Fact Check: Alberta’s high unemployment rate masks nation-leading job growth
Alberta added 91,000 jobs over the past year as Canadians continue moving west looking for opportunity, even as the independence debate roils the province.
The Breakdown highlighted Alberta’s 6.8% unemployment rate in July, noting the province has one of the highest rates in Canada. That number is accurate, but it leaves out some pretty important context.
While unemployment rates dropped across Canada…
— The Breakdown (@TheBreakdownAB) August 7, 2026
Alberta’s didn’t change, with the province now having the second highest unemployment rate across all provinces in Canada.#abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/pxNK9a5Ftf
According to Statistics Canada’s July Labour Force Survey, Alberta added 91,000 jobs over the previous year, an increase of 3.5% and the largest proportional employment gain of any province.
Meanwhile, Alberta’s unemployment rate actually fell from 7.6% in July 2025 to 6.8% this July.
How can Alberta create tens of thousands of jobs and still have relatively high unemployment? Because its labour force is growing rapidly.
Alberta has been the country's leading destination for interprovincial migration. As of the fourth quarter of 2025, Alberta had recorded the largest net gain from Canadians moving between provinces for 14 consecutive quarters.
That means Alberta must create jobs not only for its existing workforce, but for thousands of newcomers entering the labour market.
The effect was particularly obvious in June. Alberta gained jobs, yet its unemployment rate increased from 6.6% to 7.0% because the labour force grew even faster than employment.
Canadians are still voting with their feet. Alberta has led the country in net interprovincial migration for 14 consecutive quarters, as Canadians continue moving to the province despite the political uncertainty surrounding the independence debate.
So yes, Alberta has a relatively high unemployment rate.
But the missing context matters. Alberta isn't failing to create jobs. It added 91,000 jobs over the past year, the strongest proportional employment growth of any province, while its rapidly expanding labour force continues to put pressure on the unemployment rate.
If Alberta were an economic basket case because of political uncertainty, Canadians would presumably be fleeing it.
Instead, they keep coming.
Sheila Gunn Reid
Chief Reporter
Sheila Gunn Reid is the Editor-in-Chief, Alberta Bureau Chief, member of the board of directors, and host of The Gunn Show at Rebel News. Sheila also serves as President of the Independent Press Gallery of Canada. A mother of three and longtime conservative activist, Sheila is the author of bestselling books, including her most recent release, Independence Blueprint: What Alberta Can Learn From Quebec.
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