Alberta’s unemployment spikes in April, surpassing national rate

Canada's jobless rate has jumped after the economy shed 17,000 positions in April.

Unemployment in Alberta saw a significant jump last month, topping the national rate.

Statistics Canada released its April 2026 Labour Force Survey on Friday, which showed Alberta’s jobless rate sitting at seven per cent – up from 6.5 per cent the month prior and above the national rate of 6.9 per cent.

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Unemployment by city

Looking at unemployment in Alberta’s four largest cities, Edmonton’s rate was the highest last month, sitting at 7.1 per cent, a leap from 6.5 per cent in March.

Calgary’s jobless rate remained unchanged at 6.7 per cent.

“April’s numbers show Calgary’s job market is holding steady,” said Brad Parry, president & CEO at Calgary Economic Development, in a news release.

“Calgary is demonstrating resilience as people continue to move here for opportunity and employers continue hire.”

“The path ahead will be shaped by ongoing global economic uncertainty, oil price volatility and shifting trade conditions – making it critical that job growth keeps pace with a steadily expanding workforce.”

In Red Deer, the unemployment rate was 6.2 per cent in April, relatively unchanged from 6.3 per cent the month before.

Lethbridge’s jobless rate dipped to 5.7 per cent from six per cent in March.