In partnership with the Government of Canada, Alberta’s government is expanding skills training and employment supports to help workers amid global market shifts. Through a $68.5 million amendment to the Labour Market Development Agreement, these investments will ensure workers have the skills and supports they need to adapt to economic change and connect to new opportunities.

These expanded supports build on Alberta’s existing employment and training programs and reflect a long-standing commitment to workforce development. This increase in funding will help employers, industry associations, training providers and unions upskill workers, prevent job loss and offer client connection services that provide clear pathways into employment.

“In a changing global economy, our focus is on what we can control – making sure Albertans have the skills, support and opportunities to succeed. These investments will help workers connect quickly to training and in-demand jobs and ensure Alberta’s workforce remains strong, adaptable and competitive.”

Joseph Schow, Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration

“Canada’s workforce is strongest when employers and training partners work together. As global trade evolves, no worker will be left behind. Through the Workforce Tariff Response, that means providing the tools and training workers need to secure good jobs, continue building strong communities and ensure Canada remains resilient in the face of global challenges.”

Patty Hajdu, federal Minister of Jobs and Families

Workers and employers can access skills training and employment services through Alberta’s network of employment and training service providers. Service providers will coordinate with employers and sector partners to deliver timely, local and personalized supports that reflect labour market needs across the province.

With this funding, Alberta expects to support at least 7,800 workers, along with employers and industry associations, through existing programming and targeted initiatives designed to strengthen workforce readiness and provide the skills and opportunities Albertan workers need.

To help Albertans find work and navigate training and career options, some of this funding is being directed toward supporting the delivery of Career and Employment Information Services under Assisted Living and Social Services.

“Alberta’s workforce is our province’s greatest strength. By strengthening career and employment supports, we are providing a launch pad for Albertans seeking employment with the resources, guidance and opportunities they need to succeed.”

Jason Nixon, Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services

To support Albertans upgrading their skills, funding is also being directed to the Foundational Learning Assistance Program under Advanced Education, which will help eligible learners cover education and living costs.

“A skilled workforce is essential to our province’s economic strength. By supporting learners through the Foundational Learning Assistance Program, we’re helping Albertans upgrade their skills, reduce financial barriers, and move into in-demand careers that keep our economy strong.”

Myles McDougall, Minister of Advanced Education

These supports are intended for people who are unemployed, under-employed or in career transition, including workers in sectors experiencing global market pressures such as steel, softwood lumber and other directly and indirectly tariff-affected industries.

Quick facts

  • The $68.5 million will be provided over three years between 2025-26 and 2027-28.
  • Most funding will be allocated to existing Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration programs that help people return to work quickly, including training, retraining, upskilling and rapid re-employment services.
  • A client connection service, Employment Connections, is now active to help impacted workers navigate available supports and track progress back into employment. Eligible affected workers will be contacted by the service.

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