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Medicine Hat is experiencing an aging population, increased retirements, and high unemployment, which puts pressure on core sectors such as healthcare, retail, and construction. There’s a growing gap between the skills local workers have and what employers need, especially in trades and technical roles. With Alberta expected to face a worker shortage by 2030, it’s crucial for the city to invest in job training, support local businesses, and welcome new citizens. Local solutions include aligning training with job demand, fostering entrepreneurship, and promoting Medicine Hat’s strengths. The blog calls for community action and conversation to help secure the city’s economic future.

In my work with contractors, I sit down with small business owners and leaders who have been in business for decades in our community. I hear repetitive themes:

“It used to be that we had too much work and not enough time. Now it’s too much work and not enough people. I can’t even get people to commit for long, and the young people don’t want to stay here.”

In conversations with restaurateurs, college instructors, construction crews, and health workers, I hear similar stories:

Jobs are available. However, skilled workers are in short supply. Young people are leaving. And permits take too long.

These local concerns reflect broader trends—ones that are backed by data and have major implications for the future of Medicine Hat’s economy.

What the Numbers Tell Us

Our city and region are navigating a complex labour landscape: we have sectors with growth potential, but also serious bottlenecks.

Here’s what we know:

These figures tell a story: people want to work, but there’s a mismatch between what’s available and what they’re trained or licensed to do.

Zooming Out: Alberta’s Bigger Picture

Medicine Hat doesn’t exist in isolation. Across Alberta, we’re seeing similar pressures—but also opportunities.

• Alberta is projected to have ~1.2 million job openings between 2021 and 2030 (from growth and retirements).
• New job seekers (students, migrants, re-entrants): ~1.16 million
• Estimated labour shortage by 2030: ~45,800 workers
  (Source: Alberta Occupational Outlook)

That 3.8% shortage may not sound huge, but when applied to sectors such as construction, healthcare, education, and technology, it’s enough to slow growth.

How This Affects Medicine Hat

Here’s why these trends matter locally:

• We have people looking for work—but not necessarily with the right skills.
• Retirements are accelerating. Without a plan to train or attract younger workers, the pressure will grow.
• Our key sectors—construction, retail, and healthcare—face increasing strain, and new investment is hesitant due to labour instability and permitting delays.

We don’t need to wait for the province to solve this. With strong local policy, smart partnerships, and a clear vision, Medicine Hat can lead.

1. Match Training with Demand

• Expand local programs in trades, digital skills, and clean tech at Medicine Hat College.
• Connect students and newcomers with apprenticeships and internships that lead to meaningful employment opportunities.

2. Support Entrepreneurs with Faster Startup Pathways

• Streamline business licensing and permit processes.
• Launch a local microgrant and mentorship hub for startups and contractors.
• Encourage the development of Tier 2 and Tier 3 industries, including repair, logistics, supply, and manufacturing.

3. Build a Targeted Talent Strategy

• Align immigration efforts with actual workforce shortages.
• Improve credential recognition and language support for skilled newcomers.
• Offer incentives to retain graduates and young professionals.

4. Promote Our Strengths to Attract Industry

• We have land, stable utilities, and a strong location—let’s sell that.
• Provide lot readiness, utility rate incentives, and fast-track approvals for industries that bring good jobs.

5. Ensure Transparent, Responsive Governance

• Public dashboards showing skills gaps and job clusters.
• Clear timelines for zoning and permit approvals are essential.
• Transparent utility rate-setting that enables growth without shocks.

Now, Let’s Talk

If you’re a resident, business owner, or fellow candidate, here’s what I’d love to hear from you:

• What’s the biggest challenge you face when hiring or finding stable work in Medicine Hat?
• What would make it easier to expand your business—land, staff, startup capital, permits?
• Are we doing enough to keep our youth and newcomers here—or are they still leaving to find opportunities elsewhere?

We don’t have to wait until the labour market crisis hits harder. The signs are already here—and the solutions are in front of us.

Let’s shape a local economy to make our community thrive. Let’s build it together.

References

1. Canada.ca – Local Demographics & Sector Employment
2. Alberta Regional Dashboard – Labour Force & Unemployment Stats
3. City of Medicine Hat – 2024 Labour Market Profile
4. Alberta Occupational Outlook 2021–2030