The Canadian Federation of Independent Business says Alberta and Saskatchewan have the highest job vacancy rates in the country.

On paper, the two provinces have the lowest unemployment rates in Canada, making it difficult for small companies to find the employees they need.

“The research clearly shows that Alberta and Saskatchewan have the highest vacancy rate,” says CFIB spokesman Richard Truscott. “Therefore,” (they) “are experiencing the highest shortage of qualified labour of any place in the country.”

What’s behind the job vacancy rate?

Truscott says the oil and gas sector — and its high wages — are draining the labour pool.

“Because we’re not able to fill qualified jobs in the private sector and that certainly will have an impact on our overall economy, our economic growth,” adds Truscott.

Right now in Alberta, there are almost 55,000 unfilled jobs in the private sector.  Truscott says the job vacancies are holding back economic activity, adding it might be time for the province to look at giving businesses a tax credit for incentive to attract and train workers.