Economy
Who's Working, Where?
Alberta's labour market is uniquely concentrated — high wages in energy pull talent from every sector. When energy booms, trades vanish. When it busts, there's a surplus.
The Headline Number
Jobs vs Jobless
Labour Force Details
Alberta's Labour Market Is Different
Alberta's labour market is unusually concentrated. The energy sector pays 50-100% more than equivalent jobs elsewhere, creating a gravity well that pulls workers from every other sector.
During Booms
- Trades workers are impossible to find
- Construction costs spike 30-50%
- Service sector can't compete on wages
- Interprovincial migration surges
- Renovation/building timelines extend
During Busts
- Sudden labour surplus — 100K+ jobs lost
- Workers leave province within months
- Skilled trades available at lower rates
- Renovation bargains as contractors compete
- Service sector stabilizes, retail weakens
Coming Soon
PLANNED
Employment by Industry
Breakdown by NAICS sector — shows concentration risk and where growth is happening.
PLANNED
Job Vacancies by Sector
StatsCan quarterly data on unfilled positions — leading indicator of hiring intent and skill shortages.