2004 Annual Alberta Regional Labour Market Review

Transcription

1 2004 Annual Alberta Regional Labour Market Review Athabasca Grande Prairie Wood Buffalo - Cold Lake Banff - Jasper - Rocky Mountain House Edmonton Red Deer Camrose - Drumheller Calgary Lethbridge - Medicine Hat Prepared By: Economic and Demographic Analysis, Data Development and Evaluation Revised: April 2005

2 Highlights I. Alberta: Overview Alberta had the lowest unemployment rate in Canada with 4.6% Alberta continued to have the highest employment rate among all the provinces at 70.2% Almost 70% of Alberta s labour force lived in the Edmonton and Calgary Regions II. Wood Buffalo-Cold Lake Economic Region The Wood Buffalo-Cold Lake region had the highest participation rate among all economic regions in Alberta at 76.7% Continual oilsands projects aided employment growth in the Wood Buffalo-Cold Lake Region The industry with the highest year-over-year increase in employment was Manufacturing III. Athabasca-Grande Prairie Economic Region The unemployment rate for the Athabasca-Grande Prairie Region decreased 0.8 percentage points from 5.7% in 2003 to 4.9 in 2004 Increased drilling activities in the Athabasca-Grande Prairie Region resulted in a growth in employment for the region The industry with the highest year-over-year increase in employment was Construction IV. Edmonton Economic Region Between 2003 and 2004, the unemployment rate for the region decreased 0.2 percentage points from 5.0% to 4.8% As a major supply center for the oilsands, major projects in the Wood Buffalo-Cold Lake region have benefited the Edmonton Region The industry with the highest year-over-year increase in employment was Health Care and Social Assistance V. Red Deer Economic Region In 2004, Red Deer was one of three regions to experience a decline in its labour force The development of various retail centers helped create jobs for both the Construction and Retail Trade industries. The region also had a record year for building permits The industry with the highest year-over-year increase in employment was Forestry, Fishing, Mining, Oil and Gas Revised: April Economic & Demographic Analysis

3 Highlights VI. Banff-Jasper-Rocky Mountain House Economic Region The Banff-Jasper-Rocky Mountain House region had the lowest unemployment rate in the province at 3.3%, the largest percentage decrease in the province Various construction projects and a recovering tourism industry contributed to the economy of the region The industry with the highest year-over-year increase in employment was Business, Building, and Other Support Services VII. Calgary Economic Region The Calgary region experienced the largest increase in its labour force. In addition, the region had the largest year over year decrease in the number of unemployed people and the highest increase in the number of employed A booming Construction industry helped create employment in the Calgary Region, with strong demand in the housing and condo market leading the industry The industry with the highest year-over-year increase in employment was Forestry, Fishing, Mining, Oil, and Gas VIII. Camrose-Drumheller Economic Region The Camrose-Drumheller region had the second lowest unemployment rate in the province at 3.5% High construction activity and a strong real estate market in the region contributed to increasing employment The industry with the highest year-over-year increase in employment was Forestry, Fishing, Mining, Oil, and Gas IX. Lethbridge-Medicine Hat Economic Region The Lethbridge-Medicine Hat region s unemployment rate decreased by 0.6 percentage points to 3.8%, the third lowest in Alberta. Several major construction projects occurred during the year to supply employment for the region, including an expansion on Lakeside Packers local slaughterhouse The industry with the highest year-over-year increase in employment was Construction Revised: April Economic & Demographic Analysis

4 I. Alberta: Overview In 2004, Alberta had the highest participation rate (see glossary for definitions of the terms used) among the provinces at 73.6%, 6.0 percentage points higher than the national average. Alberta also had the highest employment rate among the provinces in 2004 at 70.2%. The province had the lowest unemployment rates in Canada in 2004 at 4.6%. The second lowest in Canada were Manitoba and Saskatchewan (5.3%). Table 1 displays the 2004 labour force statistics for Canada and provinces. Table 1 Labour Force Statistics, Canada and Provinces, 2004 Participation Rate (%) Employment Rate (%) Unemployment Rate (%) Canada Newfoundland and Labrador Prince Edward Island Nova Scotia New Brunswick Quebec Ontario Manitoba Saskatchewan Alberta British Columbia Alberta s labour force grew by 1.8%, or 33,400 people, between 2003 and The labour force in the Edmonton region had the largest growth rate in 2004, increasing by 2.6%, or 15,500 people. The Athabasca-Grande Prairie, Red Deer, and Wood Buffalo- Cold Lake regions in Alberta experienced a decline in labour force of 200,1100, and 1600, respectively. In 2004, 69.7% of Alberta s labour force lived in the Edmonton and Calgary regions. Chart 1a shows the change in labour force for Alberta s eight economic regions. Chart 1a Labour Force for Alberta's Economic Regions, 2003 and 2004 Wood Buffalo - Cold Lake Athabasca - Grande Prairie Edmonton Red Deer Banff - Jasper - Rocky Mountain House Calgary Camrose - Drumheller Lethbridge - Medicine Hat Labour Force (000's) Revised: April Economic & Demographic Analysis

