Where Alberta saw its biggest job gains and losses last month

Despite modest job gains in April, Alberta recorded its highest unemployment rate of 2026 so far, according to the Labour Market Notes published by the government on Friday.

The document, which provides a monthly analysis of the latest labour market data, noted that the province added 1,000 jobs month-over-month in April, its third increase in four months, but gains were uneven across sectors.

Where the job gains were

Wholesale and retail trade led all industries with 12,600 positions. The service sector did a lot of heavy lifting, adding 5,800 jobs overall, while business, building and other support services also rebounded with a gain of 3,500 jobs.

Agriculture also posted a smaller gain of 1,400 jobs.

Private-sector employment remained a key source of strength, rising by 9,400 jobs for a second consecutive month and sitting just below a record high.

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Where the losses were

Health care and social assistance saw the biggest monthly decline, falling by 7,700 jobs, while information, culture, and recreation dipped by 4,100.

The goods-producing sector also weakened, losing 4,800 jobs. Construction declined by 2,300 positions, and utilities fell by 1,200.

Albertans are working longer hours

Albertans worked longer hours in April, with total hours worked increasing 0.7 percent month-over-month.

More people also entered the labour market, pushing the participation rate to 69.2 per cent, its highest level in six months. The note says the labour force grew by 16,300 people.

Part-time employment rose by 12,400 jobs, offsetting a 11,400 decline in full-time positions for the month.

Despite that, the note says all net job gains over the past year have come from full-time positions, which are up 90,900.

The province also noted that average hourly wages reached $39.10, up 6.5 per cent from a year ago.

Alberta’s unemployment rose 0.5 percentage points last month to seven per cent, the highest level so far in 2026. The rate sat at 7.1 per cent in Edmonton, and 6.7 per cent in Calgary.

You can find the full report on the Alberta government website.