Even though Alberta’s economy slowed down in 2015, the provincial population continued to increase, but at a rate that was slower than it was previously. Although some residents left for other provinces when the job market tightened, international migration and an increase in the birthrate caused population figures to climb. This called for an increase in public services, from infant health care to resettlement assistance.
Health and education costs accounted for 68% of the government’s expenditures in 2016. Employment in the public administration industry grew by 2.8% between 2015 and 2016. This was slower than the rate of 7.2% in the previous year.
In its 2015–2018 Strategic Plan, the provincial government included eight key strategic outcomes. These include environmental goals, support for seniors, and an integrated approach to improving the socio-economic well-being of all Albertans. Public administration employees help to achieve these outcomes.