5 In 2004, the number of people employed in Alberta was 1,757,900, an increase of 40,000, or 2.3%, from the 2003 level. All of Alberta s economic regions experienced a growth in employment in 2004, with the exception of the Wood Buffalo-Cold Lake region. The Banff-Jasper-Rocky Mountain House had the largest employment growth rate in Alberta at 4.2%. Chart 1b displays the employment figures for Alberta s eight economic regions for 2003 and Chart 1b Employment for Alberta's Economic Regions, 2003 and 2004 Wood Buffalo - Cold Lake Athabasca - Grande Prairie Edmonton Red Deer Banff - Jasper - Rocky Mountain House Calgary Camrose - Drumheller Lethbridge - Medicine Hat Employment (000's) Between 2003 and 2004, the number of unemployed people in Alberta declined from 92,100 in 2003 to 85,500 in The Calgary and Red Deer regions experienced the largest decrease in unemployed people, with each decreasing by 1,600 and 1,100 unemployed people, respectively. None of Alberta s regions experienced an increase in the number of unemployed people. Chart 1c displays the number of unemployed people for the eight economic regions in Alberta. Chart 1c Unemployment for Alberta's Economic Regions, 2003 and 2004 Wood Buffalo - Cold Lake Athabasca - Grande Prairie Edmonton Red Deer Banff - Jasper - Rocky Mountain House Calgary Camrose - Drumheller Lethbridge - Medicine Hat Unemployment (000's) Revised: April Economic & Demographic Analysis

6 The provincial unemployment rate declined to 4.6% in 2004, down 0.5 percentage points from In 2004, the Jasper-Banff-RMH region had the lowest unemployment rate in the province at 3.3%, while the Calgary region had the highest unemployment rate at 5.0%. The Jasper-Banff-RMH region experienced the greatest decline in its unemployment rate, decreasing 1.6 percentage points. The unemployment rates for Alberta s eight economic regions are displayed in Chart 1d. Chart 1d Unemployment Rates for Alberta's Economic Regions, 2003 and 2004 Wood Buffalo - Cold Lake Athabasca - Grande Prairie Edmonton Red Deer Banff - Jasper - Rocky Mountain House Calgary Camrose - Drumheller Lethbridge - Medicine Hat 3.9% 5.1% 4.9% 5.7% 4.8% 5.0% 4.4% 5.5% 3.3% 4.9% 5.0% 5.3% 3.5% 4.0% 3.8% 4.4% % 1% 2% 3% 4% 5% 6% 7% Unemployment Rate (%) Revised: April Economic & Demographic Analysis

