Learn about Alberta’s new $5,000 skilled trades immigrant tax credit. Find out about 2024 employment market trends, in-demand trades, and eligibility.

Due to a surge of baby boomer retirements, Canada is currently experiencing a severe labor shortage in the trades. According to a recent Statistics Canada report, the country’s labor force participation rate fell to 65% in 2021, 2022, and 2023—its lowest level in 20 years—which will increase the demand for qualified workers in this vital sector.

Both the federal and provincial governments are taking action to draw in experienced tradesmen in order to meet this pressing need. Particularly in Alberta, new financial incentives have been implemented to entice talented immigrants to the province.

What Alberta Has to Offer Immigrants in Skilled Trades

The goal of the Alberta government’s “Alberta is Calling” campaign is to draw talented tradesmen to the province, and it was introduced in April 2024. A $5,000 one-time refundable tax credit is available under this scheme to up to 2,000 qualifying candidates.

Qualifications for Participation in the Alberta Incentive Program:

>Must apply when at least eighteen years old.
>Must be a citizen or lawful permanent resident of Canada.
>Requires moving to Alberta from May 1, 2024, until December 31, 2024.
>must, by December 31, 2024, be an Alberta tax resident.
>Must have lived in Alberta for a minimum of 12 months prior to applying.

Check out the complete eligibility requirements and further information on the official Government of Alberta webpage.

An Overview of Alberta’s Trades Sector

Due to the long-standing severe labor shortage in Alberta’s trades industry, trade occupations are among the most in-demand in the region. The Alberta government currently lists the following trade jobs as being in high demand:

1. Construction managers (NOC 70010)
2. Plumbers (NOC 72300)
3. Electrical and electronics engineers (NOC 21310)
4. Mechanical repairers, truck and bus mechanics, and automotive service technicians (NOC 72410)
5. Civil engineers (NOC 21300)
6. Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians (NOC 22310)
7. Electrical Mechanics (NOC 72422)
8. Automotive and Heavy Truck and Equipment Parts Installers and Servicers (NOC 74203)
9. Engineering Managers (NOC 20010)

Visit the province government’s specialized trades website for more details on Alberta’s trades sector, including apprenticeship services, certification requirements, and job openings.

Employment Market Perspectives

With 76,500 job openings as of May 2024, Alberta is the fourth-most employment-vacancy-ranked province in Canada. This makes Alberta an appealing destination for immigrants looking for work, particularly when contrasted with other provinces like British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec.

Both inside and outside of the trades industry, Alberta offers attractive opportunities and incentives to help people make the transfer smoothly.