The Red Deer area’s unemployment rate jumped by one percentage point in the first month of 2023.
The unadjusted unemployment rate was 7.7 per cent in January, compared to 6.7 per cent in December, according to information released by Statistics Canada on Friday. The unemployment rate in January 2022 was 7.4 per cent.
The number of people with part-time employment rose by 800 this past month, but full-time employment fell by 3,000. Additionally, the region’s labour force fell by about 2,000 people – the participation rate was 66.7 per cent, compared to 67.4 per cent in December.
Meanwhile, Alberta’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was six per cent, which is 0.4 percentage points up from the previous month and 0.8 percentage points down from January 2022.
This rate was the seventh lowest in Canada after Quebec’s 3.9 per cent, Manitoba’s 4.2 per cent, Saskatchewan’s 4.3 per cent, British Columbia’s 4.4 per cent, Nova Scotia’s 5.0 per cent and Ontario’s 5.2 per cent. The national rate at five per cent was unchanged from the previous month.
Alberta’s labour force increased by 33,200 while provincial employment increased by 20,700 compared to the previous month. Part-time employment increased by 13,800 while full-time employment increased by 6,800 over the same period.
Minister of Jobs, Economy and Northern Development Brian Jean said Alberta’s economy “is raising the bar” for job creation.
“January’s numbers continue to demonstrate Alberta’s strong economic momentum,” Jean said.
“Last month, 20,600 new jobs were created, which is excellent news for Albertans looking for work. Alberta continues to attract more skilled workers to help fill vacancies in our diversified economy.”
Jean said the number of new businesses incorporated in Alberta during the first month of 2023 had risen by 8.5 per cent, compared to the previous year.
“Our population and labour force is growing as people are moving to Alberta in record numbers, helping fill jobs and diversify our markets,” he said.
“Our province is seeing great results as we work to further diversify the economy, and all Albertans are benefiting from the results of our sound fiscal management and business-friendly policies.”
Between January 2022 and January 2023, employment increased by 99,400. The number of unemployed Albertans decreased by 15,100 over the same period.
In January 2023, the industries that had the most employment decreases from the previous month were: transportation and warehousing (-10,800); other services (except public administration) (-4,600); accommodation and food services (-2,800); and business, building and other support services (-2,000).
Industries that had the most employment gains over the same period were: professional, scientific and technical services (+10,000); wholesale and retail trade (+9,300); construction (+4,400); and healthcare and social assistance (+3,900).
Send your news tips
Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter