Alberta companies are noticing an uprising in the economy, but worry that growth will cause a labour shortage in the province.

Business owners are finding it increasingly difficult to find qualified staff.

The province says that the transportation and hospitality industries will be hit the hardest in the coming months.

After truck driving for 46 years, Carl Folkins is looking into retirement.

He says the increasing costs are making it difficult to continue.

"I was making $20,000 a month in the 80's when diesel fuel was 80 cents a gallon. Now you're paying over $6 a gallon, and you're not making half that."

The Alberta Motor Transport Association says the building economy means more demand on the trucking industry, especially smaller companies.

Some organizations are turning to temporary foreign workers.

"We need more people, because we don't have enough people, one cook leaves and we're toast, the manager has to come cook, simple as that," says Sergio Terrazas of Humpty's Family Restaurants.

Calgary Economic Development says that employment levels are high, and as the economy continues to improve, and stocks are doing better, older workers will leave the workforce.

"People are looking at their retirement options and thinking now is a good time to go just as the economy starts to turn around," says Mike Fotheringham from Calgary Economic Development.

"The two go hand in hand, and it's a perfect storm for a labour shortage in this province."

Economists say high paying jobs in the construction and oil industries are making it difficult to staff lower paying jobs in the service and hospitality industries.

Call Peter Veress today. 403-616-9207