Canada Employment Rises More Than Expected

Employment in Canada increased by 75,100 in July 2026, well above market expectations for a 15,000 gain, following a revised 18,200 increase in June. The employment level rose 0.4% month-over-month, driven by a 57,900 increase in private-sector jobs after a 31,600 gain in the previous month, while public-sector employment fell by 27,000, extending June's 31,000 decline. By industry, employment increased in wholesale and retail trade, finance, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing (+18,000), professional, scientific and technical services (+17,000), and construction (+16,000). In contrast, jobs declined in public administration (-15,000) and agriculture (-9,600). Regionally, employment rose for a third consecutive month in Ontario (+52,000), alongside gains in British Columbia (+18,000), Manitoba (+5,900), and Nova Scotia (+4,600). Meanwhile, the employment rate edged up 0.1 percentage point to 60.9%.

Canada's employment increased by 18,000 in June 2026, above market expectations for a 10,000 gain, following an increase of 88,000 in May. Employment rose 0.1% from the previous month, driven by a 32,000 increase among private-sector employees after a 56,000 gain in May. Accommodation and food services added 15,000 jobs, marking a third consecutive monthly increase. In contrast, manufacturing employment fell by 17,000, reversing much of May's 15,000 increase. Public-sector employment declined by 31,000. Regionally, employment increased in Quebec (+14,000) for a second straight month, as well as in Nova Scotia (+4,800) and Saskatchewan (+2,900). Meanwhile, the employment rate edged up 0.1 percentage point to 60.8%.

Employment in Canada rose by 88,000 from the previous month in May 2026, the most since December 2024 and well above market expectations for a gain of 10,000. The rebound followed a cumulative net loss of 112,000 jobs during the first four months of the year. Employment increased among both private-sector workers (+56,000) and public-sector employees (+20,000). Full-time employment climbed by 154,000, while part-time positions declined by 66,000 and self-employment was little changed. Job gains were concentrated in construction (+27,000), information, culture and recreation (+19,000), transportation and warehousing (+19,000), and accommodation and food services (+17,000). In contrast, wholesale and retail trade shed 35,000 jobs. Regionally, employment increased in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Prince Edward Island, while Saskatchewan recorded a decline. The employment rate rose 0.2 percentage points to 60.7%.