Canada’s unemployment rate rose by 0.2 percentage points to 6.9 percent in April 2026, as more people entered the labour market to search for work.

Statistics Canada reports that employment remained relatively flat, with a slight decrease of 18,000 positions. Job losses were most notable in Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador, while Ontario saw a gain of 42,000 jobs.

Youth aged 15 to 24 were hit hardest, with their unemployment rate jumping to 14.3 percent. Despite the cooling market, average hourly wages continued to grow, rising 4.5 percent year-over-year to reach $37.77. Full-time employment saw a decline of 47,000 roles, continuing a downward trend observed since the start of the year.

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