jamie Curran opened the event with his greetings from the provincial government. He discussed both the challenges and opportunities Alberta faces in the wake of the skilled labour shortage, including the government’s recent advertising campaign promoting apprenticeship education, careers, and the value tradespeople bring to the province. Catherine Rothrock, Chief Economist at Alberta Treasury Board and Finance, presented an in-depth analysis of Alberta’s economy, exploring key trends and factors that are shaping the province’s economic landscape. The Educational Partnership Foundation (TEPF)’s President and CEO Barb Simic presented on our joint efforts to support technical education in Alberta. In fact, through our presence on the Workforce Development Trust board, the CLRA has partnered

Today, the Government of Alberta announced their investment of $300,000 in Helmets to Hardhats, a non-profit organization that finds good quality opportunities in the unionized construction industry for serving, transitioning and former military members. Construction Labour Relations Alberta, one of HTH’s founding members, is proud to support our Canadian Armed Forces veterans, reservists, and military families as they transition into rewarding careers in the skilled trades. This one-time grant will help veterans access the Helmets to Hardhats Skilled Pathway program, which offers apprenticeship education, safety certification, personal protective equipment, and employment referrals, all while preparing participants for both entry-level and supervisory positions in Alberta’s trades. With Alberta’s economy growing and diversifying, this program creates new career opportunities, supports veterans in their post-service lives, and helps meet the province’s labour needs. We agree with Minister of Advanced Education Rajan Sawhney – instrumental in this investment decision – who recently expressed, “Our veterans’ dedication will translate seamlessly into successful careers in the trades, and we are proud to open new doors for them.” Alberta’s unionized contractors, along with Ontario, are the largest recipients for veterans transitioning from the military to construction. Since the program started in 2012, they have placed over 2500

CLRA President Joe McFadyen’s recent op-ed on the future of Alberta’s trades industry stressed the need for more tradespeople, given the province’s leading position as the nation’s fastest-growing province. To meet the demand – particularly in the energy sector – Alberta will require 20,000 new construction workers over the next decade, contributing to $22 billion in major projects. At CLRA, we’re committed to tackling this challenge through our “Seed VS. Sod” campaign. This initiative balances short-term solutions, such as attracting skilled immigrants, with long-term efforts to develop a local workforce from within junior and high schools. While immigration can provide immediate relief, the Business Council of Alberta’s recent report highlights the need for greater enrollment and completion rates in trade schools to secure a sustainable workforce for the future. It’s time to break the stigma that university is the only path to success. By investing in the trades, we can offer young Albertans rewarding careers that are both financially stable and fulfilling. As master plans for new communities are greenlit, it’s essential that we plant seeds today so that the skilled workforce of tomorrow is to build them. Read the full op-ed here.

CLRA is greatly impacted by the ongoing skilled trades shortage in Alberta. While the issue is not new, it continues to grow in urgency given the province’s rapid surge in population, leading to a spike in demand for housing, infrastructure, and other essential services. This demand increase is putting pressure on resources needed to maintain equipment, move goods, and support ongoing business and major project investments. Without a qualified workforce to execute these tasks, costs are rising, making businesses less competitive and everyday living pricier for Albertans. As we have written about previously, the Business Council of Alberta’s Skilled Trades Task Force is actively studying and reporting on the shortage – both its root causes and potential solutions. Their latest report primarily explores the former: investigating whether the shortage is driven by supply issues or increasing demand. The answer, unsurprisingly, is both. Report findings show how, in the short term, Alberta will need to bring in more workers from outside the province to fill the labour gap – what CLRA describes as the “sod”. In the longer term, enrollment and graduation rates in local trades programs (the “seed”) need to grow in order to sustain a pipeline of talent, an

ATB’s latest quarterly outlook report expressed cautious optimism is what ATB forecasts for the country’s economic landscape as we near 2025. To recap, Alberta’s economy is set for stronger growth, estimated at 2.5% this year and 2.8% next year, outpacing the national rate. The energy sector is revitalizing through improved market access and investments in hydrogen and petrochemicals. Rapid population increases are fueling new home construction, while tech and aviation industries are gaining ground. In terms of housing, the market is tight, driven by the province’s skyrocketing population with housing starts reaching levels not seen for nearly 20 years. The unemployment rate is expected to remain above 7% for the rest of the year, though it may gradually decline as job growth continues and migration slows, despite ongoing labour shortages in various sectors, including accommodation, food, and construction. Encouragingly for CLRA, Alberta’s economy is experiencing significant new growth in major projects in a variety of sectors – including decarbonization, where it stands as Canada’s leading hydrogen producer. Key ventures include Air Products’ $1.6 billion Net Zero Hydrogen Energy Complex in Edmonton, which will support Imperial Oil’s renewable diesel facility. Another is the Dow Path2Zero project in Fort Saskatchewan, valued at

