According to the new data, labour market conditions have improved for off-reserve Aboriginal people. However, gaps still persist between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal population.

During the 12 months ending in March 2005, unemployment rates for Aboriginal people residing in the West were 2.5 times higher than for non-Aboriginal people, on average.

Additionally, the transition into the labour market was particularly difficult for Aboriginal youth, those aged 15 to 24.

There were a number of positive findings:

• Métis had relative success in the labour market, with employment rates similar to those of non-Aboriginal people;
• a robust Alberta economy produced strong labour market outcomes for Aboriginal people, and;
• completion of postsecondary education was particularly important for Aboriginal people since it dramatically increased their chance of obtaining employment.