Alberta Government Announces $8M Youth Hiring Initiative

UPDATE: The Alberta Government has just announced a groundbreaking initiative that will provide $8 million to support youth employment across the province. Beginning in October 2025, the Alberta Youth Employment Initiative aims to hire up to 2,500 young Albertans aged 15-24, a vital move amid rising unemployment concerns.

The University of Lethbridge Students’ Union (ULSU) has voiced strong support for this initiative, emphasizing its potential to connect students with essential job opportunities. As part of the program, nearly 1,000 employers will receive grants between $4,000 and $7,500 to subsidize wages for younger workers, who will earn $10 per hour.

ULSU Vice President Bradley Pike highlighted the pressing need for such measures, stating, “With the ongoing cost of living crisis impacting students across Canada, the Alberta Youth Employment Incentive helps reduce financial barriers for employers, and in turn, makes it easier for students to secure stable employment in their field of study.”

This program comes as the unemployment rate in the Lethbridge-Medicine Hat region has surged to 7.3 percent as of August 2025, up from 5.9 percent the previous month. Alarmingly, 17 percent of youth in Alberta are currently unemployed—significantly higher than the 8.4 percent rate for the general workforce.

Pike expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, stating, “Our executive team has been diligently working on this advocacy since our terms started in May 2025, and we’re thrilled to see this investment at a time of need for our students.”

The ULSU states that this funding aligns with its broader goals to enhance employment opportunities for students and ensure that local businesses can tap into the skills and talents of young workers.

As this initiative rolls out, all eyes will be on its implementation and effectiveness in reducing youth unemployment in Alberta. The ULSU and local employers are gearing up to take advantage of this much-needed support, potentially transforming the job landscape for young Albertans.

Stay tuned for updates as this story develops and impacts the lives of thousands of students seeking employment across Alberta.