Canada Employment Statistics Report, December 2025

December Employment Overview

In December, the number of people employed remained virtually unchanged, with a modest increase of 8,200 positions, keeping the employment rate steady at 60.9%. However, the unemployment rate climbed by 0.3 percentage points to reach 6.8%, reflecting a greater number of individuals actively seeking jobs.

Employment gains were most notable among those aged 55 and above, who saw an increase of 33,000 jobs (up 0.8%). In contrast, employment among youth aged 15 to 24 declined by 27,000 positions, representing a 1.0% decrease.

Job growth was observed in the health care and social assistance sector, which added 21,000 jobs (a 0.7% rise), as well as in the 'other services' category—including personal and repair services—which saw an increase of 15,000 jobs (up 2.0%). Meanwhile, fewer people were employed in professional, scientific, and technical services (down 18,000 jobs, or -0.9%), as well as in accommodation and related industries.