Canada Job Market November 2026: Unemployment Rate, Youth Jobs and the Provinces Facing the Biggest Challenges
Canada’s labour market showed further signs of weakness in the latest employment figures, with the national unemployment rate rising to 6.7% in October 2026, according to Statistics Canada. Employment remained virtually unchanged, while unemployment among young Canadians increased to 13.7%, highlighting the difficulties facing people entering the workforce.
The figures, published on November 6, provide the latest official picture of Canada’s job market as November begins. Although some provinces recorded employment gains, others experienced significant declines, particularly Alberta. Ontario and several Atlantic provinces also continued to face relatively high unemployment rates.
For job seekers, students, recent graduates and workers considering relocation, the latest figures reveal an uneven employment landscape across the country.
Canada unemployment rate rises to 6.7%
Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that Canada’s unemployment rate increased by 0.2 percentage points to 6.7% in October.
Employment declined slightly by 4,700 positions, representing virtually no monthly change. The total number of employed people stood at approximately 21.1 million.
However, the broader employment picture remains less encouraging. The employment rate, which measures the proportion of the population aged 15 and older who are working, fell by 0.1 percentage points to 60.5%. This marked the third consecutive monthly decline.
The latest figures also follow employment decreases in August and September, when the country lost 42,000 and 68,000 jobs respectively.
Another concerning development is the growing number of people experiencing prolonged unemployment. Approximately 23.7% of unemployed Canadians had been searching for work for at least 27 weeks in October, compared with 21.5% one year earlier.
Canada had approximately 1.5 million unemployed people during the month.
These figures suggest that finding employment remains difficult for a considerable number of Canadians, even as the overall number of jobs has remained relatively stable over the past year.
Youth unemployment reaches 13.7%
Young Canadians continue to experience some of the most challenging conditions in the labour market.
The unemployment rate among people aged 15 to 24 increased by 0.7 percentage points to 13.7% in October.
This means youth unemployment is substantially higher than the national average of 6.7%.
The employment rate among young people stood at 54.0%, showing little monthly change. Statistics Canada also reported differences between students and young people who were not attending school.
| Youth employment indicator | October 2026 |
|---|---|
| Youth unemployment rate | 13.7% |
| Unemployment rate among students | 13.5% |
| Unemployment rate among non-students | 12.3% |
| Youth employment rate | 54.0% |
Student and non-student unemployment figures are not seasonally adjusted.
The figures illustrate the difficulties faced by young people trying to secure their first jobs or gain professional experience while studying.
For recent graduates, the situation can be particularly challenging. Entry-level positions often attract substantial competition, while employers may seek previous experience even for relatively junior roles.
The figures also suggest that the challenge is not limited to students. Young people outside education are experiencing significant unemployment as well.
Nevertheless, the youth unemployment rate was little changed compared with October 2025, indicating that the latest monthly increase does not necessarily represent a new annual deterioration.
Which Canadian provinces have the highest unemployment rates?
Regional differences remain one of the most important features of Canada’s employment situation.
In October, Newfoundland and Labrador recorded the highest provincial unemployment rate, at 8.7%. Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick followed at 7.4%.
Ontario and Alberta also recorded unemployment rates above the national average.
The following table presents the seasonally adjusted provincial figures published by Statistics Canada.
| Province | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 8.7% |
| Prince Edward Island | 7.4% |
| New Brunswick | 7.4% |
| Ontario | 7.3% |
| Alberta | 7.3% |
| British Columbia | 6.3% |
| Nova Scotia | 6.2% |
| Saskatchewan | 5.9% |
| Quebec | 5.7% |
| Manitoba | 5.0% |
| Canada | 6.7% |
These figures show that unemployment is not distributed evenly across the country.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador recorded the highest unemployment rate among Canadian provinces, at 8.7%.
However, the province also experienced a positive monthly employment change. Employment increased by 2,900 positions, representing growth of 1.2%, while its unemployment rate declined by 0.4 percentage points.
The figures demonstrate why unemployment rates and monthly employment changes should be considered together. A province can have a relatively high unemployment rate while still experiencing employment growth.
Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick
Both provinces recorded unemployment rates of 7.4%.
Prince Edward Island experienced a monthly employment decline of 1,300 positions, equivalent to 1.3%. Its unemployment rate increased slightly by 0.1 percentage points.
New Brunswick’s employment increased by 0.3%, while its unemployment rate remained unchanged.
Although their unemployment rates were identical, the two provinces experienced different monthly employment developments.
Ontario
Ontario’s unemployment rate increased by 0.3 percentage points to 7.3%.
Employment remained virtually unchanged for the third consecutive month. More people were looking for work, contributing to the increase in unemployment.
The province’s employment level was also little changed compared with October 2025.
Given Ontario’s importance to Canada’s overall economy and its large workforce, continued employment stagnation is a significant development for the national labour market.
Alberta
Alberta experienced one of the most noticeable monthly employment declines.
The province lost 24,000 jobs in October, representing a decrease of 0.9%. Its unemployment rate increased by 0.9 percentage points to 7.3%.
This reversed a similar-sized employment increase recorded in September.
However, the longer-term picture is more balanced. Compared with October 2025, employment in Alberta was up by 41,000 positions, or 1.6%.
Consequently, the latest decline should be viewed as a significant monthly setback rather than evidence of a sustained annual employment contraction.
