Regional Employer Supports
Bulletin: Labour Market Information
October 2026
Did you know?
There are 18 Workforce Consultants (WFC) in communities across Alberta. WFCs provide employers with tools and resources to help them recruit, retain, and strengthen their workforce.
The Canada-Alberta Productivity Grant now provides all eligible trainees with up to a 75% government contribution toward eligible training costs. Employed family members and business owners are also now eligible trainees. See regional events to register for upcoming webinar.
Alberta’s unemployment rate was 6.4% in September 2026, down 0.4 percentage points from August. This represents a 0.4 percentage-point decrease from September 2025 and was 0.1 percentage points below the national rate of 6.5%.
Employment in Alberta increased by 23,100 in September 2026 (+0.9 per cent) from August 2026, driven by gains in full-time employment and continued growth in professional, scientific and technical services, business support services, and wholesale and retail trade.
Regional Labour Market Information
Unemployment rate by region for September 2026:
Note: Lloydminster and Vermilion are in the Camrose‑Drumheller Region. Lac La Biche and Bonnyville are in the Wood Buffalo‑Cold Lake Region.
Based on the number of job postings recorded by Vicinity Jobs for September 1 - 30, 2026, the top Occupation Categories being recruited for in the NE region were the following:
1. Sales and service occupations – 330 postings
2. Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations – 132 postings
3. Health occupations – 128 postings
4. Business, finance and administration occupations – 72 postings
The following number of jobs have been posted online and represent the NE region hiring demand:
- Bonnyville: 139 job postings in September 2026. 133 job postings in August 2026. 4.5% increase from the previous month.
- Cold Lake: 185 job postings in September 2026. 227 job postings in August 2026. 18.5% decrease from the previous month.
- Lac La Biche: 71 job postings in September 2026. 92 job postings in August 2026. 22.8% decrease from the previous month.
- Lloydminster: 268 job postings in September 2026. 275 job postings in August 2026. 2.5% decrease from the previous month.
- St. Paul: 64 job postings in September 2026. 59 job postings in August 2026. 8.5% increase from the previous month.
- Vegreville: 55 job postings in September 2026. 62 job postings in August 2026. 11.3% decrease from the previous month.
- Vermilion: 73 job postings in September 2026. 84 job postings in August 2026. 13.1% decrease from the previous month.
In the above‑listed communities, there was a total of 855 jobs posted in September 2026. 837 jobs were posted during the same period in September 2025, representing a 2.2% increase in job postings compared to the same time last year.
Provincial Labour Market Information
Alberta employment strengthened in September, increasing by 23,100 jobs month-over-month following a modest gain in August.
Employment growth was concentrated in the services sector, led by professional, scientific and technical services (+16,400), business, building and other support services (+14,200), and wholesale and retail trade (+6,000).
Several sectors experienced employment declines, including health care and social assistance (-10,600), forestry, fishing, mining, quarrying, oil and gas (-5,100), and public administration (-5,000).
Alberta's labour market remained strong year-over-year, with employment up 75,700 jobs, or 2.9%, compared to September 2025.
The unemployment rate decreased to 6.4%, down 0.4 percentage points from August and 0.4 percentage points lower than September 2025. At 6.4%, Alberta's unemployment rate was below the national rate of 6.5%.
Full-time employment increased by 25,800 positions month-over-month, while part-time employment declined by 2,700. Employment gains were concentrated among self-employed workers (+26,400) and the public sector (+1,200), while private-sector employment decreased slightly (-4,500).
For more information: Labour Market Notes and Alberta Labour Force Highlights, September 2026.
Regional Events & Opportunities
Employer Registration Clinic Webinar
Join the Employer Registration Clinic to get hands-on support with completing the Alberta.ca Account for Organizations registration, required for the Canada-Alberta Productivity Grant (CAPG). We will walk you through the process, answer your questions in real time, and help you prepare for the next steps in your CAPG application.
What you can expect: Step-by step guidance through Alberta.ca Account for Organizations registration; Help creating or accessing an Alberta.ca Account for your business; Support with common registration challenges and questions; Information on next steps for the CAPG application process; and connections to CAPG resources, technical support, and additional assistance.
