Unemployment climbs as Alberta loses 14,000 jobs in August

Unemployment rate by province and territory, August 2025./Statistics Canada

Alberta recorded the second-highest unemployment rate in the country in August at 8.4 per cent, according to Statistics Canada , and local experts say the financial uncertainty in the world is contributing to the high number. 

Employment in the province fell by 14,000 jobs or 0.6 per cent for the month, the second consecutive decline. The largest losses were in manufacturing and in wholesale and retail trade.

Michael Erickson, Director of Economic Development for the City of St. Albert, said broader economic reasons, such as tariffs and uncertainty, are at play. 

"I think that those are contributing factors to why we've seen increases in unemployment across the country, but particularly here in the province," he said. 

While manufacturing and retail are slowing, Erickson noted construction remains strong.

“When it comes to construction, this year in particular has been a very strong year and then last year as well,” he said.

He added that the Lakeview business district is being designed to support future employers and jobs for decades to come.

Erickson said the city and its partners offer a variety of support for residents who are out of work. He explained that the city has several resources available for those seeking employment, including the St. Albert Public Library, NABI, and St. Albert Further Education.

Erickson also said the city has collaborated with the Chamber of Commerce to host job fairs. 

One of those job fairs is scheduled to take place later this month in Alexander First Nation. 

The St. Albert and District Chamber of Commerce will host an Indigenous and Inclusive Job Fair on Sept. 25 at the Alexander Business Centre.

Executive director of the St. Albert and District Chamber of Commerce, Shelly Nichol, said, "This will be the third one [job fair] that we're having, and it is the first one that we have been able to host at Alexandra First Nation, and we got together to provide support for employers to address workforce challenges.” 

Nichol noted that supporters will be at the job fair, including representatives from the St. Albert Public Library. 

“We bring these employers together, we add that educational piece, and then it starts them on their journey of relationship building,” she said.

The library also offers services for individuals seeking to enhance their interview skills and refine their resumes.

Library resume tutor Jöel River said he works with job seekers to help them with their resumes and provide interview tips. He added that tailoring resumes to specific postings is “probably the biggest area” where people can improve.

The library Career Resource Centre offers free printing for job documents, computers for resume writing and interviews, and in-person or virtual consultations.

St. Albert job seekers can also access career counselling through private providers, such as TD Psychological Services with Plan or Pivot, a career counselling service that incorporates wellness into job coaching and mock interviews. 

Registered psychologist Tracy Stevens Delhez said her clinic helps clients balance wellness and overcome thinking patterns that can hinder job searches. She said many arrive after losing a job or preparing for a move, and young adults hit by the pandemic are especially in need of support.

“We might help you emotionally but it is going to help you occupationally and financially,” said Stevens Delhez, explaining that they also help with mock interviews. 

Jordan Wraight focuses on career services, including interview preparation and resume building. Wraight said the main issue he sees is that many clients don't customize their resumes to job positions. He said this is one way to help you stand out to employers. 

“I think the biggest thing that I see is people bringing in resumes that need to be customized,” he said. “So often people look at the job description, and then they’ll kind of reiterate that.”

At the provincial level, Alberta has introduced new programs to help address the rising unemployment rate. 

Premier Danielle Smith announced the Alberta Youth Employment Incentive on Sept. 11, offering grants to employers who hire and train youth aged 15 to 24. The $8 million program aims to support approximately 1,000 businesses in hiring 2,500 young Albertans starting in October.

“Nothing builds self-worth quite like taking on a challenge and succeeding and then building on that success,” Smith said. “We want young people to see the world is full of possibility.”

On Sept. 16, the province also unveiled WorkFirst Alberta, a suite of employment services designed to connect job seekers with employers and expand career support. Alberta has committed $185 million in Budget 2025 to break down barriers and make it easier for Albertans to find work.

Minister Jason Nixon said WorkFirst “will help job seekers become employees” and give employers better access to local talent.

Article published by the St. Albert Gazette