Crews work to excavate and instal new storm and sanitary pipes in the old Walmart location in this May 2017 file photo. Local unemployment has fallen nearly a full point year over year.--NEWS FILE PHOTO
@MedicineHatNews
The jobless rate in Medicine Hat-Lethbridge region was almost a point lower in August compared to a year ago, Statistics Canada data revealed Friday.
The regional unemployment rate of 5.4 per cent last month is eight-tenths of a percentage point less than in August 2023, though slightly higher than the 5.2 per cent rate posted in July.
That comes as the provincial jobless rate rose to 7.3 per cent, from 6 per cent last summer, led by a large increase in Edmonton.
The rate there is now 8.4 per cent, after a 2.3 point increase, while Calgary (7.4 per cent), Camrose (4.7), Red Deer (7.8) and Fort McMurray (7.0) all rose by a point or more, year over year.
The rate in southwest Saskatchewan, including Swift Current and Moose Jaw, rose to 5.5 per cent, from 4.4 per cent, 12 months ago.
Overall, Saskatchewan tied with British Columbia for the lowest provincial unemployment rate at 5.8 per cent.
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