October 28, 2026 – 10:30 am to 11:30 am – Join here
November 17, 2026 – 10:30 am to 11:30 am – Join here
January 13, 2027 – 10:30 am to 11:30 am – Join here
Canada-Alberta Productivity Grant (CAPG) Program Updates
The Canada-Alberta Productivity Grant (CAPG) has introduced program changes that increase available funding and simplify the application process. Employed family members and business owners are now eligible trainees, and all eligible trainees may receive up to a 75% total government contribution toward training costs. Join an upcoming webinar to learn more about the program, eligibility requirements, and application process.
October 20, 2026 – 10:30 to 11:30 – Register here
October 27, 2026 – 10:30 to 11:30 – Register here
November 3, 2026 – 10:30 to 11:30 – Register here
Employer Wage Subsidy Webinar with Canada Summer Jobs & Student Work Placement Program
Join the Workforce Consultant Team from the Government of Alberta for a free 1.5-hour webinar delivered by representatives from Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) and the Student Work Placement Program (SWPP), Powered by Magnet. This session will explore funding opportunities available to employers. Canada Summer Jobs provides wage subsidies to help employers create summer employment opportunities for youth aged 15 to 30. The Student Work Placement Program provides wage subsidies to employers who hire post-secondary students for work-integrated learning opportunities, including Co-operative Education, Internships and Work Experience.
Date: November 19, 2026
Time: 9:00 am – 10:30 am MST
Location: Virtual, Register Here
The Northern and Regional Economic Development (NRED) Program Webinars
This program will be open from August 24, 2026, until 4:00 pm (Alberta Time) on November 19, 2026. For more information, including updated Program Guidelines and an updated Application Companion Guide, please visit: Northern and Regional Economic Development Program | Alberta.ca. To support applicants, a series of virtual information sessions will be held to provide guidance on eligibility, timelines, and how applications will be evaluated to assist you in planning out a strong application: Please right-click on the session that best suits your schedule and add the webinar link to your calendar.
October 29, 2026 – 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm – Click here to join October 29 meeting
November 12, 2026 – 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm – Click here to join November 12 meeting
Employment Standards Webinars
Employment standards legislation sets out the rights and obligations of employers and employees in Alberta. This includes the minimum standards employers must provide for employees. Upcoming webinars (including live Q&A) are scheduled for the following topics:
-Employment Standards in Alberta, Construction Overview: Thursday, November 5, 2026 at 1:30 pm
-Employment Standards in Alberta, Administration and Enforcement: Tuesday, November 17, 2026 at 1:30 pm
For more information, future webinar dates or to register for one of the above sessions, visit alberta.ca/employment-
Partnerships in Injury Reduction Program
Join Alberta OHS for a free webinar that will explore how employers can strengthen their health and safety management systems, access PIR incentives, and potentially qualify for up to a 20% refund on their WCB premiums, while also reviewing key factors that influence premium rates. Participants will also learn how Certifying Partners can provide valuable resources, guidance, and support to help organizations reduce workplace risks, lower claim costs, and achieve their health and safety goals.
Date: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Time: 9:00 – 10:30 am
To register, click HERE.
Psychosocial Hazards in the Workplace
Join Alberta Occupational Health and Safety for a free, one hour webinar. Designed for Albertan workers and employers, this session will cover essential information to reduce psychosocial hazards at your workplace including psychosocial hazards and psychological safety, relevant Albertan legislation, and resources to support workers and employers navigating psychosocial workplace concerns.
Date: Tuesday November 10, 2026
Time: 9:00 – 10:00 am
To register, click HERE.
Bonnyville Job Fair
Looking for employees? The Bonnyville Job Fair provides employers with a valuable opportunity to promote their organization, recruit talent, and connect directly with job seekers from Bonnyville and the surrounding region. Whether you are hiring now or building a candidate pipeline for future workforce needs, this event offers a cost-effective way to showcase employment opportunities, raise awareness of your company, and engage with individuals interested in careers across a variety of industries. Employers are encouraged to register for a booth and take advantage of this opportunity to connect with potential employees.
Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026
Breakfast & Presentation: 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Job Fair: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: Bonnyville Centennial Centre, 4313 50 Avenue, Bonnyville
For more information, click HERE
St. Paul & District Chamber of Commerce Business Support Network Meeting
Join local employers, business leaders, and community partners for an opportunity to network, discuss business and workforce development priorities, and explore collaborative approaches to strengthening the region's economy. The session will also feature information on workforce trends, employer supports, and resources available to help businesses meet their workforce needs.
Thursday, November 12, 2026
Time: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Location: Canalta Meeting Room
More info here