7 II. Wood Buffalo Cold Lake Economic Region: Employment & Unemployment Between 2003 and 2004, the Wood Buffalo-Cold Lake region s labour force fell 2.5%, decreasing from 62,800 people to 61, 200 people. In 2004, the participation rate for the region was 76.7%, the highest rate among all economic regions in Alberta. The number of employed people in the region fell by 800 in 2004, a decrease of 1.3%. Table 2 displays the labour force statistics for the Wood Buffalo-Cold Lake region. An abundance of oil sand projects, including Shell s Jackpine and Opti Canada s Long Lake Plant, provided heavy employment for the area. The sudden decrease in the unemployment rate in November may be attributed to the beginning of construction on the Long Lake Plant. Due to the large number of projects beginning, an aging population, and a decrease in the available labour force, the Wood Buffalo-Cold Lake region s unemployment rate was very low and it experienced a labour shortage. Table 2 22 Wood Buffalo-Cold Lake Economic Region Labour Force Statistics Change Working-Age Population (000 s) % Labour Force (000 s) % Employment (000 s) % Unemployment (000 s) % Unemployment Rate 5.1% 3.9% -1.2 Chart 2a displays the monthly unemployment rates for the region in 2003 and Overall, in 2004, the annual unemployment rate decreased 1.2 percentage points to 3.9%. In 2004, the unemployment rate peaked in February at 4.9%, where it then continually declined to a low of 3.0% in December. Chart 2a 8% Wood Buffalo-Cold Lake Economic Region Unemployment Rate, Unadjusted, 3-Month Moving Average 6% 4% 2% Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % 5.2% 5.8% 5.8% 6.2% 6.2% 6.0% 5.5% 5.0% 4.5% 3.5% 3.6% % 4.9% 4.6% 4.6% 3.9% 4.4% 3.9% 4.0% 3.7% 3.6% 3.0% 3.0% Revised: April Economic & Demographic Analysis

8 II. Wood Buffalo Cold Lake Economic Region: Industries* Chart 2b shows the change in industry employment between 2003 and Overall, employment in the Goods-Producing industries increased by 800 jobs between 2003 and 2004, while employment in the Services-Producing industries decreased by 1,400 jobs. The industries with the highest year-over-year increase in employment were: Manufacturing, 1,800 jobs; Transportation and Warehousing, 1,300 jobs; and Agriculture, 800 jobs. Those industries with largest decrease in employment were: Business, Building and Other Support Services, 1,600 jobs; Construction, 900 jobs; and Trade and Educational Services, both decreasing by 700 jobs. Chart 2b Wood Buffalo - Cold Lake Economic Region Year-Over-Year Change in Industry Employment, ** Manufacturing Transportation and warehousing Agriculture Public administration Other services Information, culture and recreation Utilities Forestry, fishing, mining, oil and gas Finance, insurance, real estate and leasing Health care and social assistance Accommodation and food services Professional, scientific and technical services Educational services Trade Construction Business, building and other support services (1600) (200) (300) (400) (500) (700) (700) (900) * Note: Industries Classified by North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) ** Note: Statistics Canada suppresses figures less than 1,500. Industries with employment totals of 1,500 or less in either 2003 or 2004 were suppressed. Revised: April Economic & Demographic Analysis

9 III. Athabasca Grande Prairie: Employment & Unemployment Between 2003 and 2004, the Athabasca-Grande Prairie region s labour force decreased 0.2%, or 200 people. In 2004, employment increased to 115,200, an addition of 600 jobs. In the same period, the number of unemployed people in the region decreased from 6,900 in 2003 to 6,000 in Table 3 provides further information about the labour force statistics for the region. Increased drilling activities in the Athabasca-Grande Prairie region resulted in a growth in employment for the region. In addition, the USA followed through on their commitment to lowering tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber, resulting in upgrades on several lumber mills. This year posted record construction booms in the region, resulting in an increase in employment in related industries. Table 3 Athabasca-Grande Prairie Economic Region Labour Force Statistics Change Working-Age Population (000 s) % Labour Force (000 s) % Employment (000 s) % Unemployment (000 s) % Unemployment Rate 5.7% 4.9% -0.8 Chart 3a shows the monthly unemployment rates for the Athabasca-Grande Prairie region. In 2004, the unemployment rate peaked in May at 6.0% and reached its low in December at 3.7%. Overall, the unemployment rate decreased.8 percentage points, from 5.7% in 2003 to 4.90% in Chart 3a Athabasca-Grande Prairie Economic Region Unemployment Rate, Unadjusted, 3-Month Moving Average 8% 6% 4% 2% Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % 5.6% 5.0% 5.7% 6.5% 6.6% 6.2% 5.2% 5.9% 5.6% 5.5% 5.2% % 5.8% 5.5% 5.8% 6.0% 5.8% 5.0% 4.5% 4.9% 5.1% 4.6% 3.7% Revised: April Economic & Demographic Analysis

