Relaunch of moving bonuses for skilled workers

The Alberta government began on Thursday to accept requests for its moving bonus program “Alberta calls you”. It offers $ 5,000 to cover the relocation costs of skilled workers who settled in the province last year.

The premium will be offered to 2,000 qualified workers who arrived in Alberta between May 1 and December 31, 2024, according to the principle of first arrival first served.

Each member who employs skilled workers faces a shortagesaid Adam Legge, the president of Business Council of Albertaadding that incentive programs to attract workers are effective.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for this premium (new window) Unique, candidates must meet several criteria, including being at least 18 years old, being Canadian citizens or permanent residents, and having moved to Alberta during the designated period.

Applicants must also have resided in the province for at least 12 consecutive months at the time of the request.

The engine of a large carrier parked in a hangar. A Q400 Bombardier is parked, but at the bottom of the hangar.

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Aircraft mechanics and construction workers are eligible professions.

Photo: provided by AMFA/Facebook

In addition, employees must hold full -time employment in one of the eligible professions, including that of aircraft mechanic and construction worker.

The program defines full -time work as being at least 30 hours per week or 130 hours per month.

Autonomous workers qualified in eligible trades can also request this bonus, proving in particular that they have generated gross income of at least $ 2,000 in the month preceding the request.

Alberta government posters stuck on the metro steps.

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The “Alberta Is Calling” campaign deployed on the Toronto metro steps.

Photo : Radio-Canada

Persistent shortage of skilled workers

More than a year after the program announced, the shortage of skilled workers in Alberta remains fairly importantSelon Adam add.

According to him, the problem could worsen in the coming years, with the 700,000 retirements planned in specialized trades across Canada by 2028.

Bill Black, president of the Calgary Construction Associationunderlines that the lack of labor continues to influence the decisions of the sector. He also calls for increased participation in the industry to resolve this problem.