Alberta will pay people from BC and Ontario $5K to move there as its campaign moves forward
If you've been considering relocating to Alberta, now may be the ideal time to move.
Alberta has entered phase three of its "Alberta is Calling" campaign, which involves convincing trade workers from B.C., Ontario and Quebec to move to the province.
As part of its campaign, the province will pay skilled tradespeople a one-time $5,000 refundable tax credit to come to Alberta.
"Alberta is the place to be for skilled tradespeople and truck drivers. If you work in the trades and are looking to call Alberta your home, you may be able to kick-start your new life in Alberta with a cool $5,000. Tax free," the campaign website reads.
The campaign also boasts that the province has high wages, low taxes and affordable housing.
In a press release on May 1, the province said its 2024 budget allocated $10 million to the Alberta is Calling Moving Bonus. This will support 2,000 trade workers to move to Alberta.
"Alberta's continued economic growth presents a wealth of opportunities for skilled workers from across the country," Minister of Jobs, Economy, and Trade, Matt Jones said in a statement.
"The Alberta is Calling campaign and Moving Bonus reaffirm our government’s commitment to attracting top talent and addressing labour force needs for sectors that are crucial to sustaining our province’s prosperity."
In its press release, the government highlighted that Alberta's construction sector is expected to see "sustained growth over the next decade." Alberta also cites a report from BuildForce Canada, which says total construction employment in the province will jump by another 14,000 workers between 2024 and 2033.
The Alberta is Calling campaign was launched in August 2022 to help address labour shortages.
The campaign entered Phase 1 at that time, targeting skilled workers in health care, trades and technology sectors from Toronto and Vancouver. Phase 2 focused on workers in certain regions in Ontario and Atlantic Canada.
Phase 3, which will run from May 1 to July 2, 2024, will focus on skilled trade workers in B.C., Ontario and Quebec.
This part of the campaign, which includes the $5,000 moving bonus, will also include advertising on post-secondary campuses, restaurants, bars, gyms, on the radio, social media and an updated AlbertaisCalling.ca website. Phase 3 is expected to cost approximately $2.5 million.
You can find the details on whether you're eligible to apply for the $5,000 moving bonus on the Alberta is Calling website.
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
