Decentralize Provincial Offices to Stimulate Economic Growth

It is more important than ever that rural communities are strong, vibrant, and inclusive places to call home, especially concerning Alberta’s economic growth. When rural communities succeed, all of Alberta is made stronger. However, areas of Alberta located away from major centers or with small populations have difficulty taking advantage of economic opportunities.  These regions require a supportive economic development environment that enables capacity building within their communities to gain the skills and knowledge to take advantage of regional economic opportunities and increase business retention, expansion, and attraction.

In the past decade, many Alberta towns, villages, and rural areas have experienced population decline while cities and urban municipalities continue to grow at an unsustainable rate. Distributed across the province, rural Alberta has housing and infrastructure capacity to relieve pressures seen with concentrated growth.

Alberta’s economy is evolving, and modern rural economies extend beyond agricultural production and primary resources. New industries and opportunities are emerging alongside traditional economic drivers. Rural Alberta deserves a strong plan for economic development that reflects innovation, diversification, and sustainable long-term growth.

Over the past year, the Government of Alberta has refocused its rural economic development efforts, demonstrating a commitment to Alberta’s rural communities and acknowledging their positive impact on the province’s economy. The appointment of a minister responsible for rural economic development led to a series of engagement sessions with rural stakeholders and Indigenous communities to gather their perspectives on the successes, challenges, and opportunities for rural economic development. (Government of Alberta, 2022)

According to the Government of Alberta’s most recent publication on the subject, Profile on the Alberta Public Service, 2013, the Government of Alberta  employs approximately 27,000 people, not including senior officials, making it one of Alberta’s largest employers. Of these approximately 27,000 employees, their work location is primarily in densely populated urban centers.

Chart 1.0 – Government of Alberta Employee Distribution by Work Location (2013)

Source: Government of Alberta – Profile of Alberta Public Service & Employee Distribution (2013)

Rural Alberta accounts for 18%  of the province’s population, 41%  of the public and private investment in the province, and 26%  of the provincial Gross Domestic Product. Despite these statistics, the rural Alberta population has declined by 2.7%  since 2016. Limited access to communications infrastructure continues to challenge the attraction of new businesses to rural Alberta. (Government of Alberta, 2022)

Locating these offices and jobs in rural areas, including our small urban neighbours, will benefit municipalities, both rural and small urban, by supporting local capacity building and promoting rural economic development.

References

Government of Alberta. (2022). Economic Development in Rural Alberta Plan. Government of Alberta.

Government of Alberta. (2013). Profiles of Alberta Public Service & Employee Distribution.