Maple News reports that while the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted many industries across Canada, several job sectors in Alberta saw a surprising increase in demand. A federal labour market study revealed that although the overall employment landscape faced significant challenges, certain occupations in the province either maintained stability or experienced notable growth during and after 2020.
The report from the Canadian government analyzed employment trends across each province, including Alberta. It showed a divergent impact on jobs, with certain roles gaining traction as essential services or becoming more vital due to changing societal needs. These shifts, though potentially short-term, highlight how unexpected circumstances can swiftly redefine workforce priorities.
One of the top-growing fields was in technology. Computer and information systems managers (NOC 0213) saw no job losses during the onset of the pandemic. In fact, employment in this occupation increased in 2020 compared to 2019. These professionals are responsible for managing IT infrastructure, systems analysis, and digital security, all of which became more critical as businesses moved to remote operations.
Another role that experienced a boost was in government services. Employment insurance, immigration, border services, and revenue officers (NOC 1228) saw rising demand due to the surge in applications for federal assistance programs like Employment Insurance and the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). These officers play a key role in administering benefits and enforcing Canadian laws — responsibilities that became even more urgent during the public health crisis.
The full federal report classifies job trends by National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes and offers a trend-analysis tool where individuals can explore employment outlooks in their fields of interest. While labor demand is constantly evolving, these insights demonstrate how Alberta’s job landscape has been reshaped by the pandemic.
Other rising occupations include those in healthcare, logistics, and digital services — all areas that grew in relevance as the province navigated lockdowns and switched to virtual or contactless operations. Although the demand increase may not be permanent, it indicates where future opportunities could lie for job seekers, new graduates, and immigration candidates.
As Alberta continues to adjust to the post-pandemic era, roles tied to essential governance, technology, healthcare, and public service are expected to remain critical, particularly in supporting economic recovery and transitioning to resilient, adaptable systems.
Maple News will continue to monitor and analyze labor trends across Canadian provinces to provide readers with current and actionable insights.