Alberta’s unemployment rate unchanged in October; Red Deer faces major jump

A Canada flag, left, and an Alberta flag flap in the breeze with Wedge Mountain in the background at the site of the G7 Leaders meeting in Kananaskis, Alta., Monday, June 2, 2025.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Alberta’s unemployment rate held steady at 7.8 per cent last month, the same as the month before and more than a full per cent higher than the national rate (6.9 per cent).

Statistics Canada released its October 2025 Labour Force Survey on Friday, which showed employment rising nationally by 67,000 jobs (0.3 per cent).

Impact of labour disputes

Despite the national employment increase in October, the report indicates total hours worked declined slightly (by 0.2 per cent) due to ongoing labour disputes occurring during the week the survey was conducted (Oct. 12 to 18).

“An estimated 87,000 employees across the provinces lost work hours due to labour disputes during this period,” states the report. “This was particularly notable in Alberta where a teachers’ strike, and a subsequent lock-out, led to the closure of most elementary and secondary schools in the province.”

Youth unemployment rate falls

Nationally, the youth unemployment rate (ages 15 to 24) fell by 0.6 percentage points to 14.1 per cent, coinciding with an increase in employment for this group.

“This was the first decline in the youth unemployment rate since February,” states the report. “The youth unemployment rate had been on an upward trend from the beginning of 2023, reaching a 15-year high in September 2025 (excluding 2020 and 2021).”

Unemployment in Alberta cities

Looking at Alberta’s four largest cities, Calgary and Edmonton saw unemployment largely unchanged in October; Calgary sat at 7.9 per cent (compared to 8.1 in September) and Edmonton was 8.6 per cent (compared to 8.7 per cent).

Afiba Nyamekye from Calgary Economic Development said the gains seen in the city reflect continued population growth and increased labour force participation, particularly in service-oriented sectors.

“While encouraging, the uneven momentum highlights ongoing challenges in more trade-exposed industries,” she said. “We are awaiting additional details regarding program spending from the federal budget, as future investments could influence job creation in sectors where Calgary has long-term competitive strengths.”

Lethbridge was also steady, sitting at 8.1 per cent compared to 8.2 per cent in September.

Red Deer, however, recorded a sizeable jump of more than a full per cent, climbing from 7.5 per cent to 8.6 per cent.