Average weekly earnings of non-farm payroll employees continue to rise in Alberta.

According to Statistics Canada, Alberta remains the top province for wages at $1,154.24 in November. That was up one per cent from the previous month and an increase of 0.6 per cent from a year ago.

Nationally, average weekly earnings of $1,011.79 rose by 0.3 per cent month over month and by two per cent year over year.

There was some mixed news in the data released on Wednesday by the federal agency. It indicated the province’s economy continues to send mixed signals depending on which economic indicators are looked at.

The number of employees in Alberta fell in November by 3,400. However, the number was up by 14,200 on a year-over-year basis.

Nationally, the number of employees across the country was up by 8,600 month over month and by 379,900 year over year.

“In the 12 months to November, average weekly earnings were up in six of the 10 largest industrial sectors, led by retail trade; accommodation and food services; and administrative and support services. At the same time, earnings were little changed in wholesale trade, educational services, public administration, and professional, scientific and technical services,” added the federal agency.

The largest monthly increases in non-farm payroll employees in November were in retail trade, construction, and educational services. At the same time, payroll employment in mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction decreased.

“On a year-over-year basis, the number of payroll employees rose by 379,900 (+2.3 per cent). Employment growth was observed in most sectors, led by health care and social assistance (+69,200 or +3.6 per cent), educational services (+47,600 or +3.7 per cent), professional, scientific and technical services (+45,600 or +5.1 per cent) and manufacturing (+44,500 or +2.9 per cent). In contrast, declines were observed in information and cultural industries (-4,500 or -1.3 per cent). In addition, employment decreased in mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (-3,500 or -1.7 per cent), all in Alberta,” said StatsCan.

– Mario Toneguzzi for Calgary’s Business

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