Last Updated on November 5, 2021
Canada’s unemployment rate fell to a 20-month low of 6.7 percent in October, as figures showed a continuing Canada jobs recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Unemployment is now just one percentage point higher than the pre-pandemic level of 5.7 percent, recorded in February 2020, according to the latest Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey.
Across Canada, employment grew by 31,000 jobs during the month, spearheaded by a number of industries, including retail trade, where 72,000 jobs were added.
In the core working age-group of 25 to 54-year-olds, employment increased by 53,000 jobs, concentrated in full-time work.
For core-aged men, employment returned to its pre-pandemic level in October, while for women in the same age-group, employment is now 98,000 higher than before COVID-19 restrictions were imposed.
The figures represent a positive picture of Canada’s recovery from COVID-19.
What Are The Labour Force Survey Highlights?
|
Unemployment rate (%) |
6.7 |
|
Employment rate (%) |
61.0 |
|
Labour force participation rate (%) |
65.3 |
|
Number unemployed |
1,365,600 |
|
Number working |
19,162,400 |
|
Youth (15-24) unemployment rate (%) |
10.2 |
|
Men (over 25) unemployment rate (%) |
6.3 |
|
Women (over 25) unemployment rate (%) |
5.8 |
Source: Statistics Canada
Provincial Canada Jobs Picture
Provincially, Ontario, British Columbia and New Brunswick spearheaded gains, while Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan saw decreases in employment levels.
Ontario added 37,000 jobs in October for its fifth consecutive month of increases. The province has gained 353,000 jobs since May for a current employment rate of 7 percent. The latest gains were concentrated in services-producing industries, focusing on retail trade.
Meanwhile, British Columbia added 10,400 jobs, although increases in full-time employment were offset by part-time decreases.