Red Deer area jobless rate edges lower in April

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-7.1 per cent in Calgary

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-5.6 per cent in Camrose-Drumheller

-5.6 per cent in Wood Buffalo-Cold Lake

-5.1 per cent in Lethbridge-Medicine Hat

-4.7 per cent in Banff-Jasper-Rocky Mountain House and Athabasca-Grande Prairie-Peace River — the lowest rate in the province

The provincial jobless rate came in at 5.9 per cent last month, down from 6.5 per cent in March, and 8.9 per cent in April 2021.

Alberta gained more jobs last month as well, with 2,338.2 (000s) people employed in April, up from 2,322.2 (000s) in March and 2,219.5 (000s) in April 2021.

The national unemployment rate was 5.2 per cent in April, down from 5.3 per cent in March and 8.0 per cent in April of last year.

In response to the latest numbers, UCP Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation Doug Schweitzer said data reflects ongoing positive momentum in the economy.

“With a record start to 2022 in venture capital with investments in companies like Neo Financial, Athenian and Helcim, and major announcements from Rogers, Walmart and De Havilland, thousands of jobs are being created to help diversify our economy. Diversification is not just a buzzword in Alberta, it is happening faster than anyone expected,” the minister said.

“There is still work to be done to capitalize on the new opportunities in our province. That’s why we have invested $600 million in our Alberta at Work plan. We know there are high-paying jobs available for Albertans and we are working with our partners to ensure that Albertans have the skills needed to fill these positions.”

Opposition NDP Energy Critic, Kathleen Ganley, points out that Alberta’s unemployment rate remains above the national rate, with Calgary the highest in the country.

“While it’s encouraging to see jobs added, we can see Albertans are falling further behind under the UCP,” said Ganley. “Meanwhile, the UCP is piling on extra costs. Income taxes, property taxes, tuition, auto insurance, and utilities have all gone up as a result of the UCP.”

Ganley claims the UCP haven’t created a single job in oil and gas despite campaigning on it in the last election.

“An NDP government would make economic diversification a priority within our energy sector, and by supporting emerging industries. The UCP cancelled programs like the Alberta Investor tax credit that was doing exactly that,” she added.

“We can create jobs, help Albertans get ahead, and bring new energy to downtown Calgary. But it will take new and innovative solutions, the UCP have proven that looking for the future in the past just isn’t going to work.”