Alberta’s UCP government announced $2.8 million dollars in funding over two years to help more women get into the trucking industry.
Alberta lags the national rate of 4 per cent women in trucking at 2.9 per cent.
“Alberta’s government is dedicated to ensuring women can fully participate in our province’s growing economy,” said Minister of Arts, Culture, and Status of Women, Tanya Fir in a media release. “Our province is stronger when more women are in the driver’s seat, and through funding like this, we can help women gain meaningful employment and help continue Alberta’s impressive economic momentum.”
The province notes there are about 4,260 vacancies for transport truck driver jobs.
“Alberta has a shortage of skilled drivers, which impacts the supply chain and creates inflationary pressures,” said Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors, Devin Dreeshen. “Fewer than three per cent of Class 1 drivers in Alberta are women, and by providing grants to support organizations like Women Building Futures, we can help people get good-paying jobs and alleviate critical shortages in trucking.”
The funds, $1.3 million in 2023-24 fiscal year, and $1.5 in fiscal year 2024-25, will go to support the Women Building Futures program to, “provide programming that teaches skills, builds confidence and connects graduates to good jobs as drivers with companies that are committed to creating safe and inclusive workplaces,” the news release said.
“Women Building Futures is proud to stay at the forefront of leading change for women entering new careers in commercial transportation. said president and CEO, Women Building Futures Carol Moen. “By partnering with employers that value and work to make inclusive workspaces – and with tremendous support from the Government of Alberta – we will see more women driving to an economically secure future.”
The announcement was made on Tuesday at Caron Transportation Systems in Sherwood Park.
