The University of Alberta Students’ Union (UASU) welcomes the Government of Alberta’s announcement of $8 million for the Alberta Youth Employment Incentive, which aims to encourage businesses to hire young Albertans. The program will offer grants ranging from $4,000 to $7,500 through a $10/hour subsidy to businesses that employ youth (ages 15–24), including many of our members. This initiative will support approximately 1,000 businesses in employing 2,500 young workers across the province.
The UASU has been actively advocating for increased support for student employment over the past several months, and this announcement marks a significant victory for those efforts and a milestone for students. This summer, Alberta's youth unemployment rate reached 20 percent, the highest in at least fifty years, with the exception of the pandemic. This incentive arrives at a crucial moment. By helping young people find work, the program tackles an urgent need within our province’s economy and our communities.
“For many students, securing a job is essential not only for a paycheque but also for building the skills and experience that will shape their future careers,” said UASU Vice President External Abdul Abbasi. “This Youth Employment Incentive shows that the government is listening to students’ concerns and taking concrete action. We have been calling for measures and funding to create jobs and connect job-seekers with opportunities, and we are pleased to see the province step up with this meaningful investment in young Albertans.”
“Albertan youth unemployment has not been this high outside of the pandemic years in recent times, and too many students have been struggling to find work,” said UASU President Pedro Almeida. “Helping youth and young adults enter the workforce is an important first step in their careers. With this new hiring incentive, we are excited that more young Albertans, including many of our students, will start gaining the experience they need for a successful future.”
The UASU thanks the Government of Alberta and the Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration, Minister Schow, for taking this meaningful action. The job opportunities that grow from this commitment and the Alberta Jobs Strategy will directly benefit students across the province and contribute to a stronger, more skilled workforce for Alberta’s future.
The UASU will continue to advocate for more youth employment opportunities and ongoing investment in students at all levels of government. We remain committed to working with policymakers to ensure students receive the support and opportunities they need to succeed in Alberta’s economy.
About the University of Alberta Students’ Union
The UASU is the official representative of 36,000 undergraduate students at the University of Alberta. It advocates for students’ needs and priorities to the University of Alberta and at all levels of government. For more information or to arrange an interview, contact externalrelations@uasu.ca