By Nicole Cornett, Managing Editor, Expansion Solutions Magazine
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan’s economy is set to benefit from significant job growth driven by a range of construction and infrastructure projects planned across the province. These developments not only promise to boost local employment but also to enhance Saskatchewan’s economic landscape.
A key aspect of Saskatchewan’s labor market strategy includes the provision of current, accurate labor market information to align labor supply and demand effectively. This approach aims to decrease unemployment, improve workforce performance, and bolster the economy. Among the major initiatives contributing to this dynamic are several large-scale construction projects.
Notably, the CanPacific Potash – Albany Project, with an estimated value of $4.12 billion, and the Lake Diefenbaker Irrigation Project, also valued at approximately $4 billion, stand out as significant endeavors. These projects, along with the Saskatoon Freeway Project ($3 billion) and the Muskowekwan Potash Mine Project ($2.8 billion), underscore the province’s focus on enhancing its infrastructure and industrial capacity.
This wave of construction and development is indicative of Saskatchewan’s proactive approach to economic growth and labor market improvement. By fostering such projects, the province not only aims to create immediate job opportunities but also to lay the foundation for long-term economic stability and growth.
British Columbia
British Columbia (BC) is poised for significant job growth and economic expansion through various strategic initiatives across different sectors. The province’s Labour Market Outlook predicts over one million job openings by 2032, highlighting opportunities especially in technology and healthcare sectors. The government is actively working to align education, skills training, and career paths to meet this demand, emphasizing the importance of post-secondary education and training for the future workforce.
In the healthcare sector, BC has launched a comprehensive strategy to enhance public healthcare access by adding more professionals and education seats, optimizing the system, and improving recruitment and retention. This initiative aims at addressing current challenges in the healthcare system and guiding future efforts to build a resilient public healthcare infrastructure.
Moreover, a transformative $36-billion investment plan aims to significantly upgrade BC’s electricity system, supporting the clean economy and creating new jobs. This extensive construction effort over the next decade will focus on expanding and enhancing electricity infrastructure, supporting both residential and industrial development, and is expected to significantly boost job opportunities in construction and related fields.
These strategic efforts represent BC’s commitment to fostering a robust, sustainable economy while addressing immediate and long-term employment needs across key sectors.
Ontario
Ontario, Canada, known for its diverse economy and robust industries, has witnessed significant economic development in recent times. Key industry successes and growth drivers that have shaped Ontario’s economic landscape over the past year include manufacturing, business and finance and tech and innovation.
In Ontario, major job growth is on the horizon with Volkswagen’s announcement of a new electric vehicle battery plant, which is set to create up to 3,000 direct jobs and potentially up to 30,000 indirect jobs. This development marks a significant boost for Canada’s domestic battery manufacturing capacity, supporting the production of batteries for up to one million electric vehicles annually by 2027. Additionally, AstraZeneca has revealed plans for a major expansion in the Greater Toronto Area, bringing 500 highly-skilled scientific and high-tech jobs to the region. This investment will enhance AstraZeneca’s research and development footprint in Canada, particularly within its Mississauga R&D Hub. These announcements reflect Ontario’s growing role as a hub for technological and healthcare innovation, promising a future of new opportunities and economic growth.
Ontario’s economic development successes over the last 12 months demonstrate resilience, innovation, and collaboration. As the province continues to evolve, optimism prevails for sustained growth and prosperity.
Alberta
Alberta is poised to become a leader in clean energy and hydrogen production, bolstered by significant investments and projects aimed at creating jobs and reducing emissions. Dow is set to build the world’s first net-zero emissions ethylene cracker and derivatives site in Fort Saskatchewan, backed by more than C$11.5 billion in investments. This initiative is expected to create 400 to 500 permanent Canadian jobs and up to 8,000 construction jobs at its peak. The project aligns with Canada’s major investment tax credits, focusing on reducing Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing clean hydrogen production.
Additionally, Air Products Canada Ltd. has received a combined investment of $461.5 million from the federal and provincial governments to support a $1.6 billion project for a hydrogen production and liquefaction facility in Edmonton. This facility will contribute to the decarbonization of various sectors, including refinery customers and the transportation industry, and is anticipated to create and maintain 230 highly skilled jobs. It represents a significant step towards establishing Edmonton as a key hub for hydrogen production in North America.
Another major success story includes, Pegasus, which gained recognition in the aerospace industry through strategic partnerships and relentless dedication. Collaborations with global leaders, like Boeing, has solidified their position as an emerging leader in the field of autonomous flight. Recently, CEO Cole Rosentreter was honoured with the Prince’s Trust Global Sustainability Award for his outstanding work bringing cutting-edge technology to the skies above wildfires and climate disasters.
“Sturgeon County is the perfect location to develop, test and commercialize world-leading technology, all in the same area code as our target markets.” says CEO, Cole Rosentreter. “Access to talent, established supply chains and large volumes of relatively quiet airspace only a few kilometers from a major city are major factors as to why Sturgeon County is an ideal location, and ecosystem for Pegasus.”
These projects underscore Alberta’s commitment to diversifying its economy and leading in the clean energy transition, promising not only to reduce emissions but also to create significant employment opportunities across the province.
Manitoba
In Manitoba, significant job growth is anticipated through various projects and government initiatives. One of the notable developments is the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Manitoba government and Newlight Technologies Inc. for establishing a state-of-the-art AirCarbon manufacturing facility. This innovative project aims to expand Manitoba’s manufacturing sectors, promote economic growth, and advance environmental sustainability. The facility, which utilizes greenhouse gases to produce a high-performance material called AirCarbon, is expected to create up to 1,100 jobs during its construction phase and 80 full-time jobs upon becoming operational. AirCarbon is a biomaterial used across fashion, foodservice, and automotive industries, representing a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions and fostering economic development in Manitoba.
Furthermore, Manitoba’s government is actively supporting research and innovation in agriculture, with a $16.3 million grant funding under the Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership to support 101 projects. This funding underscores the region’s commitment to sustainable development and innovation.
These initiatives reflect Manitoba’s drive towards innovative partnerships that not only stimulate the local economy but also contribute significantly to environmental sustainability and technological advancements.
