Labour

Labour Force Development

Edmonton is committed to creating a community and business environment that retains our current workforce and then grows it to capitalize on the bright potential of our future. Economic opportunities may motivate many to move to Edmonton, but the lifestyle keeps them here.

City of Edmonton economic statistics show an Edmonton Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) labour force of 770,700 (as of February 2014), reflecting a 5% year-over-year growth rate. The City of Edmonton updates its Labour Force Survey monthly.

Labour Costs

Edmonton continues to enjoy a very competitive position in regards to location-sensitive labour costs for an average industrial operation as illustrated by the KPMG Competitive Alternatives 2014 report’s cost modeling results.

Consider the Greater Edmonton area’s advantage versus costs in other major centres:

• Vancouver: 1.1% higher than Edmonton
• Toronto: 3.2% higher than Edmonton
• New Orleans: 6.1% higher than Edmonton
• Denver: 7.9% higher than Edmonton
• Houston: 8.9% higher than Edmonton

Currently Alberta is seeing a modest upward pressure on wages in the 2.4% - 3.5% range and a sub 2% consumer price index inflation rate.

Edmonton also benefits from more modest labour rates in many categories compared to other major Alberta centres, and is even more competitive with other Canadian and U.S. cities.

Current Average Labour Costs

Source: Statistics Canada

The average weekly earnings for all industries in Alberta (as of March 2014) was $1,145.63. The Government of Alberta updates its Economic Review and related statistics weekly.

For More Information

Ken Mamczasz, P.Eng.