Alberta’s unemployment rate dropped last month, sliding below the national number. Statistics Canada release its September 2026 Labour Force Survey on Friday, which showed Alberta’s jobless rate dipping to 6.4 per cent, down from 6.8 the month before. Canada’s national unemployment rate was 6.5 in September. Employment increased in Alberta by 0.9 per cent (23,000 jobs). The survey noted employment in education services fell by nine per cent in Alberta, year over year, in September (17,000). Looking at the province’s four largest cities, Edmonton had the highest unemployment rate, sitting at 6.9 per cent — unchanged from the month prior. Both Calgary and Red Deer sat at 6.3 per cent in September. For Calgary, it was a drop from 6.7 per cent in August. “This is the first full month of labour market data following the latest round of U.S. tariffs, and Calgary’s economy continues to compare favourably with major Canadian cities,” said Brad Parry, president and CEO of Calgary Economic Development. “Our diverse economy, lower direct exposure to tariff-affected industries and continued population growth are providing a structural buffer. As businesses navigate ongoing global uncertainty, Calgary’s labour market remains highly resilient.” Red Deer was down an entire percentage point from the 7.3 per cent it sat at the month prior. Lethbridge was largely unchanged in September, dipping to 5.5 per cent from 5.6 in August.
