The unemployment rate in Alberta increased in August, despite a net gain in jobs. (Photo: Wellesenterprises | Dreamstime.com)

By David Opinko

Alberta experiences net gain of 13K jobs in August

Sep 6, 2024 | 9:09 AM

Despite an overall increase in the number of people working, Alberta’s unemployment rate was up last month.

In Statistics Canada’s latest Labour Force Survey, it says the unemployment rate in the province was 7.7 per cent in August, and increase of 0.6 per cent from July.

There was an increase in employment of nearly 13,000 as the labour market shifted towards part-time work.

Alberta experienced a jump in the number of part-time positions by 29,100, while full-time employment fell by 16,400.

Stats Canada, however, says the worsening unemployment rate was the result of nearly 30,000 additional people looking for work.

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Some industries hired more workers over the last month, including wholesale and retail trade (+8,600), construction (+7,500), and finance, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing (+5,900).

Others had a reduction in the number of available jobs, such as natural resources (-10,200), business, building and other support services (-5,700), and healthcare and social assistance (-5,400).

Job losses in Edmonton contributed more than other cities did to the higher unemployment rate. The rate in the provincial capital increased from eight per cent in July to 8.6 per cent in August. There were an additional 5,400 people there who were out of work.

Calgary’s job pool was more stable with the unemployment rate staying relatively flat at 7.5 per cent.

The unemployment rate in Lethbridge was also steady, increasing by 0.1 per cent to 4.9 per cent. While employment in the city was down by 1,300 from one month prior, the number of people seeking employment decreased by the same amount.

The population in the Lethbridge census metropolitan area, which includes some immediately surrounding communities, rose by 500 to 117,800.

The full Labour Force Survey can be found on the Statistics Canada website.

For a look at the rising national unemployment rate, read the article linked below.

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