Labour

Population and Growth


Population by Municipality

Municipality 2008 Population 2006 Population % Change
County of Barrhead 5,845 5,845 -
County of Thorhild 3,042 3,042 -
Town of Barrhead 4,209 4,209 -
Town of Swan Hills 1,858 1,645 12.9%
Town of Westlock 4,964 5,008 -0.9%
Village of Clyde 470 470 -
Westlock County 6,910 6,966 -0.8%
Woodlands County 4,158 4,158 -
TOTAL 31,456 31,343 0.4%

Sources: Statistics Canada 2006 Census, Alberta Municipal Affairs 2009

Population by Age Group

PopulationAgeThe GROWTH Alberta region is home to more than 31,000 Albertans.

In the face of broad trends toward urbanization, the region is maintaining its population, including a healthy foundation of local youth. This is, in part, due to the efforts of the municipalities and school boards that comprise GROWTH Alberta. The region has an active youth retention strategy, and is committed to ongoing efforts designed to maintain our population.

Sources: Statistics Canada 2006 Census, Alberta Municipal Affairs 2009




Labour


Labour Force Participation (aged 15 and over)

LabourForceParticipationThe region enjoys a healthy level of labour force participation for people aged 15 and over (69.2%) with significant work force activity in industry centres such as Woodlands County (77.2%) and Swan Hills (80.7%).

At the same time, unemployment rates in the region are extremely low, with a regional average of 3.5% and a low of 2.5% in the Town of Swan Hills (Statistics Canada 2006 Census).

Source: Statistics Canada 2006 Census

Although the unemployment rate in the province of Alberta rose to 4.4% in January of 2009, the province still enjoys one of the highest unemployment rates in all of Canada (compared to the national unemployment rate of 7.2%).

Total Experienced Labour Force (aged 15 and over, by Industry)

Occupation GROWTH Alberta Region Alberta *
Total Male Female Total Male Female
Agriculture and other resource-based industries 4,695 3,400 1,300 228,520 168,230 60,285 2.05%
Other services 2,495 1,185 1,300 352,760 161,925 190,835 0.71%
Business services 1,945 1,145 785 354,265 212,695 141,575 0.55%
Retail trade 1,480 685 795 206,655 90,015 116,645 0.72%
Health care and social services 1,450 115 1,330 175,200 27,060 148,140 0.83%
Construction 1,400 1,160 240 169,420 143,610 25,810 0.83%
Educational services 1,115 320 790 120,460 37,150 83,315 0.93%
Wholesale trade 645 530 135 85,515 59,860 25,960 0.51%
Finance and real estate 495 165 320 97,465 40,510 56,960 0.51%
TOTAL 16,875 9,530 7,335 1,928,635 1,043,790 884,850 0.87%

*Proportion of Provincial Total by Industry
Source: Statistics Canada 2006 Census

The GROWTH Alberta region has a relatively high level of experienced labour in agriculture and resource-based industries, and in educational services.

Total Experienced Labour Force (aged 15 and over, by Occupation)

Occupation GROWTH Alberta Region Alberta *
Total Male Female Total Male Female
Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations 3,950 3,555 385 350,360 323,725 26,635 1.13%
Occupations unique to primary industry 3,260 2,380 865 117,500 92,145 25,355 2.77%
Business, finance and administration occupations 2,320 340 1,980 340,430 86,675 253,755 0.68%
Management occupations 1,290 895 385 187,240 121,045 66,195 0.69%
Occupations in social science, education, government service and religion 845 275 555 136,610 43,620 92,990 0.62%
Health occupations 805 90 700 103,620 19,140 84,475 0.78%
Occupations unique to processing, manufacturing and utilities 760 610 165 65,365 48,705 1,666 1.16%
Natural and applied sciences and related occupations 405 335 70 144,240 114,280 29,955 0.28%
Occupations in art, culture, recreation and sport 185 55 115 45,160 18,530 26,630 0.41%
TOTAL 16,870 9,540 7,340 1,928,635 1,043,790 884,850 0.87%

* Proportion of Provincial Total by Occupation
Source: Statistics Canada 2006 Census

The GROWTH Alberta region also has a significant proportion of skilled trades, transport and equipment operators; primary industry occupations; and occupations unique to processing, manufacturing and utilities.

Educational Attainment (aged 15 years and over)

Highest Level of Education GROWTH Alberta Region Alberta
Total Male Female Total
No certificate, diploma or degree 8,795 35.9% 4,620 37.2% 4,175 34.6% 614,865 23.4%
High school certificate or equivalent 6,565 26.8% 2,865 23.0% 3,710 30.7% 688,140 26.2%
Apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma 3,505 14.3% 2,510 20.2% 995 8.2% 285,815 10.9%
College, CEGEP or other non-university certificate or diploma 3,620 14.8% 1,615 13.0% 2,020 16.7% 472,210 18.0%
University certificate or diploma below the bachelor level 540 2.2% 150 1.2% 375 3.1% 105,680 4.0%
University certificate, diploma or degree 1,485 6.1% 665 5.3% 825 6.8% 458,425 17.5%

Source: Statistics Canada 2006 Census

Although the proportion of GROWTH Alberta residents with no certificate of education is slightly higher than the provincial average, the region's strength in registered trades education is again demonstrated by the significantly higher number of trade graduates relative to the provincial average.

 

 

Upcoming Events

  • Introduction to Computers
    March 10, 2010 (6:30 PM)
    Westlock & District Adult Learning Centre has a computer course for you! Do you have a basic understanding of computers? Would you like to learn more? This 5-night course will cover introduction to Windows EP, Word Level 1and an introduction to...
  • March 2010 GROWTH Alberta Board Meeting
    March 12, 2010 (10:00 AM)
    Regular Board meeting of the Grizzly Regional Economic Alliance Society. We are open to the public, so please feel free to attend a meeting in your area! Host Member: Town of Barrhead Location: Town of Barrhead Council Chambers. Please note that this...
  • 23rd Annual Rural Women's Conference - Thorhild
    March 12, 2010 (5:00 PM)
    "Girls Still Want to Have Fun" is the theme of the Conference this year and sets the stage for the evening! The Conference will be held Friday, March 12 at the Newbrook Community Centre Fee: $30 and bring your own cup! Events include: Women's...
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