Canada’s labour market strengthened in July with a 75,000‑job increase, according to new figures released Friday by Statistics Canada.
The agency says the national unemployment rate fell to 6.4 per cent, the lowest level in two years and the third straight monthly decline.
Core‑aged workers drive July’s gains
Statistics Canada reports most of the job growth came from people aged 25 to 54, with women in that group gaining 33,000 positions.
The unemployment rate for core‑aged women dropped to 5.2 per cent, while the rate for core‑aged men held at 5.8 per cent.
The agency also stated that the employment rate for core‑aged women reached 81.2 per cent, which is higher than the pre‑pandemic average.
Youth unemployment held at 12.6 per cent, though the agency notes rates remain higher for some racialized groups.
Statistics Canada said Black youth had an unemployment rate of 22.6 per cent, while rates for Chinese and South Asian youth declined compared with last year.
Industry and provincial job changes
Employment rose in several industries. Statistics Canada says wholesale and retail trade added 21,000 jobs, while finance, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing gained 18,000.
Professional, scientific and technical services increased by 17,000, and construction added 16,000. Public administration lost 15,000 jobs and agriculture declined by 9,600.
Provincial job gains were led by Ontario, which added 52,000 positions.
Employment rose in British Columbia by 18,000, in Manitoba by 5,900, and in Nova Scotia by 4,600, according to Statistics Canada.
Unemployment rates fell in several provinces, including Ontario and B.C., while remaining little changed in Quebec and Alberta.
The agency also reports a more favourable summer job market for returning students.
Their unemployment rate dropped to 15.1 per cent, though it remained above pre‑pandemic levels.
Most employed students worked in retail, accommodation and food services, or information, culture and recreation.
Average hourly wages rose 2.8 per cent year over year to $37.17. Statistics Canada says this follows a 3.3 per cent increase in June.
Overall, the agency says more people have been finding work compared with last year, though job‑finding rates remain below pre‑pandemic levels.
