Career services to see $247M in Alberta budget amid 6.3% unemployment

The province plans to spend $247 million to help Albertans find jobs.

In Budget 2026, the Alberta government is allotting $247 million into career and employment services while the province faces a 6.3 per cent unemployment rate.

“When people hear ‘employment supports,’ they often think about things like resume writing or interview preparation,” said Jason Nixon, Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services, at a press conference Tuesday. “Those are important services, but they’re only one part of a much bigger picture for many Albertans, especially those facing barriers to employment.

“The challenge isn’t just finding and applying for a job posting, it’s overcoming the obstacles that make it difficult to even get through the door.”

The minister said barriers could look like lack of work experience, having a disability, gaps in training, child care, transportation challenges and mental health supports.

“Employment supports are not just a bridge into the labor market, they are a lifeline for many people trying to build a path towards meaningful employment and economic independence,” said Nixon.

The province is partnering with more than 160 service providers to connect Albertans to training and jobs across high-demand sectors like health care, trades, food service, IT and transportation.

In February, Alberta was seventh in unemployment at 6.3 per cent, slightly better than the national average of 6.7 per cent.