10 III. Athabasca Grande Prairie Economic Region: Industries* Chart 3b shows the change in industry employment between 2003 and Overall, the Athabasca-Grande Prairie region s employment in the Goods-Producing industries decreased by 200 jobs, while employment in the Services-Producing industries increased by 800 jobs. The industries with the highest year-over-year increase in employment were: Construction, 2,600 jobs; Trade, 1,500 jobs; and Educational Services, 900 jobs. The industries with the highest year-over-year decrease in employment were: Agriculture, 3,600 jobs; Accommodation and Food Services, 2,200 jobs; and Business, Building and Other Support Services, 600 jobs. Chart 3b Athabasca - Grande Prairie Economic Region Year-Over-Year Change in Industry Employment, ** Construction Trade Educational services Forestry, fishing, mining, oil and gas Other services Transportation and warehousing Health care and social assistance Public administration Finance, insurance, real estate and leasing Manufacturing Utilities Professional, scientific and technical services Information, culture and recreation Business, building and other support services Accommodation and food services Agriculture (3600) (2200) (400) (600) (200) * Note: Industries Classified by North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) ** Note: Statistics Canada suppresses figures less than 1,500. Industries with employment totals of 1,500 or less in either 2003 or 2004 were suppressed. Revised: April Economic & Demographic Analysis

11 IV. Edmonton Economic Region: Employment & Unemployment The Edmonton region s labour force grew by 2.6%, increasing from 591,300 people in 2003 to 606,800 in In 2004, the participation rate of the region was 72.8%. Employment increased by 2.8%, or 15,900, during the same period. The number of unemployed people in 2004 was 29,000, a decrease of 400 people from the previous year. Table 4 provides further information about the region s labour force statistics. Continual oilsands projects within the region of Wood Buffalo-Cold Lake have significant benefits for the Edmonton region, as the region is a major supply center for the oilsands. The region shattered housing market records and several construction projects, such as the LRT system, road interchanges and at the University of Alberta, contributed to higher employment in Also, Dell Inc. opened a call center that employed several hundred workers and tourism improved with the arrival of several special events, such as the Juno s, Canadian Country Music Awards, and the Canadian Finals Rodeo. Table 4 Edmonton Economic Region Labour Force Statistics Change Working-Age Population (000 s) % Labour Force (000 s) % Employment (000 s) % Unemployment (000 s) % Unemployment Rate 5.0% 4.8% -0.2 Chart 4a displays the unadjusted monthly unemployment rates for the Edmonton Economic Region in 2003 and Overall, in 2004, the annual unemployment rate for the Edmonton region decreased.2 percentage points to 4.8%. In March 2004, the region s unemployment rate peaked at 5.4% and reached its low in June at 4.2%. Chart 4a Edmonton Economic Region Unemployment Rate, Unadjusted, 3-Month Moving Average 8% 6% 4% 2% Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % 5.1% 5.3% 5.3% 5.7% 5.6% 5.2% 4.9% 4.7% 4.5% 4.3% 4.3% % 5.2% 5.4% 5.1% 4.8% 4.2% 4.4% 4.5% 4.6% 4.5% 4.6% 4.8% Revised: April Economic & Demographic Analysis

12 IV. Edmonton Economic Region: Industries* Chart 4b shows the change in industry employment between 2003 and Overall, employment in the Services-Producing industries increased by 9,400 jobs in 2004, and employment in the Goods-Producing industries increased by 6,500 jobs. The industries with the highest year-over-year increase in employment were: Health Care and Social Assistance, 6,900 jobs; Finance, Insurance, Real Estate and Leasing, 3,900 jobs; and Manufacturing, 3,600 jobs. The industries to experience the largest decreases in employment were: Other Services, 3,800 jobs; Business, Building and Other Support Services, 3,700 jobs; and Public Administration, 2,600 jobs. Chart 4b Edmonton Economic Region Year-Over-Year Change in Industry Employment, ** Health care and social assistance Finance, insurance, real estate and leasing Manufacturing Construction Information, culture and recreation Trade Educational services Accommodation and food services Professional, scientific and technical services Utilities Agriculture Transportation and warehousing Forestry, fishing, mining, oil and gas Public administration Business, building and other support services Other services (2600) (3700) (3800) (1600) (300) * Note: Industries Classified by North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) ** Note: Statistics Canada suppresses figures less than 1,500. Industries with employment totals of 1,500 or less in either 2003 or 2004 were suppressed. Revised: April Economic & Demographic Analysis

