Edmonton is known for its resilience. It’s a city of builders, caregivers, innovators, and dreamers. But behind the daily bustle and steady rhythm of city life, thousands of Edmontonians are facing quiet economic struggles — working hard, yet still feeling like they’re falling behind.

Rising Unemployment: A Growing Concern

In September 2025, Edmonton recorded an unemployment rate of 8.7 %, the highest among Alberta’s major cities. This is higher than the provincial average of 7.8 %, which itself has been steadily climbing over the past year. These numbers represent more than just statistics; they point to real people — parents, young adults, newcomers, and skilled workers — who are searching for stability in a shifting economy.

The causes are complex. Alberta’s economy is still deeply tied to the energy sector, and fluctuations in global oil and gas markets often ripple through the province. A slowdown in energy investment, combined with pressures in the construction and goods-producing sectors, has made it harder for many to find steady work. July 2025 alone saw nearly 17,000 jobs lost province-wide, and Edmonton has felt the brunt of that downturn.

At the same time, Edmonton’s population continues to grow, adding more people to the labour force. A growing population is usually a good sign — it means the city is vibrant and attracting talent. But when job growth doesn’t keep pace, it leads to increased competition for limited opportunities.

Working Hard but Struggling to Get Ahead

Unemployment tells only part of the story. Even among those who are working, many Edmontonians are dealing with underemployment — jobs that don’t offer enough hours or pay to meet the basic cost of living. In Alberta, nearly 1 in 10 workers is underemployed, meaning they want or need more hours of work than they’re getting.

Wages have not kept up with rising costs. With housing, groceries, transportation, and utilities increasing, a single paycheck often doesn’t stretch far enough. This is why more and more people are working multiple jobs. According to national data, more than a third of people holding multiple jobs say they’re doing it just to cover everyday essentials.

A typical story in Edmonton might sound like this: A single parent works a part-time retail job during the day and cleans offices at night. A recent graduate works at a coffee shop and picks up shifts at a warehouse. A newcomer with professional training is driving for a delivery app on weekends while applying for better-paying work. These are not rare cases — they are increasingly common.

The Human Impact

What makes this reality even more challenging is that it often remains invisible. Someone may technically be “employed” but is living on a patchwork of part-time hours that barely covers rent. Another person may have a job that looks stable on paper but pays far below what’s needed for a decent standard of living.

This isn’t just about numbers — it’s about families postponing buying homes, students taking on extra debt, seniors returning to work, and newcomers facing barriers to well-paying employment. It’s about the emotional weight of trying to keep up.

Many people are working harder than ever before, but their quality of life isn’t improving. That feeling of constantly hustling to stay afloat takes a toll on mental health, family life, and community well-being.

A Call to Action: Beyond Job Numbers

Addressing unemployment and underemployment requires more than just counting jobs. It’s about creating good jobs — jobs that pay living wages, offer steady hours, and provide opportunities for growth.

Community organizations, governments, and employers each have a role to play:

• Governments can invest in job creation and skills training for emerging industries, such as tech, renewable energy, and healthcare.
• Employers can commit to fair wages and more stable employment practices.
• Communities can continue to support local businesses and advocate for living wage standards.

For Edmonton to truly thrive, we must look beyond whether people have jobs and start asking whether those jobs allow them to live with dignity, stability, and hope.

Your Voice Matters

The strength of Edmonton has always been its people — hardworking, determined, and community-minded. We believe that every statistic has a story behind it, and those stories deserve to be heard.

👉 If you’re someone juggling multiple jobs, struggling to find work, or feeling the pinch of rising costs, we’d like to hear from you. Your story can help shape community conversations and push for real change.

 

 

LCCMedia has worked as an alternative news outlet in Edmonton since 2018.