September 22-29th marks Gender Equality Week, as recently announced by Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women Tanya Fir. At CLRA, we believe it is essential to reflect on the representation of women in the skilled trades, especially within the construction industry. While Alberta has made significant strides toward gender equality, the underrepresentation of women in these vital fields underscore the challenges we face in the ongoing labour shortage. Alberta is on the brink of a transformative period, with more than $22 billion in proposed or confirmed projects slated for the coming years. These initiatives, alongside the remarkable recent increase in population, present tremendous opportunities for our province in terms of economic growth and diversification. However, we cannot fully seize these opportunities without a robust skilled trades workforce. We must continue to foster a culture that encourages women to pursue careers in the skilled trades. This requires not just policy changes but a collective commitment to challenge biases and support initiatives that promote inclusivity. One way that CLRA is doing this is through our new website where we have compiled several education, apprenticeship and training resources for women looking to enter the trades. We also reshare other organizations’ –

As a key player in the construction and labour sectors, CLRA was excited to see the Business Council of Alberta (BCA) launch their “The Journey to Becoming a Journeyperson” taskforce-led project earlier this week. This initiative comes at a critical time, as Alberta faces a rising demand for skilled tradespeople amid its rapidly expanding population and growing list of upcoming major projects. Report author Dylan Kelso shared that BCA’s ultimate goal with this project is to suggest policy recommendations on how to increase the number of skilled tradespeople in our province. This project is a commendable effort to support aspiring tradespeople in navigating the certification process. With its detailed step-by-step breakdown of credentials and training programs for various starting points, it aims to demystify the journey toward becoming a journeyperson, making it more accessible for all Albertans looking to join or switch into the trades. Projects like this are vital for the long-term health of the construction industry – and by compiling education and training resources on our newly launched website, CLRA is helping to accomplish the same goal. By equipping individuals with the knowledge and resources they need, we can collectively address labour shortages and strengthen Alberta’s workforce. We

As students return to school this fall, Alberta is investing significantly in career education to align better with opportunities arising from our booming economy. With a focus on fueling interest and growth in various sectors, including the skilled trades, the provincial government is establishing clearer pathways for youth to pursue and secure fulfilling careers in the construction industry. Seven new collegiate programs will be introduced across Alberta during the 2024-25 school year. These programs are geared towards piquing student interest in trades careers (amongst others) and to provide them with the pathways and opportunities to fulfill them. Developed in partnership with post-secondary institutions, these initiatives feature blended learning, combining in-person studies with online learning experiences. CLRA supports innovative education avenues, including the seven upcoming collegiate programs that encourage high school students to pursue the skilled trades. We are currently promoting our new ‘Build Your Future’ digital campaign, focused on inspiring individuals of all backgrounds and abilities to consider joining skilled profession training programs and apprenticeships. We believe that these initiatives will help equip young people with the necessary skills to thrive in Alberta’s dynamic construction job market – and further contribute to the province’s economic advantage. Read the government’s full

CLRA is pleased to announce that our President, Joe McFadyen, was recently granted a position on the Alberta Board of Skilled Trades by Minister of Advanced Education Rajan Sawhney. We are honoured and excited to have the opportunity to contribute to this board’s vital work over the next three years. We have played a crucial role in guiding Alberta’s unionized construction employers through labour negotiations for over 50 years, uniting contractors, owners, and skilled tradespeople to strengthen local and provincial economies. Whether by ensuring our presence on boards like ABST, or promoting education resources to prospective tradespeople through our new campaign, we are dedicated to advancing the skilled trades in this province. Learn more about the Alberta Board of Skilled Trades here. Check out the other members of ABST here.

Yesterday, Linde announced its plans to build a $2-billion clean hydrogen and atmospheric gases facility in Fort Saskatchewan’s Industrial Heartland. This first-of-its-kind facility will be a key player in Dow’s Path2Zero Project, an ambitious initiative aimed at achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Alberta remains at the forefront of hydrogen production and clean energy technology, with this latest news building on other significant announcements made late last year. In its first phase, Linde will supply clean hydrogen, nitrogen, and other essential services to support Dow’s pioneering net-zero emissions integrated ethylene cracker and derivatives site. The complex will also provide clean hydrogen to both existing and new industrial clients aiming to reduce their carbon footprint. It is expected to capture and sequester over 2 million metric tons of carbon annually. Notably for CLRA and its members, this facility will generate 750 temporary jobs and 60 permanent positions in the construction industry. Linde’s investment builds on Alberta’s efforts with the Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) Hub and the Alberta Petroleum Incentive Program (APIP) by driving thousands of jobs and billions in investment – all while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. When completed in 2028, Linde’s new complex will stand as Canada’s

