Alberta $185M Employment Service Program unveiled

Edmonton(ATB); The province has launched its new employment support service — the same one promised to Albertans with disabilities when the Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) was announced in February.

WorkFirst Alberta will be available to all Albertans and is said to connect those looking for employment with employers. It will provide services such as resume help, workshops and training.

In an interview with media, Assisted Living and Social Services Minister Jason Nixon said the tools employment service organizations use will be the same for someone with a disability and those without. He said tools will be adjusted to meet individual needs.

The $185-million investment from the province could also go towards installing equipment to make workplaces more accessible, Nixon said.

 “This program will fulfill the ADAP employment supports — not just for ADAP, but this is how we are going to manage the resources that we invest in employment supports for ADAP,” Nixon said.

Under the new program, Albertans could receive access to wraparound services such as child care, transportation and mental health supports.

When asked what access to child care would look like given the current demand, Nixon said the Department of Child Care is currently working in partnership with the federal government to create more spaces. Nixon said those in need of child care would be provided support either through a subsidy for day care or by utilizing providers for on-site care

 “What we have found is that often our clientele may need extra resources to be able to access those spaces,” Nixon said.

In 2026, the province intends to expand the program to create a “jobseeker-employer” matching service.