“We’re walking into a perfect storm. (The year) 2011 is the first year in which officially baby boomers are turning 65, so we’re looking at a large exodus of workers — not only in numbers, but in experience,” stated Lukaszuk to reporters on Wednesday.

A combination of low birthrates and anticipated retirements of over 190,000 workers in the province will result in excellent employment opportunities for newcomers to Canada.

Although close to 17,500 Alberta workers retired in 2010, more than 16 per cent continue to work past the age of 65.

The Alberta government is trying to find ways of convincing older workers to continue working rather than retiring, such as reducing work hours and using retirees as mentors. However it is doubted that enough workers will stay on the job to make up for the great shortage of workers as many people look forward to retirement.

Many provinces are relying on immigrants to make up for labour shortages and Alberta is no exception. Alberta welcomes thousands of immigrants every year and soon those immigrants will have a better chance at entering a new labour market.

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