Alberta is calling, but migration speed sparks affordability concerns

He may still work remotely for his employer in Ontario, but Anthony and Brogno has left his life in Ottawa behind. I made the choice to to pack up and come back to Calgary is where I was born. Connections with family helped shape his decision more than a year ago. And in Brogno is not alone. According to Statistics Canada, in 2022 and 2023, more than 87,000 people moved to Alberta from other parts of Canada. Many coming from BC, Ontario and Quebec, likely in search of a more affordable life, tell me about this unit. But with the influx of people, Alberta’s affordability has started to wane. It is very challenging because I mean, most homes that you are coming across, condos, townhouses, houses, you’re having to compete against many other buyers. Realtor Brent Wilcox says his out of province clients are having a tough time. Soaring demand has driven up home prices at a time where there isn’t a lot of housing to go around. It’s why the province says they’re putting out another recruitment call. It’s laser focused on attracting skilled trades that we need to build Alberta’s houses, schools, hospitals and job creating infrastructure. With an estimated 20,000 job vacancies in the skilled trades alone, the province has launched a new Move to Alberta campaign offering a $5000 tax credit to trades people who come to work. Obviously, talent is essential. It’s the it’s the driving economic force of any community or any region. But you have to ensure that you balance supply and demand. Difficult for a province prone to booms and busts, Alberta is clamoring for workers and residents today, but who knows for how long? Heather, your ex. W Global News, Calgary.