British Columbia and Quebec show different employment trends
Not every province experienced weaker employment conditions.
British Columbia recorded an employment increase of 12,000 positions in October, equivalent to 0.4%. Its unemployment rate declined slightly to 6.3%.
This followed an employment decline in September, suggesting some recovery in the latest monthly figures.
Quebec also recorded a lower unemployment rate, falling by 0.3 percentage points to 5.7%.
However, its longer-term employment performance remains a concern. Employment declined cumulatively by 68,000 positions during August and September, and the October employment level was still 106,000 below its level one year earlier.
The province’s unemployment rate was also 0.4 percentage points higher than in October 2025.
These developments underline the importance of looking beyond a single month’s unemployment figures when assessing regional economic conditions.
Which industries are creating or losing jobs?
Employment developments across different industries provide additional insight into Canada’s economic situation.
October brought significant differences between sectors.
| Industry | Employment change |
|---|---|
| Wholesale and retail trade | -29,000 |
| Construction | +16,000 |
| Educational services | +15,000 |
Wholesale and retail trade experienced the largest decline, losing 29,000 positions, or 1.0%.
The sector has also experienced a downward trend over the past year, with employment falling by 113,000 positions compared with October 2025.
Construction moved in the opposite direction. Employment increased by 16,000 positions in October, bringing the annual increase to 47,000.
Educational services also recorded a monthly gain of 15,000 positions. However, employment in the industry remained 48,000 lower than one year earlier.
Another notable development concerned the composition of employment.
Private-sector employment declined by 53,000 positions in October, while public-sector employment increased by 50,000.
Despite the monthly public-sector increase, public-sector employment remained 70,000 positions below its level one year earlier.
For job seekers, these differences reinforce the importance of considering industry-specific opportunities rather than relying exclusively on national unemployment figures.
Are wages keeping pace with the cost of living?
Wage growth provides another important measure of the health of Canada’s labour market.
Statistics Canada reported that average hourly wages among employees increased by 2.2% year over year in October, reaching $37.89.
This represented an increase of $0.83 compared with October 2025.
However, wage growth alone does not establish whether workers are becoming financially better off. That assessment also requires consideration of inflation, housing costs, transportation expenses and other household expenditures.
For employees considering a job change, comparing advertised salaries with local living costs remains essential.
A higher nominal salary does not automatically translate into greater purchasing power, particularly in expensive housing markets.
What the latest employment figures mean for job seekers
The October figures provide several useful indications for people looking for employment in Canada.
1. Consider opportunities outside your immediate region.
Provincial unemployment rates differ considerably. However, moving should involve more than comparing unemployment percentages. Housing costs, wages, industry demand and access to transportation also matter.
2. Look beyond traditional retail positions.
Wholesale and retail trade experienced a substantial employment decline. Job seekers may benefit from investigating opportunities in sectors that recorded employment growth, including construction.
3. Students should plan their job searches early.
With student unemployment at 13.5%, competition for employment can be significant. Work experience, internships, networking and practical training can help candidates strengthen their applications.
4. Evaluate long-term employment prospects.
The increase in long-term unemployment suggests that some Canadians are facing extended job searches. Candidates should consider whether additional qualifications or transferable skills could improve their prospects.
5. Use official employment information.
Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey provides monthly information on unemployment, employment changes, industries and regional differences. It is a useful starting point for understanding labour market conditions before making career or relocation decisions.
When will Canada’s November employment figures be released?
Although this article examines the Canadian job market in November, the latest available national employment statistics as of November 7 cover October 2026.
Statistics Canada published the October Labour Force Survey on November 6.
The next Labour Force Survey release is scheduled for December 4, 2026.
According to Statistics Canada, the November survey will reflect labour market conditions during the week of November 8 to 14.
This distinction matters because monthly employment reports are published after the reference period. Consequently, the October figures should not be presented as November employment results.
The December release will provide the first official national unemployment and employment figures covering November.
Our assessment: Canada’s job market remains uneven
The latest employment figures reveal a labour market that is neither experiencing a broad recovery nor undergoing a uniform deterioration.
The national unemployment rate has increased to 6.7%, youth unemployment remains considerably higher, and employment has recorded little net growth over the past 12 months.
Regional developments are equally important. Alberta experienced a substantial monthly employment decline, Newfoundland and Labrador continued to have the highest provincial unemployment rate, and Ontario showed limited employment momentum.
At the same time, construction employment increased, British Columbia recorded job growth, and Quebec’s unemployment rate improved in October despite its weaker annual employment performance.
In our assessment, the biggest challenge is the uneven distribution of employment opportunities. A national unemployment rate can provide a useful overview, but it does not fully reflect the difficulties facing young workers, people experiencing long-term unemployment or residents of provinces with weaker labour market conditions.
For job seekers, the most sensible approach is to assess opportunities by province and industry, while considering wages and living costs alongside the availability of work.
The December employment report will be particularly important in determining whether October’s slowdown was temporary or part of a more persistent weakening in Canada’s labour market.
Official Sources
- Statistics Canada — Labour Force Survey, October 2026 — November 6, 2026
https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/261106/dq261106a-eng.htm - Government of Prince Edward Island — Labour Force Survey Monthly, October 2026
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/finance-and-affordability/labour-force-survey-monthly
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