Though Alberta’s unemployment rate dropped slightly last month, it remained higher than the national number. Statistics Canada release its August 2026 Labour Force Survey on Friday, which showed Alberta’s jobless rate dipping to 6.8 per cent from seven per cent in July. Canada’s national unemployment rate was 6.4 per cent, unchanged from the month before. Looking at Alberta’s four largest cities, only one – Lethbridge – sat below the national rate. Red Deer’s unemployment rate was 7.6 per cent in August, compared to 7.3 per cent in July Edmonton was unchanged at 6.9 per cent, while Calgary saw meager movement, dipping to 6.7 per cent from 6.8 the month prior. Lethbridge’s jobless number was 5.6 per cent, unchanged from the month prior. The August 2026 Labour Force Survey was conducted the week of Aug. 9 to 15.
