Stats Canada reports a net gain of 1,100 jobs in Lethbridge between April and May 2024. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Lethbridge’s unemployment rate sees big improvement in May

Jun 7, 2024 | 8:59 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – A big gain in employment helped to boost Lethbridge’s jobs numbers up this past month.

Statistics Canada has released its Labour Force Survey for May 2024, painting a brighter picture for Lethbridge than Alberta as a whole.

For the Lethbridge Census Metropolitan Area (CMA), which includes some immediately surround communities, it says the unemployment rate improved from 6.4 per cent in April to 5.8 per cent in May.

Around 1,600 people in the CMA found work during this period while an additional 500 were left without jobs, meaning there was a net increase in employment of 1,100 positions.

The population for the area grew by 500 to approximately 116,300.

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Provincially, the unemployment rate was 7.2 per cent in May, increasing by 0.2 per cent compared to the month prior.

Alberta experienced an overall employment loss of 20,400 jobs. That includes a reduction of 33,200 full-time positions and a gain of 12,700 part-time jobs.

Some of the industries in Alberta that had a decline in jobs include construction (-20,300), agriculture (-5,500), and healthcare and social assistance (-5,300).

On the other hand, gains were experienced in sectors such as manufacturing (+8,300), accommodation and food services (+8,000), and public administration (+3,100).

Nationally, 27,000 jobs were added this past month, but the unemployment rate was relatively unchanged at 6.2 per cent.

The full Labour Force Survey can be found on the Statistics Canada website.

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by David Opinko