May sees job gains, unemployment up in Fort McMurray, Cold Lake area

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The census region covering Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo and Cold Lake reported a larger labour force and higher employment numbers last month, according to Statistics Canada data released Friday, but also a rise in unemployment as more people sought work locally.

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Unemployment in the Wood Buffalo-Cold Lake census region rose to 6.3 per cent in May from 5.9 per cent in April. The employment—which is the number of people aged 15 and older who are employed—climbed to 69.5 per cent from April’s 68.7 per cent.

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The labour force grew by 1,400 people to 84,600 people in May, up from 83,200 people in April. Full-time jobs grew from 69,400 positions from 67,300, while part-time employment dropped to 9,900 jobs from 10,900 positions.

The participation rate—which measures how much of the population is working or actively looking for work—rose to 74.2 per cent in May from 73 per cent in April. The number of people not in the labour force fell to 29,400 people from 30.700 people, suggesting more residents are reentering or entering the job market.

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Public sector jobs added 400 positions and the private sector gained 1,300 positions. The number of people reporting to be self-employed dropped by 700 positions.

Monthly gains and losses by industry in May from April were:

• Sales and service occupations that do not include management positions grew by 600 jobs.
• Trades, transport and equipment operators and related jobs that do not involve management grew by 600 jobs.
• Public administration jobs grew by 600 jobs.
• Wholesale and retail added 500 jobs.
• The sector covering oil, gas, forestry and mining added 400 new jobs.
• The sector marked “other” by Statistics Canada added 400 jobs.
• The information, culture and recreation sector added 300 jobs.
• Educational services added 200 jobs.
• Transportation and warehousing gained 200 jobs.
• The health care and social assistance sector lost 100 jobs.
• Construction lost 200 jobs.
• The sector covering finance, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing lost 200 jobs.
• The sector covering professional, scientific and technical services lost 200 jobs.
• Accommodation and food services lost 300 jobs.
• Business, building and other support services lost 500 jobs.

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Alberta’s unemployment saw few changes in May as it rose slightly to 7.4 per cent from April’s 7.1 per cent. Calgary reported the highest unemployment out of all of Alberta’s cities with 7.8 per cent in May, up from 7.4 per cent in April. Edmonton was unchanged at 7.3 per cent. Red Deer’s unemployment plunged to 6.2 per cent in May from 8.2 per cent in April.

Across Canada, unemployment rose to seven per cent from 6.9 per cent in April. Employment held steady at 60.8 per cent.

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