The unemployment rate is considered one of the most informative labour market indicators, reflecting the general performance of the labour market and the health of the economy as a whole. It is used to measure a city’s unutilized labour supply and track business cycles.

The participation rate measures the total labour force (comprised of those who are employed and unemployed, combined) relative to the size of the working-age population. In other words, it is the share of the working-age population that is working or looking for work.

The Labour Force Survey (LFS) provides participation rates, and employment and unemployment rates. This dataset is taken from Statistics Canada CANSIM table 14-10-0385-01 and presents the estimated number of people in the Edmonton census metropolitan area (CMA) that are in the labour force, in employment, unemployment and not in the labour force.

Employment Growth measures the annual rate of change in employment levels in the Edmonton CMA. The data are collected by Statistics Canada through their Labour Force Survey which provides estimates of employment and unemployment. The result is the percentage change in annual employment levels.

The Labour Force Survey (LFS) provides estimates of employment by full and part-time status, as well as by age. This dataset is taken from Statistics Canada CANSIM table 14-10-0385-01 and presents the estimated number of people in the Edmonton census metropolitan area (CMA) that are in employment.