Southeast Alberta Municipal Immigration - Rural Renewal Program

Medicine Hat Economic Development, in partnership with Cypress County, the Town of Redcliff, and the Town of Bow Island, collectively launched the Southeast Alberta Municipal Immigration (SAMI) Rural Renewal Program earlier this year.

Through the program, employers within these municipal boundaries can recruit and retain foreign nationals to live, work and settle in our region through the SAMI Rural Renewal program. Here’s a quick recap on what the program has achieved so far and the trends we’re seeing. 

Program Recap 

• Rural Renewal launched in April 2024 
• Four communities collaborating 
• 102 employer interviews complete
• 85 job vacancies advertised 
• 58 candidates endorsed 
• $24.34 is the average hiring wage 
• 30 years is the average age of endorsed candidates  

Regionally, we’re seeing an increase in aging population and a decrease in birth rates, which has implications for future industry growth. In the immediate and near term, this dynamic creates the potential for increased hiring competition and a decreased workforce talent pool. Attracting and retaining younger residents supports knowledge transfer within organizations and helps to ensure that skills and services are available within our communities.

The average age of candidates through the SAMI Rural Renewal program residents in Medicine Hat is ~32 years, and the average wage is $20.58. According to Statistics Canada (2021), Medicine Hat’s average resident is ~43 years of age. Candidates through the SAMI Rural Renewal Program are primarily younger, at ~32 years of age on average. Through programs like Rural Renewal, Medicine Hat has been able to attract and retain younger workers. Through program provisions, employers are required to offer a job rate that meets the living wage standard for the respective community as a minimum ($17.35/hour in Medicine Hat). The average rate employers offer through the SAMI Rural Renewal program is $24.34/hour.

Interested in the Southeast Alberta Municipal Immigration Rural Renewal Program?
View program information and application process.  

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