At a Glance - Week of September 23, 2025
Transforming Employment Services in Alberta
The Alberta government is launching WorkFirst Alberta, a new employment services program to better connect job seekers with employers and support those facing barriers to workforce entry. With an investment of $185 million under Budget 2025, the initiative will provide reskilling opportunities, workshops, career planning, and supports such as childcare, transportation, and mental health.
“WorkFirst is about transforming lives. It will help job seekers become employees, support employers in finding the right talent and empower the dedicated service providers who make these connections possible. We are united in our goal to help Albertans connect to secure jobs where they can build a strong and prosperous future,” commented Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services, Jason Nixon.
Alberta to Modernize TIER
Alberta plans to update its Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) system to boost the competitiveness of large industrial facilities, support job protection, and encourage on-site emissions reduction investments. Key proposed changes include allowing firms to reduce emissions directly through technology upgrades rather than only buying credits or paying into the TIER fund.
“We are committed to ensuring our industry remains competitive and can once again bring in the capital investment needed to deliver safe, affordable and reliable energy to Canadians and the rest of the world. Enabling them to reinvest their dollars into their own facilities will be good for the environment while growing our economy and creating jobs,” stated Minister of Environment and Protected Areas, Rebecca Schulz.
Alberta to Increase Training for Veterinary Workforce
Alberta is growing its veterinary workforce through a $68.5 million investment in the University of Calgary’s new Veterinary Learning Commons at the Spyhill campus. With this expansion, the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine will increase its annual enrolment from 50 to 100 students, starting this year.
Minister of Advanced Education, Myles McDougall, commented: “This expansion marks a significant milestone for Alberta. From updating classroom spaces to developing new student gathering places, the grand opening of the new Veterinary Learning Commons will create more opportunities for Albertans to study veterinary medicine right here in Alberta, providing a high-quality and accessible learning experience for our future veterinarians.”
New Investments in Youth Employment
The provincial government is launching a new $8 million Alberta Youth Employment Incentive, providing grants to help employers hire, train, and employ young people aged 15-24. Beginning in October 2025, the program is intended to support approximately 2,500 youth and 1,000 businesses.
“Investing in young Albertans is instrumental to building a stronger future for everyone. The Alberta Youth Employment Incentive will not only open opportunities for youth, but also support fresh, young talent entering the province’s business and professional marketplace. Our goal is to ensure all Albertans, including youth, have the training, skills and support they need to thrive and be active contributors in Alberta’s workforce,” commented Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration, Joseph Schow.
Alberta to Add Citizenship to Licenses
Alberta will become the first province in Canada to display citizenship status directly on driver’s licenses and provincial ID cards. New legislation to be introduced this fall will authorize the change, with rollout schedules for fall 2026 on all new and renewed cards.
Alberta Premier Daniele Smith stated: “This is about more than convenience, it’s about trust. With a single, secure card proving both identity and citizenship, Albertans will face fewer hurdles when applying for government services. This will also strengthen the integrity of elections and other systems that rely on proof of citizenship.”