Alberta's Labour Force

• In 2007, Alberta had the lowest unemployment rate of all the provinces at 3.5%.
  
  
• Alberta's unemployment rate averaged 4.5% from 2002 to 2006.
  
  
• In 2007, average employment in the Alberta economy increased by 88,700 over 2006.
  

Labour Productivity

• In 2007, Alberta's economic productivity was higher than any other province. Total value added per hour in Alberta exceeded the Canadian average by 18%. The only other two provinces to exceed the Canadian average of 100% were Newfoundland and Ontario at 113% and 102%, respectively.
  
  
• Alberta consistently has one of the best labour records of any province in Canada, in terms of fewest workdays lost due to strikes.
  
  
• Alberta's manufacturing sector also had the highest productivity of all provinces, partly because of its highly productive chemical, machinery and food processing industries.
  

Workers' Compensation Board Premiums

• The Alberta Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) has taken major steps over the past several years to improve operations and reduce accident claims.
  
  
• Alberta’s 2008 estimated rate of $1.32 per $100 of insurable earnings is the lowest of all provinces.
  
  
• The 2009 average premium rate per $100 of insurable earnings is forecast to be $1.25.
  

Date Updated: Oct 03, 2008
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