Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta recorded a gain of nearly 26,000 full-time jobs last month, even as Canada experienced a decline of approximately 68,000 jobs, according to a statement issued by the provincial government following the latest labour force survey.
Joseph Schow, Alberta’s Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration, welcomed the employment figures, describing them as evidence of the province’s economic performance and its ability to attract investment and support business expansion.
The minister also highlighted a decline in Alberta’s unemployment rate to below the national average. Youth unemployment fell by 2.8 percentage points, reaching its lowest level in nearly three years, according to the statement.
Government Credits Business and Investment Policies
Schow attributed the employment gains to the provincial government’s policies aimed at encouraging investment, supporting employers and expanding economic activity.
He said Alberta had added more than 300,000 jobs since Danielle Smith became premier, representing an increase of approximately 13 per cent. The government views this growth as part of its broader effort to strengthen household finances and create more employment opportunities across the province.
Schow also linked job creation to family economic security, arguing that employment growth gives more residents the opportunity to support themselves and their families.
However, the minister’s statement represents the provincial government’s assessment of the figures. Establishing how much of the employment growth is directly attributable to government policies would require further economic analysis.
Alberta’s Share of National Job Growth in Focus
Alberta accounts for approximately 12 per cent of Canada’s population, but Schow said the province was generating employment growth at a faster pace than other major provinces.
He also pointed to economic projections indicating that Alberta’s economy could expand at nearly three times the national growth rate. The statement did not identify the specific forecast or the period covered by that projection.
The latest figures place Alberta’s labour market performance in contrast with the reported national employment decline, although monthly job estimates can fluctuate and do not, on their own, establish a longer-term trend.
Province Continues to Focus on Economic Expansion
The provincial government has indicated that attracting new investment and helping businesses expand will remain central to its economic strategy.
Schow said Alberta intends to continue pursuing policies designed to increase business activity and employment, describing the province’s economic approach as the “Alberta Advantage.”
The latest labour force survey offers a snapshot of employment conditions across the province and the country. Further monthly data will help determine whether Alberta can sustain its recent job gains and maintain unemployment levels below the national average.