13 V. Red Deer Economic Region: Employment & Unemployment In 2004, the labour force in the Red Deer region decreased 1.2% to 92,800 from 93,900 in Employment remained constant at 88,700 during this same period, for an employment rate of 69.7% in The number of unemployed people in the region decreased 21.2%, from 5,200 people in 2003 to 4,100 in Further information about the Red Deer region s labour force statistics is provided in Table 5. There was extensive construction within the region, including several new hotel projects, which aided employment. Also, this was a record year for both industrial and residential building permits. However, the BSE crisis continued to harm the economy, including buffalo and elk farms, and many farmers still required social and economical assistance. Table 5 Red Deer Economic Region Labour Force Statistics Change Working-Age Population (000 s) % Labour Force (000 s) % Employment (000 s) % Unemployment (000 s) % Unemployment Rate 5.5% 4.4% -1.1 Chart 5a displays the region s monthly unemployment rates in 2003 and Overall, the unemployment rate decreased to 4.4% in However, the unemployment rate fluctuated throughout the year, with rates increasing in May and then decreasing after August. The cyclical trend of unemployment may in part due to the regions reliance on industrial permits, which vary throughout the year. Between July and October of 2004, the unemployment rate dropped 1.3 percentage points to 4.0%. Chart 5a 8% Red Deer Economic Region Unemployment Rate, Unadjusted, 3-Month Moving Average 6% 4% 2% Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % 6.8% 6.0% 5.5% 5.6% 6.1% 6.3% 6.7% 5.7% 5.0% 4.3% 4.4% % 4.0% 4.0% 4.1% 5.0% 5.2% 5.3% 4.7% 4.3% 4.0% 4.0% 4.1% Revised: April Economic & Demographic Analysis

14 V. Red Deer Economic Region: Industries* Chart 5b shows the change in industry employment between 2003 and Overall, employment in the Services-Producing industries decreased by 3,800 compared to a year ago, while employment in the Goods-Producing industries increased by 3,900. The industries with the highest year-over-year increase in employment were: Forestry, Fishing, Mining, Oil, and Gas, 2,500 jobs; Health care and Social Assistance, 1,500 jobs; and Construction, 900 jobs. Those industries with the highest year-over-year decrease in employment were: Public Administration, 1,800 jobs; Transportation and Warehousing, 1,500 jobs; and Accommodation and Food Services, 1,300 jobs. Chart 5b Red Deer Economic Region Year-Over-Year Change in Industry Employment, ** Forestry, fishing, mining, oil and gas Health care and social assistance Construction Trade Other services Finance, insurance, real estate and leasing Business, building and other support services Utilities Agriculture Educational services Professional, scientific and technical services Manufacturing Information, culture and recreation Accommodation and food services Transportation and warehousing Public administration (900) (1300) (1500) (1800) (100) (100) (100) * Note: Industries Classified by North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) ** Note: Statistics Canada suppresses figures less than 1,500. Industries with employment totals of 1,500 or less in either 2003 or 2004 were suppressed. Revised: April Economic & Demographic Analysis

15 VI. Banff Jasper Rocky Mountain House Economic Region: Employment & Unemployment The labour force in the Banff-Jasper-Rocky Mountain House region increased by 1,000 people, or 2.2%, between 2003 and As a result, employment increased by 4.2% during this period, increasing from 42,800 employed people in 2003 to 44,600 in Unemployed people decreased by 700 and the participation rate was 72.9% in Table 6 displays further information about the labour force statistics within the economic region. Banff-Jasper-Rocky Mountain House region experienced the largest change in both unemployment and the unemployment rate. This was likely caused in part by the increase in tourist visits in 2004 compared to 2003 and several construction projects in the region, including the $700M Cougar Rock Resort. However, the effects of 9/11, SARS and Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) are still being felt around the region but with much less devastation because of the increase in government expenditure on both tourism and infrastructure. In addition, the boom in the coal, natural gas and oil industries, which have been suffering greatly over the past few years, aided in providing additional employment. Table 6 Banff-Jasper-Rocky Mountain House Economic Region Labour Force Statistics Change Working-Age Population (000 s) % Labour Force (000 s) % Employment (000 s) % Unemployment (000 s) % Unemployment Rate 4.9% 3.3% -1.6 Chart 6a graphs the monthly unemployment rates for the Banff-Jasper-Rocky Mountain House region in 2003 and The 2004 unemployment rate was 3.3%, the lowest of all regions in Alberta. Between March and April the unemployment rate decreased.7percentage points, to a rate of 3.5 in April. In 2004, the unemployment rate for the region reached its low in October, at a rate of 2.4%. Chart 6a 8% Banff-Jasper-Rocky Mountain House Economic Region Unemployment Rate, Unadjusted, 3-Month Moving Average 6% 4% 2% Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % 6.1% 6.4% 6.2% 6.3% 6.1% 4.9% 4.1% 3.3% 4.2% 3.9% 4.1% % 3.7% 4.2% 3.5% 3.5% 2.9% 3.3% 2.6% 2.8% 2.4% 2.6% 2.8% Revised: April Economic & Demographic Analysis

