Medicine Hat unemployment unaffected despite high Alberta rates, jobs centre says

“Not big job losses or layoffs per se,” she said.

“It is breakup time for the oil fields which can be affected at that time of year. We do have [Hudson’s] Bay that’ll be coming up to be closed here right away, so that will affect Medicine Hat’s job market for sure,” she added.

“More of a hiring freeze is what we’ve been seeing from employers right now, just not willing to hire anyone new because they don’t know if they’ll be able to keep them on long term.”

Krista Varner, manager at the YMCA of Southeastern Alberta’s employment centre, says employers are unsure of what business will look like in a few months. Bob Schneider/CHAT News

Alberta lost 15,000 jobs in March, bringing the unemployment rate to 7.1 per cent.

Statistics Canada says during periods of economic downturns, workers may become more likely to be laid off, which can increase the overall unemployment rate.

The employment decline in Alberta was concentrated in manufacturing, and wholesale and retail trade.

March unemployment rates in Canada saw Alberta with highest growth, fourth highest rate in Canada. Courtesy/Statistics Canada

Varner said the last few months have been a really difficult job market for people, and uncertainty of tariffs and whether they’ll be adjusted or removed is the biggest issue for employers.

U.S. President Donald Trump has promised higher rates for his latest and most severe round of duties, which he calls “reciprocal” tariffs, set to take effect Wednesday.

Trump declared April 2 that the U.S. would now tax nearly all of America’s trading partners at a minimum of 10 per cent — and impose steeper rates for countries that he said run trade surpluses with the U.S.

A handful of tariffs are already in effect, including Trump’s 10 per cent baseline tax on Saturday.

Goods complying with 2020 U.S.-Mexico Canada Agreement can continue to enter the U.S. duty-free, according to the White House.

Other imports are still levied at 25 per cent, as well as a lower 10 per cent duty on potash and Canadian energy products.

Varner said the uncertainty has been frustrating, but that’s why YMCA’s services exist- to help people through tough moments and be that support for them.

She said the job market is always changing, as is what employers are looking for.

She said it makes all the difference in the world if job seekers are tailoring resumes, and looking at and following requests for job applications.

“Some applications ask for cover letters, some don’t, so [be] following those. Some ask for references right off the top. Provide those to them, don’t make the employer chase you if they’re already asking for it in the job ad,” she said.

“Online applications are important, but so is the human aspect too, so we always encourage clients to apply the way that the employer has requested, but it never hurts to follow up with a phone call, it never hurts to follow up in person,” she added.

“Sometimes that can actually push you over with them, with the motivation level- showing that you are out there doing those things.”

Varner said the employment centre can help job seekers by touching base with employers, to hear feedback and information about the current market, and adjust their services as needed.

“What’s really important is that we’re connecting on a personal level with our clients as well, and making sure that they do feel like we genuinely care about them and we want them to be successful,” she said.

— With files from The Associated Press

by Jayk Sterkenburg

Medicine Hat unemployment unaffected despite high Alberta rates, jobs centre says

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