Employment Trends

The unemployment rate in Canada was 6.5% as of August 2026, unchanged from the previous month. The unemployment rate stood 7% below the peak in June 2020 and is below the long-run average.

There were 1,100 more full-time jobs in August 2026 compared to a month earlier. Combined with a gain of 16,100 part-time positions, this led to an increase of 17,200 total jobs in August.

Full-time employment has recovered since reaching a bottom in April 2026 and now stands at a record high.

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