Employable: Recognizing the contributions of persons with disabilities to our economy

Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo is a region rich with opportunities – and that includes opportunities for persons with disabilities. By working with local businesses and sharing resources we can help to reduce barriers to employment.

– Melonie Doucette, Director, Entrepreneurship and Innovation

The Government of Alberta recently released a report that measures the contribution to Alberta’s economy by persons with disabilities. In 2022 that figure was about $50 billion – or 13 percent of the province’s total. But the potential is even more and this talented labour pool is eager to find fulfilling roles in every sector of Alberta’s labour market.

In a statement, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services Jason Nixon said,

Alberta’s government remains committed to removing barriers and empowering those with disabilities to achieve their goals… We are also committed to creating more opportunities for people with disabilities to enhance their skills so they can find meaningful employment.

The most recent data available is for 2022. 499,020 employees with disabilities were recorded working in Alberta that year, an increase from 385,560 in 2016. This reflects an increase that was recorded across Canada as well. And even though the employment rate for persons with disabilities improved in Alberta from 2016 to 2022 it’s still significantly lower than for those without disabilities (66.4% compared to 77.3%).

The province’s report notes that among those with disabilities aged 15 to 64 years who were not employed in 2022, 142,520 individuals (58 percent of those not employed) were considered as having work potential.

That’s a giant pool of untapped potential – and employees with disabilities have valuable skills to offer. Over half of the persons with disabilities employed found roles in retail, health and social assistance, construction, education, and professional, scientific and technical services. Every sector of Alberta’s economy saw contributions from persons with disabilities.

Our Workforce team is part of the RMWB Labour Connect Committee. By leveraging the networks of organizations across FMWB we can help to raise awareness of resources to address barriers to employment. Check out the resources below.