For Immediate Release – May 20, 2026

Northern Sunrise County, in partnership with Town of Peace River and Lac Cardinal Economic Development, is pleased to announce that funding has been approved for the development of a regional Workforce Planning Grant project aimed at strengthening workforce readiness and supporting long-term economic growth across the Peace Region. The grant is funded in part by the Government of Canada through the Canada-Alberta Workforce Tariff Response.

The project, titled Peace Regional Readiness and Planning Project will bring together municipalities, industry partners, educational institutions, and workforce development organizations to better understand current and future labour market needs within the region.

The initiative will focus on identifying workforce shortages, supporting skilled trades and emerging industries, improving employee attraction and retention strategies, and preparing the region for future economic opportunities. The project will include labour market analysis, stakeholder engagement, workforce forecasting, and the development of a regional workforce strategy that will help communities and employers respond to changing economic conditions.

“This project is an important step toward ensuring our communities are prepared for future growth and investment opportunities,” said Reeve Rodrigue “Our region continues to face challenges related to workforce shortages, youth retention, and population stagnation. This partnership will help us better understand the needs of employers while creating strategies to attract workers, retain local talent, and support sustainable economic development.”

The project also recognizes the importance of preparing the region for potential industrial growth opportunities, including developments in energy, construction, manufacturing, agriculture, and supporting service sectors.

Regional collaboration will play a key role throughout the project, ensuring communities work together to address shared labour market challenges and build a stronger, more resilient workforce for the future.

Additional information on stakeholder engagement opportunities and project updates will be shared as the project progresses.