Business Investment & Attraction

Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Labour Study Presentation

Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development & Tourism (FMWBEDT), in partnership with regional stakeholders, will present the 2021 regional labour study findings to the community on Wednesday, August 4, 2021. The study provides a five-year forecast of labour market needs - highlighting future training requirements, hiring demands and attraction and retention practices.

Labour Study graphic

"Understanding labour patterns and trends is essential to remaining competitive in an economy and labour market with changing demographics, training demands and technological advances,” says Kevin Weidlich, President and CEO of FMWBEDT. “The labour market conditions identified are a reflection of this point in time, as market conditions evolve, the report’s strategies and priorities may shift.”

The Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Labour Study was initiated in the fall of 2020. The study included significant stakeholder engagement through an employer survey, stakeholder discussion groups, and one-on-one interviews. The project was led by a Steering Committee representing various community stakeholders across Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo.

“This study encompasses the entire region and will enable our Indigenous communities to better understand and strategically plan for future workforce requirements,” says May-Britt Jensen, Director of Employment & Training for Athabasca Tribal Council. “The study findings can be used to identify specific workforce needs and shortages as well as emerging occupations and training gaps.”

“The labour study is a public good for the community and is intended to be a living document that can support the Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo labour market community over the coming years,” says Shannon Rex, Special Projects Manager, Research and Impact for Fuse Social. “Labour market information is key to helping businesses, governments, social profits and individuals respond to the changes that are emerging throughout our region’s economy.”

The Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Labour Study Presentation is a free online event. For more details and to register click here. The full report will be available on our website following the event.

In Partnership With:

Government of Alberta, Labour & Immigration 
Athabasca Tribal Council 
Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce 
Fort McMurray Construction Association 
FuseSocial 
Keyano College 
McMurray Métis 
Northeastern Alberta Aboriginal Business Association 
Oil Sand Community Alliance 
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo 
Rupertsland Institute