Calgary Chamber releases recommendations to drive labour market growth
Calgary, AB, April 20, 2026 – Amid stalling economic growth and fluctuating employment rates caused by shifting trade dynamics and geopolitics, Canada’s labour market has the potential to grow by prioritizing workforce inclusivity. In fact, eliminating current barriers to an inclusive workforce represents a possible economic lift of up to $200 billion.
Workforce inclusion is a practical approach to strengthening the labour market by reducing employment gaps and easing skill shortages at a time when Canada is looking to build. It means ensuring families have access to affordable childcare so more women can participate in the workforce. It means improving credential recognition to support the integration of internationally trained workers. It also means helping businesses hire, train and support diverse talent.
“With businesses facing a unique set of economic challenges, diverse talent and perspectives will help them respond with the creativity and innovation these problems require,” says Deborah Yedlin, President & CEO at the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. “Amid skill gaps and labour mismatches across sectors, it is vital that we leverage the full potential of Canada’s workforce to advance the country’s economic agenda.”
With 58 per cent of Canadians supporting diversity and equitable opportunity in the workforce, the Calgary Chamber’s new report, All In: How inclusive labour markets unlock growth and drive prosperity, explores the economic advantages of inclusivity and identifies barriers faced by different groups across the country. The report highlights actionable steps for all levels of government, including improving credential recognition and childcare support, advancing procurement for Indigenous businesses and providing targeted assistance to businesses to improve accessibility.
“Our workforce is the engine of growth for both businesses and the Canadian economy,” adds Yedlin. “Inclusivity brings diverse perspectives that drive innovation, increase productivity and expand the talent pool – benefits that are critical to long-term economic success.”
Recommendations
Federal-Provincial
- Advance credential recognition reform at both provincial and federal levels to support equitable labour market integration for internationally trained immigrants.
- Enable and support employer readiness to hire, train and retain diverse and barriered talent through employer-focused tools.
- Target supports for remote and northern communities, including access to training, digital infrastructure and mentorship.
Provincial
- Ensure Alberta is a leader in accessible and affordable childcare.
- Provide specific supports for businesses to improve accessibility, including grants and other support programs that would provide funding for construction, retrofits or communication technology upgrades.
- Prioritize Indigenous-led initiatives to ensure that all training, employment and entrepreneurship programs are designed and delivered by Indigenous organizations or in close partnership with communities.
Municipal
- Continue support for Indigenous businesses, including the Indigenous Procurement Program.
- Support community-led programs and expand funding for workforce initiatives.
Quick Facts
- Existing barriers to an inclusive workforce represent an opportunity cost as high as $200 billion to Canada’s economy.
- Closing the employment gap for people with disabilities could add $50 billion to Canada’s GDP and create 450,000 new jobs by 2030.
- Women earn just 87 cents for every dollar earned by men in 2024 and 82 cents in Alberta – the lowest in Canada.
- Increasing women’s participation could generate up to $150 billion by 2026, while bridging the Indigenous economic gap could boost GDP by $27.7 billion annually.
- Bridging the Indigenous economic gap could boost GDP by $27.7 billion annually.
- Nearly 1.9 million working-age Canadians with disabilities are not in school or employment, despite nearly half reporting they are able and willing to work.
– 30 –
About the Calgary Chamber of Commerce
The Calgary Chamber exists to empower our business community to advance a prosperous Calgary and Canada. As the convenor and catalyst for a vibrant, inclusive and prosperous business community, the Chamber works to build strength and resilience among its members and position Calgary as a magnet for talent, diversification and opportunity. As an independent, non-profit, non-partisan organization founded in 1891, we build on our history to serve and advocate for businesses of all sizes, in all sectors across the city.
Media opportunities
For media inquiries, please contact: [email protected]
