Canada · Ottawa
Canada Lost 68,300 Jobs in September
In brief
Canada’s economy shed a net 68,300 jobs in September and the unemployment rate rose to 6.5%, Statistics Canada reported on October 9, 2026. The drop follows August losses and leaves employment down on the year to date.
According to Reuters reporting carried by CP24, the September decline came after a loss of about 41,700 jobs in August. Analysts had expected a small gain. Losses were split roughly evenly between full-time and part-time work.
Financial Post and RBC Economics said education, health care and social assistance led the declines, with many of the lost positions among younger workers aged 15 to 24. Manufacturing lost about 12,700 jobs. Participation fell to 64.8%, its lowest in decades outside the pandemic years.
With these figures, Canada has lost a net of roughly 41,000 jobs so far in 2026. The report is the last major labour reading before the Bank of Canada’s late-October interest-rate decision. Markets trimmed bets on a near-term hike after the data.
This is general information, not financial advice. ViralScopeHub is independent and not affiliated with Statistics Canada or the Bank of Canada.
Why it matters
Job numbers shape rate expectations, household budgets and hiring plans across Canada. Soft labour data often means the central bank stays cautious on raising rates.
Related free tools: Canada Income Tax Calculator
Sources
- CP24 (Reuters): Canada’s 2026 job gains have been erased. The hardest-hit area wasn’t the one facing U.S. tariffs
- Financial Post: Canada loses 68,000 jobs, pushing unemployment rate to 6.5%
- RBC Economics: Job losses concentrated among young Canadians in September
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