Statistics Canada reports a high number of new full-time jobs in Alberta in December. (Photo: Wellesenterprises | Dreamstime.com)

By David Opinko

Alberta gained 35,900 full-time jobs in December

Jan 10, 2025 | 11:22 AM

Alberta’s labour market ended 2024 on a high note.

Statistics Canada says there was a net increase of 35,200 jobs in the province in December. That includes an additional 35,900 full-time positions while part-time work declined by 800.

This led to a sizable improvement in the provincial unemployment rate, going down from 7.5 per cent in November to 6.7 per cent in December.

Many of the new jobs came from the province’s two largest cities as employment in Calgary was up 16,400, and in Edmonton, 10,600. The unemployment rates improved to 7.8 per cent and 7.4 per cent respectively.

Lethbridge had a more tame December on the jobs front. While the city’s unemployment rate went down from 5.7 per cent to 5.5 per cent, the number of people working went dropped.

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: January 6-12, 2025

Jan 07, 2025

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: December 30 - January 5, 2025

Dec 30, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: December 16-22, 2024

Dec 17, 2024

Employment in Lethbridge fell by 800, but the number of people who said they were looking for work dropped by 1,000, meaning the rate of unemployment did technically improve.

The Alberta industries with the biggest gains in jobs were construction (+11,100), accommodation and food services (+8,300), and healthcare and social assistance (+6,800).

Professional, scientific and technical services saw about 11,900 fewer jobs being filled.

Nationally, economists say the country exceeded expectations by adding 91,000 jobs in December, leading the unemployment rate to slightly improve to 6.7 per cent.

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

READ MORE: Canada added 91,000 jobs in December as unemployment rate fell