‘Data for Business’ is an effort of the Langley Chamber, in partnership with the Canadian Chamber’s Business Data Lab, to bring our members reports, stats, and analysis on economic and business data to help inform business and investment decisions. Read our latest update below:

Canada’s labour market showed signs of stabilization in June, with employment edging up by 18,000 and the unemployment rate falling for a second straight month to 6.5%. BC added 7,800 jobs, including 5,200 full-time positions, while its unemployment rate also declined to 6.5%.

The overall picture remains mixed, however, with continued weakness in manufacturing, agriculture, and utilities. The latest data suggest the labour market is improving gradually, but job growth remains modest and uneven across sectors.

Key Takeaways

• Employment Levels: Employment was a little changed in June, rising by 18,000 (+0.1%), following a much stronger 88,000-job gain in May. The employment rate edged up 0.1 percentage points to 60.8%, returning to its January level, while year-over-year employment growth remained modest at 99,000 (+0.5%). The June data suggest the labour market is stabilizing after earlier weakness, but the pace of job creation remains subdued.  In BC, 7,800 jobs were added (5,200 full time) .
• Unemployment Rates: The national unemployment rate declined for a second consecutive month, falling 0.1 percentage points to 6.5%, matching the rate last seen in January.  In BC, the unemployment rate also fell to match the national 6.5%.
• Demographics and Job Types: Employment gains were concentrated among youth aged 15 to 24 and core-aged workers aged 25 to 54, each adding 33,000 jobs in June. Youth unemployment fell sharply by 0.7 percentage points to 12.7%, supported mainly by part-time employment gains, while unemployment among core-aged men and women held steady. However, employment among workers aged 55 and older declined by 47,000, highlighting continued unevenness across age groups.
• Sectoral Breakdown: Industry performance remained mixed in June. Employment rose in accommodation and food services (+15,000), marking the sector’s third consecutive monthly increase, while losses were concentrated in manufacturing (-17,000), agriculture (-7,600) and utilities (-7,300). Manufacturing remains a key weak spot, with employment down 61,000 from its January 2025 peak, amid ongoing tariff-related uncertainty.
• Provincial Trends: Provincial labour market performance was relatively muted, with employment little changed in most provinces. The notable gains came from Quebec edged higher for a second consecutive month (+14,000), Nova Scotia (+4,800) and Saskatchewan (+2,900), and Ontario held steady after two months of gains. Unemployment rates improved in several major markets, including Quebec, British Columbia and Montréal, but Ontario’s unemployment rate remained unchanged at 7.0%.