Grande Prairie’s work as a designated community under Alberta’s Rural Renewal Stream is off to a strong start, currently providing over 324 job opportunities with 78 endorsed employers to hire people into positions that remain vacant and unable to be filled by the local workforce.

The City of Grande Prairie’s effort to rapidly launch the program and endorse employers since announcing the designation in mid-August demonstrates responsiveness to local businesses as they diligently drive the economy and provide amenities and services to the community.

The business currently endorsed by the program include restaurants, beauty & esthetics, legal services, recreation, and retail. New endorsed employers and jobs are being added each week

The jobs available with businesses endorsed by the Rural Renewal Stream are to be filled by people currently in Canada on work visas or from an international market seeking to settle in Grande Prairie and receive permanent residency.

According to the Regional Labour Market Needs Assessment completed in 2020, the unmet labour demand in Grande Prairie has consistently grown since 2015. The Grande Prairie region currently holds an unemployment rate of 5.4 per cent, comparable to the Alberta average.

Local employers have expressed widespread challenges recruiting to retail trade, construction, and accommodation & food service sectors.

To counter these challenges, the City of Grande Prairie’s Long-Term Economic Development Strategy has six priorities, including the following which are supported by the Rural Renewal Stream:

• Identifying opportunities and strategies for meeting labour force demands, including attraction and retention efforts; and
• Understanding barriers in the marketplace that are inhibiting the growth of the economy.

“With Grande Prairie’s population expected to grow, and a shortage of workers across the province and country, it is critical local businesses and employers are supported in their pursuit to fill vacancies. City Council is encouraged by the response from employers and future employees to the Rural Renewal Stream. We continue to work towards creating a welcoming community that attracts new labour and investment and grow our city.”

Jackie Clayton, City of Grande Prairie Mayor

Business Testimonials

“For the first time in over a year, I can safely say we are fully staffed. This huge accomplishment is credited to the 13 positions we have filled using the Rural Renewal Stream. With sufficient staff, our stores have begun to expand hours to accommodate increasing customer demand. It will be very beneficial for our business to take advantage of the growing economic activity.

We have been bombarded with qualified applicants who want to relocate to our community to work on permanent residency. It is disappointing that we do not have space for all of them. Still, I am confident that as other employers take advantage of the program, there will be many more opportunities to welcome newcomers to our community.

Once again, thank you to the City of Grande Prairie for your commitment to helping launch this program in our community.”

Shawna Miller, Owner, Eight Grande Prairie Subway Franchises

“The whole process was fast and seamless.

My firm's application to be an approved employer was approved in two weeks and the candidate endorsement letters were received within a week of submitting the applications.

Being a new program, one would ordinarily expect to encounter some challenges. Surprisingly, the information on the website is well-detailed and straightforward making the process smooth.

I want to commend City staff for their hard work. I also encourage other business owners to explore the Rural Renewal Stream to fill up their labour needs.

I look forward to welcoming my new employees to our community.”

Amara Ijomah, A.I. LAW

About the Rural Renewal Stream

The Rural Renewal Stream is a workforce development and labour attraction opportunity under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program.

The program is a great opportunity for Grande Prairie to demonstrate its welcoming spirit and build a stronger, more prosperous and more diverse workforce.

Learn more at cityofgp.com/immigration.