Southern Alta. jobless rate stays low

Unemployment in southern Alberta remained extremely low and well below the provincial average in October, according to figures released Friday.

The jobless rate in Medicine Hat-Lethbridge region remained unchanged at 3.3 per cent compared to September and sits two points lower than at the same point 12 months ago.

The provincial rate sank to 5.2 per cent, at par with the national rate.

In its latest labour force survey, Statistics Canada reportS the Canadian economy added 108,000 jobs in October, reversing much of the losses observed in recent months and surprising forecasters who were expecting only a modest bump in employment.

Across Alberta, unemployment dropped in all seven regions year over year, and in all but Red Deer (5.5 per cent) and Grande Prairie (5.7 per cent) compared to September. Figures for Edmonton and Calgary sat at 4.9 and 5.6 per cent, respectively.

A statement from Jobs Minister Brian Jean states there are 14,000 more full-time jobs in the province compared to October 2021.