This release was issued under a previous government.

“Welcoming more people with disabilities into our workplaces will provide them opportunities to have meaningful work, learn new skills, build new relationships and increase their income. The work of this new council will move us closer to Alberta’s Social Policy Framework vision of ensuring everyone has opportunities to fulfill their potential and benefit from, and contribute to, Alberta’s thriving social, economic and cultural life.”

- Frank Oberle, Associate Minister of Services for Persons with Disabilities

Only 17 per cent of Albertans in the Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) program have some level of employment, even though 60 per cent of those in the program are assessed as having low-needs and could obtain some level of employment.

"Hiring people with disabilities makes good business sense. We get an employee to do the job that needs doing and the Albertan gets paid. They also get the opportunity to develop new business and personal relationships. To us, it’s a win-win."

- Mike Behr, Regional Director, Scandinavian Building Services

The voluntary Alberta Employer Advisory Council will include employers from across industry sectors throughout the province. Members will meet regularly to discuss challenges and identify solutions to help more people with disabilities enter the workforce.

The council will advise Associate Minister Oberle on the development of an Alberta Employment First Strategy so more Albertans with disabilities have the opportunity to improve their quality of life through employment.

Our government was elected to keep building Alberta by investing in families and communities, to live within its means and to fight to open new markets for Alberta’s resources. We will continue to deliver the responsible change Albertans voted for.

Related information

Employment First website

Multimedia

Video: Employer recommends hiring people with disabilities