With sales down 13 per cent from 2008 and the average price $7,450 lower, the post-mortem of Central Alberta’s residential real estate market last year might appear grim.

OTTAWA — Bankruptcies tumbled and Canadians were buying more homes and cars this fall as indications mounted that the economy has finally shifted into a higher, forward gear.

Garth Turner warned investors of a looming real estate bubble in Canada and encouraged them to diversify their net worth during a talk in Red Deer on Tuesday night.

Residential sales in Central Alberta last month may have lagged behind activity in the boom years of 2005 to 2007 — but that’s it.

CALGARY — Saddled with dwindling employment and shrinking energy prices, Alberta seems to be losing its status as the promised land for job-seekers from across Canada.