The unemployment rate on the Alberta side of Lloydminster is more than a full percentage point less than the Saskatchewan side. The rate in Alberta’s Camrose – Drumheller region in Alberta in October was 5.9 per cent, while it was 7.2 per cent in the Prince Albert – Northern region of Saskatchewan.
To the west, Camrose – Drumheller’s rate rose significantly last month from 5.2 per cent. However, it’s drastically lower than a year ago when it was 8.2 per cent.
To the east, Prince Albert – Northern saw its rate drop by a full per cent in October. It has risen somewhat from 6.2 per cent in October 2017.
Statistics Canada says Alberta’s jobless rate rose from 7 per cent to 7.3 per cent last month, while Saskatchewan’s dropped 0.2 percentage points to 6.2 per cent. Canada overall dipped to 5.8 per cent, which is a four year low.
However, the drop is being overshadowed by the lack of job growth cross-country. The number of new jobs was low at 11,200 and the average wage dropped to its lowest since late 2017.