EDMONTON — Earlier this week, the Alberta government announced the details of its Alberta Jobs Now Program.
The new $730-million program is designed to provide private and non-profit businesses support in hiring back unemployed and underemployed Albertans to help the province’s economy recover.
“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,” says Jason Kenney, Premier of Alberta.
The grant covers 25 per cent of an employee’s salary for a 52-week period up to a max of $25,000 per employee, and can be used to cover salary or training costs. Employers who hire persons with disabilities will receive a grant 1.5 times higher than the amount they receive for other new employees.
“Our economy has seen signs of recovery, and we’re working hard to make sure that trend continues. By encouraging businesses to create and fill jobs and train new employees, we’re getting Albertans back to work sooner and putting money in their pockets that they could spend at local businesses, further driving economic recovery,” says Doug Schweitzer, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation.
Employers can apply for the grant funding via the alberta.ca/jobsnow website. Applications for the first application period will be accepted until August 31. There will be a second application period opening on September 15 which will close on December 31.
