Alberta unemployment rises as Canada job market stabilizes

Despite nationwide job gains, Alberta's unemployment rate inched up to seven per cent in June, Statistics Canada said in its latest Labour Force Survey.

Canada’s labour market continued to show signs of stability in June, even as Alberta moved against the national trend.

Statistics Canada reports that the country added 18,000 jobs in June, and the national unemployment rate decreased to 6.5 per cent from 6.6 per cent in May.

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The gains were slightly stronger than economists had expected, with most forecasting about 10,000 new jobs and no change in the unemployment rate.

The June report follows a stronger-than-expected May, when Canada added 88,000 jobs.

Despite national gains, Alberta’s unemployment rate rose to seven per cent in June, an increase of 0.4 percentage points from May.

Economists suggest the rise is due to more people entering the workforce as the province continues to see rapid population growth.

National employment job gains were led by youth and workers aged 25 to 54, while employment declined among those 55 and older.

Accommodation and food services saw the most growth, while manufacturing, agriculture, and utilities declined.

Statistics Canada notes that manufacturing employment has decreased by 61,000 jobs since January 2025, aligning with ongoing tariff-related uncertainty in the sector.

Average hourly wages also increased 3.3 per cent year-over-year to $37.20.

This jobs report is the Bank of Canada’s final major labour market update before its next interest rate decision on Wednesday.