EDMONTON — A lack of applicants and skills continue to be major barriers for Alberta businesses facing staffing shortages. This was one significant finding of a recent hiring intentions survey undertaken through the Alberta Chambers of Commerce (ACC) market research program.

The survey—which is a repeat of a survey conducted in July 2021—ran in December 2021. It was undertaken in partnership with the Government of Alberta and the Business Council of Alberta.

The survey found that of businesses facing a hiring shortage, 59 per cent report a lack of applicants to a top barrier to effective recruitment. However, skills shortages also figured prominently, with 51 per cent citing a lack of people skills or qualifications and 47 per cent citing a lack of technical skills or qualifications.

"We are at a pivotal time for talent development in our province," says ACC President and CEO Ken Kobly. "Part of Alberta's economic recovery includes taking a good hard look at what skills we need to grow as a province, both now and in the future. And that requires access to up-to-date, high-quality labour market information."

Kobly applauds the Government of Alberta's recent investment in labour market information through Budget 2022. He says including data from the 2021 hiring intentions survey in the budget document itself shows the government's commitment in this area.

"Budget 2022 had a number of good news items for Alberta's business community," says Kobly. "While a balanced budget, it did invest in labour market information and skills development—areas we can't afford to let fall by the wayside as we move our province forward."

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