The local jobless rate rose in January compared to December while the provincial unemployment rate continues to fall. -- NEWS PHOTO
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The regional jobless rate rose in January compared to the end of 2021, but sits four percentage points better than this time one year ago.
New data for last month from Statistics Canada states the unemployment rate in the combined Lethbridge-Medicine Hat economic region sat at 7.5 per cent.
That is one point higher than the December rate, but much lower than the 10.4 per cent recorded at the start of last year.
The Alberta-wide figure continued to drop, falling to 7.2 per cent. For the first time in recent years, the province recorded a lower unemployment rate than Ontario (7.3).
Alberta’s rate ranked fifth highest among provinces, while the national rate rose to 6.6, up half of one point month over month.
Jobless figures improved considerably in the province’s two major centres:
Calgary’s rate fell to 7.8 per cent, and in Edmonton to 6.5 per cent.
Across Alberta, about 7,000 new jobs were created in the month, however, 3,900 full-time jobs were lost overall, while 10,900 part-time positions were gained.
Largest losses were recorded in the private-sector service industries, education and professional services. Gains were led by manufacturing, information services and health care.
Saskatchewan’s rate for January was 5.2 per cent, and the rate specific to Swift Current-Moose Jaw area was 7.6 per cent.
