Canada loses 42,000 jobs in August as unemployment holds at 6.4%
Canada jobs report: August employment fell 42,000 as unemployment held at 6.4% See how tariffs, slower wages and sector losses could signal a cooling economy
Canada’s labour market weakened in August, with Statistics Canada reporting a loss of 42,000 jobs. The unemployment rate stayed at 6.4%, even though economists had expected job gains.
The decline was led by fewer public sector positions, while private sector employment changed little. Manufacturing was one of the few bright spots, adding 22,000 jobs, but several other sectors, including public administration, natural resources and utilities, posted declines.
Economists said the report suggests Canada’s economy may be slowing again after a strong second quarter. The data also comes as tariff tensions with the United States continue to weigh on exportdependent industries. Wage growth also slowed in August to its weakest pace in nearly nine years.