Alberta’s unemployment spikes in April, surpassing national rate

An Alberta flag flaps in the breeze with Mt. Kidd in the background at the site of the G7 Leaders meeting in Kananaskis, Alta., Monday, June 2, 2025.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Unemployment in Alberta saw a significant jump last month, topping the national rate.

Statistics Canada released its April 2026 Labour Force Survey on Friday, which showed Alberta’s jobless rate sitting at seven per cent – up from 6.5 per cent the month prior and above the national rate of 6.9 per cent.

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Unemployment by city

Looking at unemployment in Alberta’s four largest cities, Edmonton’s rate was the highest last month, sitting at 7.1 per cent, a leap from 6.5 per cent in March.

Calgary’s jobless rate remained unchanged at 6.7 per cent.

In Red Deer, the unemployment rate was 6.2 per cent in April, relatively unchanged from 6.3 per cent the month before.

Lethbridge’s jobless rate dipped to 5.7 per cent from six per cent in March.