Alberta is leading the country’s recovery from the recession, posting the largest employment gains of any province last month.
In February 13,700 jobs were created, which builds upon the 21,600 jobs created in January. Most of the new employment is in the manufacturing industry, which has industry analysts hopeful that the formerly booming economy will soon return to its pre-recession ways.
“Most of Alberta’s gains in February were concentrated in the manufacturing sector (12,700), a clear sign that oil refineries, manufacturers of equipment for oilsands extraction, and food processors are continuing to add more workers,” said ATB Financial economist Todd Hirsch. “A few more months of job growth similar to that posted so far this year, and Alberta will be back to record employment numbers.”
To date, Alberta has gained back almost 80 percent of the jobs lost in the recent recession which has plagued the international economy.
Manitoba holds the lowest unemployment rate in the country, at 5.3 percent. At 5.7 percent unemployment, Alberta is currently tied with Saskatchewan for second-lowest rate in the country.
Source: Edmonton Journal