CLRA is excited to share the launch of our newest social media campaign this week, which is dedicated to showcasing career, education, and training opportunities in the skilled trades for groups that are statistically underrepresented in the construction industry. This includes women, newcomers to Canada, Indigenous peoples, veterans, and those with disabilities. Our goal with this campaign is to challenge misconceptions and remove barriers that have traditionally prevented diverse individuals from exploring and excelling in the trades. By featuring success stories, providing targeted, valuable resources, and sharing available supports, we aim to make the trades more accessible and attractive to a broader audience. Given Alberta’s unprecedented population growth and the continual labour shortage, the need to advocate for trades careers has never been greater. The campaign will primarily run on X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, and Instagram. We invite you to explore our new web page and follow our social media channels for weekly updates. We also encourage you to share our posts to help us reach a wider audience. CLRA believes that by fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment, the skilled trades can benefit from a richer pool of talent and fresh perspectives. This campaign is not just about

The Business Council of Alberta recently released their quarterly economic update, the Summer 2024 Alberta Snapshot. Covering key aspects of Alberta’s commercial landscape – economic indicators, business sentiment, policy developments, and projections for the province’s overall outlook – the report offers a clear snapshot of both current conditions and expected trends. Alberta’s economy is navigating challenges like high interest rates and inflation with resilience, showing few signs of serious distress. The labour market presents a mixed picture, with Calgary’s unemployment rate reaching 8.1% – the highest among major cities – though this may be misleading due to significant workforce expansion in the province, especially in Calgary. Business activity remains robust, with ongoing hiring and strong optimism, particularly in Edmonton. Exports of petroleum products and a rise in housing starts are bolstering recent growth, supported by the completion of the Trans Mountain Pipeline, high oil prices, and migration trends. Particularly noteworthy to CLRA members, the report highlights that optimism is strongest among professional services and construction. More than 80% of businesses in these fields express varying degrees of optimism about their future prospects, despite facing significant challenges such as labour shortages; an issue that CLRA is all too familiar with (and

CLRA was pleased to attend last week’s launch of BLUprint at TELUS Spark, an innovative new program designed to spark curiosity and inspire Alberta youth to explore the skilled trades. This initiative, supported by a generous grant of nearly $900,000 from the Government of Alberta’s Advanced Education Ministry and an additional $100,000 sponsorship from Calgary Construction Association, marks an exciting step forward for the future of skilled trades in our province. As representatives of Alberta construction employers, CLRA is particularly thrilled about the potential of BLUprint to encourage kids to consider careers in the skilled trades. This program, the first of its kind in Canada to combine skilled trades programming with a science centre, offers a unique opportunity for young people to engage with the trades in a fun, hands-on, and interactive environment. BLUprint features an outdoor space where youth can use real tools, gain practical experience, and understand the science behind various trades. Later in the year, the program will expand inside the science centre, providing additional opportunities for learning through virtual reality and other innovative technologies. By integrating trades education within a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) framework, BLUprint celebrates the creativity, skill, and ingenuity that

Strathcona Resources Ltd. has unveiled a pivotal partnership with Canada Growth Fund (CGF), marking a significant step forward in the realm of carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) infrastructure in the province. This collaboration, valued at up to $2 billion, aims to facilitate the deployment of CCS technology across Strathcona’s steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) oil sands facilities in Saskatchewan and Alberta. Under the agreement, CGF will initially invest $500 million towards CCS infrastructure, with a total commitment potentially reaching $1 billion. Strathcona will lead the construction, operation, and ownership of the infrastructure, with funding split equally between CGF and Strathcona for the initial capital costs. Strathcona anticipates recovering a substantial portion of its investment through federal CCS investment tax credits and other grants. Strathcona, which currently produces approximately 90,000 barrels per day of heavy oil and bitumen, expects the CCS projects to capture up to two million tonnes of CO2 annually, significantly mitigating its carbon tax liabilities. This move is expected to counterbalance current and anticipated carbon taxes, which are a substantial component of Strathcona’s operational costs. CLRA is encouraged by this significant new project, with the knowledge that our workforce possesses the expertise to effectively contribute to such energy initiatives.

