Average Duration of Unemployment

• When unemployment rates are high and labour market conditions are weak, the average duration of unemployment in Alberta goes up.
• Restrictions and shutdowns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic have led to the longest average duration of unemployment on record – 26.3 weeks in the year 2021.

Employment-related measures indicate the strength of an economy and, accordingly, the population’s ability to sustain itself. Higher unemployment rates lead to more people needing income support to maintain a minimal standard of living and challenge governments and businesses to find opportunities to stimulate job growth. Lower unemployment rates also have their challenges—for instance, employed individuals may struggle to balance their work and family roles, and may face difficulties to secure adequate child care or obtain affordable housing. 

The unemployment rates experienced by Indigenous peoples and youth are significantly higher at all times, but especially during economic downturns. While unemployment rates for women have typically been lower than those for men, especially in recent years, women’s earnings from employment continue to be significantly lower than those of men.