Alberta, August 2024 – Job market snapshot
Get a snapshot of key facts about the state of Alberta’s labor market in the past month.
Employment increased in August, as part-time employment growth (+29,100) offset job losses in full-time employment (-16,400). Over the month, job growth across Alberta was due to strong employment gains among women (15 years and over), whereas employment among men (15 years and older) remained relatively unchanged. The provincial unemployment rate increased to 7.7% in August, as Alberta’s labor force also increased and new participants were unable to find work immediately.
Industries in focus-
Construction
Number of jobs increased 3.2%
July’2024 August’2024
236,800 244,300
Employment in construction saw an increase in August. The Government of Alberta awarded a construction contract for the $1.8B Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre redevelopment project. Site preparation work is already underway, with construction expected to begin in early 2025.
Agriculture
Number of jobs decreased -2.6%
July’2024 August’2024
35,100 34,200
Some farmers have begun to harvest their crops, yet challenges loomed over Alberta’s agriculture industry, including prolonged drought concerns and the Canadian National Railway Co. and Canadian Pacific Kansas City temporary lockout affecting grain transport. Now, Alberta canola farmers are concerned with China’s anti-dumping investigation into Canadian canola imports.
Health care and social assistance
Number of jobs decreased -1.6%
July’2024 August’2024
338,000 332,600
The demand for healthcare workers is ongoing, as the healthcare system remains under pressure due in part to the province’s growing population. Indeed, there have been reports of partial or complete closures of emergency departments or acute care beds across the province. The transformation of the healthcare system is well underway with the official launch of Recovery Alberta on September 1, 2024. The new health agency, staffed by roughly 10,000 former Alberta Health Services workers, will focus on delivering public mental health and addiction services.