Provincial job creation on the rise: minister

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on February 12, 2026.

According to the province’s minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade, Alberta gained 41,800 new full-time jobs in January.

Joseph Schow says the government has been focused on diversifying the economy and credits that work for an increase of 3.4 per cent employment growth in 2025, compared to the national average of 0.6 per cent.

“This is a positive sign that employment is catching up with our rapid population growth,” said Schow. “Along with the highest productivity rates, average weekly earnings and unemployment below the national average, Alberta stands out as the best place to live, work and raise a family.”

In a media release Feb. 6, Schow says he is optimistic the growth will continue throughout 2026, citing the province’s tax rates and need for a highly skilled workforce.

The provincial labour market notes, also released Feb. 6, report Alberta’s employment rose 20,3000 month over month in January, and says self-employment rates surged as the sector jumped up by more than 24,000 last month.

The report also cites gains in the goods and services sectors and a decrease of 0.3 per cent in the unemployment rate to 6.4 per cent.

The average Alberta last month made $37.84 per hour, an increase of 3.1 per cent from the same time last year.

Population growth in the Lethbridge-Medicine Hat region was reported at 2.2 per cent in 2025, while the labour force declined by 1.3 per cent.

The average unemployment rate throughout 2025 in the region was reported at 7 per cent, slightly higher than the provincial average.