Canada lost 68,000 jobs in September 2026; unemployment rate rose to 6.5%
Statistics Canada estimates employment fell by 68,000 in September 2026, with unemployment rising to 6.5% and the employment rate falling to 60.6%.
Employment in Canada fell by an estimated 68,000 jobs in September 2026, according to Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey released October 9. The unemployment rate rose 0.1 percentage points to 6.5%, and the employment rate declined to 60.6%.
It was the second consecutive monthly decline: employment fell by 42,000 in August. September’s decrease included 35,000 full-time and 33,000 part-time positions, based on the survey’s estimates.
Where employment changed
Statistics Canada reported fewer jobs among people aged 15 to 24 (-48,000) and women aged 25 to 54 (-28,000). Employment fell in Quebec (-49,000), British Columbia (-20,000) and Manitoba (-4,400), while Alberta gained 23,000 jobs. Average hourly wages were up 2.3% from a year earlier to $37.64.
Monthly Labour Force Survey figures are estimates and may be revised. They do not by themselves determine the Bank of Canada’s next interest-rate decision.
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