Unemployment in the Rocky Mountain House area held relatively steady during the first part of summer— although it’s increased from summer 2024.
According to the July 2025 Labour Force Survey from Statistics Canada, the sweeping Banff–Jasper–Rocky Mountain House and Athabasca–Grande Prairie–Peace River statistical area had an unemployment rate of 7.4 per cent — unadjusted for seasonality.
That’s virtually unchanged from June, but represents an increase from 6.2 per cent in the spring. It’s also a relatively sharp increase from 4.6 percent at this point last summer – at that time, that was the lowest unemployment in the province.
Across the province, Red Deer has seen a positive turnaround in terms of its unemployment figures. The city’s unemployment fell to 4.7 per cent in July, down from 6.7 per cent in April, and down from a province-leading 7.6 per cent at the end of 2024.
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Calgary’s jobless rate rose slightly to 7.5 per cent, up from 7.4 per cent in the spring as small gains in employment continue to be outpaced by rapid population growth.
The unemployment rate in the provincial capital of Edmonton increased to 8.0 per cent from 7.5 per cent in June.
Altogether, 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.
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Nationwide, Canada’s economy lost 41,000 jobs in July as the unemployment rate held steady at 6.9 per cent. Statistics Canada says it partially offset a gain of 83,000 positions in June.
Most of last month’s losses, it says, were concentrated in full-time work and in the private sector.
Notably, youth aged 15 to 24 saw the biggest employment drop amid a tough summer jobs market.
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