A new report shows a declining number of people working in Alberta in July 2025. (Photo: Wellesenterprises | Dreamstime.com)

By David Opinko

Nearly 17,000 jobs lost in Alberta in July

Aug 8, 2025 | 9:24 AM

A new report from Statistics Canada says some of June’s jobs growth in Alberta was lost in July.

The unemployment rate in the province increased to 7.8 per cent last month, compared to 6.8 per cent in June.

That comes as employment across Alberta fell by 16,800 (-0.6 per cent), which partially offsets the additions of 30,000 jobs in June.

READ MORE: Alberta gained 30,000 jobs in June, leading national growth

Full-time jobs took the biggest hit, declining by 38,400 in July, while another 21,600 part-time positions were created.

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

The construction industry was hit the hardest in Alberta, declining by 20,300 jobs, while information, culture and recreation (-9,200) and healthcare and social assistance (-8,100) were also down.

It was not all bad news, though, as more people were hired in sectors like manufacturing (+10,800), transportation and warehousing (+9,700), and professional, scientific and technical services (+6,700).

The number of people working in Lethbridge fell by 2,300 over the last month as the unemployment rate rose from 5.2 per cent to 5.7 per cent.

Red Deer also had a dip in employment of 600 jobs, but its unemployment rate still improved slightly to 5.4 per cent as fewer people were actively looking for work.

Edmonton and Calgary each had relatively small gains in jobs for cities of their size, rising by 3,200 and 300, respectively. Edmonton’s unemployment rate worsened from 7.5 per cent in June to 7.9 per cent in July, while Calgary’s rose from 7.4 per cent to 7.7 per cent.

Nationally, employment fell by 41,000 (-0.2 per cent) in July, yet the unemployment rate was unchanged at 6.9 per cent.

The full Labour Force Survey report can be read on Statistics Canada.