The Alberta government is launching a six-week advertising campaign to attract workers to a growing number of public sector positions across the province, a move tied to Alberta’s surging population, which reached 4.9 million in the third quarter of 2024.
With Alberta’s population expanding by more than 204,000 people between July 2023 and July 2024—a 4.4 per cent growth rate, the province says it needs to bolster its public service workforce to meet rising demand for essential services, including health care, education, and public safety.
Premier Danielle Smith said the initiative underscores the “breadth of meaningful and impactful job opportunities” within the public sector, which offers roles across various fields and skill levels, from health care to corrections. The campaign, set to run across print, radio, television, and social media, aims to highlight Alberta as a desirable location for public service careers, emphasizing financial rewards and quality of life advantages.
“Opportunity abounds in Alberta in both the private and public sectors. Working in the public sector provides individuals opportunities that span numerous sectors and skill levels,” Smith said, adding that the positions available “provide an opportunity to have a positive impact in the daily lives of Albertans.”
The provincial government also points to a competitive financial landscape, noting that Alberta’s public sector salaries are among the highest in Canada, and the province’s relatively low taxes offer more take-home pay for workers. Additionally, Alberta’s cost of living is cited as lower than that of many other provinces, with a number of new public facilities—such as health care centres and 90 planned schools over the next three years—expected to create numerous positions in education, health care, and public safety.
In addition to educators and health professionals, Alberta’s public sector seeks to hire corrections officers, sheriffs, and paramedics, with job opportunities available in both urban centres and rural communities.
The advertising campaign is part of the government’s larger effort to strengthen its workforce as Alberta’s population continues to grow.