Alberta’s unemployment rate is now the second-highest among provinces in Canada, with youth unemployment seeing a spike from 2024, according to Statistics Canada.

The latest labour report for August states Alberta’s unemployment rose by 0.6 points to 8.4 per cent, as its economy lost 14,000 jobs during that time.

It’s the highest unemployment rate for Alberta since 2017–excluding 2020 and 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Only Newfoundland and Labrador is higher at 10.7 per cent.

Those in manufacturing, wholesale, and retail were most affected, seeing the largest declines in the province.

Canada’s unemployment rate ticked up to 7.1 per cent in August as the economy lost 66,000 jobs for the month. The monthly jobs report comes after the July labour force survey that showed a loss of 41,000 jobs and an unemployment rate of 6.9 per cent.

While Calgary’s unemployment remained the same as it was in January 2025 at 7.7 per cent, Edmonton’s climbed by 1.3 points to 8.5 per cent.

According to StatCan, Lethbridge and Red Deer’s unemployment rates increased to 6.7 per cent in August from 5.7 per cent and 5.4 per cent, respectively.

Alberta youth jobs strategy planned, but little is still known

While the unemployment rate for those between 15-24 dropped by three per cent, it still sits at 17 per cent and increased overall by 28.4 per cent from August 2024.

The province announced Wednesday a planned $26 billion investment over three years to align young workers with employer needs, but how it will work is still unclear.

Around 50 government programs will also be under one umbrella, and the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, Calgary Economic Development, and the Alberta Chamber of Commerce are in on the plans.

“We’re making sure we’re working with them to better understand the labour landscape and the markets that we’re going to be facing as we move into the future,” said Alberta’s Minister of Jobs and Economy Joseph Scow.

He says Albertans who are changing careers and young adults are among those who have the province’s eye.

Additionally, women and newcomers are among those the program is meant to help.

The province needs more skilled workers, and improvements to training are part of the goal.

Meanwhile, Schow says more announcements are coming later this month.

“I think it’s important to note that this is a framework that all of my colleagues and I will be working with to ensure we’re preparing the workforce for tomorrow,” he said.

With files from The Canadian Press