The latest data from Statistics Canada shows the Calgary Region’s labour market improving in March, with unemployment decreasing by 0.3 per cent to reach 7.7 per cent.
Employment in the Region increased by 7,400 jobs in March to 848,500 from 841,100 in February. Calgary’s labour force also grew last month, with 4,400 people joining the workforce.
“While March’s labour market improvements were not as strong as what we saw in February, seeing such significant labour force and employment over two consecutive months is notable,” said Dexter Lam, Senior Manager, Talent, Calgary Economic Development.
Alberta saw an increase of 7,200 jobs in March, driving the unemployment rate down to 6.5 per cent. The national jobless rate decreased by 0.2 per cent to reach 5.3 per cent, the lowest level in decades.
In Calgary, the Wholesale & Retail Trade and Information, Culture & Recreation sectors saw the strongest gains last month, with 5,600 and 4,000 jobs added, respectively. The Transportation & Warehousing sector experienced the most losses last month, with 4,300 jobs lost in the same period.
“The pace of employment gains in front-line services sectors observed in February remained consistent through March after widespread COVID-related provincial public health measures were lifted,” Lam said. “The dynamics between different sectors in Calgary reflect the prevalence of more part-time employment and less full-time employment than the start of the pandemic.”
The Labour Force Survey reflects conditions of the week of March 13 to 19, 2022. For more information on the economic strategy, visit, Calgary in the New Economy.