Ottawa Employment Trends

The unemployment rate in Ottawa was 5.6% as of May 2025, up 0.2% from the previous month. The unemployment rate stood 4.5% below the peak from July 2020 and is below the long-run average.

There were 6,500 more full-time jobs in May 2025 compared to a month earlier. Combined with a loss of 10,300 part-time positions, this led to a decrease of 3,800 total jobs in May.

Full-time employment has recovered since reaching a bottom in February 2025 and now stands at a record high.

* All figures are seasonally adjusted, 3-month moving averages. Seasonal adjustment removes normal seasonal fluctuations.

The information contained in this report has been prepared by The Canadian Real Estate Association, in co-operation with the Ottawa Employment Trends. The information has been drawn from sources deemed to be reliable, but the accuracy and completeness of the information is not guaranteed. In providing this information, neither The Canadian Real Estate Association nor the Ottawa Employment Trends assumes any responsibility or liability. Copyright ©2025. The Canadian Real Estate Association. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without written permission.

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