Canada’s unemployment rate dropped to a historic low of 5.3 percent in March, the lowest since comparable records began in 1976.
The latest Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey reveals another stellar month for Canada jobs with employment rising by 73,000. Quebec saw its unemployment drop to a remarkable 4.1 percent, illustrating how tight the labour market is in the French-speaking province.
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Demographically, older workers spearheaded employment growth.
Employment for those aged 55 and over increased by 39,000, with women in the age category adding 25,000 jobs.
Elsewhere, men in the 25 to 54 age group added 35,000 jobs, mainly in part-time work, while women in the same age group saw little change in their total employment.
In the 15 to 24-year-old age group, the figures held steady in March, Statistics Canada reports.
What Are The Labour Force Survey Highlights?
|
Unemployment rate (%) |
5.3 |
|
Employment rate (%) |
61.9 |
|
Labour force participation rate (%) |
65.4 |
|
Number unemployed |
1,100,200 |
|
Number working |
19,585,200 |
|
Youth (15-24) unemployment rate (%) |
9.8 |
|
Men (over 25) unemployment rate (%) |
4.4 |
|
Women (over 25) unemployment rate (%) |
4.8 |
Source: Statistics Canada
Provincial Canada Jobs Picture
Among the provinces, Quebec’s unemployment rate was the lowest on record and the only one under 5 percent in the whole of Canada.
As COVID-19 restrictions were lifted in the French-speaking province, employment increased by 27,000 jobs, following on from February gains. Important increases were seen in accommodation and food services, public administration, and educational services.
Neighbouring giant Ontario added 35,000 jobs for an unemployment rate of 5.3 percent. Key industries recording gains were construction and natural resources.
British Columbia, meanwhile, added 10,500 jobs for an unemployment rate of 5.1 percent, while Alberta’s unemployment of 6.5 percent came after adding 7,200 jobs.
Gains in Atlantic Canada were seen in New Brunswick, which added 4,100 jobs for an unemployment rate of 7.7 percent, while Prince Edward Island added 800 jobs for an unemployment rate of 8.1 percent.
Unemployment Rates In Canada’s Provinces
|
Jobs change in last month |
Unemployment rate (%) |
|
|
British Columbia |
10,500 |
5.1 |
|
Alberta |
7,200 |
6.5 |
|
Saskatchewan |
-4,500 |
5.0 |
|
Manitoba |
-4,200 |
5.3 |
|
Ontario |
35,100 |
5.3 |
|
Quebec |
27,100 |
4.1 |
|
New Brunswick |
4,100 |
7.7 |
|
Nova Scotia |
-700 |
6.5 |
|
Prince Edward Island |
800 |
8.1 |
|
Newfoundland & Labrador |
-2,900 |
12.9 |
|
CANADA |
72,500 |
5.3 |
Source: Statistics Canada
Canada Jobs By Industry
Both the services-producing and goods-producing sectors saw employment rise in March.
Services added 42,000 jobs, including 15,000 in accommodation and food services, 14,000 in ‘other services’ which includes repair and maintenance services and personal care services and 12,000 in public administration.
The gains in the goods-producing sector were driven by 14,000 in construction, 8,800 in natural resources and 5,800 in agriculture.
