The Alberta government is channelling over $1 million into a newly established Alberta Centre for Labour Market Research, aiming to equip the province with more tailored labour market insights.
The centre, housed at the University of Alberta’s College of Social Sciences and Humanities, is set to play a pivotal role in understanding the province’s evolving workforce dynamics and informing future policy decisions.
Funded through an annual grant of nearly $400,000 over the next three years, the centre will focus on producing Alberta-specific research. It is part of the broader Alberta at Work initiative, which seeks to enhance the quality of labour market information available to both residents and policymakers.
According to Matt Jones, Alberta’s Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade, the centre’s research will be vital for various stakeholders, including students, job seekers, and employers.
“The Alberta Centre for Labour Market Research is a game-changer for Albertans – empowering students, job seekers and employers with critical information they need to navigate our dynamic labour market,” Jones stated. He emphasized that the investment is not just about supporting research but also about “shaping the future of our workforce and forging a stronger, more resilient economy for all Albertans.”
The centre will draw on the expertise of 25 labour market researchers from five of Alberta’s higher education institutions, including Athabasca University, Mount Royal University, the University of Calgary, and the University of Lethbridge, in addition to the University of Alberta.
Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Advanced Education, highlighted the centre’s role in equipping students with the knowledge necessary to succeed in Alberta’s changing job market. “By providing in-depth, Alberta-specific insights, we’re equipping our students with the information they need to navigate our evolving labour market and succeed in their future careers,” Sawhney said.
Leading the centre is Joseph Marchand, a professor of economics at the University of Alberta, who also serves as co-director of the Institute of Public Economics. Marchand expressed optimism about the centre’s potential impact on the province. “Thanks to the foresight and generosity of Alberta’s government, the Alberta Centre for Labour Market Research will be able to provide Albertans with high-quality information on key labour trends and issues as they emerge,” Marchand said. He noted that the centre aims to reflect the needs of Albertans by inviting them to submit ideas for potential research topics.
The centre’s work is expected to be integral to guiding policy that will bolster the resilience of Alberta’s labour market. With the establishment of a dedicated public website, both researchers and the general public will have easy access to the latest labour market insights.
For more information, visit https://www.aclmr.ca/