January’s job numbers show Alberta is struggling under the weight of the energy downturn.
The unemployment rate in the province is above the national average for the first time since December 1988, sitting at 7.4 per cent. That’s an increase of 0.4 per cent compared to December in the province.
The rate for all of Canada is 7.2 per cent.
Alberta lost 10,000 jobs in January, and 35,000 in the last year.
Statistics Canada reported Friday morning there were 21,900 full time jobs lost in Alberta in January but a surge in part-time work offset the losses.
Calgary was hit especially hard last month; the unemployment rate rocketed up from 7 per cent to 7.7 per cent. Edmonton saw a 0.2 per cent increase in unemployment from 6.3 per cent to 6.5 per cent.
