Youth unemployment in Alberta's big cities is nearly 20 per cent
Young Albertans are seeing the province’s economy grow, but not everyone is feeling the benefits trickle down, if at all.
According to a new report from RBC, Alberta is on track to be one of Canada’s top-performing economies this year and next. Record oil production, strong energy exports, and steady consumer spending mean the province is in a solid position compared to other provinces.
Despite this, unemployment for Albertans aged 15 to 24 has climbed to 14.7 per cent, far above the province’s overall rate of 7.8 per cent. Cities including Calgary and Edmonton are seeing even higher youth unemployment at 18.3 and 18.5 per cent, respectively.
It’s well above neighbouring provinces, including Saskatchewan (6 per cent) and Manitoba (6.2 per cent), and comparable to the likes of Ontario (7.9 per cent), where there’s higher exposure to U.S. tariffs.
“It’s notable given Alberta has the second-lowest median age in Canada at 38.1 years,” said RBC.
The report notes that much of this pressure stems from Alberta’s rapid population growth. A surge of both international and interprovincial newcomers has expanded the labour force faster than jobs are being created. Because many of these new Albertans are young, it has hit that age group particularly hard.
RBC Economics
But RBC notes that this doesn’t signal any weakness in the economy. Alberta’s population is still growing faster than most provinces, though the pace has slowed, and the province saw its first drop in non-permanent residents in the second quarter of this year.
This slower growth should give the job market more room to adjust, but with steady migration from other provinces, young workers will still face tough competition even as the economy remains strong.
RBC Economics
Alberta’s economy continues to benefit from energy projects like the Trans Mountain Expansion, alongside consumer demand supporting spending and housing activity.
You can find RBC’s full report online.
Are you a young Albertan struggling to find work right now? Share your story with us at edmonton@dailyhive.com or calgary@dailyhive.com.