It's the highest jobless rate since comparable record-keeping began in 1976.

Economic Development Lethbridge says the 1.6 per cent increase equates to 7,600 jobs lost in April. 

Statistics Canada reports the London-St. Thomas unemployment rate fell to five per cent in January, down from 5.6 per cent the month before.

London-St. Thomas added 2,000 jobs in December to end the year on a high note.

Saskatchewan's unemployment rate grew from 5.1 to 5.8 per cent, while Canada shed over 71,000 jobs. However, more people looking for work is the main driver in local unemployment.

Unemployment remained static at 4.7 per cent in B.C., the lowest in the country.

London's unemployment rate fell for the first time in three months in October, dropping to 6.2 per cent.

London's jobless rate rose for the third straight month in September.

One of the issues that will be top of mind for many Canadians as they decide who they will vote for is the economy and whether they and the country are in a better financial state than four years ago.

Despite adding 4,100 jobs in August the London-St. Thomas unemployment rate rose to 6.3%.