Public Administration Industry

October 2010

· The industry employed about 83,400 people in 2008

· Average annual employment growth rate in the industry between 2009 and 2013 is expected to be 1.6%

Profile

The industry consists of government agencies that manage public programs. These agencies also set policy, create laws, settle civil and criminal legal cases and provide for public safety and national defence. The industry typically organizes and finances the production of public goods and services.

Occupations include correctional officers, firefighters, occupational health and safety inspectors, customs inspectors and judges.

Performance and outlook

Since 1999, the industry’s share of economic activity has increased slightly while its share of employment has decreased marginally.

Employment within the industry has been volatile, generally rising and falling with the overall economy. Employment reached a peak in 2006 as all levels of government attempted to meet the service needs of a growing population and a booming economy. In the early months of the recession, employment uncharacteristically increased as governments boosted expenditures in an effort to stimulate economic activity. In response to the economic situation, a hiring freeze in the Alberta government was implemented in the fall of 2009. Job creation will continue to be largely driven by the health care and social assistance sectors.

Above average demand is expected for managers in public administration, police officers and firefighters, and other protective services. Below average demand is expected for judges, lawyers, policy and program officers, researchers and consultants.

About 6,900 jobs will be created in the industry by 2013.

For more information see Alberta Career and Industry Outlook or Alberta Industry Profiles.

Occupations in the industry

For a list of occupations and related occupations in this industry, see OCCinfo Search by Industry: Public Administration page.