Unlock Training Investment: Introducing the Canada–Alberta Productivity Grant (CAPG)

In a rapidly evolving economy, staying competitive means investing in skills, technology, and productivity. To help Alberta businesses thrive, the provincial government has launched the Canada–Alberta Productivity Grant (CAPG) — a program that supports employers who want to build workforce capacity through training.

Here’s what you need to know:

What is the CAPG?

• The CAPG is the successor to the previous Canada–Alberta Job Grant.

• It helps employers invest in training for current or future employees, with a specific emphasis on productivity-related skills — from process optimization to digital and technical capabilities.

• Employers apply on behalf of employees (or prospective hires), and eligible training costs can be partially reimbursed through this program.

Who Is Eligible?

• Employers: Private sector, non-profits, Indigenous businesses, and more are eligible, provided they have employees (current or potential) who require training.

• Trainees: Must be individuals who are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or protected persons legally entitled to work in Canada.

• Training Providers: The training must be delivered by an approved third-party provider.

What Costs Does It Cover?

CAPG supports a range of direct training costs, such as:

• Tuition or course fees

• Examination fees

• Textbooks, software, and required materials

• Eligible travel costs (if applicable)

• Other directly related costs tied to the training program

Note: Employee wages are not reimbursable under CAPG.

Funding Structure & Limits

• Upskilling existing staff: The government may reimburse up to 50% of eligible training costs.

• Hiring + training unemployed Albertans: In some cases, up to 100% of training costs may be covered (subject to caps).

• Per-trainee caps & employer caps: The maximum funding per trainee may be up to $10,000 for upskilling, and up to $15,000 for hiring and training in some cases.

• Annual limits: Employers also have a yearly cap on how much funding they can receive.

How to Apply & What to Expect

1. Review the applicant guidelines
   The full direction for eligibility, costs, timelines, and required documents is available in the official program resources.

2. Register your organization
   Use your Alberta.ca business account and get verified.

3. Submit a training plan
   Outline who will be trained, what training, cost breakdowns, timeline, and the productivity goals you hope to achieve.

4. Apply & wait
   Applications open in fall 2025. Decisions may take several weeks, depending on evaluation.

5. Conduct the training and claim costs
   After training is complete and costs are documented, you submit your expense claims according to the program’s rules.

Why It Matters

• Fueling business competitiveness: Many Alberta employers face pressure to modernize operations, digitize workflows, and stay competitive. CAPG helps reduce the financial barrier to training investments.

• A new chapter for workforce development: With the former Job Grant program paused, CAPG fills a critical gap in enabling skills growth in Alberta.

• Inclusive support: Nonprofits, small employers, and organizations operating outside major centres can benefit.

Tips & Cautions

• Start planning early — training providers may need time to coordinate.

• Ensure all projected costs are clearly justifiable and documented — vague or unsupported costs may be denied.

• Don’t assume full reimbursement — always plan with your own contribution in mind.

• Monitor timelines closely to ensure training ends and claims are submitted by deadlines.

• Keep in touch with CAPG support if you have questions or concerns.

✨ The Canada–Alberta Productivity Grant is an opportunity for employers to invest in their people, build capacity, and drive long-term success.