With Alberta’s summer temperatures recently soaring into the 30s, ensuring the safety of construction workers is crucial. Many of our companies’ employees are spending hours working outside in the hot sun. Although susceptibility to heat-related issues varies among individuals (due to factors like age, fitness level, and acclimatization), CLRA would like to encourage everyone to take extra care when working in the heat. Employers can mitigate heat-related risks for their employees by: • Ensuring access to cool drinking water. • Enforcing regular breaks. • Planning physically demanding tasks for cooler times of the day. • Educating workers on recognizing symptoms of heat stress and the importance of prompt reporting. Workers can protect themselves by: • Drinking plenty of water, even if not feeling thirsty. • Wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing with necessary PPE. • Alerting supervisors immediately if experiencing symptoms of heat stress. • Adjusting work pace to avoid overexertion and prevent heat-related illness. Prioritizing heat safety protects workers during the summer months. Check out the government of Alberta’s full infographic on more tips for working in extreme heat here. Visit this page for more information on how to handle extreme heat events.

In recent years, Alberta has faced a striking challenge in the wake of its booming population: a shortage of skilled tradespeople. This shortage not only affects industries like construction, manufacturing, and oil and gas, but also poses a broader economic risk to the province in meeting its day-to-day infrastructure needs. To combat this issue effectively, it is crucial for local organizations to bolster its efforts in offering more skilled trades employment initiatives for those interested in pursuing training and education. One such initiative is the Centre for Newcomer’s (CFN) Skill Up program. The Skill Up program is designed to provide foundational and technical skills training for newcomers wanting to enter Alberta’s construction industry and related trades. This initiative serves to bridge the gap between participants’ existing skills and educational backgrounds, as well as the specific demands of Alberta’s labour market. By offering daily classes over a 17-week period, the program ensures comprehensive training both in the classroom and on-site, all of which is fully paid, geared towards permanent residents and new Canadian citizens. Upon completion of the Skill Up course, participants receive a certificate, gain exposure to additional related courses, and future job placement opportunities. Although the most recent intake

Yahoo! This past week has been a whirlwind of cowboy hats, rodeo, pancakes, and meet and greets at the 2024 Calgary Stampede – otherwise known as the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth! Remarkably, despite the soaring temperatures, more than half a million people have visited the Stampede so far this year. Beyond the adrenaline rush, the Stampede is about coming together as a greater community. It’s a chance to meet new friends, reconnect with old ones, and celebrate the values of hard work, perseverance, and camaraderie that define life in Alberta and western Canada. These values not only define our province, but our diligent tradespeople and booming construction sector as well. Given the ongoing shortage of skilled trades workers, there has never been a more opportune moment to consider pursing a career in the trades. CLRA agrees with the Minister of Advanced Education – Minister Rajan Sawhney – that it’s never too early or too late to pursue an apprenticeship in some of Alberta’s most in-demand trades. If you’re enjoying the Stampede this week, be sure to drop by the Apprenticeship and Industry Training booth (Booth #2039) at the BMO Centre to learn more about training and apprenticeship opportunities in

Construction Labour Relations Alberta attended the Educational Partnership Foundation’s (TEPF)’s “Introduction to Pipe Trades” graduation ceremony last month in Edmonton. Around the same time, other graduation ceremonies were held for future electricians, millwrights, ironworkers, carpenters, and those specializing in finishing trades, each class holding about 10-12 students. Through its presence on the Workforce Development Trust board, CLRA has partnered with TEPF, Alberta Pipe Trades College, Building Trades of Alberta, and others to fund $2.2M for this program since 2017. The Pipefitters Local Union 488 also provided resources to TEPF to facilitate this program. This initiative has enabled students to complete this training free of cost (around $5,000 per student). Closing ceremonies for these promising future tradespeople will be ongoing this month, including the Boilermaker graduations in both Edmonton and Calgary on July 19th. CLRA wishes each of these grads a bright future and a promising career in a field that is greatly needed across Alberta.

Arnold Rumbold, a retired electrician and philanthropist, was a recipient of the 2024 Honorary Electrical Installations Technology Diploma at NAIT’s convocation ceremony last week. He’s a man who has embodied a lifelong passion for the skilled trades. His career as a master electrician and later as an esteemed estimator in the construction industry demonstrate both his technical prowess and entrepreneurial spirit. Beyond his professional achievements, Rumbold and his wife Grace are committed philanthropists. NAIT holds a special place in Rumbold’s philanthropic efforts, with the establishment of scholarships and bursaries aimed at supporting students in the trades, including initiatives that encourage female apprenticeship in traditionally male-dominated fields. Reflecting on his journey from rural beginnings to professional success, Rumbold emphasizes the importance of giving back and supporting others, inspired by his own upbringing and the opportunities he seized along the way. Arnold Rumbold’s story is a testament to the transformative power of education, innovation, and community support, highlighting how a passion for learning and a dedication to philanthropy can shape lives and communities for the better. CLRA congratulates Arnold on receiving his Electrical Installations Technology diploma. Learn more about Arnold Rumbold here.