Alberta unemployment rate at lowest level in six years
Posted May 7, 2022 10:05 am.
Last Updated May 7, 2022 10:06 am.
Alberta’s unemployment rate is the lowest since 2015.
The unemployment rate dropped to its lowest level in six years after thousands of positions were created last month, largely in wholesale and retail trade.
On average, 16,000 more jobs were created in April, pushing the unemployment rate to 5.9 per cent from 6.5 per cent in March.
Minister of Jobs, Economy, and Innovation Doug Schweitzer says it reflects ongoing positive momentum in the Alberta economy.
He highlighted a number of recent announcements from companies that are expanding in Alberta from tech companies and other major firms.
Read More: Alberta’s economy seems to be rebounding, what it means for you
Schweitzer says diversification is not just a buzzword in Alberta, it is happening faster than anyone expected.
But the NDP’s Kathleen Ganley doesn’t think the numbers are so good, especially in Calgary. She noted the unemployment rate in Calgary is the highest of any of the major cities that were surveyed.
“Alberta’s unemployment rate remains above the national average, Calgary has the highest unemployment rate out of any city in the country,” said Ganley.
Read More: Canadian employees want flexibility as return to work ramps up: survey
Jobless rates in Calgary are running at 7.2 per cent and 6.9 per cent in Edmonton, still considered among the highest in major Canadian cities.
The unemployment level in Calgary has prompted Calgary Nose Hill Conservative MP Michelle Rempel to put forward a petition to the federal government.
She hopes the call to action will provide a plan to Canadians that includes tangible steps the government can take right now to address Canada’s affordability crisis.
She says to date the federal Liberals have failed to support Alberta’s energy sector.
–With files from Mark Strashok
