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Unemployment rate climbs in Lethbridge/Medicine Hat in September

Oct 6, 2017 | 8:38 AM

LETHBRIDGE – The unemployment rate for Lethbridge-Medicine Hat jumped in September – but it’s still the lowest in the province.

The rolling three-month unadjusted rate increased from 4.5 to 5.1 per cent, still well below the 6.7 per cent of a year earlier.

Edmonton had the highest at 8.7 per cent, down considerably from 9.2 per cent in August. Calgary was unchanged at 8.6 per cent. There was also a sizeable drop in the Wood Buffalo-Cold Lake rate, while there were no changes or small decreases elsewhere.

Alberta’s unemployment rate dropped from 8.1 to 7.9 per cent. While there were 7,800 fewer jobs (0.3 per cent), the work force shrank by 15,800 or 0.6 per cent.

The manufacturing sector lost more than 3,000 jobs on a seasonally adjusted basis, while the accomodation and food service sector was down nearly 8,000. There were increases in health and social services, construction, agriculture and resources.