January 21, 2026
Canada
- The country experienced growth in employment in December, amounting to 8,200 jobs, making it the fourth consecutive monthly gain.
- Full-time jobs increased alongside fewer part-time.
- The unemployment rate moved higher in the month to 6.8%.
- The goods-producing sector added jobs (+8,000), while the services-producing sector saw growth of 100 jobs.
Labour force: 22,694,400 (+81,000)
Employment: 21,143,700 (+8,200)
Atlantic Canada
- The number of people employed declined in December by 1,400 jobs.
- Part-time jobs increased while full-time jobs declined.
- The unemployment rate declined slightly in December to 7.4%.
- The goods-producing sector added jobs (+2,800), while the service sector saw job reductions of 3,900.
Labour Force: 1,372,000 (-1,900)
Employment: 1,269,900 (-1,400)
Nova Scotia
- Labour Force: 560,300
- Employment: 523,900
- Unemployment Rate: 6.5%
- Labour Force Change: -700
- Employment Change: +300
- Unemployment Rate Change: -0.2