16 VI. Banff Jasper Rocky Mountain House Economic Region: Industries* Chart 6b shows the change in industry employment between 2003 and Overall, employment in the Services-Producing industries increased by 1,900 compared to a year ago, while employment in the Goods-Producing industries decreased by 100. The industries with the highest year-over-year increase in employment were: Business, Building and Other Support Services, 1,700 jobs; and Construction, 800 jobs. The industries with the highest year-over-year decrease in employment were: Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, and Leasing, 1,500 jobs; Manufacturing, 1,100 jobs; and Accommodation and Food Services, 700 jobs. Chart 6b Banff - Jasper - Rocky Mountain House Economic Region Year-Over-Year Change in Industry Employment, ** Business, building and other support Construction Educational services Transportation and w arehousing Trade Other services Forestry, fishing, mining, oil and gas Public administration Information, culture and recreation Health care and social assistance Professional, scientific and technical Utilities Agriculture Accommodation and food services Manufacturing Finance, insurance, real estate and leasing (700) (1100) (1500) (100) * Note: Industries Classified by North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) ** Note: Statistics Canada suppresses figures less than 1,500. Industries with employment totals of 1,500 or less in either 2003 or 2004 were suppressed. Revised: April Economic & Demographic Analysis

17 VII. Calgary Economic Region: Employment & Unemployment The Calgary region s labour force grew by 16,500 people, or 2.5% between 2003 and In 2004, the participation rate of the region was 75.5%. During the same period, employment within the region increased by 2.9%, or 18,000, for a total of 643,400 employed people. The region s labour force statistics are shown in Table 7. A booming construction industry in institutional, health care, commercial and residential was a major source of employment in As the central location for many company head quarters, the region was successful in acquiring several new businesses, such as Imperial Oil and Marcus Evans who collectively provided close to 1000 jobs. In addition, the Calgary region felt effects of massive oilsands development, a strong oilpatch, and an increase in tourism partly due to the Jasper-Banff-RMH regions success. Table 7 Calgary Economic Region Labour Force Statistics Change Working-Age Population (000 s) % Labour Force (000 s) % Employment (000 s) % Unemployment (000 s) % Unemployment Rate 5.3% 5.0% -0.3 Chart 7a displays the monthly unemployment rates for the Calgary Economic Region between 2003 and In 2004, the unemployment rate for the region decreased 0.3 percentage points, to a rate of 5.0%. The unemployment rate peaked in March at a rate of 5.7%, where it then continually declined to 4.6% in December. Chart 7a 8% Calgary Economic Region Unemployment Rate, Unadjusted, 3-Month Moving Average 6% 4% 2% Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % 5.2% 6.0% 6.0% 6.0% 5.3% 5.0% 5.0% 5.0% 5.1% 4.9% 5.1% % 5.4% 5.7% 5.5% 4.9% 4.7% 4.8% 5.0% 4.9% 4.8% 4.7% 4.6% Revised: April Economic & Demographic Analysis

18 VII. Calgary Economic Region: Industries* Chart 7b shows the change in industry employment between 2003 and Overall, employment in the Services-Producing industries increased by 11,700 compared to a year ago, and employment in the Goods-Producing industries increased by 6,300. The industries with the highest year-over-year increase in employment were: Forestry, Fishing, Mining, Oil, and Gas, 5,900 jobs; Business, Building, and Other Support Services, 5,000 jobs; and Accommodation and Food Services, 4,800 jobs. The industries with the highest year-over-year decrease in employment were: Information, Culture, and Recreation, 3,200 jobs; Educational Services, 3,000 jobs; and Utilities, 2,400 jobs. Chart 7b Calgary Economic Region Year-Over-Year Change in Industry Employment, ** Forestry, fishing, mining, oil and gas Business, building and other support services Accommodation and food services Trade Construction Professional, scientific and technical services Public administration Other services Agriculture Finance, insurance, real estate and leasing Transportation and w arehousing Manuf acturing (1700) Health care and social assistance (2100) Utilities (2400) Educational services(3000) Information, culture and recreation(3200) * Note: Industries Classified by North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) ** Note: Statistics Canada suppresses figures less than 1,500. Industries with employment totals of 1,500 or less in either 2003 or 204 were suppressed. Revised: April Economic & Demographic Analysis

