OTTAWA, Jan 9 (Reuters) – Canada’s economy gained a net 8,200 jobs in December, entirely in full-time work, and the jobless rate rose to 6.8% as more people looked for work, Statistics Canada data showed on Friday.
Employment in the goods producing sector grew by a net 8,000 jobs, largely in construction. The services sector was up by a net 100 positions, led by health care and social assistance, as well as other services.
Dec 2025 Nov 2025
Jobs gain/loss +8,200 +53,600
full-time +50,200 -9,400
part-time -42,000 +63,000
Unemployment rate 6.8% 6.5%
Participation 65.4% 65.1%
Labor force 22.694 mln 22.613 mln
Dec 2025 Dec 2024 % change
Avg hourly wage C$38.02 C$36.68 +3.7
NOTE: Analysts surveyed by Reuters had forecast 5,000 fewer jobs in December, and for the unemployment rate to rise to 6.6%. Hourly wage figures are for permanent employees.
(Reporting by Dale Smith; Editing by David Ljunggren) ((Reuters Ottawa editorial: david.ljunggren@tr.com))
Keywords: CANADA ECONOMY/EMPLOYMENT
