Canadian Unemployment at 6.4%

September 4 2026 - Statistics Canada reported that employment fell by 42,000 (+0.2%) in August and the unemployment rate was unchanged at 6.4%. Employment fell in Quebec (-19,000; -0.4%) and edged down in Ontario (-18,000; -0.2%). Employment increased in New Brunswick (+2,400; +0.6%) and was little changed in the other provinces.

Historically, the unemployment rate had fallen to 4.9% in June and July 2023 - the lowest since records began in 1976. It had reached 13.7% at its worst in May 2020.

Seasonally adjusted, unemployment rates vary from 8.6% (Newfoundland and Labrador) to 5.0% (Manitoba). (Quebec).

Rates for provinces were (previous month in brackets):

• Newfoundland and Labrador 8.6% (9.3%)
• Prince Edward Island 7.9% (6.8%)
• Nova Scotia 6.1% (6.2%)
• New Brunswick 7.3% (7.0%)
• Quebec 5.6% (5.6%)
• Ontario 6.9% (6.8%)
• Manitoba 5.0% (5.0%)
• Saskatchewan 6.0% (6.0%)
• Alberta 6.8% (7.0%)
• British Columbia 6.5% (6.2%)

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