Premier Jason Kenney, Image from 2020

By Connor Gunn

22,000 jobs promised

Alberta giving $370 million in grants to create jobs

May 19, 2021 | 2:00 PM

Premier Jason Kenney announced Wednesday a new grant program developed to create jobs in Alberta.

Kenney said more than 22,000 Albertans will be able to return to work through Alberta Jobs Now, the largest jobs training program in the province’s history.

Employers will be able to apply for a grant that covers 25 per cent of an employee’s salary for a 52-week period up to a maximum of $25,000 per employee.

The province says people with disabilities on staff can benefit greatly from the funding.

“Employers who hire persons with disabilities will receive a grant 1.5 times higher than the amount they receive for other new employees,” the release reads.

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Kenney says the grant can be used to cover salary or training costs of staff.

“We’re investing in Alberta’s economic recovery with financial support to provide job opportunities for unemployed Albertans. This is a long-term investment in working Albertans as we recover from the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and recession,” Kenney adds.

Starting May 20 at 9 a.m., employers will be able to apply for funding for up to 20 new employees.

The deadline to apply for the funding ends on August 31, 2021. A second intake will then open on September 15 and close on December 31.

To be eligible for the program private sector business or non-profit organizations must use the funding to hire unemployed Albertans in a new or vacant position. The new hire must reside and work in Alberta and must not have worked for the employer within the past 90 days.

To apply, visit alberta.ca/jobsnow.

(Lethbridge News Now)