19 VIII. Camrose Drumheller Economic Region: Employment & Unemployment In 2004, the labour force in the Camrose-Drumheller region grew to 103,500 people, an increase of 800 people from the 2003 level. During the same period, employment rose 1.3% to 99,900 employed people in The employment rate for the region was 69.0% in Unemployed people declined to 3,600 in 2004, a decrease of 500 from the 2003 level. The region s labour force statistics are shown in Table 8. High construction activity in the Camrose-Drumheller Economic Region assisted in increasing employment in the region. Expansion of an assisted living residence, a new multiplex center and health clinic are among projects that provided employment in the area. A massive Upgrader/Expansion project by Husky Oil also created several hundred jobs for the mining, oil and gas industry. Table 8 Camrose-Drumheller Economic Region Labour Force Statistics Change Working-Age Population (000 s) % Labour Force (000 s) % Employment (000 s) % Unemployment (000 s) % Unemployment Rate 4.0% 3.5% -0.5 Chart 8a graphs the monthly unemployment rates for the Camrose-Drumheller Economic Region. In 2004, the unemployment rate peaked in March at 5.0% and reached its low in July and August at 2.4%. Overall, the annual unemployment rate decreased.5 percentage points, from a rate of 4.0% in 2003 to a rate of 3.5% in Chart 8a Camrose-Drumheller Economic Region Unemployment Rate, Unadjusted, 3-Month Moving Average 8% 6% 4% 2% Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % 4.4% 4.9% 5.0% 4.9% 4.5% 3.8% 4.4% 4.3% 3.5% 2.9% 2.4% % 4.3% 5.0% 4.7% 3.6% 2.8% 2.4% 2.4% 2.8% 3.0% 3.3% 3.6% Revised: April Economic & Demographic Analysis

20 VIII. Camrose Drumheller Economic Region: Industries* Chart 8b shows the change in industry employment between 2003 and Overall, employment in the Services-Producing industries decreased by 4,300 compared to a year ago, while employment in the Goods-Producing industries increased by 5,600 during this same period. The industries with the highest year-over-year increase in employment were: Forestry, Fishing, Mining, Oil, and Gas, 3,000 jobs; Agriculture, 2,100 jobs; and Business, Building, and Other Support Services, 1,500 jobs. The industries with the highest year-over-year decrease in employment were: Trade (retail and wholesale), 2,100 jobs; Education, 2,000 jobs; and Manufacturing, 1,200 jobs. Chart 8b Camrose - Drumheller Economic Region Year-Over-Year Change in Industry Employment, ** Forestry, fishing, mining, oil and gas Agriculture Business, building and other support services Utilities Construction Finance, insurance, real estate and leasing Public administration Other services Information, culture and recreation Transportation and warehousing Professional, scientific and technical services Accommodation and food services Health care and social assistance Manufacturing Educational services Trade (1,000) (1,000) (1,200) (2,000) (2,100) (300) ,100 1,500 1,500 3,000 * Note: Industries Classified by North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) ** Note: Statistics Canada suppresses figures less than 1,500. Industries with employment totals of 1,500 or less in either 2003 or 2004 were suppressed. Revised: April Economic & Demographic Analysis

