Job picture improves in southern Alberta

LETHBRIDGE – The jobless rate in southern Alberta shows signs of improvement, according to the latest labour force report released by the province.

The unadjusted three-month moving average rate for the Lethbridge-Medicine Hat region was 6.2 per cent for October, down from 6.7 per cent in September. However, it’s still higher than one year ago, when it was 5.8 per cent.

All Alberta regions showed improvement except Calgary, which rose to 10 per cent, and Wood Buffalo-Cold Lake which was unavailable. Alberta’s overall rate was unchanged at 8.5 per cent.

The national rate was also steady at seven per cent, as the loss of full-time jobs was offset by an increase in part-time employment.