Alberta Government Launches $8 Million Youth Employment Initiative

The University of Lethbridge Students’ Union (ULSU) has expressed strong support for a new initiative from the Alberta Government aimed at addressing youth unemployment. The Alberta Youth Employment Initiative, set to commence in October 2025, will provide $8 million to assist in hiring approximately 2,500 Albertans aged 15 to 24. This funding is expected to benefit up to 1,000 employers, who will receive grants ranging from $4,000 to $7,500 to subsidize wages of $10 per hour for younger workers.

ULSU Vice President Bradley Pike stated that the union has long advocated for investments that create meaningful employment opportunities for students. “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,” Pike explained.

The initiative comes at a critical time, as the unemployment rate in the Lethbridge-Medicine Hat region rose to 7.3 percent in August 2025, up from 5.9 percent the previous month. The provincial youth unemployment rate is particularly concerning, with 17 percent of young people unemployed, compared to 8.4 percent for the general workforce.

Supporting Student Employment and Local Businesses

The ULSU views this program as part of a larger strategy to enhance student employment supports across Alberta. The organization aims to expand opportunities for students while ensuring local businesses can tap into the skills and talents of young workers. Pike noted, “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 new funding aligns with ULSU’s broader advocacy goals, focusing on increasing investments that facilitate student job placements and ensuring that the local economy benefits from the engagement of young talent. As the province moves forward with this initiative, stakeholders are hopeful that it will help alleviate some of the employment challenges faced by students in the region.

As Alberta prepares for the launch of this initiative, the ULSU remains committed to advocating for further support for students, emphasizing the importance of creating a robust employment landscape that fosters growth and development for the youth workforce.