21 IX. Lethbridge Medicine Hat Economic Region: Employment & Unemployment Between 2003 and 2004, the Lethbridge-Medicine Hat region s labour force grew 1.9%, to 134,600 people. During the same period, employment rose by 2.5% or 3,200 jobs, to 129,500 employed people. In 2004, the employment rate for the region was 67.9%. The number of unemployed people decreased to 5,100 in Table 9 displays the labour force statistics for the Lethbridge-Medicine Hat Economic Region. Despite the continual problem of BSE in Alberta between 2003 and 2004, the annual unemployment rate decreased.6 percentage points to a rate of 3.8% in There were several major construction projects that supplied employment for the region. Lakeside Packers began expansion on its local slaughterhouse, Sunrise Poultry built a processing facility, and Husky Energy announced upgrades for a local Oil Plant. In addition, the region was successful in attracting a customer support center that would provide additional employment. Table 9 Lethbridge-Medicine Hat Economic Region Labour Force Statistics Change Working-Age Population (000 s) % Labour Force (000 s) % Employment (000 s) % Unemployment (000 s) % Unemployment Rate 4.4% 3.8% -0.6 Chart 9a displays the monthly unemployment rates for the region in 2003 and In August of 2004, the unemployment rate reached its highest rate during the year at 4.8%. After this peak, the unemployment rate continually decreased to end at 3.2% in December. Chart 9a 8% Lethbridge-Medicine Hat Economic Region Unemployment Rate, Unadjusted, 3-Month Moving Average 6% 4% 2% Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % 4.1% 3.9% 3.8% 4.3% 4.8% 5.1% 5.7% 5.4% 4.5% 3.5% 3.4% % 3.6% 3.7% 3.4% 3.7% 3.8% 4.0% 4.8% 4.6% 4.6% 3.4% 3.2% Revised: April Economic & Demographic Analysis

22 IX. Lethbridge Medicine Hat Economic Region: Industries* Chart 9b shows the change in industry employment between 2003 and Overall, employment in the Services-Producing industries increased by 800 in 2004, while employment in the Goods-Producing industries increased by 2,400 during this same period. The industries with the highest year-over-year increase in employment were: Construction, 3,900 jobs; Educational Services, 1,100 jobs; and Accommodation and Food Services, 700 jobs. Those industries with the highest year-over-year decrease in employment were: Manufacturing, 1,200 jobs; Trade (retail and wholesale), 1,100 jobs; and Transportation and Warehousing, 700 jobs. Chart 9b Lethbridge - Medicine Hat Economic Region Year-Over-Year Change in Industry Employment, ** Construction Educational services Accommodation and food services Other services Public administration Business, building and other support services Finance, insurance, real estate and leasing Information, culture and recreation Agriculture Utilities Professional, scientific and technical services Health care and social assistance Forestry, fishing, mining, oil and gas Transportation and warehousing Trade Manufacturing (300) (400) (600) (700) (1100) (1200) * Note: Industries Classified by North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) ** Note: Statistics Canada suppresses figures less than 1,500. Industries with employment totals of 1,500 or less in either 2003 or 2004 were suppressed. Revised: April Economic & Demographic Analysis

23 X. Glossary Working-Age Population- People 15 years of age and over except people living on Indian reserves, inmates of institutions, and full-time members of the Canadian Armed Forces. Labour Force- Refers to people who were either employed or unemployed during the week (Sunday to Saturday). Employed People- People who, during the week (Sunday to Saturday): (a) did any work at all for pay or in self-employment or without pay in a family farm, business or professional practice; (b) were absent from their job or business, with or without pay, for the entire week because of vacation, an illness, a labour dispute at their place of work, or any other reasons. Unemployed People- People who, during the week (Sunday to Saturday), were without paid work or without self-employment work and were available for work and either: (a) had actively looked for paid work in the past four weeks; or (b) were on temporary lay-off and expected to return to their job; or (c) had definite arrangements to start a new job in four weeks or less. Participation Rate- Refers to the labour force in the week (Sunday to Saturday), expressed as a percentage of the population 15 years of age and over. Employment Rate- Refers to the number of people employed in the week (Sunday to Saturday), expressed as a percentage of the total population 15 years of age and over. Unemployment Rate- Refers to the unemployed expressed as a percentage of the labour force in the week (Sunday to Saturday). Goods-Producing Industries- The following industries are included within this category: Forestry, Fishing, Mining, Oil, and Gas; Manufacturing; Agriculture; Construction; and Utilities. Services-Producing Industries- The following industries are included within this category: Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, and Leasing; Transportation and Warehousing; Accommodation and Food Services; Other Services; Information, Culture, and Recreation; Business, Building, and Other Support Services; Public Administration; Health Care and Social Assistance; Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services; Trades (retail and wholesale); and Educational Services. Revised: April Economic & Demographic Analysis