Employers can receive up to $100,000 per year through productivity grant
Alberta and the federal government have launched a three-year, $39-million program designed to help employers train workers and boost productivity across the province.
The Canada–Alberta Productivity Grant will share training costs between employers and government, addressing what officials identified as one of the biggest barriers businesses face in developing employee skills.
The program opened for applications on Oct. 31, with funding to be distributed over three fiscal years: nearly $15 million in 2025–26, and $12 million each in 2026–27 and 2027–28.
“Alberta is already one of Canada’s most productive economies, but we know there’s more work to do to stay competitive,” said Joseph Schow, minister of jobs, economy, trade and immigration.
“The Canada–Alberta Productivity Grant is an investment in both people and businesses – helping employers adopt new technologies, streamline operations and drive innovation, while giving Albertans access to the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly changing economy.”
Training support for workers
The grant covers training in three categories:
- business process and operations management
- technical skills
- digital and technological competencies.
Eligible training includes hands-on learning such as equipment setup, workflow improvement, business operations management, and use of digital tools including software, cybersecurity systems, and data analysis, says the government.
For current employees, employers contribute 50% of eligible training costs, with government covering the remaining 50%, up to a maximum of $5,000 per trainee annually.
When hiring and training unemployed Albertans, government funding increases to cover up to 75% of costs, with a maximum of $10,000 per trainee per year. Employers can receive up to $100,000 per fiscal year through the program.
Alberta Jobs Strategy
The program is available to private sector employers, non-profit organizations, and First Nations and Métis Settlements. Training providers must be third-party organizations separate from the employer, and training must be completed within 52 weeks in Alberta with instructor interaction.
The grant supports the Alberta Jobs Strategy and is funded through Employment Insurance contributions via the Canada–Alberta Workforce Development Agreement.
In 2023, Alberta recorded the highest labour productivity among provinces at $78 per hour worked, surpassing the national average of $63.50, according to the Alberta government.
