According to StatsCan the Wood Buffalo employment rates are down for October, and these statistics also show that the number of people who are not employed full time is also down as well. These numbers may not bode well for Wood Buffalo, a region already hit hard economically because of lower gas and oil prices. Much of the economy in the area comes from the oilsands, and the energy companies who operate in the area. There are some signs that the economy is starting to recover, but many people are either without jobs or are employed part time instead of full time. New oilsands projects in the works offer some hope for those who are trying to find full time employment but some of these projects have barriers that would make it difficult for Wood Buffalo residents to compete for these available jobs.

The StatsCan statistics show that all is not gloom and doom for the Wood Buffalo employment rates. The decision by President Obama to deny the Keystone XL pipeline could put even more pressure on employment in the region though, because the decision to deny the pipeline project means fewer future jobs will be created as a result. The economy of Wood Buffalo depends in part on the oil industry and the energy companies. Some individuals believe that Fort McMurray and Wood Bufalo residents should get priority for local jobs in the oilsands, however the municipality can not require this from private companies who do business in the area.